The article contains spoilers for Materialists. The new romantic comedy Materialists is creating waves in theaters, showcasing a captivating love triangle involving Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, alongside Harry (Pedro Pascal) and John (Chris Evans). While on the surface it seems like a typical romantic subplot, the intricacies of Lucy’s relationships demand a deeper look, especially regarding why Harry and John never share a word.
Director Celine Song recently shed light on this unique storytelling choice during an interview with ScreenRant. She highlighted the class disparity between Harry and John, suggesting it was a deliberate power move from Harry to ignore John entirely. “To me, it’s always about the power of that,†she explained, noting that Harry initially encounters John as a cater waiter, hinting at how wealth can distort perceptions of value. In Harry’s perspective, John’s invisibility to him is a statement of dominance, an idea that resonates deeply throughout their sparse interactions.
The Deeper Implications of Their Silence
Surprisingly, there are only two significant moments on screen where John and Harry are present together in Materialists. The first scene features Harry introducing himself to Lucy at a wedding, only to be interrupted by John. The second moment occurs at John’s play’s after-party, where Harry chooses to maintain his distance. Both instances are striking for their lack of direct interaction, suggesting that Harry’s refusal to acknowledge John is intentional.
This dynamic hints at an underlying tension, rooted in how each character views the other. Harry’s choice to ignore John speaks volumes, subtly illustrating his perception of John as a non-threat, or merely someone beneath his notice. Their brief shared moments emphasize not just the differences in social status but also a psychological battle playing out as Lucy navigates her feelings.
Interpreting Their Relationship Dynamics
John’s resentment toward Lucy’s choice of Harry seems palpable, yet there’s a deeper layer to their rivalry. While he may not outwardly express his feelings, it’s clear that emotions run high. John harbors anger not just toward Harry for winning Lucy’s affection but also because of Harry’s apparent disregard for him. Conversely, Harry battles his own insecurities, projected through this aloofness toward John. Ignoring John could very well be Harry’s way of asserting his place in Lucy’s life, while simultaneously downplaying John as a rival.
Materialists crafts a familiar story of romantic tension and emotional turmoil. Still, what distinguishes it from other romantic comedies is the rich detail and subtlety in these interactions. This revelation from Song recontextualizes the characters and their relationships, beckoning viewers to scrutinize their dynamics more closely.
As the film unfolds, audience members are reminded that every glance, every choice of silence, carries weight. The nuanced storytelling creates a film that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever found themselves tangled in love’s complexities. With its unique narrative approach and emotional depth, Materialists promises to leave viewers not just entertained, but contemplative about the true nature of human connections.