Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Love on Screen vs. Reality: What Dakota Johnson's 'Materialists' Gets Wrong About Matchmaking

Celine Song's romantic drama Materialists has proven to be an unexpectedly divisive movie - and shone a spotlight on matchmakers and what they actually do

Get Ready for a Love-Filled Romp: Matchmakers Spill the Tea on Materialists!

The buzz is still buzzing around Celine Song's romantic drama, Materialists, which has left audiences divided - and matchmakers talking! The film centers around Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a high-powered matchmaker in New York City, caught between an old flame (Chris Evans) and new love interest (Pedro Pascal). But how realistic is this Hollywood take on the matchmaking world?

We got the scoop from none other than Maria Avgitidi, a professional matchmaker with over 19 years of experience under her belt - literally! With around 4,000 marriages to her credit, Maria dished out the tea on what really goes down in the matchmaking world.

Professional matchmaker Maria Avgitidi told the Daily Mail that while there are many parts of the movie that are accurate, some are extremely far-fetched

"I love that they got some things right," Maria told TheScholarlyNote.com. "People do come in and list off their demands like, 'I want my man to be this high, no cats because I'm allergic' - it's all about finding that perfect match!"

However, Maria was quick to point out the absurdities that left her cringing. "Cake parties? Never happened! As a matchmaker, my job is done once I've set up those first and second dates. It's not my business to attend weddings or be friends with my clients."

Maria also revealed that the film's portrayal of matchmakers as wedding crashers was far from reality. "I've been invited to several weddings, but it's all about maintaining a professional boundary. I'm your service provider, not your friend!"

The film centers around Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker living in New York City, who is caught between between an old flame and new love interest

One thing Maria did acknowledge was the burn-out rate among matchmakers - a phenomenon that Lauren Daddis, senior matchmaker at Three Day Rule, can attest to.

"If you're in this industry, you have to know your emotional bandwidth and the kind of clients you can take on," Lauren warned. "It's not all rainbows and butterflies; it takes a toll on your personal life."

Lauren also praised the film for capturing the emotional complexity behind matchmaking scenes. "Even high-achieving clients come with vulnerabilities, doubts, and attachment issues - we're not just matching numbers, but helping people work through their baggage."

Maria, who has around '4,000 marriages' under her belt, said her relationship wins are not as thoroughly celebrated as the matchmakers at Adore, the fictional service in the film

However, Lauren did have some major qualms about the movie's depiction of matchmaking magic. "Every time Lucy says 'You'll find love in one introduction,' I just wanted to crawl out my skin! In reality, it takes time, refinement, and growth to build a lasting connection."

So, what's the takeaway from this juicy glimpse into the world of matchmaking? For Maria and Lauren, it's all about finding that perfect match - but not without a healthy dose of reality.

"Your first match has to be with your matchmaker," Maria stressed. "Get to know them, understand their process, and then maybe, just maybe, you'll find love in the most unexpected ways!"

Stay tuned for more matchmaking madness as we dish out the deets on what really goes down behind the scenes!