By Nick Nitkowski

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of romance movies. The only thing I hate more than romance movies are romantic comedies being the lowest of the low on my list of most hated genres. The reason for this is because nine times out of ten, they all follow a very specific formula that they rarely, if ever, deviate from. Unfortunately, “Materialists” is listed as a romantic comedy. However, it is directed by Celine Song, who directed “Past Lives” and it didn’t hurt that I basically went into this movie blind with no expectations whatsoever. So, it can’t possibly disappoint me, right?

“Materialists” stars Dakota Johnson of “Fifty Shades” and “Madam Webb” fame, not a promising start, who plays a matchmaker who sets up dates for various men and women who has it down to a near perfect mathematical system of love finding. The trouble is that she finds herself torn between her broke and struggling ex, played by Chris Evans, and a man who she perceives to be her perfect match, played by Pedro Pascal.

I personally can not classify this movie as a romcom because it only made me chuckle at most a couple of times, but I can see how it received that classification. But if you scrub away that toxic genre title it holds, it’s actually a pretty good movie with a very real outlook on what it’s like for people to find love in this asinine dating pool. One that I personally do not wish to re-enter anytime soon.

It provided a very real look at the high and often unrealistic expectations that both men and women look for in an ideal partner. I’m sure both parties can find something relatable in that aspect of the movie. I know I certainly did. We’ve heard it all before, “women want this, this, and this while men want this, this, and that.” This movie pretty much holds up a glaring mirror up to the face of the dating world, and I both appreciate and respect that as not many movies do that. Most romcom movies usually just cater to the unrealistic expectations of finding love with cheesy lines and unrealistic situations between two characters that don’t have much chemistry, if any. Part of the reason why I despise the genre.

The acting in this movie is pretty good, which is mostly complimented by the writing in this movie. This is probably the best movie I’ve ever seen Dakota Johnson in where she is at the forefront. Of course, everyone loves Pedro Pascal, and for good reason. He brings a certain charm to his roles, and that charm is very apparent here. Chris Evans arguably probably has the least amount of screen time, it’s hard to tell, but he has proven that he still does well without his Shield, and this role is no exception to that fact.

The writing in this movie is the true standout of this movie, in my opinion. The dialogue between characters felt genuine, honest, and often times profound. There were so many different pieces of dialogue throughout this movie that I truly resonated with. Some I’d say even managed to reach deep within my own soul. When characters talked about their unrealistic ideal partners or when others were questioning the purpose of marriage, I really felt it. As a divorced man who has always struggled with the game of love to the point of not wanting to play anymore, it really made the gears in my head turn and even validated some of my personal feelings on the matter. 

Overall, this movie that I had zero knowledge of prior to sitting down in my seat and one that I had literally no expectations for before the lights turned down really surprised me in the best way. I truly believe that “Materialists” has something for both the believers and the cynics of love. Hell, both may be able to find something to poke fun at on both sides. With impeccable writing on a subject that affects many, I’d say that Celine Song has swung and made another great hit. My only nitpick of a complaint that I have towards this movie is that the last act ran a bit too long. The last act could have been trimmed down just a tad to make it an hour and 45 minutes long instead of nearing two hours. Any fans of love and all of its complications will easily enjoy this movie, and I’d even recommend it to anyone who is skeptical. It may not be the kind of movie that you need to see in a theater, as you can get the same effect of this movie at home, but I do think that it needs to be seen.

4 stars