By Ava West
The dating world has so drastically changed in the past couple of decades that many people don’t even know if it is worth it to try anymore. That is, worth it to try and find a partner and/or love.
“Materialists,” written and directed by Celine Song (writer and director of “Past Lives”) explores the new dating world. Not in the way many recent romance movies have, such as dealing with the apps, social media and texting. Rather, dealing with how dehumanizing dating has become.
The film follows the story of Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a matchmaker in New York City, who is not necessarily against love, but definitely not looking for it. Along her journey, the perfect man finds her (Pedro Pascal) and she runs into her ex (Chris Evans). A simple, pretty cliche, synopsis. However, I think the outcome is so much more.
“Materialists” was marketed as a romantic comedy. Romantic? Definitely. Comedy? Not so much. There are funny parts, just like life has, but it is definitely not a comedy. The film is thought-provoking and makes the viewer question what it takes to get married. What is the most important thing when it comes to marriage? Is it money, political views, looks, love, or something else?
Now, this idea has been covered in romcoms almost as long as they have existed (think “Sabrina” and “It Happened One Night”). But what “Materialists” did is actually have me ponder the questions. It creates actual dissonance about what matters.
If the movie was simple, the answer would be simple— love, right? Just like every romantic-comedy has told us for years and years. But, the lines are more blurred in this. It shows that life could be lived, could be enjoyed, with a partner for different reasons. Perhaps you don’t need love in a marriage to be happy.
It is a very dialogue heavy movie and for quite a few scenes, there’s not even music or background noise. But, I think that makes it all the more engrossing. You can’t pay attention to the other sounds happening, because there are none. When there is music or background noise, it is because it means something or adds to the film, not just to be there. I thought that was beautiful.
I also mentioned above that it explores how dehumanizing dating is now and it does it very well. Lucy, our main character, is a matchmaker, and sets people up that “check each other’s boxes”. But what does that really mean? Rich? Tall? Smart? Handsome? Pretty? Funny? And how can you actually categorize people as such? Some may find one person attractive, while others will not. Some may cry laughing at one person’s jokes, while others will roll their eyes. Some may find money the most important thing, while others will search for something more intangible.
This explanation might sound bleak, but it honestly is anything but. I haven’t had that feeling of leaving the theater “changed” in quite a while, but I experienced that today, leaving “Materialists.”
I exited the theater and saw a little girl wearing a veil (I know, it sounds so fake, but it really happened) and I started to tear up. I thought about how she would, most likely, date, love, break up and get married one day— and she was already looking forward to it. How did we lose that hope, that excitement, for love along the way?
For me, this movie was a 5-out-of-5-star watch. I don’t think it is for everyone, or that it is a comedy. But, if you are looking for a romance that actually makes you think and gives you new hope and perspective, buy the movie ticket. It’s worth it.
