Materialists: A Promising Concept Hampered by Execution

A Critical Look at Materialists

By Subhash K Jha

Let’s be candid about this film that presents a dual nature. I have a great appreciation for Dakota Johnson's talent. Her authenticity shines through, even when portraying a character who deceives for a living. In the somewhat appealing Materialists, Dakota Johnson plays Lucy Mason, a name that feels like a pseudonym.

Lucy is depicted as a prominent matchmaker, reminiscent of a modern-day Jane Austen character, burdened with guilt and a chip on her shoulder.

What if Lucy has been mismatching her clients, leading to dissatisfaction all around? The women, the men, and Lucy herself are all discontented. This film paints a rather bleak picture of affluent individuals seeking companionship through endless parties and champagne.

Unfortunately, the film's unhappiness is overshadowed by a pervasive silliness in dialogue. Characters often sound as if they are reading from a script, with awkward pauses and forced laughter after every joke.

This film aspires for Oscar recognition but loses its way in its quest to tick all the right boxes. The spontaneity is sorely lacking, with the cast appearing overly rehearsed, which detracts from their performances.

Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Lucy Mason suffers from this lack of genuine interaction. She struggles to elevate her character beyond her circumstances, but the film's predictability prevents any real brightness from emerging. This is partly due to Lucy's lackluster romantic life. Early on, she encounters Harry (Pedro Pascal), a so-called 'unicorn' in the dating world—wealthy, charming, and considerate.

But there’s a catch: Harry has a secret—he underwent surgery to appear taller.

Is this really the crux of a film about the wealthy and their trivial dilemmas? This narrative feels like Jane Austen stripped of humor and depth. Chris Evans portrays John, a character who embodies failure. Lucy had previously discarded him, but he returns to her life, reminiscent of a lost puppy.

It’s frustrating that the men in Materialists lack dignity or self-respect. They linger around Lucy, despite her constant reminders of her unkind nature, as if seeking validation for their own worth.

This is as intricate as the film gets. Materialists lacks significant moments, meandering along a dull path, featuring only one somewhat intriguing character—a dating client named Sophie (Zoe Winters), who simply desires love and questions if that’s too much to ask. We share her sentiment. With such an attractive cast, one would hope for a decent romantic comedy; is that too much to wish for? It’s hard to believe this misstep comes from Celine Song, the director of Past Lives, which inspired the less successful Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha.