Materialists: A Missed Opportunity for a Modern Rom-Com

The movie *Materialists* stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy Mason, a matchmaker in a setting that attempts to capture the essence of a modern romantic comedy. The film struggles to create a convincing narrative, with forced dialogue and uninspired performances. The storyline follows Lucy and her clients, all of whom seem unhappy despite their privileged lives. The movie explores the emptiness of their quest for companionship, often shown through parties and excessive drinking. The romantic elements falter, and Lucy’s relationships appear shallow. Her encounter with Harry (Pedro Pascal), the seemingly ideal man with a hidden flaw, further underscores the film’s lack of depth. The male characters appear to lack self-respect, persistently seeking Lucy’s approval despite her treatment of them. The film has few highlights, with the narrative proceeding in a monotonous manner. The character of Sophie (Zoe Winters), a client desiring genuine love, provides a glimmer of hope. The attractive cast and interesting premise ultimately fail to deliver a quality rom-com. This film comes from the director, Celine Song, of the acclaimed *Past Lives*.