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Celine Song has never shied away from weaving her real-life experiences into her films. Her breakout debut, ‘Past Lives’, was famously inspired by a deeply personal moment — a bar conversation in New York City between her husband and her childhood sweetheart visiting from South Korea. In an interview with BAFTA, she explained that translating between the two men also felt like she was translating between two parts of herself.
The romantic drama, featuring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, played with the idea of a love triangle, though Song has said it was more a metaphor for time — the past, present and future — and the emotional “what ifs” many people carry.
The deeply personal nature of the story struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. ‘Past Lives’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and a Best Picture nod — achievements she has credited to the emotional honesty drawn from her own life.
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Matchmaking Days Spark ‘Materialists’
For her second feature, ‘Materialists’, Song once again turned to her past for inspiration. She recalled how, during her early days in New York City, she didn’t fit the typical struggling-artist mould of working in cafés or retail. Instead, after meeting a professional matchmaker at a party, she applied for that role — and got it. Song told TODAY.com that although she worked in matchmaking for only six months, it taught her more about human nature than any other experience.
That brief stint would go on to inform the world of ‘Materialists’, a romantic comedy centred on Lucy, a high-end matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson. Lucy works with wealthy clients to help them find their “perfect” partners — and her methods are methodical, guided by numbers, compatibility stats, and material considerations. Clients share preferences like salary, age range, and height — often treating love like a transaction.
Lucy herself embodies this pragmatic approach to romance. But things take a turn when she meets Harry, a rich, handsome businessman played by Pedro Pascal, at a wedding. That same night, she also bumps into her ex, John — portrayed by Chris Evans — an aspiring actor who is now working as a cater waiter. Their relationship had ended years ago due to financial strain, but the emotional connection remains.
Although the central love triangle is fictional, some parts of the film were pulled from Song’s own memories — such as a courthouse wedding scene, which echoes her civil ceremony with her husband, screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. She admitted that matchmaking almost became more than a side hustle, saying it was “too fun” and had to be dropped so she could focus on writing again.
Song reflected that her work always needs to come from a place of personal curiosity or emotional resonance. She said she only chooses stories that teach her something or challenge her perspective, adding that the story itself should feel wiser than her.
At its core, ‘Materialists’ explores how dating has become transactional — and how both men and women are affected by societal pressures and material expectations. One striking moment reveals that Harry underwent surgery to become taller, adding six inches to his height, which radically changed how he was treated. Song found this storyline tragic, saying it illustrates how quantifiable traits can deeply impact self-worth and romantic prospects.
She also pointed out how modern dating reduces people to stats and checklists, and noted that the pain caused by these systems is not gender-specific. She emphasised that men, too, are hurt by the unrealistic standards imposed by society. Through characters like Harry, she wanted to show how romance isn’t just a “girl thing,” but a deeply human experience for everyone.
By using her lens as a former matchmaker, playwright and immigrant, Song has created a romantic comedy that raises important questions: Is love just about ticking boxes? Or is there something deeper — and perhaps more elusive?
When asked if love is easy, Song replied that it is — but only when people are willing to let go of control. True love, she believes, is simple when embraced without fear.
