Dakota Johnson as matchmaker Lucy
Under the guise of a romantic movie director and writer Celine Song looks at the various factors which play a part in choosing a life partner and also the dating culture where the older women have a tough time given the specific requirements that some clients have
Starcast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal and others
Genre: Romance
Director and writer: Celine Song
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler etc
Production Companies: 2AM and Killer Films
Cinematography: Shabier Krichner
Music: Daniel Pemberton
Running time: 1 hour and 49 minutes
The depiction of love stories has come a long way in movies across languages, from simple rom coms to more complex stories. The Materialists is a very good example of that. Through a story set in the context of today’s dating apps the movie’s plot explores how finding the right partner is so difficult given the many factors both economic and social.
At the heart of Materialists is Dakota Johnson’s Lucy. A failed theatre actor turned matchmaker. She deals with clients of different types everyday with hidden vulnerabilities of her own. Among her numerous clients Zoe Winter’s Sophie is a special one. Sophia is 39 years old and is desperate to find a loving man. Things take a dramatic turn when Lucy falls for the charm of Pedro Pascal’s Harry. Initially she thinks of setting up Harry as a client for the dating website however Lucy ends up falling for him. Harry has many desirable qualities, he is rich, chivalrous, kind and belongs to a happy family. In Lucy’s words he is a unicorn, soon enough Harry convinces Lucy about a potential union between them. Things start to look up at one point but life soon comes to crossroads due to a certain turn of events. One of the other important characters is Chris Evan’s John. A struggling theatre actor trying hard to make ends meet, he is also Lucy’s ex. This is the story in brief.
Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal
A big strength of Materialists is how the movie seamlessly integrates the professional and personal life of Lucy. Through the characters of some clients Celine Song does a fine job in touching upon the biases and how men are obsessed with certain physical features like a particular height and BMI (body fat). There is a scene in the movie where a client talks about how it shouldn’t exceed over 20.
Similarly the movie also dwells into the issues faced by older women due to ageism. Most men even if they are 50 want someone younger and not their age. The aspect of sexism has come out in a strong manner through the character of Sophia, she goes through many heartbreaks and assault as well. Zoe Winter as Sophia is excellent in making the viewers feel Sophia’s pain.
Mention must also be made of how Celine Song has dealt with the love triangle. The eventual path taken by Lucy isn’t unpredictable but the path to get there has been written and enacted wonderfully. The practicalities of what sustains a relationship whether it is love or financial security has come out beautifully.
The characterization coupled with the acting performance of Dakota Johnson is another plus for the movie. There is an unapologetic nature to Lucy on wanting a wealthy life partner, there is a scene in the movie where she says marriage is more of a business deal. At the same time Lucy is also clear about wanting love. Dakota Johnson plays the complicated role of a strong woman dealing with low self esteem at the same time in an excellent manner. The men also give solid support specifically Chris Evans. As an optimist with deep love for Lucy Chris turns in a memorable act, he makes the viewers fall in love with the character of John.
Chris Evans as John an optimist with deep love for Lucy
Daniel Pemberton’s songs have a poetic feel uplifting the emotions at many places. Shabier Kirchner cinematography is of an excellent order too. He succeeds in capturing both the glossy nature along with the emotional vulnerabilities underneath the sheen.
Final word: Materialists is a perfect watch for those who like complex love stories