Dakota Johnson Steps Into a Complex Role
Dakota Johnson returns to the big screen in Materialists, Celine Song’s much-anticipated follow-up to Past Lives. The film, set against the glittering yet cutthroat world of New York’s elite dating scene, follows Lucy, a high-profile matchmaker whose career thrives on pairing wealthy clients with equally affluent partners. On paper, Lucy’s life looks perfect polished career, high social standing, and a roster of clients with deep pockets.
But beneath the surface lies a character both magnetic and deeply flawed. Lucy is unapologetically materialistic, someone who measures compatibility in bank balances as much as in shared interests. Johnson plays her with a mix of charm and calculated coldness, making Lucy both compelling and frustrating to watch.
The Love Triangle That Drives the Story
The story takes an unexpected turn when Lucy meets Harry, played by Pedro Pascal a man who checks every box in her “perfect partner” list, from charisma to a luxury apartment worth millions. However, instead of matching him with one of her clients, Lucy keeps him for herself.
Complicating matters further is the reappearance of John, her ex-boyfriend portrayed by Chris Evans. Years ago, Lucy broke up with him for lacking ambition and financial stability. Now, John is still struggling as a part-time waiter and actor, living with roommates in a modest apartment. While Harry embodies the lifestyle Lucy has worked hard to attain, John represents the emotional connection she once had.
Romance Versus Materialism
The central conflict in Materialists lies in Lucy’s struggle between her heart and her ambitions. Harry offers her the security and status she has always valued, while John brings a sense of genuine affection and shared history.
Celine Song sets up a classic rom-com love triangle but layers it with sharp commentary on class, ambition, and societal expectations. Lucy’s journey is less about finding “the one” and more about reconciling two opposing sides of herself the ambitious professional and the romantic dreamer.
A Divisive Ending
Without spoiling every detail, Lucy ultimately makes a choice that shocked younger audiences. Instead of choosing financial comfort, she follows her heart. While the ending aims to be heartfelt, many viewers particularly on social media platforms like TikTok felt Lucy’s decision was unrealistic. Some labeled it “broke man propaganda,” questioning why she would abandon a life of luxury for an uncertain future.
Song’s screenplay challenges traditional rom-com resolutions, but it also exposes a generational divide in how audiences view love and stability. Gen Z, in particular, seemed baffled by Lucy’s rejection of wealth, while millennials were more divided, torn between idealism and pragmatism.
Dakota Johnson’s Performance Stands Out
Whatever the debates about the plot, one thing is certain Dakota Johnson commands the screen. She navigates Lucy’s contradictions with skill, shifting between vulnerability and calculated ambition seamlessly. Her chemistry with both Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans keeps the emotional stakes high, making the love triangle believable despite its moral complications.
Johnson’s portrayal doesn’t try to make Lucy entirely likable and that’s the point. She’s not the rom-com sweetheart who charms her way into the audience’s hearts. Instead, she’s a realistic, flawed individual whose choices reflect the messy reality of modern dating.
Celine Song’s Ongoing Theme
Like in Past Lives, Celine Song once again explores the tension between love and ambition. In both films, her female protagonists face difficult choices between personal fulfillment and romantic connection. However, while Past Lives kept this theme subtle, Materialists tackles it head-on.
Yet the script occasionally undercuts its own message. Even in the final moments, Lucy sets conditions for John, insisting he secure a “real job” if they’re to be together a detail that feels at odds with the supposed emotional breakthrough of the ending. Also Read: Mumbai Police Enhance Kapil Sharma Security After Bishnoi Gang Threats
Conclusion:
Materialists is a visually appealing, emotionally charged rom-com that refuses to play it safe. Dakota Johnson’s layered performance anchors the film, even when the script falters. While audiences may be split on Lucy’s choices, the conversations the movie sparks about love, ambition, and modern relationships are exactly what make it worth watching.
