Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’: Materialism & Romance – Exclaim!
- Celine Song's latest film, Materialists, now in theaters, delves into the stark realities of modern relationships.
- Song, during a press visit in Toronto, said that while women now have more career options, the "marriage market" persists, often playing out on dating apps and social...
- In Materialists, Lucy treats dating like a game, where potential partners are assessed based on statistics.
Celine SongS Materialists dissects the complex world of modern dating, challenging societal norms and highlighting the impact of materialism on relationships. The film, starring Dakota Johnson, explores the commodification of love echoing themes from Jane Austen, revealing a landscape where social and financial transactions heavily influence romantic choices. Song critiques the objectification present in the dating scene, prompting essential conversations about self-esteem and genuine connection. Discussing the struggles for self-advancement, the director portrays the beauty of everyday relationships. News Directory 3 dives into the commentary. Explore the film’s nuanced perspective,along with Pedro Pascal and Chase Evans,as it examines how materialistic values collide with the search for love. Discover what’s next as audiences react to Materialists‘ reflection on modern relationships by examining themes of modern love.
‘Materialists’ Examines Modern Dating and Objectification, Says Celine Song
Updated June 20, 2025
Celine Song’s latest film, Materialists, now in theaters, delves into the stark realities of modern relationships. Song draws parallels between her characters and those in Jane Austen novels, highlighting the financial and social aspects of marriage and dating. The film stars Dakota Johnson as lucy, a New york City matchmaker, alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans.
Song, during a press visit in Toronto, said that while women now have more career options, the “marriage market” persists, often playing out on dating apps and social media. She argues this commodification leads to objectification,impacting self-esteem.
In Materialists, Lucy treats dating like a game, where potential partners are assessed based on statistics. Song questions whether genuine love can arise from such dehumanization.
The film explores this through Lucy’s relationships with Harry (Pascal),who embodies wealth and charm,and John (Evans),a struggling actor. Lucy engages with both men, creating a balance of power Song emphasizes throughout the film.
”It’s a funny thing where now we’re just going to objectify everybody,” Song said. “We as women deal with internalized misogyny. There is a very real thing where we start objectifying ourselves too.”
Song said that the characters in Materialists grapple with self-judgment and strive for self-advancement. She sees humanity in their flaws and struggles.
“When we learn about what Harry did to his material self for the material value, you just see that Harry is more lovable, because now we actually know him,” Song explained.
Song acknowledges Materialists might be perceived as cynical but embraces these reactions, viewing them as evidence of the film’s resonance. She finds beauty in portraying the “love of ordinary peopel.”
What’s next
Audiences can expect to see how viewers react to the film’s themes of materialism and modern love, and whether it sparks conversations about the changing landscape of relationships.