Will Lucy and John’s Marriage Survive in Materialists?

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Materialists.

Materialists, directed by Celine Song, is a film that intricately weaves the complexities of love and the unpredictability of relationships. Starring Dakota Johnson as Lucy, the film follows her as she navigates a love triangle between her dream partner, Harry (Pedro Pascal), and her flawed ex, John (Chris Evans). Released on June 13, this romantic comedy culminates in a poignant moment at City Hall, where Lucy ultimately chooses to marry John, embracing love amidst uncertainty.

In an interview with IndieWire, Song explained the significance of the City Hall scene at the film’s conclusion. For Song, this location is both “the most romantic place on Earth and the least romantic place on Earth,” a captivating contradiction that mirrors the realities of modern relationships. She elaborates, “you never know how many of those marriages that happen in City Hall are going to work. The chance of survival is 50%, reflecting the reality that many couples face.” This insight adds a layer of depth to the seemingly optimistic ending, grounding it in a more cynical viewpoint of marriage today.

“For a Hollywood ending, the line at the end of the film, the final line, and the line that is meant to be the most romantic line is, ‘How’d you like to make a very bad financial decision?’ You never know, and that’s why it ends in a marriage bureau. If you ask me what’s going to happen to Lucy and John, it’s 50-50.”

The Reality Behind Materialists’ Ending

The Uncertainty of Lucy and John’s Fate

Materialists delves into the intricacies of dating, societal pressures, and the often unspoken truths of marriage. By choosing to marry for love, Lucy defies conventional wisdom, which often views such a decision as a poor investment. Song’s remarks emphasize the film’s perspective on modern romance—the joyous yet fraught experience that is relatable to many.

While the film’s conclusion may resonate with hope, the City Hall scene poignantly reflects a more realistic depiction of marriage’s fragility in contemporary society. It implicitly acknowledges the daunting statistics surrounding marital success, leaving viewers pondering the true nature of Lucy and John’s relationship.

The Depth of the Security-Camera Perspective

The Profound Significance of the Security-Camera View

The decision to utilize a security camera at the film’s conclusion initially appears quirky but serves to encapsulate the story’s essence. Materialists reflects an everyday love story that resonates deeply with audiences. Lucy and John, though undistinguished, grapple with personal baggage while striving to carve their own paths in life, demonstrating the complexities of love that go beyond fairy-tale endings.

Whether their marriage eventually leads to divorce is uncertain, highlighting the ambiguous nature of their commitment. Positioned among countless other couples in the City Hall line, their story emphasizes that they share common dreams and struggles—thus reinforcing Celine Song’s narrative of a love that is as messy and real as life itself.

Source: IndieWire

The film’s exploration of these themes, through a blend of humor and poignancy, makes Materialists a significant addition to the genre, reminding audiences that love is often tangled in complexities and uncertainties. For those who appreciate the artsy depth of films like Oppenheimer or have followed Song’s journey as a filmmaker, this film presents a refreshing narrative that captures the essence of modern-day relationships.