Materialists - would you break both your legs for love?

3 out of 5

Materialists arrives in cinemas with a slick aesthetic and a clever premise, promising to be a biting commentary on modern romance and the transactional nature of relationships. While the film certainly has its moments and is elevated by some charming lead performances, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity, presenting a stylish but ultimately shallow narrative that never quite digs deep enough.

Lucy, (played by Dakota Johnson), is a fairly successful matchmaker who remains in her profession because she has learned through experience that she isn't suited for anything else. Her straightforward dream is to marry a man who is wealthy, wealthier, and extremely wealthy. However, when she unexpectedly meets such a man, she realizes she desires more, as life has another twist planned. The return of her ex-boyfriend, John (portrayed by Chris Evans), adds further complications. Lucy is now uncertain not only about what she wants but also about who she wants it with.

Then comes Harry, the incredibly charming Pedro Pascal. As soon as he shows up, you feel like exclaiming, "Girl! He's the one." Lucy refers to Harry as 'a unicorn' - a man 'who exists against all odds'. Dashing in tuxedos, calm, articulate, and gifted with a fantastic hairline - he's one of a kind. Harry is the kind of man who could truly bring down the stars and the moon for someone.

When Harry meets Lucy, sparks fly, and you know something more than casual is about to unfold. They are, after all, good-looking people - and that helps. But who wants a simple life after all? Do we really like when everything is going exactly how we had wished for it to happen? No, we keep thinking that something, somewhere is going to get messed up, and that's exactly what happens in their lives as well.

Materialists paints a beautiful picture of a love triangle we have seen a hundred times. It tugs at your heartstrings in places but ultimately leaves you unsatisfied. Written and directed by Celine Song, the film often turns preachy. You enjoy parts of it, but you're not left fulfilled. The narrative raises more questions than it answers. While Lucy's dilemma is well-explored, the men in her life remain distant despite their emotional efforts. Everyone is trying to understand Lucy, to accept her flaws and ambitions, and deal with her honesty, but Materialists doesn't extend the same courtesy to its men. They are simply reacting to Lucy's commentary on their lives, as if they have no inner world of their own.

The film’s visual style is polished and expensive, perfectly capturing the glossy world of its characters, and the snappy direction keeps the energy up for much of the first half. The setup is a compelling one, with the potential for both laugh-out-loud comedy and genuine emotional insight.

However, as the film progresses, its ambitions begin to outstrip its execution. The plot becomes frustratingly predictable, following a well-worn romantic comedy playbook without offering any fresh twists or surprises. The central characters, despite the actors' best efforts, remain largely one-dimensional. We are told they are flawed and complex, but their motivations often feel repetitive, leaving them stuck in a loop of selfish behavior that makes it difficult to fully invest in their eventual redemption or happiness. The film's message about money and love feels heavy-handed and lacks the nuance needed to truly resonate.

In the end, Materialists is a competently made, moderately entertaining film. The slow-paced screenplay begs for a climax that offers comfort - something warm and rewarding, the kind you expect from a good rom-com. But, it ends up reflecting its title: a little too artificial, a little too far-fetched, and not quite grounded.

Note:

You will have to watch the film to understand the title of this review.