‘Materialists’ review: A tame look at modern romance

Celine Song’s Materialists repurposes the classic love triangle for the fretful, lonely and money-obsessed present. The film channelises the conventions of both the talk-heavy Hollywood drama and freewheeling European art cinema while tackling one of the oldest questions of human civilisation: where is true love to be found?

Lucy’s career is based on this very question. A matchmaker in New York City, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) prides herself on her ability to create lasting partnerships that “tick all the boxes”. She has mastered the smooth patter of the successful sales rep. When private banker Harry (Pedro Pascal) spots her at a wedding converting some guests into future clients, he recognises a kindred spirit.

Harry ticks Lucky’s biggest box – he is wealthy, unlike her previous boyfriend John (Chris Evans).

What Lucy does for Harry is less clear. How John fits into Lucy’s scheme is also barely convincing. The 118-minute film promises to reinvent the relationship drama, but turns out to be too safe and convenient for an era dominated by urban loneliness, brutally demanding dating apps and concerns about appearances.

The film’s much-vaunted casting turns out to be its biggest hurdle. It’s easy to imagine three ridiculously attractive individuals unable to resist each other. It’s tougher to imagine them...

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