17
I went and saw The Materialists (CW for the film:SA)
(hexbear.net)
spoilers
Did you notice how rarely Pascal's scenes had him close to Johnson / had shots where he was directly facing the camera until the end? And how usually there was something between them, usually something expensive.
Watching how scenes were shot with Evans in contrast, they felt more vulnerable and intimate. Seeing John at low points and struggling. I mean, I could tell how the film would go, given the genre, but I felt the juxtaposition was deliberate and well done. However, it made it feel like Evans' character was given more pathos and depth when Pascal's character wasn't given the same chance for connection.
I'm glad Johnson dropped the cynical calculus, and even then, I appreciate that she was aware of where her concerns around money came from. It wasn't about luxury or vanity, but as a way to be protected from the harsh realities of love.
I was surprised they went there about SA in the film, but given the way people can be objectified and mistreated in something like connections through matchmaking, I think they portrayed the events well.
I went into the movie blind, but I had a good time. I too wish we got more into Pascal's head, but as I wrote above, I think I know why we didn't.
I wish there were more discussions around the intersection of race, sexual orientation, and gender expression, but I think the scenes of Johnson talking to her clients was brutally honest about the way dating is lopsided against people who aren't white, straight, and attractive.