As a follower of the Materialist perspective, I’m excited to share that if you haven’t had a chance to watch the film yet, you can still catch it at your local cinema!
When glancing at the 2025 movie lineup, you might anticipate credits following Marvel films and perhaps a few action movies sprinkled in. A romance flick, however, would typically not have one. Yet, Celine Song’s Materialists does. Curious about this unusual decision, I spoke with the writer/director and learned why she felt compelled to conclude her film with that moving scene.
Prior to the unveiling of Materialists’ project, I was granted an interview with Song where I couldn’t help but inquire about her romantic storyline. When the end credits unfolded, I noticed an additional scene that depicted Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans’ characters tying the knot at City Hall. In contrast to the usual close-up and moving camera, it appeared as if a security camera had captured the scene from afar.
Speaking about why she chose that distant and stationary angle, Song told me:
Initially, I had a preference for the footage from the nearby security camera, as I believe that perspective, overseeing the comings and goings, offers the most enchanting viewpoint of that area – a truly romantic vantage point.
Similar to other captivating post-credit sequences, this one offered a glimpse into the future of the characters, providing a heartwarming and exclusive ending to the narrative. I’ve rarely encountered something so unique; yet, it managed to encapsulate a familiar experience shared by many couples.
Concerning the topic we were discussing, the filmmaker shared with me that she wed her spouse, Justin Kuritzkes who co-wrote Challengers, at City Hall. It was during this period that she came to understand the idea portrayed in these concluding credits.
In the setting of Materialism, Johnson’s Lucy and Evans’ John are tying the knot, but countless other pairs are doing the same. This, as Song observes, illustrates both the unique and universal nature of love. Although each couple has their distinct narrative, they all converge in this location to perform the same ritual. She put it simply: “Each pair has its own tale, yet they all go here to perform the very same act.
Initially, I exchanged vows at City Hall, and the ceremony took place afterwards. However, it was at City Hall where I first said ‘I do’, and I recall feeling as if I was in the most romantic location on earth. It seems ironic, doesn’t it? The setting could be likened to a deli or a DMV, where we each were present, with our individual love stories. Yet, despite our differences, we all shared the same purpose – to officially record our names together as spouses. How amusing and symbolic that endeavor truly is!
The director of “Past Lives” emphasized to me that this concluding scene not only underscores an intimate personal experience but also encapsulates a significant, recurring theme within the film.
Materialists often ponder over the tangible qualities they seek in a companion, as well as the intangible allure of love. In the movie, these seemingly contrasting aspects clash, but ultimately converge in the climactic scene; here, the director suggests that the viewer can observe their reconciliation.
In my perspective as a film connoisseur, this movie beautifully captures the duality of love and marriage – the tangible and intangible aspects. From the outset, I was aware that the story would culminate at that point. Jokingly, I’d say I crafted this film to offer a unique vantage point – a chance to view City Hall with fresh eyes, as if we’re all journeying towards that destination.
Isn’t that stunning? I too appreciate how Celine Song planned for her film to conclude in this manner. Indeed, she pointed out that it encapsulates the message of Materialism flawlessly, and it’s remarkably original to portray a scene that doubles as an end-credit segment and an epilogue.
To date, “Materialsists” has been garnering outstanding feedback from critics, and this particular scene is undeniably one of the reasons I’m so captivated by the movie. Similar to other top-notch romantic comedies, this film had me weak at the knees, and it was propelled by exceptional acting from Johnson, Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Yet, while it boasts all the essential elements and skill for a fantastic romance, it also maintains its own rhythm and stands out distinctly due to scenes like this memorable end credits moment.
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2025-06-13 22:09