Movie Review: Materialists

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In the latest film titled “Materialists”, we delve into the world of dating for those who subscribe to high-end dating platforms, as well as professional matchmakers. Our protagonist Lucy, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, offers a unique perspective on this journey. It’s refreshing to witness Johnson in a strong acting role, especially after the setback she experienced with “Madame Web” last year. In this film, Johnson delivers some of her finest performances yet, showcasing her exceptional acting skills.

Amongst the challenging careers out there, being a high-end matchmaker, with fees reaching $50,000, might just be one of the most emotionally taxing. In this movie, we see instances where clients sit in restaurants, enumerating an extensive list of unrealistic requirements for their potential partner. However, it is crucial to remember that no dating service can accommodate such a list and produce the ideal partner as if it were an AI-produced human being. This is due to the fact that the quality of any dating service relies solely on the individuals who join. There’s no perfect person for anyone in existence.

In this extensive collection of preferences, discussions frequently revolve around individuals’ income, giving an impression that it’s a crucial factor in finding the ideal long-term partner. The film under discussion masterfully portrays this concept through the recurring relationship of Lucy and her financially struggling actor boyfriend, John (played by Chris Evans). The contrast between Lucy’s current partner Harry (Pedro Pascal) and John, as well as Lucy’s final choice between them, is a captivating aspect of this exceptionally well-crafted screenplay.

Many viewers may find that screenwriter-director Celine Song portrays a rather grim and melancholic perspective on modern dating, but her intention appears to be more about showcasing the authentic struggles of seeking love in today’s world, rather than merely dwelling on the pain and sadness associated with it. After all, dating often requires placing your heart and emotions into the hands of someone you barely know, and learning to cope when the person you might have feelings for does not reciprocate those sentiments.

In my view, it is Zoe Winters’ character, Sophie, who truly shines and dominates this film. Her recurring lines about fearing loneliness and the poignant scene where her eyes reveal raw emotion upon learning that the person she went out with didn’t reciprocate their feelings, are undeniably powerful acting scenes. I believe her heartfelt discussion with Lucy following one of Sophie’s unsuccessful dates, particularly when she passionately asserts that she “deserves love,” is a performance worthy of an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.

In my opinion, one aspect of this film that left a rather unpleasant taste was the excessive smoking portrayed by Lucy and other characters. It’s disappointing to see such a habit still prevalent on screen, especially when we consider the harmful effects of smoking, which are well-documented and include numerous types of cancer.

As a responsible movie reviewer, I can’t help but express my disapproval for the glamorization of smoking in movies, a practice that has been sustained by tobacco companies funding these productions. It’s high time we moved past this outdated trend, as it encourages people to take up smoking or continue an unhealthy habit.

I firmly believe that depicting smoking in films should have been banned long ago for the sake of public health and well-being.

The Rotten Tomatoes score for this film is an impressive 87%, but even higher at 95% according to me, and a perfect 100% as some viewers’ experience demonstrates – a reflection of the pursuit of genuine love that so many people undertake throughout their lives.

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2025-06-13 22:49