What Materialists Gets Right About Matchmaking, Money, and Modern Dating — A Desi Lens on the Movie Everyone’s Talking About

Spoiler Alert: This blog post contains spoilers from the film Materialists. If you haven’t watched it yet, consider reading this after your movie night!

Theatrical release poster

Last weekend, Materialists hit theaters with a star-studded cast (Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans) and a trailer that promised a charming, quirky rom-com. But anyone who actually watched the film quickly realized this was no lighthearted love story. This was a layered, sobering commentary on the dating industry—especially matchmaking—and the emotional and financial negotiations that come with modern love.

As a South Asian matchmaker and dating expert, I couldn’t help but watch Materialists through the lens of my work with Desi singles. So let’s break down the three major themes that stood out—and how they reflect what many South Asian Americans are quietly struggling with in their own dating journeys.

1. Matchmaking Is Math. And That’s Not a Bad Thing.

One of the most compelling parts of Lucy’s character (played by Dakota Johnson) is her calm, composed approach to matchmaking. She doesn’t sell fantasies—she works with the reality of who people are and what they bring to the table. When Lucy says, “Matchmaking is math,” I found myself nodding.

Because it is.

In the South Asian context, we've been using this formula for generations. The biodata may have looked like a glorified resume, but it was doing exactly what Lucy does in her head: assessing compatibility across a set of variables—socioeconomic status, family background, education, attractiveness, career trajectory, and lifestyle. And just like Lucy, we know that if those numbers don’t line up, two plus two will never equal four.

That doesn't mean love can’t grow beyond the math—but ignoring the math altogether is where most heartbreak begins.

2. Money Always Matters (Even If We Don’t Want It To)

Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson in 'The Materialists'. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima/A24

A core tension in the film is Lucy’s love triangle: she’s torn between the wealthy, polished Harry (Pedro Pascal) and her ex, John (Chris Evans), a charming but struggling theater actor. Her inner conflict is raw, honest, and incredibly familiar for so many women—especially those in their 30s and 40s.

There’s a scene where Lucy admits she feels ashamed for wanting financial security, for not wanting to nickel and dime every dinner out. She’s tired of being the one who always has to make it work. And yet, choosing John in the end feels like a return to emotional safety and genuine connection.

Now, let’s not ignore the reality here. Lucy only makes that choice after being offered a massive promotion. Suddenly, she’s the one who can afford to love someone who isn’t financially stable.

So yes—love wins. But money still cushions the fall.

From a South Asian perspective, this tension isn't new. Marriages have always been economic partnerships. The difference is, our parents’ generation didn’t pretend otherwise. In today's dating culture, we're constantly being told to "follow our hearts" while also seeking partners who are financially secure, emotionally intelligent, spiritually aligned, and family-approved. It's no wonder people feel stuck.

3. Even Matchmakers Can’t See Everything

One of the darker threads in the film is when Lucy sets up her client Sophie with someone who ends up assaulting her. Lucy is horrified, and when she brings it to her boss, the response is chilling: “It’s not the first time.”

This moment stopped me in my tracks. Because no matter how much background checking we do as matchmakers, no matter how many interviews or references we gather—people are still people. Some truths don’t come out until the worst has already happened.

I’ve heard similar stories in our own community—dates gone wrong, trust betrayed, red flags overlooked because someone came “highly recommended.” Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a professional matchmaker doing the setup, we all need to prioritize safety and self-trust. That includes checking in with your gut, communicating boundaries early, and never being afraid to walk away.

4. Beauty Standards Are Brutal—and Money Helps You Fake Them

Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in 'The Materialists'. Credit: Atsushi Nishijima/ A24

Another standout—and honestly shocking—plot point in Materialists is the revelation that both Harry and his brother underwent leg-lengthening surgery to appear taller. At first, it’s played as a quiet mystery. We hear about this bizarre procedure where men literally get their legs broken to gain a few inches. By the end, we learn Harry and his brother both did it, in order to “fit in” with the 6-foot standard that so many women openly demand.

This theme hit hard.

It exposes just how far people will go—physically, surgically, painfully—to meet modern ideals of attractiveness. And just like everything else in the movie, money is what makes that illusion possible. A surgery like that isn’t just risky—it’s expensive. But in elite dating circles, wealth can buy height, hair, youth, polish, and the perception of “having it all.”

In Desi dating culture, this isn’t so foreign. We see profiles that openly request men over 5'10" or women with “fair skin.” We hear aunties whispering about who had a nose job or who bleached their skin before rishta season. And now, it’s not just makeup and filters—people are making permanent, costly changes just to have a chance at love.

This part of the film asks: if what you're falling for is an illusion… is it still love? And if the only reason someone seems “dateable” is because they could afford to modify their appearance—what happens when that illusion fades?

Final Thoughts: The Realest Rom-Com You’ll See This Year

Toasting another client marriage, Lucy wears a silky top and mini skirt. Image credit: A24

In the end, Materialists might be marketed as a romantic comedy, but it’s really a mirror held up to modern dating culture. It asks tough questions:

• What does it mean to be a “good” match?

• Can love thrive when the numbers don’t add up?

• Are we brave enough to choose depth over optics?

I especially recommend this movie to South Asian singles—because even though the characters aren’t Desi, the themes are deeply familiar. The push-pull between tradition and modernity, family expectations and personal desire, material comfort and emotional depth—it’s all there.

And for anyone feeling frustrated with dating right now, Materialists offers this reminder: it’s not just you. This landscape is hard. But you’re not alone in it.

Your Turn:
Did Materialists hit home for you too? What themes stood out to you from a Desi lens? Join the conversation on Reddit, drop your thoughts on our LinkedIn, or share your biggest takeaway on Instagram and tag @singletoshaadi.

🎥 And if you haven’t seen the movie yet—go this weekend. Watch it with a friend or someone you’ve been talking to. It just might spark the kind of deep, necessary conversation that dating apps never will.