In this episode, Laura and Stephen delve into “Materialists” (2025), a film written and directed by Celine Song, centered around a New York matchmaker named Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself in a love triangle with two men, John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal). Through this exploration, the hosts discuss the film's deep themes about love in the 2020s, questioning societal pressures, and the impact of capitalism on romantic relationships. They highlight key scenes, character dynamics, and the thought-provoking societal critiques embedded in the narrative. The episode concludes with reflections on personal values, the pitfalls of focusing on quantitative metrics in relationships, and the importance of aligning with one's true desires and needs in love.

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:17 Overview of 'Past Lives' and 'Materialists'

00:45 Plot and Characters of 'Materialists'

01:40 Themes and Messages

03:15 Personal Reflections on Romance and Capitalism

05:33 Key Metrics for Successful Relationships

07:34 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

13:30 Conclusion and Sign-Off

And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).

Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”

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Ep 252: Are We “Materialists”? Love, Capitalism, and Modern Relationships (Mini)

Midday Movies