In the cinematic universe, deep beneath the surface of pretentious art-house films and bloated blockbuster spectacles, there arises a curious little offering called “Materialists.” For those unacquainted, this film stars the charming Dakota Johnson alongside heartthrobs Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal in a tale that supposedly dissects modern romance through the eyes of a professional matchmaker. One would think a film about matchmaking would be a surefire crowd-pleaser, but alas, this is not your average romantic comedy. The film’s trailer cleverly masquerades as a frothy romcom, but don’t be fooled—it’s more a reflection of its title than a tribute to love.
Diving nose-first into the realm of materialism, this flick tackles what everyone seems to stay hush-hush about: the transactional nature of modern relationships. Women, we’re told, seek tall, handsome, and monied men—attributes that an up-and-coming matchmaker connects to a secure life. The film critiques this materialism, showing the protagonist Lucy struggling with and eventually learning to value intrinsic worth over material standards.
But wait, there’s more! With an almost nostalgic flutter, the review nudges us to reminisce about New York’s bygone era as the epicenter of culture and sophistication, though this isn’t the film’s focus. Instead, “Materialists” is set against the backdrop of today’s luxury culture. It’s a little wistful and a lot out of touch, given today’s decentralized cultural landscape where anybody with internet access can record a podcast from their mom’s basement and influence global opinions. Yet, the film clings onto this old dream where couture-clad Manhattanites call the shots, blissfully unaware that the rest of America has moseyed on, exchanging Central Park for the sounds of Nashville and beyond.
In its depiction of women’s desperate craving for value—embodied in the simplicity of a marriage proposal—the film is onto something. The film’s resolution allows Lucy to reconcile material aspirations with emotional fulfillment. Women, it contends, find worth in the commitment that a proposal symbolizes. There’s something deeply resonant, yet incomplete, in this portrayal. While the heroine of our tale flutters between what are essentially two material choices—Mr. Stable and Mr. Passionate—the underpinning narrative misses an opportunity to celebrate what women inherently contribute to society beyond personal and professional achievements. After all, the intangible feminine qualities of homemaking, nurturing, and spiritual depth are more valuable than the film gives credit for.
Ultimately, “Materialists” trudges down the well-worn path of modern disdain, instead championing emotional growth over material gratification. As women grace the streets with nary a shred of modesty, their worth, the movie critiques, is often whittled down to physicality—a sorry reduction indeed. In truth, the real strength lies not in the acquisition of personal bragging rights, but in the very essence of femininity, which, when embraced, fills a home with warmth and life. So, while this quirky narrative flirts with the notion of values and fidelity, it leaves us pondering—a clever film, indeed, but oh, how much more entertaining the world could be if it were reviewed with a little more acknowledgment of its actual themes.
