Materialists director Celine Song shares her insights on the decline of romantic comedies, attributing the decrease in their popularity to several factors, with a significant emphasis on the rise of misogyny. This cultural shift has impacted not only the quantity of rom-coms produced but also the societal perceptions surrounding them.

Celine Song’s Perspective on the Evolution of Romantic Comedies

In a revealing conversation at Southampton Playhouse, Celine Song addressed the noticeable decline in the release of romantic comedies over recent years. She pinpointed misogyny as a primary reason for this shift, alongside the observation that many individuals now feel “embarrassed” to openly embrace their love for romance films. Song suggested that this embarrassment stems from a broader societal trend that dismisses romance as less serious compared to other genres, which she finds quite disheartening.

“One of the reasons is definitely misogyny,” Song explained. “However, there’s another layer to this issue. It appears that our society shies away from openly expressing an obsession with romance. Terms like ‘chick flick’ are often used in a dismissive manner, suggesting that these films lack depth or seriousness. This perspective is troubling on multiple levels, as it implies that women and their interests are inherently unworthy of serious consideration.

“Moreover, it seems that discussions about love and dating are often relegated to the sidelines, as if they are not the concerns of ‘serious’ individuals. Yet, in reality, even those who are deemed serious are grappling with their own challenges related to love and relationships. If you were to ask any serious person, they would reveal their own struggles with these themes. Thus, the romantic comedy genre often faces undue neglect and fear, leading to its broader dismissal by audiences.”

As we look ahead, Materialists is poised to become the most significant theatrical rom-com release of 2025. Additionally, audiences can look forward to Kogonada’s upcoming film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which is set to hit theaters later this year and features renowned actors Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. This continued interest in the genre may signal a potential resurgence in romantic comedies that resonate with contemporary audiences.

(Source: Southampton Playhouse)