Celine Song’s upcoming film Materialists is shaping up to be a captivating departure from her debut film Past Lives (2023), as she delves into the world of romantic comedy with a bold new vision. After exploring the intricacies of a decades-spanning love story in Past Lives, Song now shifts gears, embracing the playful and genre-savvy elements of the rom-com world. The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into a film that is not just a love story, but a stylish commentary on modern relationships.
In Materialists, the focus isn’t solely on the star power of Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal or the carefully curated soundtrack, but on a voiceover that channels the nostalgia of 90s movie trailers. The trailer opens with a suave male voice that announces, “No one plays the game better than Lucy. But love isn’t part of her equation.” This bold choice infuses the film with a theatrical flair, setting the tone for a lighthearted yet profound rom-com experience.
Lucy, portrayed by Johnson, is a professional matchmaker who seems to have it all figured out—until her own complicated romantic entanglements with Pascal and Evans throw her into a whirlwind. The trailer, set to Madonna’s iconic “Material Girl,” showcases Lucy’s well-crafted life unraveling as she grapples with her own beliefs about love and romance.
A Modern Take on Familiar Tropes
The trailer for Materialists doesn’t just present typical rom-com scenarios—it creates an atmosphere steeped in familiar tropes, such as love triangles, extravagant dates, and sassy one-liners. However, in Song’s hands, these tropes take on a deeper meaning. Rather than merely recycling old formulas, Song remixes them to explore the complexities of modern love.
Unlike the Lucy character in the original novel, who is a straightforward matchmaker, Song’s film reimagines her as a reflection of contemporary romance: a balancing act between meticulous curation and the unpredictability of fate. The trailer hints at a story that may initially seem predictable but promises to evolve into something more profound as it unfolds.
A Nostalgic and Ironic Lens on Love
Where Past Lives explored the themes of longing and nostalgia, Materialists presents a more current, ironic take on romance. The film’s exploration of intersectionality and the choices available in today’s dating world offers a fresh perspective on love, one that is both performative and genuine. With a release date set for June 13, 2025, Materialists raises the question: will the film follow the expected rom-com path, or will it subvert expectations entirely?
By resurrecting a vintage trailer style and blending it with a modern sensibility, Materialists has already piqued interest. Celine Song is poised to grab our attention with a film that may turn the genre upside down, offering a fresh, introspective look at love in today’s world.
