Celine Song Discusses 'Materialists' and Reinventing Romantic Comedies

In her new film 'Materialists', Celine Song explores the complex intersection of love, socioeconomic status, and personal identity in contemporary New York City. The film, which stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, delves into the intricacies of the modern dating landscape where wealth and personal values often collide. Song's unique approach to storytelling aims to challenge traditional romantic comedy tropes, making the film a significant addition to the genre.

Celine Song, who gained recognition with her debut film 'Past Lives', first conceived the idea for 'Materialists' while working at a matchmaking service. This experience allowed her to observe the stark contrasts between the financially comfortable and those struggling to make ends meet. "Very wealthy people often want to talk to broke artists about what it’s like to try to follow your passion," she reflected in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. This theme is poignantly illustrated through the character Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker navigating her own romantic dilemmas while grappling with societal expectations around wealth.

The narrative centers on Lucy's relationship with Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy Wall Street professional, and her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a struggling actor. The film's love triangle serves as a metaphor for the broader marriage market, particularly within the context of New York City’s cultural fabric. "Keeping things vague would be cowardly for a movie called 'Materialists'," Song asserts, emphasizing her commitment to providing a clear depiction of the characters' financial realities and aspirations.

Song's meticulous attention to detail extends beyond character development to the film’s production design. The choice of Lucy's drink—a combination of Coke and beer—reflects her working-class roots. Song explained, "I think our go-to comfort foods reveal so much about our backgrounds," highlighting how seemingly trivial details can carry significant narrative weight.

The casting of Chris Evans, particularly, sparked interest due to his typical portrayal of more polished characters. However, Song believed in his ability to embody John, a character that represents the struggles faced by many in today’s dating landscape. "He fought to find that character fiercely. We spent weekends discussing scenes and characters, and he was so passionate about it," Song noted.

'’Materialists’ also tackles societal pressures linked to wealth and status, evident in the film’s depiction of characters who are commodified in the dating market. "The average income of an American is $35,000, which means many people make less, but the dating market is happening through people’s phones, where you can present yourself in the best way possible and compare yourself to everyone living their best life," Song remarked, pointing out the absurdity and challenges that arise in such a context.

The film, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, has received critical acclaim for its insightful commentary on contemporary relationships. As audiences engage with its themes, 'Materialists' promises to reshape perceptions of romantic comedies, urging viewers to reflect on their own values and relationships in a materialistic society.

In conclusion, Celine Song’s 'Materialists' stands as a bold exploration of love amidst the complexities of modern economics and societal expectations. As the film continues to resonate with audiences, it paves the way for future narratives that challenge the conventions of the romantic comedy genre.