Don't let the big names and flashy brands fool you. Materialists may look like a slight rom-com from the '90s on the outside. But dig a little deeper and there's a smart exploration of love, attraction, and happiness (and how capitalism influences all of these things).
This shouldn't be surprising since it's Celine Song's follow-up to her wistful and deeply moving debut Past Lives. There's a lot of "what if" here, too, alongside a realization that timing is as key an ingredient in romance as shared interests and compatibility.
Dakota Johnson gives her best performance to date as Lucy, a matchmaker to New York's moneyed elite. Though as of late she's been struggling trying to meet her clients' ridiculous demands. (Credit to Song for making the women just as impossible to please as the men.) While attending a wedding for one of her success stories, she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), the equally wealthy and beautiful brother of the groom. She rebuffs his advances and runs into her ex John (Chris Evans), who's working as a caterer. They still have a spark, but also the memories of what caused it to go out.
Eventually, Lucy relents and dates Harry. Despite the walls she's put up, it's understandably hard to ignore a man as gorgeous as Pedro Pascal, whose apartment cost more than Lucy could ever dream of making in her entire life. There's a little bit of wish fulfillment here, with the trips to great restaurants and dream vacations. But the movie is smart enough to recognize such luxuries make for memorable dates, but may not build long-lasting relationships.
Contrast this with John, who's approaching a decade of trying to "make it as an actor." He still works odd jobs, shares an apartment with awful roommates, barely makes ends meet, and has a bit of a temper. Neither he nor Harry are perfect matches, but Song also has the nerve to make sure we know Lucy isn't perfect either. A lesser film would be content with all the swooning. But as with Past Lives, audiences will have a lot to think about in the days after they see it.
Materialists has been tabbed as the return of the rom-com, or possibly even its savior. But despite being imperfect, it aims for being something more.
