Materialists and The Ideal Mate Illusion in Modern Matchmaking

The new film Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson as a high-end matchmaker named Lucy, delves into the transactional and often delusional world of modern dating, particularly as experienced by her wealthy clients in New York City. While the movie aims to offer a sharp, even cynical, look at the pursuit of love, its portrayal of matchmaking and the expectations of potential mates has sparked strong reactions from real-life matchmakers.The core of the film's narrative, and a point of contention for many real matchmakers, lies in the delusion of the potential mates. 
Lucy's clients are often characterized by their highly specific, almost superficial, checklists for an ideal partner – focusing on attributes like height, net worth, and a perfect "image." This "build a bear" approach, as one matchmaker describes it, sets unrealistic expectations, leading clients to chase an unattainable ideal rather than seeking genuine connection. The film highlights how individuals, driven by the curated realities of social media and a culture of commodification, believe they can simply "recreate" a perfect partner.
This delusion is not confined to the fictional world of Materialists but resonates deeply with everyday dating life. In a landscape saturated with dating apps and curated online profiles, individuals often fall into the trap of viewing potential partners as a collection of desirable traits rather than complex individuals. This "materialistic" approach to love, where people are "objectified" and "commodified," as writer-director Celine Song herself notes, fosters a superficial pursuit that often leads to disappointment and a struggle to find true compatibility.
While some aspects of Lucy's dedication to her clients and her post-date follow-ups are recognized as realistic, real matchmakers largely critique Materialists for its unrealistic depiction of their profession. They point out that true matchmaking involves far more than simply fulfilling a checklist; it requires deep emotional intelligence, building trust, and often challenging clients' preconceived notions to help them find meaningful relationships. 
The film's emphasis on dramatic, ethically questionable scenarios (like stalking or the mishandling of client safety) further deviates from the professional standards and community-driven nature of the actual matchmaking industry. 
Ultimately, Materialists serves as a cinematic reflection on the often-delusional pursuit of the "perfect" partner in contemporary dating, highlighting the gap between idealized expectations and the messy, human reality of finding love.

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