Global Love Report – July 16th, 2025
Earlier this year, matchmakers were looking forward to the film Materialists, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Celine Song. In this movie, she is exploring the world of professional matchmaking, which is why it quickly drew the attention of professional matchmakers. She has experience as a matchmaker herself, having worked for six months at Tawkify before becoming a film director.
The film follows Sophie, a New York-based matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson, who becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle with her client Daniel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Eli, portrayed by Chris Evans, as professional boundaries blur and personal desires surface.
How Did Professional Matchmakers React?
We conducted a poll in the Professional Love Connectors Facebook group after the film’s official release, and here’s the reveal:
Based on the results above, it’s evident that the majority of respondents found the film controversial for the matchmaking industry. In the poll, matchmakers also shared what they thought about the movie. Here are some of their comments:
Joanna Giddon Mandell – Professional Matchmaker of Meet Cute Matchmaking
I felt a bit depleted after the movie. I don’t think it’s a great depiction of our amazingness, and I am ready to write ( and star) just kidding… kinda, in a better movie. It misses where it should hit, and doesn’t do the matchmaking world justice. I also didn’t laugh, cry, think, or smile much during the extra-long movie. I give the cast an 8/10 and the movie a 4/10.
Chris Jay – Owner & President of Preferred Match
I agree, I felt depressed after, and felt it didn’t depict our industry well. There are already hesitations around matchmaking; this movie will create even more hesitations.
Dr. Frankie Bashan – Relationship Coach & Dating Expert, CEO & Founder of LittleGayBook
It could provide some insight into how a matchmaking client “may not want to show up” for their matchmaker, which I appreciate, because that would allow us all to be more successful in our work.
But, I didn’t love to fact that they brought in sexual assault, which just creates more hesitation and fear around something very rare in our industry since we get to know everyone we introduce to our clients. There’s a tremendous amount of accountability, unlike dating apps.
Julia McCurley – Professional Matchmaker and CEO of Something More
I did a private screening event with clients, many of them felt “depressed” about the current dating landscape as presented in the movie, but we didn’t hear anything bad about matchmaking per se. I thought it was great that they showcased her clients as being super picky; they all sounded like clients I have had! Girls with unrealistic checklists, and guys hyper-focused on wanting younger women. I also liked how the movie showed how the heart wants what the heart wants, even if the person doesn’t have all of your match qualities!
Beth Mandell – Matchmaker & Dating Coach of Lisa Clampitt Matchmaking
The film was a fun modern-day rom-com, and many of us matchmakers can agree that it has been exciting for us to have some Hollywood buzz focused on our industry.
Based on the title “Materialist” and the marketing for the film, I was ready for an exaggerated social commentary regarding wealth/materialism and the current dating landscape.
Many scenes did ring true. Modern dating and swipe culture have contributed to an emphasis on superficial traits and statistics (height, job title, etc).
Immediate impressions and one-dimensional data are causing singles to consume profiles like they are shopping for produce on FreshDirect. We certainly see that as matchmakers. But it is our job to help singles unravel the deeper meaning behind those “must-have” lists and statistics.
What is a woman really saying when she asks for tall and financially stable? Maybe she is saying I need to feel safe, I need to feel taken care of. Maybe she is a financially successful woman herself. As matchmakers, it is our job to dig deeper. Can she be the higher-earning partner and still feel taken care of in the relationship? Those are the kinds of conversations we have with our clients. It’s ok to have a list, and it is our job to listen without judgment. But it is also our job to help clients grow, to dig deeper, and be flexible in love.
“We are not merchandise—we are people.”
Sophie’s line in the film epitomizes much of the central theme for the movie, and it echoes throughout the film. There is an undeniable human longing to be loved, seen, and cherished. Despite all the noise, that core desire remains universal.
Final Thoughts: A Controversial Take or a Positive Spotlight for the Matchmaking Industry?
So, is Materialists controversial for the matchmaking industry? Based on our survey, yes. But it’s also a conversation starter.
The film doesn’t portray every nuance of matchmaking accurately, and some parts may even fuel misunderstanding. But one thing is certain: it has brought our industry into the public eye in a new way. In fact, some high-end matchmaking agencies reported a spike in interest following the film’s release.
Whether you felt represented or misrepresented, it’s a reminder that our work, helping people find meaningful love, is complex, personal, and deeply human.
This is why the Global Love Institute believes that being an ethical matchmaker is so important. Matchmaking is a complex profession that requires not only a deep understanding of clients’ needs but also a highly personalized approach that respects and protects client privacy.
To uphold this responsibility, matchmakers certified by the Global Love Institute must sign a strict code of ethics before receiving their certification. This ensures professionalism, safeguards trust, and helps run a matchmaking business more effectively.
