The Rom-Com Conundrum: When Love and Money Collide on Screen
The upcoming film Materialists, boasting a stellar cast including Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson, and Pedro Pascal, has sparked considerable debate even before its official release. At the heart of the controversy lies the film’s central theme: the timeless struggle between love and financial security. Some critics on social media have accused the film of peddling what they term “broke boy propaganda” and exhibiting anti-feminist undertones, highlighting the complex and often fraught relationship between money and romance in modern society.
Director Celine Song has responded to these criticisms, arguing that the audience’s reaction reflects a misunderstanding of feminism’s core principles. She emphasises feminism’s historical roots in anti-capitalist, anti-corporate, and class-conscious movements, reminding viewers that poverty is never the fault of the individual. Song suggests that the online mockery of Chris Evans’ character, John, as a “broke boy” is indicative of deeply ingrained classism and reveals how societal perceptions are shaped by wealth.
While Song’s perspective is valid, it’s crucial to examine the audience’s concerns more closely. The issue isn’t simply about rejecting the idea of love conquering all, but rather about the film’s failure to convincingly portray the protagonist’s change of heart. Rom-coms, at their best, offer a fantastical escape rooted in relatable truths. The character of Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, embodies the anxieties many people face regarding financial stability. Her desire for a secure home and the ability to afford life’s little luxuries are perfectly understandable aspirations.
The Missing Piece: Earned Endings and Financial Anxieties
The film had a golden opportunity to delve into the impact of Lucy’s values on her relationship with John, a man whose career choices and willingness to take risks might compromise her desired level of comfort. However, audiences seem to find it implausible that Lucy would rekindle a relationship that previously ended due to financial concerns without a clear and compelling explanation for her shift in perspective.
The film seemingly abandons Lucy’s financial anxieties without demonstrating any emotional negotiation or a genuine change in her values. This omission is particularly jarring because many viewers can identify with Lucy’s concerns. Such a transformation requires more than just a romantic spark. Furthermore, the question remains: if Lucy’s mindset hasn’t evolved, why would John accept love from someone who seemingly devalues him based on his earning potential?
Sidestepping the Issue: When Rom-Coms Avoid Financial Realities
Many romantic comedies often gloss over the complexities of financial tension, choosing to end before the realities of the relationship truly begin. Pretty Woman concludes on a high note, without exploring the potential challenges stemming from class differences and compatibility issues between a sex worker and a wealthy businessman. Similarly, Notting Hill avoids depicting how an A-list actress and a bookshop owner would navigate their vastly different lifestyles. Maid in Manhattan also stops short of portraying the day-to-day realities of a working-class hotel maid dating a politician.
The Economic Realities of Modern Relationships
For millennials and Gen Z, financial concerns are paramount. These generations face significant economic hurdles, including student debt and a lack of emergency savings, making them more vulnerable than previous generations. A recent survey highlighted that financial independence is a top priority for Gen Z, underscoring the significant influence of economic pressures on their lives, shaping their choices and experiences within relationships.
These economic realities inevitably permeate daily life, influencing everything from holidays and hobbies to living arrangements and social activities. Money impacts our sense of security and possibility, making it a constant topic of conversation among friends and peers.
The Gendered Insecurities of Earning Potential
A viral clip featuring Tolani Shoneye, host of The Receipts Podcast, sparked controversy when she expressed her preference for dating someone in a similar financial bracket to ensure lifestyle compatibility. The backlash she received, particularly from men who felt their worth was being questioned, exposed the gendered insecurities surrounding women earning more than their partners.
Personal anecdotes further illustrate the impact of financial disparities on relationships. One woman’s experience of dating someone she loved deeply, but whose £40,000 income gap created insurmountable tension, highlights the everyday negotiations and pressures that shape real-world relationships, even when love is present.
Financial Compatibility: More Than Just Earnings
Ola Majekodunmi, the founder of finance platform All Things Money, believes that financial compatibility extends beyond mere earnings and encompasses attitudes and behaviours towards money. She suggests asking potential partners questions such as: “Are you a big spender or a big saver? What kind of goals do you have in the future? Would you, for example, like to get on the property ladder?”
Open communication and a willingness to compromise are essential for navigating financial differences within a relationship. Majekodunmi emphasises that dating involves trial and error and that different personality types can work, but it’s important to learn from experiences. She also notes that some men are inspired, rather than intimidated, by dating ambitious, high-earning women.
A Missed Opportunity: Real Conversations About Love and Money
While it’s an overstatement to suggest that our generation is solely focused on money and devaluing others, it’s undeniable that class issues have always existed. The difference now lies in the increased awareness, education, and curiosity surrounding how people afford their lifestyles, facilitated by social media and online platforms.
Materialists, despite its star-studded cast and visually appealing aesthetics, missed an opportunity to offer a meaningful commentary on what it truly takes to sustain love in the modern age. Finances have always added complexity to relationships, and we are simply becoming more willing to acknowledge and discuss this reality.