Trading love
Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, the film follows failed-actress-turned-successful-matchmaker Lucy Mason, who finds herself in a love triangle between her ex-boyfriend, John, an aspiring actor played by Chris Evans, and a charming millionaire, Harry, portrayed by Pedro Pascal.
Directed by South Korean-Canadian born filmmaker Celine Song, Materialists is her second film to be released following Past Lives (2023), which earned an Oscar nomination in 2024 for best picture and best original screenplay.
Celine, who is also the screenwriter, said she wanted to explore relationships across the class divide and what she describes as the 'transactional nature of dating in New York' based on her observations, as she was once a matchmaker for six months.
'I think that I learned more about people in those six months than I did in any other part of my life,' Celine said.
'I wanted to talk about the way that we're being asked to objectify and commodify each other and ourselves, even when it comes to matters of the heart, matters of love, and I think that I was really shocked while I was working as a matchmaker by how we were talking about what we were looking for in dating.
'Dating is, of course, a game we play in search of love and love itself is an ancient mystery, a great miracle.
'It's something entirely worth the trouble and the risk and none of these numbers are going to be able to help us get there,' she added.
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Gulf Weekly
4 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
Trading love
Romantic comedy film Materialists is out now in theatres. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, the film follows failed-actress-turned-successful-matchmaker Lucy Mason, who finds herself in a love triangle between her ex-boyfriend, John, an aspiring actor played by Chris Evans, and a charming millionaire, Harry, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. Directed by South Korean-Canadian born filmmaker Celine Song, Materialists is her second film to be released following Past Lives (2023), which earned an Oscar nomination in 2024 for best picture and best original screenplay. Celine, who is also the screenwriter, said she wanted to explore relationships across the class divide and what she describes as the 'transactional nature of dating in New York' based on her observations, as she was once a matchmaker for six months. 'I think that I learned more about people in those six months than I did in any other part of my life,' Celine said. 'I wanted to talk about the way that we're being asked to objectify and commodify each other and ourselves, even when it comes to matters of the heart, matters of love, and I think that I was really shocked while I was working as a matchmaker by how we were talking about what we were looking for in dating. 'Dating is, of course, a game we play in search of love and love itself is an ancient mystery, a great miracle. 'It's something entirely worth the trouble and the risk and none of these numbers are going to be able to help us get there,' she added.
Gulf Weekly
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Pop off the charts
South Korean singer Kim Seok-jin aka Jin of K-pop band BTS fame is bringing the finale of his solo tour to the big screen in Bahrain this Sunday, August 10. RunSeokjin Ep Tour (stylised as #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR) is the artist's first independent gig in support of his debut album Happy (2024) and Echo (2025). The tour, which began on June 28, is set to conclude on Sunday at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with an exclusive live screening at VOX cinemas in Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Lebanon. Formed in 2010, BTS aka Bangtan Boys consists of Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook alongside Jin. Three years ago, the band took a break to complete their mandatory South Korean military service and pursue solo careers. During this time, Jin officially debuted as a solo artist with the single The Astronaut, though he had released singles prior to the band's hiatus. The recipient of a series of recognitions, including the Recording Industry Association of Japan's (RIAJ) platinum certification for Happy in 2024, Jin is set to make more music with the band. In a live stream last month, the ensemble announced that they have started writing new material together, with new music set to be released next year.
Biz Bahrain
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Apparel Group and ALDO Launch Limited Edition Artist Series Across the GCC
Apparel Group, a global leading lifestyle and retail conglemorate, proudly announces the launch of the ALDO Artist Series, an exclusive capsule collection available in select stores this August. As one of Apparel Group's flagship fashion footwear and accessories brands, ALDO continues to push boundaries by blending art and fashion in a limited edition collection that celebrates global creativity. The 16-piece collection is curated in collaboration with four visionary artists from around the world, each bringing a unique perspective to ALDO's most iconic styles. From bold sneakers to structured handbags and expressive graphic tees, the collection invites customers to wear pieces that reflect both personal identity and cultural storytelling. Featured artists include • Timothy Goodman (New York): Known for his signature typographic style, Timothy's work explores themes of love, vulnerability, and human connection • Hyperthalamuscorp (Mumbai): A digital visual artist whose vibrant 3D art reflects personal growth and emotional resilience • Dina Sami (Dubai): A multidisciplinary artist inspired by her home city, celebrating heritage through symbols like the palm tree • Whatisadam (Montreal): A street artist blending Canadian references with comic-inspired visuals to explore themes of transformation and nostalgia From sneakers featuring ALDO's Pillow Walk™ comfort technology to standout statement bags and wearable art, each piece is a canvas that sparks conversation and creativity. Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group, added: 'At Apparel Group, we are passionate about fostering innovation and creativity across our brand portfolio. The ALDO Artist Series is a testament to our commitment to offering customers more than just fashion, it's about bringing culture, art, and individuality into every retail experience.' 'At ALDO, we're always looking for meaningful ways to champion creativity and connect with our community,' says Daianara Grullon Amalfitano, ALDO Chief Brand and Product Officer. 'This collaboration celebrates global artistry and personal expression, which have always been at the core of what we do at ALDO. With a long-standing history of supporting the arts, we're proud to continue that legacy by spotlighting diverse voices from around the world. Each design tells a unique story—rooted in culture, identity, and growth—and we're excited to bring these powerful narratives to life through fashion.' The ALDO Artist Series is avaliable in select Aldo stores. Join us at ALDO Dubai Mall on August 14 at 6 PM for an exclusive meet-and-greet with artist Dina Sami. Enjoy a personalized tote bag with every purchase during the event. To celebrate the new collection, customers can enjoy 20% off with promo code ALDO20, valid both in-store and online until August 30, 2025.
