Materialists

My goat beat the sophomore slump allegations 🤩 I cried three times. [aside from the opening scene, which bangs] the first twenty or so minutes, the tone of the film matched the marketing, in which I thought 'wow, she really is just going for a more modern 'feeling' movie. However, it quickly pulls you back into the pace that Song is going to be known for. Every moment is weighty and important. Every breath, every look, every tilting of the head... it all says something. I predicted when the film was first announced that I was a bit concerned with how Pedro would play, as well as having no positive experiences with Dakota on screen, was slightly hesitant. I knew Chris would lock in though, and he's on his absolute A-GAME. I need him to be in some awards talks for this. Dakota was secondary by a bit [not in billing order, but in how I saw the quality of performances]. Her range is made much more clear and evident upon reflection of the film, though in the moment, I couldn't help compare her to Greta Lee, feeling the difference in what they brought to their movies. Dakota doesn't come close, but she still puts in quite a good showing. Pedro felt the weakest by comparison, though still put in a very good showing... it's just weak because of how high the bar is set from the other two. His ability to be vulnerable as an actor is, I think, his weakness, though it by no means is ever a 'oh, this took me out,' issue. In a huge surprise, Zoe Winters needs to win everything. She is a SCENE STEALER and had full control over MY emotions from the moment she appeared at any point in the movie. The style, tone, pacing, editing, PD, cinematography, direction, score (shoutout Pemberton) is all just... peak. The story itself is a really unique concept that isn't shy in its message and critique of the world. If the message were political, it could rightfully be criticized as being over the head, blunt, etc. But I really appreciate the fact that it is so: "hey you, yea you. the way you live is dumb. find love," because it deals with such human issues that we all can find ourselves struggling with. The characters are deep, complex, flawed, lovable, and relatable- and as you see them navigate their life, you can't help but root for them and feel close to them. It's a very good companion piece to Past Lives as well, with a Lucas-esque poetic symmetry through both stories. Yet unlike Lucas, Celine Song writes and directs masterfully, elevating the story that much more. Imagine being one of the heartless individuals who let this movie fall to a 3.3 😪🤧