Materialists

 

“When I see your face, I see wrinkles and children that look like you.”

Reflective, luxurious and honest, Materialists is another modern romance classic from Celine Song that explores the nuances of love, attraction, romance and self-worth in a deeply emotional examination of modern dating and its transactional risks and rewards. 

Discussion Points:

After the heartbreaking indie Past Lives, Celine Song has delivered a far more commercial romance that’s nonetheless reflective of the realities of love in its all messy forms. A film that’s focused on the commodification of romance right down to its title, Materialists surgically dissects the current conundrums many face in the dating space. Do we date for love? Or for status? Is a relationship only about a transaction? Or is there a deeper connection at play? Can we curate the ideal candidate who ticks all our boxes? Or is the perfect partner the person who remains despite the ideals we fail to achieve? Dakota Johnson’s Lucy and Pedro Pascal’s Harry might have it all, but that doesn’t mean they are right for one another. Whilst Chris Evans’ John still desires Lucy despite the fact he can’t give her all of what she wants. The trio faithfully navigate the complexities of affection, attraction, adoration and aspiration with great care. But the scene stealer is Zoë Winters, whose heartbreaking search for a matchmade love opens her up to far more risk than reward. It’s a sobering subplot that sensitively shows the distressing realities of abuse and harm present in the dating pool. Celine Song’s examination of luxury lifestyles and lovelorn aching, underscored by Daniel Pemberton’s teary score is such a beautiful gift in the current romantic landscape. Her honest realism breaks through the genre cliches to deliver a film that is deeply personal and unique and far from being merely material.