MATERIALISTS
One of my favorite movies of the year is now available to own and add to your physical media library. Celine Song reminded audiences of her style with Materialists, which was a strong second feature for her. Song has made another film focused on romance and the business behind match making services. Many people dubbed this the “non rom-com rom-com” as it defies tropes, and Song plays by her rules. I love that she trusts the audience and lets the dialogue and cinematographer speak for itself. There’s a restraint on her part that is refreshing.
Celine Song became a sought-after filmmaker with her debut film, Past Lives. Materialists reaffirms her status as an auteur on the rise. Both Past Lives and Materialists explore relationships, both in terms of lost opportunities and navigating the complexities of what people want in a partner. Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a renowned matchmaker for a company called Adore who cater in wealthy clients and revel in longtime relationships. She’s celebrating the ninth marriage that has come from her matchmaking skills. At the wedding, she reunites with her ex-John (Chris Evans). He’s a struggling cater-waiter and actor who lives in a bachelor pad with two other roommates and can’t afford the life Lucy wanted. Lucy also meets Harry (Pedro Pascal) who is the exact opposite of John. He’s incredibly wealthy, charming, and what the matchmakers call “a unicorn” Lucy finds herself wondering what’s more important, a good soul that may be broke, or someone who just checks all the boxes on what the ideal guy should be.
SPECIAL FEATURES
-Filmmaker Commentary with Writer-Director Celine Song
-“The Math of Modern Dating: Making Materialists” featurette
-Composer Deep Dive with Japanese Breakfast
-Six Collectible Postcards featuring Behind the Scenes Photography by Atsushi Nishjima
Here’s a video I made for TikTok
Here’s my original review of the movie
OTHER NEW RELEASES from A24 and Alliance Home Entertainment
BRING HER BACK (directors: Danny and Michael Philippou)
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Mischa Heywood, Jonah Wren Phillips
FRIENDSHIP (Director: Andrew DeYoung)
Starring: Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer)
