Materialists.
Materialists is a sharp, emotionally honest take on the modern rom-com, following Lucy, a matchmaker who excels at fixing others’ love lives while ignoring the cracks in her own. Celine Song’s sophomore film is as thoughtful as Past Lives, but funnier and more biting, exploring how money, security, and love collide. Lucy’s vow to marry rich clashes with her longing for real connection, and Song captures this tension with witty dialogue and bittersweet moments that reveal the cost of her choices without condemning her for wanting more.
Dakota Johnson grounds Lucy in raw relatability, while Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal add depth and charm as her complicated love interests. The supporting cast, especially Zoe Winters and Marin Ireland, give the story heart and weight beyond typical rom-com fluff. Song’s careful direction and layered writing ask: what are we really selling when we trade in love for security? Materialists doesn’t answer cleanly, but it reminds us that, in the end, the best investments are the risky ones—especially when it comes to our own messy hearts.
My 6th Year at the Philadelphia Film Festival.
As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp air of fall settles in, one of my favorite traditions approaches—the Philadelphia Film Festival (PFF). This year marks my 6th year attending, and the excitement never fades. From October 17th to October 27th, the city will once again transform into a hub of creativity and cinematic brilliance, where filmmakers, cinephiles, and casual moviegoers alike come together to celebrate the art of storytelling on screen.
It's an absolute honor to be back another year as the Film Ambassador for AKA Hotels + Hotel Residences. I'm thrilled to partner with them and share my passion for film during the 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival, an event that has grown to be one of the highlights of my year. To me, this isn’t just a festival; it’s a space where stories come alive and where we, as viewers, are taken on profound journeys. It reminds us of the power of storytelling and how films can open our eyes, move our hearts, and inspire us to see the world differently.
The recap and reviews are in to the most captivating, spellbinding, and thought-provoking films this year’s festival offers. 🎬✨
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