Materialists (2024) – Movie Review
An Unconventional Take on Love, Wealth, and Emotional Investment
“Materialists” is a bold, satirical drama that blends romantic comedy with biting social commentary, directed by Celine Song. Known for her poignant storytelling, Song takes a different direction from her acclaimed debut Past Lives, delivering a film that is just as thought-provoking, but sharper, funnier, and more cynical.
Plot Overview
Set in the glitzy world of New York’s elite, Materialists follows the life of a young woman navigating the intersection of love and luxury. She is a former philosophy student-turned-luxury personal shopper who dates wealthy men not just for companionship, but for survival and status. Her romantic entanglement with a charming, less affluent actor threatens to unravel the carefully curated lifestyle she’s built.
At its core, Materialists is a modern-day fairy tale flipped on its head—examining what love looks like when emotional connection is weighed against financial security.
Performances
The film is anchored by a magnetic lead performance. The protagonist is sharp, confident, and unapologetically driven, delivering a portrayal that challenges traditional ideas of femininity and power. The supporting cast adds rich texture, with notable performances from both the suave suitors and the emotionally complex romantic interest, who brings vulnerability and groundedness to the high-stakes emotional game.
Direction & Writing
Celine Song crafts a narrative that is both stylish and insightful. The script is witty, layered, and laced with irony, balancing moments of levity with deeper existential questions about value—both economic and emotional. Song’s direction is precise, using minimalist visuals and sharp dialogue to highlight the contrast between surface glamour and internal emptiness.
The film avoids easy moralizing. Instead, it presents its characters in shades of gray, inviting the audience to form their own judgments about love, ambition, and self-worth.
Visuals & Aesthetic
Visually, Materialists is sleek and modern. The cinematography captures the glossy surfaces of Manhattan’s luxury life with a cool, detached lens—mirroring the emotional detachment many of the characters feel. Costume and set design play a crucial role in storytelling, symbolizing identity, aspiration, and illusion.
Themes & Impact
At its heart, Materialists asks: What do we truly value in relationships—connection or compensation? The film unpacks materialism not as a simple obsession with wealth, but as a lens through which people assess risk, safety, and even love. It highlights the transactional nature of modern romance without losing sight of its emotional stakes.
In an era where dating apps and social media blur the lines between affection and advantage, Materialists captures the zeitgeist with razor-sharp clarity. It’s not just about gold-digging—it’s about emotional capitalism, self-preservation, and the cost of vulnerability.
Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
Materialists is a clever, stylish, and emotionally resonant film that challenges viewers to reconsider their own relationships with love and money. It’s a modern fable that subverts romantic ideals with intelligence and flair. Celine Song proves once again that she is a filmmaker unafraid to ask difficult questions—and do so with elegance and wit.
If you’re looking for a film that’s as emotionally charged as it is culturally relevant, Materialists deserves your attention.