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.