Materialists: A Romantic Comedy That Serves As A Cautionary Tale

New relationships may be difficult to navigate especially when both parties have different expectations from their partners. Materialists asks, is love the most important element for a successful relationship or are material wants the more paramount?

Dakota Johnson, most famous for the 50 Shades Of Grey franchise, plays the role of Lucy, a professional matchmaker who has successfully matched 9 couples which led to wedded bliss.

“Hey, are you single? I’m a matchmaker. I promise you’re going to marry the love of your life!” she tells a passer byer in the street, but does Lucy believe in love?

She is a confessed materialist; a person who considers material possessions and physical comforts as more important than spiritual values. She ended her previous relationship with John, as he was a struggling actor who had little to offer and stated that she would now only date and marry rich men. Lucy is highly knowledgeable about dating but knows nothing about love stating, “Marriage is a business deal.”

Enter wealthy financier Harry Castillo, also a materialist who is unable to feel or reciprocate love. Lucy tells him, “I don’t know whether I like you – but I like the expensive places you take me to.” Should Lucy have a relationship with her imperfect but wealthy new boyfriend or resume her relationship with John, her perfect ex-boyfriend, who she quite by chance reconnected with platonically?

Written and directed by Celine Song, Materialists is described as a romantic comedy. The romantic elements are evident with a touch of comedy or more aptly mild humour, but the second act transforms into a drama when one of Lucy’s clients is assaulted by a man she set up as her perfect date. At this point Lucy questions the value of the service she offers lonely women who are unable to meet Mr Right.

Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal portray John and Harry respectively, both handsome men who would be honoured to have Lucy permanently in their lives.

Predictability is a key element in these style of chick flicks, as the writers know what the expectations of moviegoers are, especially female audiences who demand sugar-coated, happy romantic endings for optimum enjoyment – hence it’s not surprising who Lucy chooses as her lifelong soul partner.

The dramatic elements are a welcoming change from the slow-paced nature of the storytelling process, as restlessness obviously filtered through many who attended the screening. Trimming 20 minutes from the overlong 2 hour running time may have amplified the enjoyment factor.

Discerning audiences may praise this film and regard it as a significant cautionary tale especially for impressionable young women, as it offers an insight into the dangers of arranged blind dates organised by reputable dating firms.

Materialists

***

In Cinemas Now.