176. Materialists (dir. Celine Song)

In this episode, Alex Heeney digs into Celine Song's Materialists, a film about Lucy, a matchmaker struggling with her own love triangle. Will Lucy (Dakota Johnson) choose love — in the form of her poor ex John (Chris Evans) — or money with eligible bachelor Harry (Pedro Pascal)? And can love and money even co-exist? With its charming cast, elegant blocking, and standout sound design, Materialists could have been a sharp, class-conscious rom-com. But for all its promise, it ends up skimming the surface. You will hear: What works well in the film, including the visual storytelling and sound design Where the film struggles, especially with its thin characterization and reluctance to fully engage with class and money Comparisons with other works, such as Gossip Girl (2007–2012) and Patricia Rozema's Mansfield Park (1999), that tackle similar themes with more depth Links Mentioned: 🎟️ Reel Ruminators: http://seventh-row.com/reelruminators 🎥 Guide to One of the Best Films of 2024: seventh-row.com/guide 📚 Kelly Reichardt ebook: http://reichardtbook.com 💡Lindsay Pugh on Materialists Referenced Episodes: Ep 137: Luca Guadagnino's Challengers TIFF 2024 Ep 7: Luca Guadagnino's Queer Ep. 172 and 173: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life — a film that delivers more fully on the promise of a smart, satisfying modern rom-com.