MATERIALISTS

'Materialists' is the perfect modern look at dating. As the need for human connection grows, we become more and more intent about what we desire in our perfect match. Height, age, appearance, job, and wealth are all at the forefront while we scroll through the apps or look across a crowd at a bar. We think that if we find someone who ticks all those boxes, we will find love - but love is much more complicated than that. Song captures all of this beautifully in this film. She really holds the mirror up to the audience, with Lucy having two choices in front of her: rich man or poor man. Obviously, in the film, Lucy picks someone and they live happily ever after, but I find the discord over which man would you pick really interesting. The film also isn't trying to tell you what love is because love looks different to everyone; that's the point here. For some people, it is what you write on your wish list - you find someone who matches that and boom, married. For others, it's more complicated. You could hate everything they do, they don't tick your superficial boxes, but no matter what, you still love them. 'Materialists' captures all of this and more in its perfectly paced two-hour run time.

The cast is also all performing at the top of their game. Johnson, Evans and Pascal are already actors I adore, but this made me fall even more in love with them. The chemistry they have as a trio sucks you in and makes you swoon. I am already giddy over these people (especially Mr Evans), yet there were moments that made my jaw drop with delight. The way these actors and Song's writing and directing come together is one of the most perfect matches of all time. There are moments that feel so personal both for the characters, but also as an audience member. Song's has crafted something that, even sitting in a packed cinema, draws you in and makes you feel like she is talking directly to you.

I fear some audience members might be disappointed with the film. The marketing is very much an early 2000s era rom-com, with a "who is she going to choose" vibe. While the film does have those elements, it's so much more and much deeper and more grounded than I think some general audiences going on a "girls' night out" might be anticipating. The film, for lack of a better way to describe it, leans a bit more toward an "indie romance" than a blockbuster rom-com.

'Materialists' is a true encapsulation of modern dating. It impeccably captures the ups and downs of finding the perfect match. The team-up of this script with this director and cast is the ultimate swipe right!

Slightly bummed this didn't end like Johnsons' film 'How to Be Single' and Hailee Steinfeld's 'Love Myself' plays.