Before anything else, I just want to say—I’m not a filmmaker. I’m just a movie lover who likes to talk about the things I watch.
Initial Thoughts
I came across Materialists through a behind-the-scenes video from a promotional photoshoot. Seeing Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, and Dakota Johnson together was intriguing. They looked like they were having fun and their chemistry in interviews made me feel that the film could be something special.
The Reviews
Then, the early reviews dropped. In every corner there were people calling it disappointing, slow, even boring. Harsh, I know. It felt like every post had something negative to say.
Seeing For Myself
Fast forward a few weeks later, as I was scrolling through streaming services, searching for anything to watch—Materialists popped up. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was boredom, but I finally decided to make my own judgement on this movie.
And honestly? I loved it.
Maybe viewers are used to old romantic comedies or maybe the film is just severely misunderstood. Either way, its artistry was a complete surprise.
A Film That Stays With You
This movie has quickly become one of my favorites. From the moment it started, I was pulled in. Throughout the movie, there is a feeling of something tense yet beautiful. The film captivates the viewer through its visual style and carefully written dialogue. Every word these characters say feel deliberate, poetic, and real.
The plot isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s a fresh and modern take on romantic comedies; the humor is subtle and elegant. The conversations between the characters feels authentic, like something that could be overheard from a couple at a restaurant.
“Marriage is a business deal, but love has to be on the table.“
Most rom-coms feel like unrealistic fairytales about people that meet their perfect match and live happily ever after. Materialists is the opposite. It stays grounded in truth. Some might feel disappointed that she doesn’t end up with the “perfect man”, Harry, but those are the materialistic people the film is speaking about. As Lucy says, “love has to be on the table” when it comes to making the business deal that is marriage.
One thing that stands out right away is the sound design. The absence of background noise, the clarity of their voices when they talk—these intentional decisions draw the audience in. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a film’s script before, and the score adds to that magic. The way the score swells then falls silent leaves the audience no choice but to really listen to the characters vulnerability.
Finally, watching them get married at the courthouse in the end credits felt like a quiet reward for everything they’d been through. It’s the kind of ending that leaves the audience smiling long after the movie is over.
This film makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.
The Ending
Celine Song, the director, brings a certain control to every frame that elevates the entire film. The cinematography, the color palette, the sounds—everything feels so carefully curated. Someone who doesn’t know all the technical details of filmmaking can easily tell that each shot is meaningful.
Ultimately, that is what makes this film so great. Sometimes, the story just needs to feel personal, like someone’s perspective captured on film.
Materialists is one of those films that shows how a director’s personality can enhance even the simplest of stories. It’s not about the plot or even the performances—it’s about the mood, the texture, the quiet artistry behind it all.
So yes, this film is severely misunderstood. For me, it’s one of those movies that quietly sticks around after it’s over.
I’d recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys watching films that teach the average viewer how a director’s vision can shine through simplicity. What stands out here is the people responsible for bringing this story to life. That’s always worth appreciating.
Let me know what you guys thought about the movie and its director. I’m interested to know if others felt just as moved as I did by the way it was filmed.
