With its effervescent trailers, soundtracked by "Material Girl" and narrated in a nostalgic tone, Celine Song's "Materialists" might initially strike one as a quintessential romantic comedy. However, the film, along with Song and its cast, teases that it harbors more dramatic depths than the genre's usual upbeat fare. Indeed, in the run-up to the film's release, stars Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans revealed that "Materialists" leans more towards being a "rom-com-dram."
"It encapsulates romance, it embodies comedy, but it's a rom-com infused with drama," Evans shared with The Hollywood Reporter at the New York premiere of "Materialists" earlier this month. Song herself aimed to pay homage to cherished rom-coms crafted by filmmakers such as Nora Ephron and James L. Brooks.
"Rom-coms inspire me deeply," the writer-director confided to THR. "It's a magnificent genre where we eagerly indulge in conversations about love, relationships, and all things that matter to us. It presents an extraordinary opportunity. I was keen on exploring love through the lens that Nora Ephron or Jim Brooks might have employed, but tailored for the audience of 2025." Yet, she warns moviegoers to brace themselves for elements that might be unfamiliar in such films.
In reflecting on what moviegoers can anticipate, Song shared, "What I envision most is an unreserved conversation—one that might strike some as impolite for cinematic portrayal but is in fact a testament to the candid exchanges we cherish with our closest companions. That authenticity, I believe, is what you'll witness unfold on screen."
Marin Ireland, who portrays Johnson's supervisor in the film, underscored that A24's offering sports "a more genuine life twist" compared to conventional romantic comedies. "If you've been accustomed to rom-coms with predictable narratives, you might think you know the movie's trajectory once key elements are established," Ireland elaborated. "But then, it veers into unexpected realism. The twist isn't about a character being deceased all along; rather, it introduces scenarios that mirror real life, devoid of typical rom-com cliches. Consequently, the characters must adapt to confront these more grounded challenges."
Patti Stanger, a real-life matchmaker, graced the premiere of 'Materialists' and lauded the film for its portrayal of her profession. "The compassion Dakota Johnson's character exhibits is heartwarming," Stanger said. "Her boss is phenomenal—a peacemaker who prioritizes her clients above all else. I'd hire her in a heartbeat. She's among the finest matchmakers I've ever witnessed, and I commend Celine for crafting such a character. Such matchmakers do exist—I am one, my partners are too. Our mission is to ensure your happiness, come what may."
Furthermore, Stanger observed a shift towards realism in rom-coms, mirroring contemporary times. "Rom-coms have adopted a graver tone, reflecting our current serious era," she noted. "Whether we're 18 or 80, we're mostly indoors, binge-watching rom-coms and 'Love Island' rather than experiencing it firsthand. I'm not pointing fingers, but men, we're traditional in that sense. We yearn for a chivalrous gesture—a courteous introduction at a bar, restaurant, or gas station. We're not in an era where we shun conversations. We've earned our keep, own homes, yet feel neglected when dates aren't offered or expenses aren't shared. We aspire for men to embody masculinity, to take the initiative."
