Moving on from its cynical beginning, Materialists takes the long way around to an ending that is decidedly hopeful. It offers an unblinkered, earned romanticism that suits this moment, and bolsters Song's reputation as one of our most astute observers of relationships.
If you’re seeing it with hopes of glittery escapism, based on its A-list stars and a trailer that prominently features a cover of Madonna’s “Material Girl,” be prepared that the result is a little sadder, a little more substantial. And that’s much of what’s so wonderful about it.
I was never the romance drama movie type of person, it's not that i disliked them, they just weren't my go-to genre, but when i watched Celine Song's Past Lives, something changed, i wasn't blown away by the entire film as a whole, but the depth of the character relationships really struck me, that experience made me curious about Materialists, plus the cast look excellent, and now, having seen it, i can say it exceeded my expectations. By the end of the movie, i was left with three big tears shed at three different moments, something i rarely experience, to my surprise, i concluded that Materialists is my favorite film of the year so far, a movie in a genre i usually don't gravitate toward somehow became the one that touched me the most, the relationships and character development went far beyond what I usually expect. The writing, especially around Dakota Johnson's character, was remarkably fresh, i had no idea matchmaker could even be a profession, let alone one used so creatively in a film, and that creative decision made the story even more interesting, Pedro Pascal delivered a wonderful performance, and Chris Evans is finally gave what i believe his best wide approved performance since Knives Out and mostly his post-Marvel roles, the supporting cast also added great depth. What really surprised me was how emotionally powerful the film was, i kept asking myself why it hit me so hard, and the only answer i could come up with is that Celine Song is simply that good at crafting characters who feel valuable and real, she makes the audience genuinely care about what happens to them, at times, the writing was so beautiful that it moved me to tears. Overall, Materialists was a joyful and unexpectedly emotional experience, it made me happy to be so deeply engaged with a film, and i think Celine Song has elevated the rom-com genre to another level here, the way this story explores love feels profound and deeply fascinating, for me, it's not just impressive, it's quite unforgettable, i absolutely love this movie.
Celine Song se va a convertir en una de mis guinistas/directoras favoritas, pudo ser una historia cliché, si; pero como abordó el desarrollo de la protagonista y su significado del amor me gustó, los diálogos calculados, fascinante.
Though Materialists only partially delivers on its promise, is only occasionally funny, and has little to say that’s new, Ms. Song and her cast put enough feeling into it to make it glow.
Marketed as a romantic comedy, “Materialists” is a sharper, more thoughtful film than its genre would suggest. This is a story about perceived value and what its pursuit costs its characters — emotionally, physically and materially.
Materialists is successfully seductive, eventually revealing a few potential deal-breakers but otherwise proving an engaging date. I wanted to fall in love, as I had with Past Lives. But a diverting, heady fling will do too.
When the decision is made, the final act has an almost morosely elegiac mood, as it must, as various speeches and set pieces reconcile its rather trudgingly earnest direction of travel with the witty, savvy materialism of the movie’s premise.
While the press tour for the film has highlighted the rapport between its attractive and game stars, that doesn’t reflect the chemistry between them onscreen. There isn’t a flicker of heat between any of them. But the bigger issue is that each character is more of a threadbare idea improperly stitched together than a person.
This movie was very unexpected and very emotional for me. It truly was not expected. As a mother of two children, and one that just finished college, this sent me on a soul-searching journey of " Our we asking to much of our kids when finding a mate." What does having value mean to you?" Has my daughter ever been in a dating situation that made her feel uncomfortable and didn't want to tell me. The beginning, middle and end. As a divorced, single,50-year-old woman, this was a great movie. Enjoying my solitude and learning myself. But what does settling mean. Everyone is not perfect. We might have boxes and checklists, but what are non-negotiables? Am I a horrible person because I want to be able to have lights, or a home, or what does unconditional really mean? That Love is not always enough to stay in a relationship, but does that mean it is not really love? It was a great movie. I saw it last night and as I write it, I feel emotional, hopeful. Did I like the whole cave person thing? No. They could have left that out or reimagined it with different couples over time, but overall, I loved the movie. Definitely would see it again. The music was great and the singer that sung at the wedding (no spoiler) was amazing. Baby Rose, " That's All"!!
Absence of real romance. With a title like ‘Materialists’ I was expecting something deep. Unfortunately, what I observed on screen was a group of shallow characters amplifying a shallow script. I felt sad that there was no understanding of real romance, real love or life. One character states ‘I will remind myself everyday that I love you’ and with that line he wins her heart. Unbelievable. The highlight for me was the Johnny Thunders song appreciated by two poor actors in a beaten up Volvo. I’m sorry to say, for me, it was the only semblance of reality.