Special "Lights, Camera, Action!": THE MATERIALISTS by Celine Song.

Celine Song’s The Materialists, marks a bold pivot from the wistful introspection of her Oscar-nominated debut, Past Lives, into the glossy, high-stakes world of romantic comedy.

Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, the film follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a high-end matchmaker who quantifies love through metrics like income, attractiveness, and social status. 

Her meticulously calculated worldview is upended when she finds herself torn between two men: Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy, charming suitor who seems to tick every box, and John (Chris Evans), her emotionally resonant but financially struggling ex-boyfriend.

Johnson delivers a nuanced performance as Lucy, capturing the character's internal conflict between her professional detachment and personal desires. 

Pascal and Evans provide compelling portrayals of Lucy's contrasting love interests, each embodying different facets of what she seeks in a partner. 

Their on-screen chemistry adds depth to the love triangle, making Lucy's dilemma all the more palpable.

Visually, Materialists is a treat. Shot on 35mm film by cinematographer Shabier Kirchner, the movie exudes a warm, tactile quality that complements its romantic themes. 

The film's aesthetic, combined with a soundtrack featuring an original song by Japanese Breakfast, creates an atmosphere that is both contemporary and timeless.

In Materialists, Celine Song proves that she's not only adept at crafting poignant narratives but also unafraid to challenge genre conventions. 

The film is a testament to her versatility as a filmmaker and her keen insight into the human condition.

Courtesy of A24