Time: 117 Minutes
Age Rating: M – Offensive language & sexual references
Cast:
Dakota Johnson as Lucy Mason
Chris Evans as John Pitts
Pedro Pascal as Harry Castillo
Director: Celine Song

Materialists is a romantic comedy and the latest movie from Celine Song, who previously directed Past Lives, and stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans in the lead roles. I heard about the somewhat mixed reactions, but was curious enough to check it out because of all the talent involved, and I ended up being surprised.

The premise of Materialists and the early section somewhat resembled a setup for a romcom, but there is a shift of tone and you begin to quickly notice that this doesn’t feel like a typical romantic comedy. It reveals itself to be an honest discussion and deconstruction of dating and relationships in the modern era, with particular focus on human matchmaking, dating apps and commentary on dating culture, such as how people reduce future potential partners into a set of values. While it feels like it is juggling a lot at times, I nonetheless found Materialists to be heartfelt and compelling.

Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal are great in the lead roles, with Johnson particularly being cast perfectly in her part. Zoe Winters is also really good in her supporting role.

Celine Song’s direction is solid on the whole, it’s very well shot and Daniel Pemberton’s score is really good.

Materialists is an offbeat, different and empathetic romantic dramedy about modern dating, well written and directed, and with good performances.