Culture Gabfest Can Materialists Revive the Rom-com Edition
Jun 18, 2025
Dan Kois, a Slate writer and author, and Carl Wilson, music critic for Slate, delve into the film 'Materialists', exploring the clash between love and financial ambition as Dakota Johnson's character navigates relationships. They critically examine the film's portrayal of modern romance and its moral ambiguities. The conversation shifts to the harrowing Titan submarine disaster, reflecting on unchecked ambition and its consequences. Lastly, they celebrate Brian Wilson's musical legacy, highlighting the deeper, melancholic themes in his work.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Romance as Market Calculation
- Materialists depicts a cold, market-driven view of romantic relationships with characters assessing each other's value like commodities.
- It reveals how deeply materialism shapes modern dating, but struggles to blend theory with genuine emotional connection.
Materialism Challenges Romance
- Materialists forces viewers to confront the transactional nature of modern love, exposing its emotional coldness.
- The film challenges traditional romantic ideals by openly discussing money and strategic dating choices.
Cold Protagonist Choice
- Director Celine Song chose a protagonist who rejects emotional depth to survive modern love's demands.
- The movie attempts to dramatize the cold logic of romantic choices but doesn't fully succeed.
