Acclaimed director Celine Song joins forces with Dakota Johnson in a new film that delves into the nuances of modern romance, as “Materialists” prepares for its theatrical debut in New York this weekend. Celine Song discusses Materialists and modern love, pulling from her own experiences as a playwright and matchmaker to frame a story about choice, value, and the messy realities of dating in today’s world.
From Playwright to Filmmaker: Celine Song’s Artistic Path
Before Celine Song gained recognition as an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, her journey began on the New York theater scene, where she balanced her creative aspirations with practical jobs to make ends meet. Among these, she worked as a professional matchmaker—a role that, while initially just a job, unexpectedly provided a deep well of insight into people’s desires and complexities. As Song grew in her career, the candid truths and human stories from her matchmaking days remained with her, inspiring her to tell a cinematic story rooted in the universal pursuit of love and connection.
Celine Song has noted,
“I always wanted to write something about it because there seemed to be a story in it that is massive and very epic in proportion,”
—Celine Song, Director. Her time as a matchmaker gave her a unique vantage on the patterns and contradictions in how people seek relationships and fulfillment. She added,
“It affects every human being on Earth.”
—Celine Song, Director
Bringing “Materialists” to Life
While awaiting the release of her previous breakout film, “Past Lives,” Celine Song turned her focus to what would become “Materialists,” a contemporary romantic drama set in the vibrant landscape of New York City. The movie features a star-studded cast, with Dakota Johnson as the lead character Lucy, joined by Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. The story revolves around Lucy, a successful matchmaker, who finds herself at a personal crossroads, torn between a struggling actor who is also her ex-boyfriend and a wealthy, highly desirable client sometimes referred to as a “unicorn.” The tension and dynamic between these potential partners have sparked debate and anticipation even before the film’s official release, yet “Materialists” goes beyond typical love triangle narratives, aiming instead to interrogate deeper questions about identity, values, and what people truly seek in love.
Finding the Perfect Lead
The collaboration between Celine Song and Dakota Johnson began through genuine curiosity and mutual professional admiration. Their connection was almost immediate.
“I think I’ve found my Lucy.”
—Celine Song, Director. This casting decision stemmed more from instinct and emotional resonance than formula, as Song explained. For Johnson, the project offered an opportunity to connect with Song as both an artist and a person, motivated by respect for the filmmaker’s previous work on “Past Lives.”
Johnson admitted to being drawn to the idea of working with Song, despite thinking the film was already cast, and relished their first conversation together, which turned out to be unexpectedly pivotal for the project’s development and direction.
Dakota Johnson’s Perspective on Lucy
In “Materialists,” Dakota Johnson plays Lucy—a matchmaker who is at the peak of her professional prowess yet struggles with her own personal desires. Johnson describes Lucy as extremely competent in facilitating connections for others, though initially detached from her own feelings. Beneath this exterior, Lucy is deeply invested in the well-being of her clients, striving to bring happiness and stability to them, all while quietly wrestling with her own life choices.
As Johnson relates, Lucy stands at a crossroads, torn between pursuing what she thinks she wants and discovering what she truly needs. This internal struggle—balancing outward success with unresolved personal longing—forms a central theme of the film.
The Nature of Choices and the Modern Dating Marketplace
Central to the narrative of “Materialists” is the examination of the modern landscape of dating and relationships. Rather than pitting two archetypes—the rich, successful client versus the struggling artist ex—against each other in a simple test of worthiness, Song and Johnson explore the complexities of how contemporary society evaluates romantic prospects. Song observes that Lucy, as a professional matchmaker, is uniquely equipped to see the calculated side of romantic selection, yet as the film reveals, matters of the heart resist such logical categorization.
Pedro Pascal’s character is framed as someone who, in traditional dating conventions, represents the pinnacle of desirability. By contrast, Chris Evans’ role places his character at the opposite end of that spectrum. Despite these superficial distinctions, Song articulates their depth, remarking that they are
“adorable characters, very worthy of an adoration.”
The narrative focuses less on a competition between the two and more on how individuals, including Lucy, must interrogate the criteria they use—and have been taught to use—when making relationship choices.
This examination extends beyond material conditions and technical appeal to consider “psycho-spiritual” and emotional realities, with both characters offering Lucy distinctive prospects for personal growth and fulfillment. In discussing how love has been historically transactional and how current societal shifts have complicated expectations from romantic partners, Johnson comments on marriage’s evolution from a business arrangement to a profound emotional partnership, complicated further by digital communication and social media’s influence.
Exploring Contradictions of the Heart
Through Lucy, Celine Song’s script interrogates the contradictions between what people say they want and what they actually feel. The space between the rational selection of a mate and the visceral, uncontrollable experience of falling in love forms the emotional mystery at the heart of “Materialists.” Song addresses this divide directly, noting that language often fails to capture the chaotic and uncertain process of genuine connection. As Song observes, describing what you want in a partner is very different from experiencing deep, spiritual love, and Lucy’s journey reflects that gap—challenging her to decide whether wealth or authentic love matters more in the scope of her own happiness and meaning.
Significance and Potential Impact of “Materialists”
“Materialists” arrives at a time when conversations about relationships, dating, and what people expect from their partners are more dynamic and multifaceted than ever before. By setting the story in New York and centering it on a matchmaker who is both an expert and a participant in this social marketplace, Celine Song creates a space for viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the forces shaping modern love. The performances by Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans offer a spectrum of possibilities, each challenging traditional narratives about value and connection.
As audiences enter theaters to see “Materialists,” the film invites them to reconsider the calculus of romance and the intangible aspects of desire and commitment. With its grounded setting, contemporary relevance, and thoughtful character development, Celine Song’s latest work promises to contribute meaningfully to ongoing discussions about love, identity, and personal truth in an ever-changing world.
