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Celine Song’s 'Materialists' Earns Praise for Its Critique of Modern Dating

The romantic comedy draws on Song’s matchmaking background to examine how financial expectations shape today’s relationships.

Celine Song on set with Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans.
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Overview

  • Released June 13, the film stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy navigating a love triangle with Pedro Pascal’s wealthy Harry and Chris Evans’s struggling actor John.
  • Reviewers commended its stylish cinematography and incisive look at dating commodification drawn from Song’s matchmaker experience.
  • Despite lauding the lead trio’s performances, some critics cited tonal inconsistencies and the use of familiar romantic comedy conventions.
  • Produced by A24, Killer Films, and 2AM Studios with Sony Pictures distributing internationally, 'Materialists' follows Song’s Oscar-nominated debut 'Past Lives'.
  • A subplot addressing the emotional and physical risks women face on dates underscores the film’s message about the courage required to pursue love.