Real-Life New York City Matchmaker Analyzes Dakota Johnson’s ‘Materialists’
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dakota-Johnson-Materialists-061025-75b72469975c40a79e3296717a392c60.jpg)
Maria Avgitidis, a professional matchmaker and dating coach based in New York City, recently shared her candid opinion on the movie ‘Materialists’ featuring Dakota Johnson, exclusively with PEOPLE magazine. Benjamin VanHoose, a Staff Editor on the Movies team at PEOPLE, conducted this exclusive interview with Avgitidis.
The film ‘Materialists’ follows Dakota Johnson’s character, Lucy, a successful Manhattan matchmaker catering to the affluent clientèle who begins to question the authenticity of love and marriage in her own life. As the plot unfolds, a love triangle emerges, involving Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, while the film delves into the complexities of matchmaking and modern dating, exploring whether a genuine connection can be found through checkboxes and algorithms.
Maria Avgitidis, a fourth-generation professional matchmaker with her boutique matchmaking company Agape, reviewed ‘Materialists’ and shared her perspectives on its portrayal of the matchmaking industry. “I don’t see myself in this,” Avgitidis expressed, highlighting a disparity between the movie’s depiction and her real-life experiences.
Director Celine Song drew inspiration from her own brief stint at a matchmaking service, Tawkify, which influenced the narrative of ‘Materialists.’ Song shared insights into the “funny, very dark objectification of each other’s humanity” observed in the matchmaking world, underscoring the delicate balance between commodification and the pursuit of true love.
One key discrepancy pointed out by Avgitidis was the portrayal of Lucy’s matchmaking tactics, such as handing out business cards in public spaces—an approach she found outdated and potentially stigmatising. She emphasised the importance of inbound marketing and building professional relationships with clients, rather than actively seeking them out.
The film also touches on a sensitive topic of a client experiencing assault during a date, prompting discussions on accountability and safety measures within the matchmaking industry. Avgitidis highlighted the necessity of handling such incidents with care and emphasised the industry’s commitment to ensuring client well-being.
Reflecting on Lucy’s character arc in ‘Materialists,’ Avgitidis discussed the common phenomenon of burnout among matchmakers, citing the emotional toll of managing clients’ expectations and personal dynamics. Despite the challenges, she underscored the deep-rooted belief in love that drives most matchmakers in their work.
In conclusion, Avgitidis offered valuable insights for moviegoers about the matchmaking profession, advising on the importance of aligning with the right matchmaker based on individual preferences and methodologies. She highlighted the community-building aspect of matchmaking, rooted in her family’s legacy of bringing people together in search of love.
As ‘Materialists’ continues to captivate audiences in theatres, Maria Avgitidis’ perspective provides a unique glimpse into the real-world nuances of matchmaking, elevating the conversation around love, relationships, and the intricate art of making meaningful connections in today’s fast-paced dating landscape.
This exclusive interview with Maria Avgitidis sheds light on the intricate world of matchmaking, contrasting the reel-life portrayal in ‘Materialists’ with the authentic experiences of a seasoned professional based in New York City.