Dakota Johnson’s new movie Materialists has sparked a debate about the realism of her character, a professional matchmaker. While the film has been praised for its romantic drama and star-studded cast, a real-life dating coach says Johnson’s portrayal misses the mark.
Maria Avgitidis, a New York City-based matchmaker, told People Magazine that Johnson’s character, Lucy, would have been fired in the real world. She criticized the film’s depiction of matchmaking, saying it doesn’t reflect how professionals actually work.
“I don’t see myself in this,” Avgitidis said. “I was trying to warn some matchmakers: ‘I know you’re about to throw a whole movie screening for this. Tread carefully.’”
She specifically pointed out a scene where a client behaves inappropriately on a first date. In reality, Avgitidis said, matchmakers would take swift action. “I’ve had to fire clients for being bad on dates two times in my 17-year career,” she explained. “But they were able to admit, ‘You know what, Maria? Yeah, that was really inappropriate behavior.’”
Director Celine Song, however, defended the film’s authenticity. She drew from her own six-month experience working at a matchmaking service called Tawkify. Song said the movie reflects real issues in modern dating.
“The things that are in the movie came from the truth I learned,” Song said. “There is a very funny, very dark objectification of each other’s humanity, and therefore a very real commodification of each other, as we go through this thing that we call dating. But it’s supposed to be in pursuit of love.”
Materialists follows Johnson’s character, Lucy, as she navigates a love triangle between a wealthy businessman (Pedro Pascal) and her struggling ex-boyfriend (Chris Evans). The film explores themes of class, ambition, and the pressures of modern relationships.
Despite Avgitidis’ criticism, the movie has been well-received by audiences. It premiered at the 75th Cannes Film Festival and is now playing in theaters. Fans have praised Johnson’s performance, calling it one of her best roles yet.
The debate highlights the differences between Hollywood storytelling and real-life professions. While Materialists takes creative liberties, Song insists the core themes—like the way people judge potential partners based on wealth and status—are grounded in reality.
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