Before rising to fame as an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, Celine Song was a New York playwright striving to make ends meet, which led her to become a professional matchmaker. Initially, it was just a way to pay the bills while pursuing her artistic endeavors in an expensive city, but the job taught her profound lessons about the intricacies of human desires and emotions.
“I always felt there was a grand, epic story in matchmaking to be told,” Song reflected. “It impacts every person universally.” Inspired by this idea, she created the film “Materialists” while waiting for the release of her highly anticipated movie “Past Lives.” Premiering this weekend, “Materialists” stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans and captures a contemporary New York romance. Johnson’s character, a matchmaker, finds herself torn between two suitors: a struggling actor and ex-boyfriend portrayed by Evans, and Pascal’s wealthy “unicorn.” However, like “Past Lives,” this story navigates beyond mere romantic dilemmas, offering a deeper exploration.
Song and Johnson discussed their film with insights into modern relationships and dating dynamics. They first connected through mutual admiration, with Song realizing she had found her lead during an early conversation with Johnson. Johnson, despite being late in the casting process, was eager to meet Song due to her respect for her work and was delighted by their initial chat.
As the narrative unfolds, Johnson’s character, Lucy, emerges as a competent professional who is somewhat detached from her emotions. While appearing transactional in her matchmaking role, she genuinely desires the best outcomes for her clients. The film delves into her introspective journey of understanding her personal desires, questioning the pursuit of what she thought she wanted versus what she truly needs.
The portrayal of the two men in Lucy’s life serves to highlight broader themes. “It’s never about choosing between different types of men,” Song explained, “but rather how individuals navigate the contemporary dating landscape.” Johnson adds that relationships have evolved from transactional origins, like arranged marriages of the past, into complex emotional endeavors where societal expectations often overshadow genuine connections.
This evolution is evident in the movie’s depiction of the dating ‘marketplace’—a metaphorical battleground where people are judged on perceived values. Despite obvious material differences between the characters, there is a deeper exploration of their emotional and spiritual contributions to one another. The dichotomy serves as a reflection on societal changes in how people perceive love and companionship.
As Lucy grapples with societal pressures and personal introspections, she confronts essential questions about life’s values—pondering true love against material possessions. “It’s about reconciling the often huge gap between what we articulate as desirable in a partner and the inexplicable path of love we traverse,” Song concluded. This introspective journey forms the mysterious heart of “Materialists.”