Will Materialists restore you faith in love?

Materialists is writer and director Celine Song’s second film, her first being Best Picture nominee, Past Lives, which is a personal favorite of this critic. Materialists was billed a rom-dramedy and it is definitely a traditional romcom (where comedy has the meaning of happy ending not comedic performance) which harkens the tradition era of romcoms (the 1990s). Hotly anticipated, does Materialists restore faith in love and romance movies in theaters? Or does it fall flat? 

The Conservative Critic Asks: Is it entertaining? Does it have artistic/intellectual value? And is it liberal propaganda? 

Conservative Critic Meter Check: Materialists 

Overall rating: Fantastic. Hopeful. Romantic.

Materialists manages to follow the appropriate formula of a traditional romcom while introducing fresh ideas and treating its characters as individuals who have identities and journeys outside of their love story (and yet, intertwined). The movie follows a mid-thirties matchmaker in New York City who meets her own match at the wedding of her client where her old flame also is working.

It is a beautiful movie visually, and there has never been a stronger performance from Dakota Johnson as the leading lady, Lucy. The movie visits heavy and relatable themes like self-worth while keeping a sense of humor about dating and expectations. There is something deeply classical about the ideas in Materialists but it all feels fresh. The Victorians would write about love and class the way Song has written about love and class but its as if Jane Austen had an iPhone. Its newer, but not unfamiliar. The movie is somehow exactly what you want it to be but not at all what you expected to be. It will restore your faith in love if you ever lost it and it only manages to do so because it somehow finds optimism through the lens of pessimism and pragmatism. It is a must watch for any movie goer who misses the grand ole days of rom coms. It gives When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. It is a far cry from the watered down romcoms that are cute and fine but relegated to streaming only for good reason. Materialists is a theater romcom. Aptly, a unicorn. 

Is it entertaining? 

Rating: Fully

The story has many arcs and follows Lucy at a good pace as she navigates new relationships and old relationships as well as her own role as a matchmaker and all the responsibility that comes with such an intimate profession. Viewers are regularly challenged with their own love lives, their own worth and their own world view but it’s never uncomfortable or abrasive. Viewers want to know who Lucy will choose and what life Lucy will lead. They worry about her clients and if they’re going to find the right person. The movie provokes laughter and reminiscing and is beautiful to look at. There is nothing to be bored with in Materialists when comparing to other films of its type in its genre. 

Does it have artistic/intellectual value? 

Rating: Strong on story, aesthetic, and performances

The story is the star. Song managed to write a love story about class and value and expectations not unlike all of the classics from Pride and Prejudice to The Tenant of Wildfell Hall but with something so particularly fresh. Watching to story unfold is like taking a sign of relief. It is like confirming all your worst fears and then forgetting all about them. It is the love story that deserves to be on the big screen. It is what a romcom should be. 

The performances are also particularly strong. Dakota Johnson’s on screen charisma is flying off the charts. She is a full, true and proper movie star. It is impossible not to root for her character, Lucy no matter how flawed she may be. Chris Evans was also strong as Harry, giving a more vulnerable performance than usually seen by Evans. Pedro Pascal’s role is significantly more limited in range, by design, but he does it well. The supporting cast including Zoe Winters as Sophie and the rest of Lucy’s clients absolutely make the film. They’re the special magic.

Finally, the movie is beautiful. It features expensive apartments and well lit weddings. Everyone’s hair is exactly the right amount of soft and floppy. The clothes are the right colors. Its not Nancy Meyer perfection, but it understands Nancy Meyer perfection. 

If there is any criticism of the movie it would be that a few character details don’t make a lot of sense. For example, there are things about Lucy that are maybe meant to give her character charm but don’t really play into the person she’s created. Like her preferred drink and smoking habit. Perhaps the intention of the writing is to show some glimpses of her old self, but I didn’t think it worked. I thought it was a reach and a bit cheesy. This is the most minor criticism in an otherwise spot on film.

Is it liberal propaganda? 

Rating: Balanced

The movie has no intentional political point of view or agenda. It does reference to politics indicating that two of the leads are Bernie Sanders supporters. Additionally, one of the heroes lives a pretty bohemian life in pursuit of art which isn’t inherently liberal but is liberal coded.  But on the flip side it is very pro-marriage and pro-family and in a way, anti-divorce. So between all of the plot points and themes it balances out to be politically neutral. 

Conclusion 

If you miss the romcoms of the 1990s and early 00s, go see Materialists.