Deconstructing Desire: An Analysis of Celine Song’s ‘Materialists’

Introduction

Celine Song’s ‘Materialists’ is a film that transcends the conventional boundaries of romantic comedies. Following the success of ‘Past Lives,’ ‘Materialists’ delves into the complexities of contemporary romance, challenging viewers to question their perceptions of love, money, and societal expectations. The film, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, has ignited significant debate, not just over the protagonist’s choice but also over the underlying themes that drive the narrative. This analysis explores the multifaceted layers of ‘Materialists,’ examining its commentary on the commodification of relationships, the discomfort of realism, and its broader implications on modern society.

Beyond the Love Triangle: A Commentary on the “Market” of Love

At its surface, ‘Materialists’ appears to be a classic love triangle, with Lucy, a matchmaker for New York City’s elite, torn between her pragmatic ex-boyfriend, John, and the financially unstable but emotionally resonant Harry. However, the film quickly transcends this trope, delving into the deeper societal issues that shape modern relationships.

The Commodification of Relationships

The film portrays dating as a “market,” where individuals are assessed based on their perceived value. This framing is deliberate, positioning Lucy within a system that reduces human connection to financial viability. The narrative forces the audience to confront the uncomfortable truth that economic factors increasingly influence romantic choices. This is not a new phenomenon, but ‘Materialists’ brings it to the forefront, highlighting the absurdities and anxieties of modern dating.

The Metaphor of Leg-Lengthening Surgery

One of the most striking subplots in the film involves Lucy’s client undergoing leg-lengthening surgery to enhance her perceived value in the dating market. This seemingly outlandish detail serves as a potent metaphor for the societal pressure to optimize oneself for romantic success. The lengths to which individuals go to enhance their perceived value, even through invasive and potentially harmful procedures, underscore the film’s commitment to portraying the anxieties of modern dating with piercing honesty.

Lucy’s Choice and the Discomfort of Realism

The ending of ‘Materialists’—Lucy’s decision to return to John—has sparked considerable debate. Many viewers interpret this choice as a reinforcement of conventional, even regressive, romantic ideals. However, director Celine Song emphasizes that the ending is not about endorsing a particular relationship but about acknowledging the complexities of human desire and the often-unromantic realities of long-term commitment.

The Pragmatic Decision

Lucy’s choice to return to John is presented as a pragmatic decision born from a recognition of the challenges inherent in building a life with someone who lacks financial security. The film does not shy away from the fact that money matters and that ignoring this reality would be disingenuous. This pragmatic approach is reinforced by the unraveling crisis involving Lucy’s client, Sophie, and her abusive husband, which serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities that can accompany financial dependence within a relationship.

The Discomfort of Realism

The film’s refusal to offer easy answers or a neatly packaged happy ending is its greatest strength. It presents a nuanced and honest portrayal of the compromises, anxieties, and contradictions that define modern relationships. This discomfort is intentional, forcing viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions about love, money, and societal expectations.

Echoes of the Past, Reflections of the Present

‘Materialists’ consciously draws parallels to classic romantic comedies like ‘When Harry Met Sally…,’ prompting a re-evaluation of those films through a contemporary lens. While ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ explored the possibility of platonic friendship between men and women, ‘Materialists’ asks a more pointed question: can love truly transcend economic disparities in a society obsessed with wealth?

Thematic Resonances with ‘Past Lives’

‘Materialists’ shares thematic resonances with Song’s previous work, ‘Past Lives.’ Both films explore the weight of choices, the lingering power of the past, and the inherent sadness that accompanies the realization that life rarely unfolds as we expect. However, ‘Materialists’ distinguishes itself by directly confronting the material conditions that shape our relationships, a departure from the more ethereal exploration of fate and longing in ‘Past Lives.’

The Materialist Critique and its Broader Implications

The film’s title, ‘Materialists,’ is a deliberate provocation. It is not simply about people who are materialistic but about the pervasive influence of materialism on all aspects of life, including love. Research consistently demonstrates a correlation between materialism and decreased wellbeing, increased anxiety, and diminished self-actualization. The film taps into this cultural anxiety, exposing the emptiness that can result from prioritizing financial success over genuine connection.

The Online Debate

The passionate responses to the film, often framed as “broke man propaganda,” underscore its success in provoking uncomfortable conversations. It forces viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions about love, money, and the role of societal expectations in shaping our desires. The passionate responses, as Song notes, are a testament to the film’s ability to tap into deeply held beliefs and anxieties.

A Rom-Com Deconstructed

Ultimately, ‘Materialists’ is not a traditional romantic comedy. It is a thoughtful, often unsettling, exploration of love in the 21st century. It does not offer easy answers or a neatly packaged happy ending. Instead, it presents a nuanced and honest portrayal of the compromises, anxieties, and contradictions that define modern relationships. The film’s enduring power lies in its refusal to shy away from the uncomfortable truths about love, money, and the ever-increasing pressure to quantify our worth in a world obsessed with material possessions.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact

‘Materialists’ is a film that stays with you, prompting reflection long after the credits roll. It is a testament to Celine Song’s ability to craft stories that are both deeply personal and profoundly relevant. The film’s strength lies in its willingness to confront the complexities of modern relationships, challenging viewers to question their own perceptions and biases. In a world where love is increasingly commodified, ‘Materialists’ serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of genuine connection and the often-unromantic realities that shape our desires.