Movies

‘Cynical, Sad, Increasingly F—ed Up.’ Critics Are Calling Materialists’ Stars ‘Perfection,’ But Is This Really A Rom-Com?

BBG News

I have a soft spot for romantic comedies, but the upcoming film “Materialists,” directed by Celine Song (known for “Past Lives”) and set to release on June 13, 2025, under A24’s banner, might not follow the traditional formula. Preliminary feedback describes it as “more than a rom-com,” suggesting that it could offer something fresh and unique. Critics are now weighing in with their extended thoughts.

In the film “Materialists,” directed by Celine Song, Dakota Johnson plays a skilled matchmaker who encounters a dilemma when she becomes entangled in a love triangle involving Pedro Pascal’s character and Chris Evans, an old flame from her acting past. Siddhant Adlakha of IGN notes that beneath the romance lies a thought-provoking, insightful drama focusing on self-worth. He awards it a high rating of 9 out of 10, stating: “This film is truly outstanding.

Celine Song’s second drama, Materialists, features Dakota Johsnon, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal in a unique take on romantic comedies. Instead of following conventional rom-com tropes, it presents an unforeseen love triangle involving skeptics, rich and poor alike, who find themselves in a world where dating has become a matter of statistics. This leaves them guarded towards romance, but when the prospect of true love emerges, Song paints it in enticing shades without sugarcoating the genuine appeal of even the most jaded possibilities.

Pete Hammond from Deadline describes the movie as “exceptional” and suggests it could rival some of this summer’s biggest blockbusters. According to Celine Song, the creator of Materialists, her filmmaking skills are proven, appealing to both romantic idealists and skeptics alike, as per Hammond.

In this interpretation, Song skillfully selected her principal actors fittingly. Johnson delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the hidden insecurities of a seemingly confident businesswoman, potentially marking his finest screen appearance to date. Evans, often underestimated as an actor, flawlessly portrays a man grappling with his acting career and personal life, sensing that he may have already lost the one who truly loved him – the one that got away. Pascal, in a part that could have been stereotypical, infuses Harry with authentic humanity and charm, making him a character we can cheer for as well.

According to Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair, the film delves into the tension between intense emotions and logical thinking. It initially poses challenging queries regarding the murky aspects of contemporary dating and matchmaking services, yet it fails to delve too deeply into these topics. Nevertheless, Lawson finds much to appreciate in the film known as Materialists.

Materialism can be quite alluring, showing some appealing aspects before unveiling a few red flags. Still, it kept me captivated and entertaining, much like a past romance. Yet, I’d be content with a thrilling yet fleeting romance as well.

According to Kate Erbland from IndieWire, she rates the film as a B, and it’s essential to note that despite the marketing, Materialists is more of a witty critique on rom-coms than an actual romantic comedy. In other words, as stated by Erbland herself, this movie delivers a cynical takedown of the genre rather than being one itself.

Materialists is not a lighthearted romantic comedy; it’s a drama that challenges the conventional ideas of love and romance. Instead of the usual laughter and flirtation, this movie delves into deeper, more complex themes about the boundaries of love’s power. It’s often dark, melancholic, and twisted, and Song’s unique take on the genre exposes the superficiality commonly found in these stories.

While some critics found the movie appealing, Natalia Keogan from AV Club wasn’t quite as impressed, giving it a B- grade. In her review, she noted that the film, titled “Materialists,” is missing the well-developed characters and intricate tension that made “Past Lives” a hit. Keogan argued that the filmmaker’s emphasis on relationships being primarily transactional fails to provide any profound understanding, leading to a plot that doesn’t deliver on its promise. Furthermore, she added that the story lacks resolution.

Though there’s high anticipation for Song’s second romantic comedy to revive the genre, the movie seems to fall short in terms of character depth and believable chemistry that were present in her debut film. Steering away from autobiographical elements might not have been as stimulating for Song as a screenwriter, but the central performances by Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal are questionable, with their lack of on-screen spark undermining the credibility of a compelling love triangle.

Although not everyone might enjoy the movie, it’s been generally well-received by critics, garnering an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for Celine Song’s second film. It remains to be seen how audiences will take to Materialists, particularly those who anticipate a lighthearted romantic comedy. The movie hits theaters from June 13 onwards.

Read More

2025-06-11 15:40

Previous post Big Brother star worth $25million claims she was ‘ignored’ by staff at upmarket hotel because her kids ‘go barefoot and don’t brush their hair’
Next post Tether’s Golden Gamble: A Stake in Elemental’s Riches! 💰✨