Dir: Celine Song
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Marin Ireland, and Pedro Pascal
1h 56m
Who doesn't like a good romantic comedy? In "Materialists," a woman must choose between the perfect guy and the imperfect ex-boyfriend. This simplistic synopsis, however, a prototypical and overused Hollywood construct, is rebuilt into a somewhat anti-rom-com, mostly romantic drama by writer/director Celine Song. "Materialists" attempt to handle the idea of finding love in modern society with maturity for the complications seen in any love while also indulging in the impossible fantasy of perfection. Celine Song, whose last film, "Past Lives," was a brilliant analysis of love and longing, builds excellent chemistry between a trio of exceptional actors to support a story that initially crafts thought-provoking questions but ultimately takes the path of easy compromises.
Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is an elite relationship matchmaker working with wealthy clients looking for specific kinds of love in New York City. Lucy prides herself on "checking all the boxes" that compose the list of must-haves for the often lonely yet supremely privileged clients who want partners who make 250K annually before taxes, are women who are mature and accomplished but also 27 years old or younger, and men who are no less than 6'2" and have perfect jobs.
At the wedding of a recently matched client, Lucy meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), an exceptionally wealthy and charming man who spares no expense or compliment to convince Lucy to go on a date with him. Lucy, who identifies Harry as a "unicorn" for his rare attributes of good looks, wealth, and height, tries instead to match him with one of her clients. The pair, whose chemistry is palpable, are interrupted by Lucy's ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a cater waiter who has money troubles, but the spark between these old flames is instantaneous.
For much of "Materialists," Song composes two romantic suitors that both feel worthy of Lucy's choice. Pedro Pascal as Harry is fantastic, a perfect, everything man with charm to spare. Pascal chews up the scenery at every opportunity. Chris Evans is the somewhat flawed John, a supportive and emotionally attentive ex-boyfriend who still yearns for a second chance. However, this is where the romantic comedy underpinnings hinder the character-driven story, as by the final chapter of the film, it's hard to care who Lucy chooses because the story loses focus on what it wants to convey. The antiquated ideals of the fairytale romance are initially critiqued, but as Lucy mulls over the choice between the two men, "Materialists" eventually falls back into the simplistic motivation of the routine romantic comedy.
Celine Song juggles the balancing act of tone and performance throughout the run of "Materialists." From the introduction of the film, which features the courtship ritual between ancient humans that showcases the beauty inherent in the survival of daily life during this time, to the modern world and a different kind of daily survival in the concrete jungle of New York City, characterized by transactional engagements in relationships. Song utilizes this metaphor of courtship in various ways throughout the film to discuss how we find love, how relationships evolve, and ultimately, how much is given by both people when they choose to embark on a journey together. It's a clever introduction for a film that appears to be a romantic comedy but is more a drama about romance.
"Materialists" attempts to subvert romantic comedy tropes, presenting a world of privilege and style while offering commentary on how love has become a luxury item, an agreement reduced to checked boxes and superficial commodities. For a moment, Song does an engaging and entertaining job of indulging in this idea provocatively. Unfortunately, the film evolves into a highly stylized story that fails to convey much about the complexities of relationships and sometimes the sadness that comes with opening one's heart and letting another in.
Monte's Rating
2.50 out of 5.00
