An In-Depth Interview with Celine Song on Her Film “Materialists”: Exploring Materialism and The Commodification Of Love

Celine Song knows a thing or two about love and marriage. As a worthy followup to Past Lives, Song tells the story of a New York ambitious matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson), blowing past her marriage quotas at Adore agency and actor/ waiter ex John (Chris Evans). Both are in search of that elusive perfect partnership – is it real or what we make it?

In this interview with Creative Screenwriting Magazine, Celine Song takes us on a journey through her creative process, the film’s central themes, and her personal experiences as a professional matchmaker that influenced its development.

Celine Song on Materialism in Film

“I think everybody on the movie poster is a materialist,” she asserts.

Celine navigates the complexities of the term, noting, “You could define it colloquially, which refers to someone who is materialistic, akin to cultural figures like Madonna. But it also has a deeper, philosophical meaning. For me, materialism reflects how our lives are fundamentally measured by our material existence and how we experience the world.”

By aligning materialism with broader social themes, Celine highlights the apparent transactional nature of modern love and dating. Human compatibility and love has been distilled into a series of checkboxes and dates with high expectations.

Celine Song, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) & John (Chris Evans) Photo by Atsushi Nishijima/ A24 Films

Materialism and Human Experience

As the discussion unfolds, Celine provides a thoughtful reflection on how our attachment to material possessions and finances shapes human experiences. “The essence of materialism is not solely about acquiring objects; it also speaks to the complex relationships and experiences we navigate daily,” she explains.

“That’s what my film aims to explore,” she adds. “It’s a lens through which we can examine our lives, the society we inhabit, and the underlying connections between individuals. We often find ourselves entrenched in consumer culture, but the film invites audiences to look beyond that surface to understand what truly connects us as human beings.”

Has love been reduced to a commercial product? Apparently so, when love has become an industry driven by the dating market. Adore can find you a match that is both financially stable, and the love of your life. Lucy’s sales record speaks for itself. A financial investment can solve human loneliness and call it love.

“I think the most important line in the whole film is when Lucy’s client Sophie (Zoe Winters) says, ‘I’m not merchandise, I’m a person.’ That’s the thesis of the whole film.”

Another theme that Song explores in her film is whether love is only for the wealthy or those who can afford it. Celine is adamant that love has no monetary value. Don’t let industry pundits convince you otherwise.

Materialists also ponders the wider question of expectations. Does everyone have a soul mate? Should we look for potential partners only within in our own demographic? Should we settle? Or should we allow love to take its mystical course?

Love is the one place where you actually can be freed from everything else that is trying to take over and trying to own you. It’s the one place where you actually can be… you can accept the divine into your heart.

Genre Exploration – Reworking the Rom-com

Celine reflects on the genre of her film.

“I would say it’s a rom-com,” she replies thoughtfully. “But it’s more nuanced, falling in line with the traditions of classic filmmakers such as Billy Wilder, Ernst Lubitsch, Nora Ephron, and Jim Brooks. This film leans into the original definitions of romance and comedy, playing with both elements in a way that feels authentic and refreshing,” she notes.

Celine believes that the genre serves as a conduit to explore profound themes while still entertaining the audience. “It’s not just about romantic love,” she continues. “It’s also about the love of life, connections, and the messy entanglements that make us human. The charm of a well-executed rom-com is its ability to engage viewers emotionally while providing comedic relief.”

Genesis of Materialists – When Playwriting Doesn’t Pay

As the conversation shifts to the origin of Materialists, Celine provides a detailed account of how her real-life experiences as a matchmaker influenced the film’s conception. “I worked as a matchmaker a little less than ten years ago. It was a job I took to fulfill material needs; I needed to pay rent,” she recalls. “At the time, it was the only day job I had, as I was primarily focused on my work as a playwright — an occupation that doesn’t necessarily pay well.”

Celine describes her initial experiences in matchmaking with enthusiasm. “I was drawn into the intimate details of people’s lives. I found it so fascinating to hear the stories of strangers, especially how they navigated their romantic journeys. I felt like a voyeur of love, learning about the private equity manager’s love life, or someone else’s heartbreak.” This role provided her with a wealth of stories and insights into the details of various relationships.

However, Celine also faced challenges in this role. “After about six months, I realized it was too captivating; I was having so much fun that I wasn’t writing anymore. A day job is supposed to allow you the space to write, but I was so engrossed that I forgot about my own creative endeavors.”

Reflecting back on this period, Celine acknowledges, “Leaving that job was bittersweet. I recognized that I wanted to write something about my experiences, but I didn’t know how at the time. I tried to write it for years in different formats — a TV series, or a straightforward comedy.”

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) & Harry (Pedro Pascal) Photo by Atsushi Nishijima/ A24 Films

Finding Time to Write

Celine Song describes the creative journey that followed her resignation. “It was during the years after leaving that job that I began to really envision a narrative around the matchmaking experience. Eventually, I put it aside while I worked on Past Lives. That project took center stage for me.”

After completing Past Lives, Celine found herself in an unusual position — having some time before its release. “I had a six-month window before the film debuted at Sundance,” she explains. “In that strange liminal space, I was aware I was recognized as a filmmaker, but the world outside didn’t yet know it.”

This time prompted Celine to ask herself important questions about her next steps. “I thought, what story have I always wanted to tell? I took that time to really hone in on my ambitions. I sat down and worked diligently to unlock the narrative based on my matchmaking experiences.”

Celine recounts her epiphany: “It became clear to me that the film should center around a matchmaker rather than the clients themselves. That shift in focus crystallized everything. The initial structure of the film emerged quite organically from that realization.”

The Evolution of Materialists

As Celine elaborates on her writing journey, she shares how the narrative evolved. “What you see as the film is essentially the script I wrote during that time. There may have been a few adjustments in terms of dialogue, but the structural foundation was always there. I think that taking the time to reflect on my experiences helped me crack the story wide open.”

Celine emphasizes the importance of patience in the creative process. “It required a willingness to explore and reflect on the human experience honestly. I wanted to make a film that resonated with viewers on an emotional level, encouraging them to consider their own lives in relation to the themes of romance and materialism.”

Conclusion

Celine wraps up the interview with a compelling thought on the essence of connection. “At the heart of my film lies the exploration of human connection. My drug of choice isn’t substances, but rather people. Their stories, struggles, and desires all shape who we are individually and collectively.”

She laments the current state of the world, which often emphasizes superficiality over deep connection. “In a society rife with distractions and consumerism, I hope Materialists encourages audiences to pause and reflect on what truly matters: our relationships with each other and ourselves.”

With a keen understanding of how materialism impacts our experiences, Celine’s film invites viewers to question what constitutes love, happiness, and fulfillment. Don’t chase perfection. Being a good human being is enough. And a dash of undefined romance always helps. “It just may not look the way that you think.”

[More: Celine Song Talks ‘Past Lives’]

by Staff Writer

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