Material Girls, this one is for you
A24's new romantic drama will leave you eager for more
"Materialists" is A24's newest romantic drama starring Chris Evans ("Captain America"), Dakota Johnson ("Madame Web") and Pedro Pascal ("Fantastic Four: First Steps").
The movie follows Lucy, played by Johnson, a matchmaker who struggles to choose between two men in her life — one who has nothing and one who has everything. Lucy must decide which lifestyle is best for her over a series of encounters with the bachelors, who both promise her a good life. The only question is, which one does she deserve?
I went into this movie thinking it was going to be more of a comedy, judging by the trailers. Don't get me wrong there are some really funny moments in the film, but the strengths of the one are its dramatic scenes between each of the stars.
Johnson shines as the loveable-but-stuck-up Lucy, who must determine if she is a materialist. Pascal plays Harry, who is well off because of his business partnership with his brother -- for whom Lucy arranged a marriage.
The two meet at the wedding reception, were we meet Chis Evans' character, John, who is also Lucy's ex. He's at the reception as a part of the catering company staff.
Lucy is a richly-developed character, and I found myself swaying between both options and really felt her struggle.
Pascal's Harry made being a materialist seem less shallow, as all the items he own improve his life. There's a twist with his character that shocked me and was a great commentary on beauty standards and how men are "supposed" to look.
John was also a great character -- the down-on-his-luck stereotype. I found myself relating to his situation and how he falls for Lucy, even though the odds are it won't work out.
The directing in this movie is fantastic. Celine Song, known for "Past Lives," has created an instant classic for romantic movies. The writing and directing in this movie go above and beyond for its audiences. I think people are going to be very surprised when they see it in theaters.
The soundtrack by Daniel Pemberton, known for the "Spider-verse" movies was magical. It felt like a massage for my brain. It was calming, but didn't put me to sleep. It really helped me engage with the story and the characters' feelings they were projecting.
I will say this movie does rely on cliches you've seen in other movies, but the movie pulls them off so well, that I didn't care. I was just enthralled by the characters and the writing in this art piece of heart and soul.
I think this movie is a great date night movie and should be seen in the coziest theater near you! I give "Materialists" a 9/10.
