176: Materialists (2025)

Transatlantic Rebels

Materialists: A Deep Dive into Celine Song's New Film

In this episode of the Transatlantic Rebels Podcast, hosts Jesal and Rochard discuss Celine Song's second film, 'Materialists.'

They explore how the movie defies the traditional rom-com label, presenting a romantic drama laden with complex themes of materialism, relationships, and societal expectations.

The hosts compare it to Song's previous work, 'Past Lives,' and delve into the performances of main actors Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans.

They also touch upon Celine Song's background and directorial style, offering a critical analysis of the film's narrative, themes, and reception.

The episode ends with reflections on broader industry trends and the importance of directors like Song in modern cinema.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:08 Discussing the Genre of the Film 00:43 Introduction to 'Materialists' 01:26 Comparing 'Materialists' to 'Past Lives' 02:08 Box Office Success and Personal Ratings 03:23 Audience Reactions and Online Backlash 05:10 Themes and Realism in 'Materialists' 09:35 Character Analysis and Performances 12:38 Height and Social Dynamics 14:41 The Leg Surgery Dilemma 15:11 Chris Evans' Character Analysis 15:34 Dakota Johnson's Performance 15:44 Millennial and Gen Z Traits 16:32 Rom-Com Expectations vs. Reality 16:55 Audience Reception and Box Office 19:05 Materialism and Relationships 19:14 Intimacy and Personal Desires 24:00 Director's Creative Integrity 25:32 Future Projects and Industry Insights 29:10 Podcast Reflections and Anniversary