Materialists

Much like a first date, there’s much to like about Materialists but a lot of intangibles as well.

Celine Song’s follow up to the immaculate Past Lives, this treads similar ground in its exploration of romance with throughlines about suitability, true love and the meaning of marriage.

As lovely as it is to look at and as sharp as the writing can be, there’s something just a little off tonally about this film.

It doesn’t quite decide on a coherent message and you’re left not knowing what its stance is.

Perhaps that’s the point but some of the decision making is strange and jarring and the ending falls flat after a few of the more surprising elements prior.

It is a beautifully shot film and clearly there’s something great here fighting to get out. Some of the conversations are insightful and thought-provoking and it’s never dull.

Its central love triangle may lack the expected drama but the characters are fleshed out, interesting and dynamic.

It just takes some strange decisions and detours and that solid throughline is absent. It’ll leave you pondering and, whilst a good film to debate afterwards, the sense that something is missing is too overwhelming.

So much like dating it seems flash and sparkling at first, with a surface level shine sure to raise smiles. But that all important depth under the surface is lacking.

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