Rom-Com Gone Wrong: 'The Materialists' Fails to Spark
A Cringe-Filled Disaster
In a vivid attempt to create an insightful romantic comedy, ‘The Materialists,’ released by A24, has ventured into the murky waters of modern romance and failed to stay afloat. According to Daily Tribune, this film feels more like a parody gone awry, portraying characters with robotic dialogue and plotlines that test viewers’ patience.
Predictable Plot, Predictable Characters
Celine Song’s offering falls short on many fronts, failing to evoke the charm and wit expected from a contemporary rom-com. The eye-roll-inducing predictability is hard to overlook, especially as the film shepherds viewers through a plot as transparent as a New York summer rain. The storyline centers on Lucy, a character decked out with all the telling signs of a romantic misstep, yet seemingly unaware of her obvious flaws.
Matchmaking in Mismatched Worlds
Set against the backdrop of a matchmaking venture called Adore, Lucy’s narrative is intended to traverse the complexities of modern love. This company’s shallow criteria for pairing individuals provide little more than a cliched canvas for the story to unfold. The attempts to portray the matchmaking industry through superficial assessments and cringeworthy lists of romantic ‘requirements’ fail spectacularly to amuse or enlighten.
Missed Opportunities
The only glimmers of intrigue manifest in the direct-to-camera interviews shedding light on class snobbery and social ideologies. Yet, these moments are fleeting and underdeveloped, leaving viewers craving more depth and substance from the characters.
A Cultural Disconnect
The film appears culturally disoriented with its failed representation of New York City’s essence, likely due to Song’s lack of deep-rooted experience in the city. The disconnect becomes evident in the film’s forced attempts at New Yorker wit and humor that land flat.
Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, ‘The Materialists’ misses its mark as a rom-com, delivering an uninspiring narrative with corny lines that fizzle rather than sparkle. With a laughable, not amusingly laughable, execution, the film leaves audiences with more cringes than chuckles. While it preaches that even a red flag can be lovable, this cinematic experience may leave one questioning the depth necessary for true romance—in New York or elsewhere. A scant 0.5 out of 5 stars.
Currently showing in Philippine cinemas.
