Coming off Past Lives, one of the decade’s finest, Materialists proves Song’s still got those screenwriting superpowers, conjuring surprising chemistry between Madame Web and Captain America.
“He made my sister jealous.” Yes, that’s a line you’ll chuckle at while trying to decide if this is a rom-com, a drama, or a modern love experiment disguised as a film. Spoiler: It’s none of those neatly, and that’s the charm. This ain’t your typical love story or sexy rom-com, it's a quirky, hyperbolic dive into the modern dating mess where logic and love throw epic shade at each other.
Dakota Johnson does her thing (awkward delivery included), and the plot? It’s oddly compelling, like watching dating algorithms and human chaos collide with a dash of Yorgos Lanthimos-style dry wit. The dialogue loops a bit, sure, but that just feels like real life’s “did we talk about this already?” energy.
Visually, Song quietly hypnotizes you, the lingering shots and subtle framing (overwhelmed bride on a massive bed!), add layers beyond the chatty scenes. The minimalist score, chef’s kiss. No musical cues telling you how to feel means you get to wrestle with the emotional mess yourself.
So, if you want a film that’s equal parts smart, awkward, and uncomfortably relatable, Materialists is your perfectly imperfect match.
Comments
There were distinct touches all over the film from Song despite the movie not being as good as Past Lives; which had set a high bar indeed.
Great review by the way.