Materialists

Once is an anomaly. Twice is a pattern. Celine Song follows up a perfect film in Past Lives with no sophomore slump. Materialists is thoughtfully and carefully written, directed and performed. Celine is in her bag, man. Direction and script is dang near perfect. Materialists has double digit scenes that completely consume me. The first of which is Lucy and John’s encounter outside the first wedding. The script, directorial choices and performances by Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson make you feel and understand the communication spoken and unspoken. So many shots peppered throughout where we see the character process, respond and emotionally engage with an off-screen character that just floors me. Nonverbal communication and acting from Evans in particular was first class. The side plot (that isn’t much of a side as it intertwines with the main plot, and even pushes it along) with Zoe Winters was magnificent. Winters steals the show in several scenes. It took the wind out of me. I may have gone 4.5 here, mainly because Pedro’s kitchen scene performance that took me out of Heaven. But REALLY REALLY strong close from Evans, Winters and Johnson. Evans’ monologue is outstanding. I cried. Why isn’t Chris Evans cast in every serious movie ever? He was believable. He was real. He was authentic. 4-for-4 with 4 grand slams. Amazing movie. This app is cooked if this has a 3.6 average.