From Matchmaker’s Checklist to Romantic Comedy: Discover How Heights, Weights, and Lifestyles Sparked a Star-Studded Love Story

For about ten years, Celine Song tried to make her mark as a playwright in New York. Eventually, she realized she needed a steady job to cover her rent. She thought of working in cafes or bars, but those spots were already taken by other aspiring artists.

“A barista needs ten years of experience,” she said. “A bartender needs fifteen.” At a party, someone mentioned matchmaking, a field that seemed to have no requirements. Curious, she joined a dating agency. Although she only stayed for six months, she knew this experience would inspire her writing.

Her films often draw from her life. Her latest, Materialists, follows Lucy, a matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson. Unlike Song’s early struggles, Lucy has already facilitated nine marriages and brings a playful charm to her work. She earns a hefty sum, anywhere from $2,000 to $200,000, by helping clients find their perfect matches. Some candidates have very specific demands. One man in his forties won’t date anyone over 25, while many women look only for men taller than six feet.

The film highlights the pressures of modern dating, reflecting how love has become commodified. After all, clients invest money into turning themselves into ideal partners. They often undergo extreme transformations, including surgeries just to meet certain standards. Song points out that people can accidentally lose sight of their true selves in this pursuit: “We are not merchandise,” a character realizes during a tough moment in the film.

What drives this array of self-improvements? Some critics argue it’s a manifestation of societal expectations, where appearances can overshadow genuine feelings. In a recent survey, over 60% of singles said they felt pressured to enhance their looks through various means, indicating a concerning trend.

Song’s perspective comes from her experience as a matchmaker, where people shared their aspirations honestly. She learned that, often, these aspirations were reduced to a list of metrics—height, job, valuation. “There’s no amount of math that can lead you to the mystery of love,” she believes.

Interestingly, while Materialists is marketed as a romcom, it offers a deeper commentary on love, identity, and self-worth. According to Song, many consider romantic comedies as “girl stuff” or not serious enough, but she insists love is one of the most profound subjects for storytelling.

Everyone who watches Materialists seems eager to discuss their own experiences with love. “It’s the start of a conversation,” she says. From modern demands to the deeper emotional needs people face, the film gets audiences reflecting on what a relationship truly means.

By tackling issues like commodification in dating and showing that a woman can take charge of her choices, Song’s work reminds us that every story of love is significant—one that deserves to be told.

For an insightful look into contemporary relationships, you might check out recent findings from the Pew Research Center, which reveal evolving attitudes towards dating and marriage.

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