There are several ways to view “Materialists.” For starters, you can just feast on Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans as they go through Manhattan in regularly sunny, perfect and gentle weather.
You can choose how deep you want to go into the story — which simplistically put — asks when looking for a partner, what matters more, love or money? Is marriage the sealing of a business partnership or an irresistible connection? “Materialists” is the second film by writer and director Celine Song whose 2023 release, a deceptively subtle little film called “Past Lives” packed quite a punch. The movie is set in present-day New York where clients with money to spare hire a matchmaker like Lucy (Johnson) who works for a service called Adore.
Clients tell her what they look for in a potential partner. It’s almost like they’re customizing a shoe on the Converse website. At the wedding reception of her ninth successful match, Lucy meets the groom’s brother, Harry (Pascal) — he’s tall, fit, handsome, well-educated, has a good head of hair, a happy family and makes good money. To drive this point, he makes his on screen appearance in a very sharp tuxedo.
This is where I present to another way to view the film — as a Pedro Pascal fan who just wants to be soothed by seeing him in a non-violent setting (raises hand).
Lucy labels Harry a ‘unicorn’ in the dating world and woos him into joining Adore.
However, it is Lucy Harry wishes to woo. It just so happens, Lucy’s former love, a struggling actor and sometimes cater waiter, John (Evans), is working the reception and plops down her favorite drinks at her table. Not bad for a night’s work, Lucy!
Over the course of the film, we find out Harry can be vulnerable and honest. He’s not an asshole. And for all the clashing of emotions and ideas, the three leads treat each other with kindness and respect (just like “Past Lives”).
“Materialists” has received both high praise and deep dive critiques of the scripts — mostly over how the second half pans out. Lucy says she is looking for one thing but then gravitates toward the other.
As for me, I want to know which universe, which branch of the multiverse, or which Earth this is where a woman’s dilemma is picking between Pedro or Chris? Could this be the 38th film in the MCU?
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“Materialists” opens August 6 in Philippine cinemas.
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