‘Materialists’ Blu-ray (review)

A24

Rom-coms used to follow a distinct formula that saw often exaggerated scenarios presented as ideal, and questionable behavior as aspirational, leading to them often being unable to stand up to much scrutiny outside the time period they were made due to changing sensibilities eventually making them look like unrealistic and even harmful representations of romance, dating and love.

In her sophomoric effort, writer-director Celine Song casts her her glance upon romance once more as she tells the story of Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a professional matchmaker whose line of work has left her over-scrutinizing her own relationships.

As Lucy is torn between the seemingly perfect Harry (Pedro Pascal) and her definitely flawed ex John (Chris Evans), she incessantly reflects on not only her expectations for a partner, but also her expectations for herself, which takes her on a soul-searching journey that sees her rethink everything she thought she knew about herself, her job, and what – and whom – she wants.

With big, recognizable names receiving top billing, Song’s work will reach a wider audience than her critically acclaimed debut Past Lives, and while Materialists is in many ways a much more mainstream film, as far as rom-coms go, it offers an interesting perspective and tone that has the potential to ensnare audiences who would normally steer clear of the genre on principle.

The visual style is warm, contemporary and understated, which is also reflected in the narrative structure, as the story unfolds smoothly at a steady but pleasant pace, throwing curveballs at Lucy and, by extension, the viewer, with an effortlessness that makes the story engrossing without becoming overly formulaic or unrealistic.

Instead, there is an understated sense of maturity and existentialism throughout the film, which avoids becoming obnoxious as the characters are aware of their flaws and insist on examining them instead of ignoring them, their almost philosophical introspection making them all the more engaging.

This understated quality is emphasized by Johnson, as her soft-spoken, aloof demeanor often sees her lambasted as nothing more than an undeserving nepo baby, but her acting style serves her well here, as her performance is one of the most compelling of her career.

Evans also plays to type, albeit with a more grounded approach that suits both the actor and the film, just as Pedro Pascal applies his inherent likeability and delicate understanding of nuance to a character that would normally be relegated to simply being an archetype you are supposed to love to hate.

While Song may not have reinvented the rom-com genre as such, what she offers with Materialists is a more introspective and thoughtful approach that allows the viewer to examine the characters and their interactions alongside them, injecting the genre with a more subtle approach that works well for viewers who prefer a more deconstructed and postmodern take on the genre.

To some, this will be too pretentious and read more as a self-serious drama, whereas others who would usually avoid rom-coms may find Materialists offers a more realistic and philosophical take on the genre while still managing to amuse, entertain, and pluck at the heartstrings just the way a good rom-com should.

Extras include audio commentary and featurettes.

Verdict: 8 out of 10.