Head’s Up: This piece discusses key plot points from the movie ‘Materialists’. To fully appreciate the surprise, I recommend catching it in the cinema before reading on.
In 2025, Celine Song’s movie “Materialists” – a polished, intellectually stimulating New York romance – will certainly spark lively discussions over drinks or from those who professionally analyze such films. Enter Maria Avgitidis, a fourth-generation dating coach and matchmaker based in NYC, who has recently expressed her frank opinions about Dakota Johnson‘s latest production. Rest assured, her comments were far from reserved.
Maria Avgitidis recently spoke with People about the latest film causing a stir. In their conversation, she expressed her disappointment with what was portrayed on-screen. According to her expert opinion, there’s little in the A24 production that aligns with her or her field of work. To put it simply: she wasn’t moved by the movie.
I can’t imagine myself being part of this. Just a heads up, be cautious when planning an entire film event around it.”
I don’t have any other suggestions at the moment.
In the movie, Dakota Johnson takes on the role of Lucy, a well-compensated matchmaker catering to New York’s upper crust, who has developed a cynical outlook towards love, relationships, and personal decisions. A romantic entanglement unfolds among her, her former partner John (Chris Evans), and the suave multimillionaire Henry Castillo, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, whom many refer to as ‘everyone’s dad.’
The script features discussions about algorithms, and there’s quite a bit of tension that shifts the movie from typical romantic comedy territory into something deeper and slightly ominous. Director-writer Celine Song drew inspiration from her six-month stint at a genuine matchmaking agency, but Avgitidis, with almost two decades of experience in the field, suggests that reality is significantly different in many aspects.
One perspective is that Materialists has garnered significant praise from movie critics. Yet, some argue that certain elements of the depicted matchmaking profession appear outdated and unrealistic today. For example, when asked if modern-day matchmakers still distribute business cards like Lucy does in the film, Maria Avgitidis expressed doubts about this practice.
It seems like you’re describing your approach to matchmaking and how you attract clients.
Perhaps the events occurred prior to 2008, but I’ve always adopted an inbound marketing strategy when it comes to my matchmaking services. Contrary to the stereotype that only desperate individuals use matchmakers, this is not the case for me. Even before social media platforms became mainstream, I would actively seek out opportunities to connect with potential clients.
For instance, I’d frequent bars and utilize apps like Foursquare, identifying myself as Matchmaker Maria so people knew there was a matchmaker present. This approach has always been more about attracting clients who are interested in my services rather than chasing down individuals on the street—something I’ve never resorted to. However, I understand that some matchmakers do employ this method, often on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
During the interview, Avgitidis shifted the conversation to a more serious tone as they discussed the main conflict in the movie: a client is sexually assaulted after being set up on a date by Lucy. Instead of providing a comprehensive response, the matchmaker merely jotted down a few brief notes. This incident wasn’t just dramatic for this seasoned professional in the romance industry; it was also a clear professional insult. “You didn’t fulfill your responsibilities,” she said. “You arranged a date between this person and a stranger.” She added that she had terminated employees for less serious offenses.
Critics are praising Chris Evans for his exceptional portrayal as a materialist, and one of his most notable scenes bears a striking resemblance to the narrative style found in “Pride and Prejudice.
The expert in this field asserts that instances like these are rarely, if ever, encountered. “I’ve never personally witnessed such an occurrence,” she emphasized, further noting that events of such magnitude would create a significant stir within the matchmaking community. “Such a topic would undoubtedly be a focal point in our upcoming industry gatherings.
As a movie critic, I found myself deeply troubled by the depiction of matchmakers in the film “Materialists.” While it’s understandable that the job can be exhausting, dealing with clients’ high expectations and emotional burdens is par for the course. However, what bothered me most was the portrayal of matchmakers as disillusioned and cynical about love. In my opinion, those who enter this field should possess an unwavering optimism and emotional fortitude, not a bitter outlook on romance. The role demands a nurturing spirit, not a hardened heart.
What truly irked her wasn’t the movie’s deviations from truth, but rather its seeming absence of emotional depth. For her, arranging matches isn’t simply a matter of numbers or client lists; it’s about nurturing connections and promoting a sense of camaraderie – a philosophy that has been passed down through generations of matchmakers in her family, and remains the heart of her approach today.
The movie titled “Materialists” is currently showing in cinemas, but be aware that it’s not just a typical romantic comedy full of silliness; there’s much more depth to it. On the other hand, Maria Avgitidis’ book, “Ask a Matchmaker: Matchmaker Maria’s No-Nonsense Guide to Finding Love”, is readily available at any retailer where books are sold.
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2025-06-16 18:38