Celine Song’s “Materialists” Explores Love and Business with ‌Mixed Results

Updated June 13, 2025

celine Song’s “Materialists,” starring Dakota Johnson, ‍Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, delves into the world of Manhattan matchmaking, ⁢were love and business intertwine.Song, ⁢known for “Past Lives,” presents​ a narrative‌ centered on Lucy Mason (Johnson), a professional matchmaker ⁣navigating complex relationships.

Lucy finds herself at a ⁢crossroads when she meets Harry Castillo (Pascal), a ⁣wealthy private-equity partner, at a wedding.together, she reconnects⁢ with her ex-boyfriend, John Pitts (Evans), a struggling actor working as a cater‍ waiter. The film explores the dynamics between lucy, harry, and‍ John, mirroring the triangular setup of “Past Lives.”

The​ film distinguishes itself thru its portrayal of Lucy’s ​profession. Song’s experience as⁢ a former matchmaker lends authenticity to the narrative, showcasing​ Lucy’s expertise and the psychological nuances of her work.‌ Lucy’s ability to translate emotional fantasies into business terms⁣ creates a compelling dynamic,⁤ especially in her interactions⁢ with Harry.

Lucy’s background as an actress influences her ‌success as a matchmaker. Her controlled demeanor and ability to read people allow her to excel in her profession. However, the film raises questions about the sincerity of​ Lucy’s sales pitches and ⁣whether she genuinely believes in the services she provides.

The​ dialogue in “Materialists” is ‌sharp and reminiscent of classic screwball comedies, where romance and conflict are intertwined. The cinematography, by Shabier Kirchner, adds clarity and wonder to the film’s visuals.⁣ The actors’ performances, particularly in⁢ scenes where Lucy engages in verbal sparring, are marked⁣ by a tense stillness that borders on artifice.

Though, the film falters in its second‍ half due to a subplot involving‍ the sexual assault of a client. This plot point feels intrusive and⁣ distracts from the crucial matter of character development. lucy and Harry’s relationship lacks depth, and John’s return fails to provide meaningful insight into Lucy’s choices.

The film avoids exploring the characters’ personal lives, interests, and sexuality. Despite spending time in Harry’s lavish penthouse, Lucy never inquires about his tastes or interests.Similarly, the film lacks any depiction of sexual tension or desire, leaving a void in‌ the exploration of the ⁤characters’ relationships.

While “Materialists” initially impresses⁢ with its ​sharp dialogue and insightful portrayal⁤ of⁢ the matchmaking world, it ultimately falls ‌short⁣ due to its underdeveloped characters and‌ reliance on a contrived subplot. The film’s strengths lie in⁢ its first half, where Song’s ⁣unique vision and cinematic style⁣ shine through.

What’s next

Viewers interested in films exploring similar themes of relationships and modern life may find resonance in the works of filmmakers such as Kenneth Lonergan, andrew Bujalski, Joe Swanberg, and Lena Dunham.