The Materialists Review: A Romantic Comedy That Questions Today’s Materialistic Love Culture

Imagine a world where you can choose your soul mate and life partner. Where qualities such as looks, money and class are the only parameters to find you perfect prince or princess charming. Well, you don’t need to imagine this because this is what the dating scene looks like now. It is all about the material and what is on offer rather than what is really inside.

The Materialists directed by Celine Song focuses on Lucy Mason played by Dakota Johnson who is a successful and very confident match maker in New York City. She is smart and lives in a world where she rightfully thinks that what a man or a woman can offer materialistically is the only thing to grab your dream date and partner if things go the right way. She bumps into Harry Castillo, played to perfection by Pedro Pascal and starts to drift towards him. For her, he is The Unicorn or the Mr Absolutely Perfect of the dating world. And then comes a twist in the form of ex-boyfriend John Finch, played by Chris Evans and how a tug of war begins for Lucy to choose the right guy even when she is busy choosing the right guys and girls for others. What happens eventually is an interesting turn of events influenced by Lucy’s past and her demanding present with two gorgeous but very different men thrown in.

The Materialists is being advertised as a romantic comedy but it goes way beyond that. It is by far the most practical film till now about finding the right person to love in this mad crazy world that we live in today. For many, it is going to be like looking into a mirror because the situations depicted are so real.

Is love for sale? Is finding someone to love a game of musical chairs now? Are we going to be all alone and miserable if we do not follow the present-day rules and regulations of dating? These are some of the questions that come to your mind while watching this very very interesting film.

As far as the performances go, Pedro Pascal who is completely drool worthy at fifty is just amazing and absolutely unforgettable. You just keep falling in love with his character. Chris Evans as the struggling musician cum caterer ex-boyfriend is very good and convincing in his role. But the award goes to the leading lady of the film Dakota Johnson who is just superb. Full marks to her and maybe, she might even win a nomination or two for her role. I would say watch out for this actress because there is so much potential still waiting to come out. Overall, this film is a light one with a deep message for us to ponder upon. The subtle manner in which the message that materialism in today’s world is ruining relationships is depicted as beautifully as the director wanted it.

You will laugh, find many things weird and strange, would probably like to see things happen your way in this film but maybe they don’t. For sure, you will definitely think: Are you a Materialist too?

If you want an answer to that question then do watch The Materialists and yes, don’t forget that popcorn.