Celine Song’s ‘Materialists’: When Love and Money Collide in Modern Dating

Remember when dating was just about whether you fancied someone’s face? These days, it’s all about what’s in their wallet – or at least that’s what Celine Song’s brilliant new film ‘Materialists’ wants us to chat about over our oat milk lattes.

From Past Lives to Present Bank Balances

Fresh off her Oscar-nominated debut ‘Past Lives’, Song’s serving up another emotional masterpiece – but don’t expect your typical boy-meets-girl fluff. This time, she’s paired Dakota Johnson’s struggling artist with Pedro Pascal’s private equity manager (complete with a swanky 12m flat), throwing in Chris Evans for good measure because, well, why not?

Having caught an early screening (perks of the job!), I can confirm it’s properly clever stuff. Song’s got this knack for making you laugh one minute and properly think the next – especially when Pascal’s character starts chatting about his gaff. And no, he’s not a billionaire, as Song hilariously pointed out over brekkie in Manhattan: “If you’re a billionaire, your big apartment is not $12m!”

Money Talks, But Does Anyone Listen?

What’s genius about ‘Materialists’ is how Song strips away our financial illiteracy. Remember when we all thought having a Monzo card made us proper money experts? The film tackles these awkward money chats head-on, making you realise most of us are about as financially literate as a potato.

The average American makes $35,000 yearly – a fact Song drops like a truth bomb in our chat. It’s the kind of detail that makes you go “crikey” when you’re watching Johnson’s character navigate dating someone earning multiples of that. Sound familiar to anyone who’s ever split a bill and secretly died inside?

Star Power Meets Real Talk

Let’s be honest – casting Pedro Pascal (aka everyone’s internet boyfriend) and Dakota Johnson (still recovering from that viral lemon water moment) is a bit like winning the lottery twice. But it’s their chemistry that sells the whole “can love conquer class divides?” question.

Evans pops up as the wild card – no spoilers, but let’s just say his character adds another layer to this already juicy cake of social commentary. And yes, he does that thing with his eyebrows that we all love.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions

When is Materialists released in the UK?

The film hits British cinemas in early 2025, following its successful New York premiere. Perfect timing for those post-Christmas dating blues!

Is it similar to Past Lives?

While both films tackle relationships, Materialists focuses more on contemporary dating and class dynamics rather than Past Lives’ exploration of fate and cultural identity.

Does it have a happy ending?

Nice try! No spoilers here, but Song’s known for realistic rather than fairy-tale endings. Let’s just say it’ll leave you chatting in the pub afterwards.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve ever winced at a date’s suggestion of a fancy restaurant or pretended to know about investments, Materialists is going to hit different. It’s clever, funny, and proper British audiences will appreciate its take on class dynamics – something we know a thing or two about, eh?

Drop your thoughts below about dating across the class divide – we promise not to judge your bank balance! And keep your eyes peeled for our exclusive interview with the cast next month.