Dakota Johnson's New Role Criticized: Experts Weigh In on Matchmaking Myths
The Dark Side of Matchmaking: Insiders Dish on The Materialists' Glaring Inaccuracies
In a scathing exposé, four high-profile matchmakers from the world of luxury matchmaking took aim at Dakota Johnson's portrayal of their profession in the hit film, The Materialists. Patti Stanger (The Millionaire Matchmaker), Jaydi Samuels (co-founder of LJMatchmaking), Nick Rosen (founder of Met By Nick and co-founder of QUALITY), and Susan Trombetti (CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking) shared a candid look behind the curtain, revealing the harsh realities that are far removed from the glamorous world depicted on screen.
"It's not all champagne toasts and designer gowns," says Trombetti. "The burnout is real, and we need a team for support and balance." Stanger, who has been in the business for years, confirms that many matchmakers are single due to the dark side of dating they encounter daily.
Samuels, co-founder of LJMatchmaking, points out that while the movie showcases the luxurious world of high-end matchmaking, it's far from the truth. "The majority of a matchmaker's day is spent sitting in sweatpants, scheduling dates, sorting through databases, and conducting coaching sessions over Zoom," she reveals.
Trombetti chimes in, saying, "There are no cakes every time someone gets engaged. And [clients] don't always invite you to weddings." This stark contrast between the movie's depiction and reality is a recurring theme throughout their conversation.
The matchmakers also discuss the pressure to constantly upsell and maintain high fees, which can compromise genuine matchmaking. Rosen emphasizes that "ethical matchmakers set realistic expectations about what we can deliver – excellent introductions and guidance – while being honest that the ultimate outcome depends on the clients themselves."
A particularly disturbing moment in the film is when a client is sexually assaulted on a date arranged by Lucy, and her boss brushes it off. The insiders are united in their outrage, with Trombetti calling it "disgusting" and Samuels stressing that such incidents are more likely to occur when working with inexperienced matchmakers.
However, what's even more shocking is the way the film portrays Lucy's personal choices, particularly in her love life. Samuels points out that she self-sabotages constantly, belittling herself to Pedro Pascal's character and failing to recognize her own worth.
The experts also take aim at Lucy's behavior with clients, saying it's far from professional. Trombetti notes, "We aren't chasing people down the street to become clients... We might chase what we perceive as the perfect match for a client, but we don't chase clients down." Samuels adds that even a bad date can ruin their night and their client's.
Stanger is more direct about maintaining professional boundaries. "Yes, clients can become friends, but it's a tricky situation because if they renew, they'll want a huge discount... I tell my staff it's not wise to become friends with your clients or date them as it will backfire on you."
The matchmakers also discuss the outlandish demands made by their clients. Trombetti notes that the longer clients stay single, the more extensive their lists of expectations become.
When asked about Dakota Johnson's performance overall, the experts' opinions are mixed. Stanger praises her portrayal of a young matchmaker who cared deeply for her clients and went beyond the call of duty. However, Rosen points out that the film captures only one aspect of matchmaking – the exhaustion and burnout.
The insiders also agree that Lucy is an unrealistic representation of a professional matchmaker. "She's too cynical to last in the real world," Trombetti says. "Clients would pick up on that energy instantly... And don't get me started on her stalking. There would be legal consequences."
Samuels adds that Lucy is an abysmal dater, failing to recognize her own worth and value as a person. "There's a third option – remaining single and finding someone who has their life together and treats you well, like Pedro," she suggests.
TheScholarlyNote.com spoke exclusively with Ann Parnes, co-founder of After Hello, who found the portrayal of matchmaking to be impersonal and lacking in depth. "It gave the impression that we make matches based on data points, rather than considering the whole person – their needs, wants, lifestyle, and values," she explains.
The matchmakers' candid discussion shines a light on the harsh realities of luxury matchmaking, dispelling the glamorous myths perpetuated by The Materialists. As Rosen so aptly puts it, "Love involves two people and countless variables beyond our control."
