Celine Song’s ‘Materialists’: A Fresh Take on Modern Love and Class Divide

Remember when romcoms were all about meet-cutes in coffee shops and running through airports? Well, Celine Song’s latest film “Materialists” is here to give us a reality check about love in 2025 where your postcode and bank balance might matter more than your chat-up lines.

From Past Lives to Present Tensions

Fresh off the success of “Past Lives” (and those well-deserved Oscar nods), Song isn’t resting on her laurels. She’s jumped straight into the deep end with “Materialists”, tackling the thorny issue of dating across the class divide. And cor blimey, has she nailed it.

The film pairs Dakota Johnson’s struggling artist with Pedro Pascal’s private equity manager (complete with a 12m Manhattan flat though don’t you dare call him a billionaire, as Song hilariously pointed out during our chat). Chris Evans rounds out the cast as… well, no spoilers here, mate.

Money Talks (But Love Speaks Louder?)

Having spent the last week watching young couples in my local trying to split the bill while pretending they’re not counting pennies, Song’s exploration of financial anxiety in relationships feels spot-on. “Our financial literacy is so fucked,” she tells me over breakfast, breaking down the reality of wealth disparities with the patience of someone who’s clearly explained this a thousand times.

The average income stats she rattles off (35,000 for the average American adult) hit harder than a double shot of espresso. It’s the kind of real talk that makes “Materialists” feel less like a fantasy and more like that chat you had with your mates last Friday about whether you can actually afford to date in 2025.

The Cast Chemistry We Didn’t Know We Needed

Let’s be honest whoever cast Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal together deserves a cheeky bonus. Their on-screen chemistry crackles with the intensity of a British plug socket during a power surge. Evans’ appearance adds another layer to this already rich cake, proving Song’s knack for assembling an ensemble that just works.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Is Materialists similar to Past Lives?

While both films explore relationships, Materialists focuses more on contemporary social issues and class dynamics rather than Past Lives’ exploration of fate and cultural identity. Think less “what could have been” and more “what could be if we weren’t so hung up on bank balances”.

Where can I watch Materialists in the UK?

The film opens in select cinemas nationwide from August 15th, with a wider release planned for September. Keep an eye on your local independent cinemas they’re usually first to get Song’s works.

Does the film offer solutions to the class divide in dating?

Rather than prescribing solutions, Song presents an honest look at modern relationships. As she puts it, “I’m more interested in showing people their own reality than telling them how to fix it.”

The Bottom Line

In a world where dating apps let you filter by income bracket (cheers for that, capitalism), “Materialists” feels like a much-needed wake-up call. It’s clever, surprisingly funny, and might just make you rethink your own relationship with money and love. Plus, it’s got Pedro Pascal in a suit need I say more?

Share your thoughts below on whether money matters in modern relationships, or if love really can conquer all (including a hefty mortgage). And no, suggesting we all just marry rich isn’t helpful, Karen.