What Does Harry’s Scar Reveal About Dating in Materialists?

The following contains spoilers for Materialists.

In the new R-rated film Materialists, director Celine Song brings a refreshing perspective to the dating world, deftly intertwining romance and societal commentary. At the heart of the film is Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker grappling with the complexities of modern relationships. She finds herself at a crossroads, torn between Harry (Pedro Pascal), the archetype of a perfect match, and John (Chris Evans), her flawed yet familiar ex.

A pivotal moment occurs when Harry reveals a scar from height surgery, a shocking twist that serves as a metaphor for the pressures of dating. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Song elaborates on this revelation. She emphasizes how the film meticulously lays the groundwork for this moment, making it not just a twist but an inevitable turn in the narrative. “It’s about how we commodify and objectify each other in the dating market,” she notes, highlighting the emotional toll these expectations take on both men and women.

“Well, I feel like it’s first introduced when she’s talking to her friend matchmaker and she’s learning about that surgery. What’s most important about that surgery is how much it crushes all of us in the dating market, including men. Even Harry, who seems perfect, is also crushed by it.”

What This Means For Materialists

Harry’s Scar Is An Important Twist In Materialists

Harry’s scar serves as more than just a shocking detail; it encapsulates the vulnerabilities everyone faces when navigating love. He confesses to Lucy that he and his brother underwent this drastic procedure, illustrating the lengths to which individuals go to fit societal standards of beauty and desirability. This underlying insecurity reinforces the film’s theme: dating is fraught with pressures that can undermine even the most seemingly perfect lives.

Song’s insights reveal how Harry’s scar transforms him from an idealized figure into a character relatable to anyone struggling with self-image. Through Lucy’s shifting reactions, the film thoughtfully critiques the way relationships often hinge on superficial qualities, nudging both characters—and the audience—to confront their own illusions about love.

Our Take On Harry’s Scar In Materialists

The Revelation Is Both Sad And Funny

Harry’s scar paints a nuanced picture of masculinity, illustrating that even those who appear to have it all together wrestle with deep-seated insecurities. Contrary to typical cinematic portrayals of scars arising from heroic acts or unfortunate events, Harry’s comes from a desire to be more attractive on the dating scene—a reality that many can relate to.

The casting of Pedro Pascal adds a layer of depth; his ability to convey vulnerability enhances the film’s exploration of objectification in modern dating. The moment Harry bends to demonstrate what he would look like without the surgery evokes both humor and sadness, drawing attention to the transactional nature of their relationship. Materialists ultimately dissects the disillusionment within the dating landscape, with Harry’s scar serving as a poignant reminder of the emotional complexities involved.

As audiences grapple with the realities portrayed in Materialists, the film’s insights resonate far beyond the screen, encouraging a deeper examination of relationships in our own lives. With its nuanced characters and clever commentary, this film not only entertains but also invites reflection on the commodification of love in contemporary society.

For those intrigued by themes of love and identity, Celine Song’s Materialists perfectly illustrates the intricate dance of dating, making players out of all of us in this modern romance.