How Ancient Love Shapes Modern Relationships in Materialists

Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Materialists.

Materialists, directed and written by Celine Song, opens with an evocative scene: a prehistoric couple exchanging a flower ring, representing one of the earliest forms of marriage. This moment sets the tone for the film, which is currently in theaters and features star-studded performances from Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. Following the success of her previous film, Past Lives, Song’s latest project promises an exploration of love that transcends time.

According to SlashFilm, Song’s choice to start with ancient love was intentional. She wanted to encourage audiences to reflect on how love has been experienced throughout history, despite the lack of historical records about queer love. Song captures the essence of romantic relationships through the ages, posing intriguing questions about their significance. She shared her thoughts:

“I always planned it that way. I wanted it to always feel like you walk in, and you’re like, ‘I thought I came here to watch Dakota, Chris, and Pedro. What’s happening? Why am I watching ancient people be in love?’ But I think that’s what I really want to talk about.”

“There’s no record of queer love for so many hundreds of years. And it doesn’t mean that the love that passed between two queer people isn’t as substantial or meaningful as in any of the marriages that are on the actual record.”

Exploration of Love Through Time

Materialists intricately weaves themes of love and relationships, transitioning from ancient forms of romance to modern dynamics. The film encompasses a love triangle involving its main characters, reflecting on contemporary dating tropes while rooting back to the essence of ancient love. This thematic exploration was hinted at in the film’s trailer, delivering a charming yet deep narrative about the timeless nature of love.

Song’s commentary on audience expectations aligns seamlessly with the movie’s mission. The opening scene starkly contrasts modern dating norms with the simplicity of ancient love. It showcases that the depth of love is a consistent thread throughout human history, culminating in a poignant ending where Lucy (Johnson) ultimately chooses genuine connection with John (Evans) over superficial allure with Harry (Pascal).

Artistry in Simplicity

With Past Lives, Song established her reputation as an innovative filmmaker, and Materialists continues that legacy. From the very first scene, her approach resonates with the film’s core themes. The stripped-down portrayal of love invites viewers to reflect on identity, intimacy, and relationships, navigating away from the often exaggerated standards of contemporary romance.

This refreshing perspective on love underscores the film’s narrative, drawing on both historical and emotional contexts. Song effectively elevates the storytelling by illuminating the tenderness and authenticity of age-old connections, proving once again that love, in its many forms, remains a central tenet of human experience.

For those captivated by love stories that challenge societal norms, Materialists serves as both a time capsule and a modern commentary, making it a must-see for audiences everywhere.

Source: SlashFilm