Since her arresting directorial debut Past Lives, a love story torn between Seoul and New York City, audiences have been waiting for Celine Song’s next creation. Though we’ve had two critically acclaimed screenplays in the meantime from her husband Justin Kuritzkes, each for Luca Guadagnino projects (Challengers and Queer), Song’s contemplative approach to dialogue and modern relationships has been sorely missed since the success of her first movie. But finally, her sophomore feature has landed.

Orbiting around the star love triangle of Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, Materialists is a precise dissection of dating in the 2020s, and how logic and economics are once again dominating over love and genuine connection. Though its focus is clearly the screenplay (Song’s background as a playwright is evident here), the visuals of the film are thoughtful and luxurious, a far cry from the basic treatment that movies with this subject matter often receive.

Materialists is a romcom with a distinct personality that can’t be separated from its celebrated creator. A more cerebral take on the genre, the film shows that Song is well at home in Hollywood.

Before I go, I have to tell you all that this will unfortunately be my last blog with the Dukes. It’s been a privilege to write for you all, and I won’t be stopping anytime soon – I still regularly write for online outlets (as well as academic journals), so keep an eye out for my name! Goodbye for now! 

See the Materialists from Friday 22nd - Thursday 28th August

Book Your Tickets Here!