Romantic comedies have long offered audiences a comforting escape from the harsher realities of life. But in Materialists (2025), director Celine Song flips that comfort on its head, inviting us into a story where love is inextricably tied to lifestyle, ambition, and, most controversially, financial stability. Set in the energetic chaos of modern-day New York City, this film delves into what it truly means to choose a partner in today’s world. Is it better to settle for emotional intensity with instability, or for comfort and luxury without passion?
Song, who earned critical acclaim for her introspective debut Past Lives, takes a bold step forward here by venturing into a genre that has traditionally relied on formulaic resolutions and idealistic portrayals of romance. What emerges is a movie that doesn’t aim to make you feel warm and fuzzy but instead wants to make you think—and perhaps even squirm a little. With a star-studded cast including Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, Materialists combines cerebral storytelling with modern-day romantic confusion, resulting in a film that will likely divide audiences while remaining a significant talking point throughout the year.
A Brief Overview of the Plot
Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, is a highly sought-after professional matchmaker in Manhattan. Her clientele is wealthy, her standards are sky-high, and her worldview is shaped by logic, lifestyle preferences, and compatibility metrics. Emotional spontaneity, while appreciated in theory, is viewed by Lucy as a luxury few can afford in real life.
Enter Harry, portrayed with composed elegance by Pedro Pascal. A wealthy and successful man who represents everything Lucy has built her business around, Harry is charming, intelligent, and, most importantly, financially stable. He understands her world, speaks her language, and offers the kind of partnership that’s practically bulletproof.
But Lucy’s carefully constructed world begins to wobble when her ex-boyfriend, John, re-enters her life. Played by Chris Evans, John is an out-of-work actor who embodies everything Harry is not. He’s passionate, unpredictable, romantic in the traditional sense—but his life is unstable, uncertain, and messy. The core tension of Materialists revolves around this love triangle, and the question Lucy must ultimately answer: what does she value more—security or spontaneity?
A Rom-Com That Breaks the Mold
Unlike most romantic comedies, Materialists does not hide from the reality that financial status is one of the most significant factors in modern relationships. In fact, it places that reality front and center. While many rom-coms might treat money as an afterthought or a comedic device, Celine Song treats it with respect and gravity. The dialogue throughout the film is laced with references to rent prices, career stagnation, job market competition, and lifestyle expectations. These are not background issues—they are the battlefield on which modern love is fought.
In doing so, Materialists becomes less about choosing between two men and more about confronting the assumptions we carry into relationships. Do we see love as something pure and separate from money? Or do we recognize that financial compatibility is just as important as emotional connection? The film’s refusal to provide easy answers is perhaps one of its boldest strengths.
Performances That Ground the Narrative
Dakota Johnson delivers a performance that is at once subtle and deeply layered. As Lucy, she portrays a woman who is successful by any traditional measure but haunted by the fear that she has optimized herself into emotional paralysis. Johnson’s command of tone, body language, and emotional restraint makes Lucy both sympathetic and frustrating—she is human in all the ways that matter.
Pedro Pascal is quietly magnetic as Harry. His portrayal of a man who is simultaneously respectful, desirable, and emotionally distant offers a welcome departure from typical rom-com stereotypes. He’s not a villain; he’s not even unkind. He’s simply a man who provides stability—but maybe not much else. The film never condemns him, which adds to the moral complexity of Lucy’s dilemma.
Chris Evans, often cast as the affable hero, surprises here with a portrayal of John that is raw, impulsive, and flawed. His energy contrasts sharply with the muted tension between Lucy and Harry. Evans doesn’t just represent the past; he represents a future that is risky, romantic, and far from guaranteed. The chemistry between Evans and Johnson crackles in a way that feels organic, which makes the audience root for him—even when his unpredictability raises red flags.
Cinematic Tone and Direction
Stylistically, Materialists is clean, deliberate, and surprisingly restrained. Song’s direction favors long takes, subdued color palettes, and minimal background score, giving the actors room to breathe and scenes space to develop naturally. It’s a film that feels modern without being flashy, intellectual without being inaccessible.
The cinematography by Shabier Kirchner enhances the emotional austerity of the narrative. Interiors are often cold and minimalistic, underscoring Lucy’s internal conflict. Exterior scenes, mostly in bustling city streets or chic Manhattan apartments, reflect the pressures and privileges of the world she inhabits.
Song’s script doesn’t aim for laugh-out-loud humor. Instead, it leans into dry wit and intellectual repartee. For some viewers, this might come across as emotionally detached or even pretentious. But for others, it will feel refreshingly honest, especially in a genre that often demands over-the-top gestures and simplistic resolutions.
Strengths of the Film
One of the most commendable aspects of Materialists is its refusal to romanticize difficult choices. The film acknowledges that no partner is perfect, and no decision is easy. Both Harry and John offer legitimate paths forward for Lucy, each with distinct risks and benefits. This ambiguity lends the film a sense of realism that is often lacking in romantic storytelling.
Another strength is the film’s timing. In a post-pandemic world where dating apps, job insecurity, and rising costs of living have fundamentally altered the way people approach relationships, Materialists feels almost eerily relevant. It’s not simply a love story—it’s a reflection of the way we live now.
Weaknesses and Audience Reactions
While the film is intelligent and well-acted, it’s not likely to be universally beloved. For one, the pacing may prove challenging for some. The second act, in particular, slows down considerably as the film digs deeper into character motivations. For viewers expecting a fast-paced, joke-filled romantic comedy, this tonal shift could feel jarring.
Additionally, some critics have noted that the film’s emotional distance makes it hard to connect with the characters. Lucy’s guardedness, while realistic, can make her a difficult protagonist to root for. Similarly, Harry’s coolness and John’s volatility leave viewers with no ideal option—just two complicated men and one very complicated decision.
Despite these concerns, many viewers have praised Materialists for its willingness to portray love not as an escape, but as a series of calculated, deeply human decisions. It’s a film that sparks conversation—and that alone makes it worth watching.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Reviews from major publications have reflected the film’s polarizing nature. Time Magazine called it “the most honest romantic comedy in years,” while the New York Post criticized its emotional sterility. Social media discussions have been equally split, with some praising the film’s intelligence and others lamenting its lack of heart.
Regardless of where one falls on that spectrum, there’s no denying that Materialists is generating buzz. It’s already being discussed as a future case study in film schools, not only for its thematic complexity but also for its subversion of genre norms.
For audiences willing to step outside the boundaries of traditional romance, Materialists offers something unique: a film that treats love not as magic, but as a negotiation.
Final Thoughts
Materialists is not an easy film. It does not ask for your tears, nor does it promise catharsis. What it offers instead is a reflection of modern romance—messy, uncertain, and often driven by factors we’d rather not admit. Celine Song has created a story that speaks to a generation burdened by debt, driven by ambition, and unsure of how—or whether—love fits into the equation.
This isn’t a film to watch when you want to feel good. It’s a film to watch when you want to feel seen.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)