Manhattan dating satire critiques materialists - Dakota Johnson leading in a comedy that could have been more refined
Materialists (2025) is a thought-provoking romantic comedy-drama directed by Celine Song, known for her acclaimed film "Past Lives." The movie delves into the complexities of modern love, wealth, and dating dynamics in New York City's luxury-driven culture.
The film centers around a love triangle involving Lucy, a professional matchmaker, her struggling actor ex, Harry (played by Pedro Pascal), and a wealthy financier, John (Chris Evans). Lucy's method of matchmaking involves pairing people from similar class backgrounds with the same economic aspirations.
Dakota Johnson delivers a compelling performance as Lucy, navigating the complexities of balancing career success, romantic desires, and socio-economic divides. However, some viewers feel that her co-stars, particularly Pascal and Evans, are less impressive compared to her performance.
The chemistry between Johnson and her co-stars in the final act of the movie is somewhat lacking, which affects the overall flow of the narrative. Despite this, the movie manages to maintain a balance between being a popcorn night out and a film that explores complex adult realities about desire, capitalism, and human behavior.
The script challenges its own tropes, as Harry, one of the main characters, is not portrayed as awful. Instead, he is depicted as a flawed individual, adding depth to the characters and the story. However, some viewers have criticized the film for its portrayal of entitled and dull characters, despite their wealth and attractive appearances.
The movie also satirizes modern love and the importance of wealth in relationships. Straight women in the movie are judged based on their height, hairline, and ability to make a sister jealous, reflecting societal pressures on women's appearances.
The setting of the movie is Manhattan, where the characters lead glamorous lives, but Lucy struggles financially despite her profession. She insists on marrying a wealthy man, adding another layer of complexity to her character.
The movie's themes and setting may remind some viewers of the 1998 TV series "Sex and The City." The film will be in cinemas from August 15. The movie ends with a romantic cliffhanger and a conclusion tied to complex adult realities.
Despite some criticisms, "Materialists" offers a nuanced exploration of love, wealth, and dating, steering clear of being a cynical satire. It is a reflective, socially aware romantic drama/comedy that invites viewers to question their assumptions about relationships and societal norms.
- Lucy's matchmaking service, focusing on similar class backgrounds and economic aspirations, mirrors the luxury-driven culture in New York City, intertwining with the themes of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment in the movie.
- The movie, "Materialists," not only delves into the complexity of modern love and relationships but also critiques societal norms, including fashion trends and beauty standards, found within the realms of movies-and-tv and entertainment.
