Imagine you’re a single woman in New York, torn between two lovers—both handsome, intelligent, and kind, but one is very poor and the other very rich. All else being equal, who would you choose? In real life, the answer is completely different—almost the opposite—of what you’d see in a movie. Few film heroines are as honest as Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, who admitted falling for Mr. Darcy after seeing his grand estate at Pemberley.

This is the central choice—though it never quite becomes a true dilemma—in this charming, watchable, yet somewhat anticlimactic romantic comedy-drama from South Korean-Canadian filmmaker Celine Song. Following her acclaimed debut Past Lives, which explored a much more authentic love triangle, this film presents a lighter, more fanciful version. When the final decision is made, the mood turns almost mournfully reflective, as speeches and scenes try to reconcile the film’s earnest tone with its witty, materialistic premise.

Set in Manhattan, the story follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a matchmaker who arrdates for professionals looking to settle down. The film opens with a glossy, aspirational sheen—luxury, wealth, and the unapologetic pursuit of stability through marriage. Lucy is about to celebrate her professional triumph: she’s the unofficial guest of honor at a high-society wedding she orchestrated for a nervous client who landed a wealthy finance guy.

At the reception, she meets the groom’s unmarried brother, Harry (Pedro Pascal)—a tall, sophisticated hedge-fund manager in a custom tuxedo, clearly rich and clearly interested in Lucy. He’s like a non-psychotic version of American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman. Early dialogue even has a Bret Easton Ellis vibe—quiet, rational discussions about wealth, delivered without irony.

But just as Harry starts making his move, Lucy’s ex, John (Chris Evans), appears—humiliatingly, as a struggling actor working as a waiter. He still shares a messy apartment with three other directionless thirty-somethings. As Lucy’s glamorous romance with Harry unfolds, she also reconnects with the broke but lovable (and undeniably attractive) John. Flashbacks reveal that Lucy, now polished and professional, was once more vulnerable and emotional with him.

The film doesn’t pit the two men against each other—there’s no Bridget Jones-style brawl. Both are respectful, both worthy of Lucy, though Harry harbors a surprising secret that will send audiences searching for answers afterward—one so unexpected that its deeper metaphorical meaning didn’t strike me until much later.

Song has admitted she once worked as a matchmaker herself. Unlike Lucy, who tells clients she can’t magically conjure perfect partners, Song can do exactly that in her fictional world—crafting an ideal man for her heroine. Here, idealism replaces materialism, and the resulting romance feels subdued.

Materialists hits UK and Irish cinemas on August 13.

FAQS
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) with clear, concise answers in a natural tone:

### **General Questions**
**1. What is [Topic]?**
A short, simple definition. Example: *”Solar energy is power harnessed from sunlight to generate electricity or heat.”*

**2. Why is [Topic] important?**
A brief benefit or real-world impact. Example: *”It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowering costs and environmental harm.”*

**3. How does [Topic] work?**
A high-level explanation. Example: *”Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity through photovoltaic cells.”*

### **Beginner-Level Questions**
**4. What are the basic components of [Topic]?**
List key parts. Example: *”A solar power system includes panels, an inverter, batteries (if storing energy), and a mounting structure.”*

**5. Is [Topic] easy to learn/use?**
A realistic assessment. Example: *”Yes, beginners can start with basic setups, but advanced applications may require expertise.”*

**6. What are common uses for [Topic]?**
Practical examples. Example: *”Solar energy powers homes, streetlights, and even satellites.”*

### **Advanced Questions**
**7. What are the limitations of [Topic]?**
Honest drawbacks. Example: *”Solar panels don’t work at night and require sunlight, which varies by location.”*

**8. How can I optimize [Topic] for better results?**
Pro tips. Example: *”Place panels at the right angle, keep them clean, and use energy-efficient appliances.”*

**9. What are the latest advancements in [Topic]?**
Recent innovations. Example: *”New perovskite solar cells are more efficient and cheaper than traditional silicon panels.”*

### **Troubleshooting & Tips**
**10. What are common problems with [Topic]?**
Example: *”Dust on panels or faulty wiring can reduce efficiency.”*

**11. How do I fix [common issue]?**
Quick solution. Example: *”Clean panels regularly and check connections for damage.”*

**12. Where can I learn more about [Topic]?**
Resources (websites, books, courses). Example: *