‘Materialists’: The sheen of a traditional rom-com but a threesome is entwined in something darker
The curious title of Celine Song’s follow-up to her subtly affecting (and Oscar-nominated) debut, “Past Lives” (2023), is spot-on: Money matters – perhaps too much. Many may frame “Materialists” as a romantic comedy and something of a change-up for Song, but they would be wrong on both takes. It’s got a dark undercurrent with very few “com” moments and is driven by longing, the soul-capturing engine that made “Past Lives” so universal and engaging. That “Materialists” doesn’t succeed as well in that regard, or at all, is another matter entirely.
“Materialists” is filled with long, awkward moments. It’s a Romance 101 must: People hold back, hesitant to expose their true feelings and vulnerabilities – but here the moments don’t work. Part of that is that the characters are slight, not particularly likable and, worse, lack chemistry. Not a good start for a love story.
Continue reading
For What it's Worth 