Is Love Just a Numbers Game? New Rom-Com Exposes the Brutal Truth About Dating in the Modern World

2025-08-17 18:00:21.42

Celine Song's new film, Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, offers a cynical yet relatable take on modern dating. The movie centers on a matchmaker, Lucy, who views relationships through a financial lens, matching clients based on their perceived "market value." The film's depiction of dating as a transactional exchange, where financial stability and wealth are prioritized over emotional connection, resonated with many viewers. The author connects this to the rise of dating apps, which have normalized superficial judgments and transactional relationships. The increasing wealth inequality exacerbates this issue, making financial security a primary concern for many singles. The author concludes that while prioritizing financial stability in a partner isn't inherently wrong given the current economic climate, it highlights the need for broader societal changes, such as affordable housing and stronger social safety nets, to allow individuals to pursue relationships based on genuine connection rather than financial necessity.