✅ Materialists (2025) is a sharp, contemporary romantic comedy-drama that delves into the complexities of love, ambition, and financial realities in modern New York City. Written and directed by the acclaimed Celine Song, known for her Oscar-nominated “Past Lives,” this film brings a refreshing and often uncomfortably honest look at dating. Starring a captivating trio of Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, “Materialists” offers a compelling narrative about a matchmaker navigating her own unexpected love triangle. Released in June 2025, it challenges traditional rom-com tropes while offering a deeply human and relatable exploration of what people truly seek in a partner.

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7/10

Materialists

Director: Celine Song

Writers: Celine Song

Stars: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal

Country: Finland, United States of America

Genres: Romance, Drama

Languages: English

Overview: A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Materialists (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Materialists (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated significant production for star cast)
• Revenue: Over $40 Million (Worldwide, as of late June 2025)
• Runtime: 116 Minutes (1 Hour 56 Minutes)
• Release Date: June 13, 2025 (United States)
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
• Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoë Winters, Marin Ireland, Louisa Jacobson, Dasha Nekrasova
• Directors: Celine Song
• Screenplay: Celine Song
• Studios & Producers: A24, Sony Pictures (International Distribution). Produced by Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Celine Song.
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Materialists” centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a pragmatic and successful New York City matchmaker who prides herself on her ability to pair clients based on logical, often “materialistic” criteria. Despite her profession, Lucy is voluntarily celibate, believing that true happiness comes from aligning oneself with wealth and stability, a belief that stems from her own past experiences with financial struggle. Her meticulously ordered life is thrown into disarray when she finds herself unexpectedly caught in a complex love triangle. On one side is Harry (Pedro Pascal), a charming and affluent millionaire who represents everything she outwardly preaches to her clients – stability, wealth, and a seemingly perfect future. On the other side is John (Chris Evans), her former boyfriend, an aspiring but struggling actor whom she genuinely loved but whose financial instability ultimately led to their breakup. As Lucy navigates this emotional labyrinth, her professional principles clash with her personal desires. The film explores the tension between pursuing love for emotional fulfillment versus material security, delving into the compromises people make and the true value they place on relationships. It’s a poignant and witty exploration of modern romance, challenging societal norms and deeply personal convictions as Lucy tries to reconcile her head with her heart.

Cast & Crew

“Materialists” benefits immensely from its star-studded and talented cast. Dakota Johnson leads as Lucy, delivering a nuanced performance that balances her character’s sharp wit and professional pragmatism with underlying vulnerability and emotional confusion. Johnson’s ability to convey both cynicism and longing makes Lucy a highly relatable protagonist. Chris Evans, stepping into a more grounded role as John, brings a charming and earnest energy to the struggling actor, effectively portraying his enduring affection for Lucy. His performance adds significant emotional depth to the “imperfect ex” archetype. Pedro Pascal is effortlessly charming and enigmatic as Harry, the wealthy suitor who embodies Lucy’s stated ideals, but whose character reveals surprising layers. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, fueling the central love triangle. Zoë Winters also shines as Sophie, one of Lucy’s clients, providing a compelling subplot that reflects Lucy’s own journey. Under the direction of Celine Song, the ensemble works cohesively, bringing her sharp screenplay to life with performances that are both humorous and genuinely heartfelt, elevating the film beyond a typical romantic comedy.

Critical & Audience Response

Upon its release in June 2025, “Materialists” received a strong positive reception from critics, with particular praise for its sophisticated take on the romantic comedy genre. Many critics lauded Celine Song’s direction and screenplay, highlighting her ability to craft a smart, mature, and emotionally resonant story that delves into the complexities of modern relationships. The performances of the lead trio—Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal—were widely celebrated, with reviewers noting their excellent chemistry and individual depth. Critics appreciated how the film deconstructs traditional rom-com tropes, offering a more realistic and often bittersweet perspective on love and materialism. Some minor criticisms included a perceived unevenness in pacing or moments where the film’s philosophical underpinnings might feel slightly heavy for a “comedy.” However, the overall consensus was highly favorable, leading to a “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience response has also been largely positive, with viewers appreciating the film’s intelligence, humor, and the relatable dilemmas faced by its characters, solidifying its place as a critically acclaimed and engaging modern romance.

Direction & Cinematography

Celine Song’s direction in “Materialists” is characterized by its thoughtful, precise, and understated approach, similar to her acclaimed debut “Past Lives.” She navigates the film’s complex themes of love, money, and personal values with a delicate balance of wit and emotional depth. Song’s direction allows for long, observational takes that emphasize dialogue and character interaction, letting scenes breathe and emotions unfold naturally. She masterfully handles the love triangle, ensuring that all three central characters are treated with empathy and complexity, avoiding easy villain archetypes. Her distinct voice brings a fresh perspective to the romantic comedy genre, elevating it beyond superficiality. For cinematography, Shabier Kirchner (known for “Small Axe”) delivers visually stunning work. The film often employs a warm, inviting palette, particularly in the intimate scenes, which contrasts with the sleek, sometimes sterile environments of New York’s elite. Kirchner’s camera work is intimate and reflective, often capturing characters in moments of quiet contemplation or subtle emotional shifts. The visuals are not merely aesthetic but serve to highlight the internal lives of the characters and the dynamic between their aspirations and realities. The lighting, framing, and overall visual style contribute significantly to the film’s sophisticated and grounded atmosphere, making “Materialists” a visually engaging and emotionally resonant experience.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score for “Materialists” play a subtle yet vital role in enhancing the film’s sophisticated romantic comedy-drama tone. Unlike typical rom-coms that might rely on an upbeat pop soundtrack, “Materialists” features a more curated and nuanced musical landscape. The score, likely composed to complement Celine Song’s delicate storytelling, is expected to be understated, using minimalist melodies and atmospheric arrangements to underscore the emotional complexities of the characters. It subtly builds tension during moments of romantic uncertainty and adds poignancy to scenes of introspection. The film also features a “sparkling indie soundtrack” with artists like Cat Power, Harry Nilsson, and John Prine, which thoughtfully selected to reflect the characters’ inner worlds and the contemporary setting of New York City. These songs are integrated artfully, serving not just as background noise but as emotional touchstones that resonate with the narrative’s themes of love, loss, and the search for connection. The overall musical direction aligns perfectly with the film’s grounded and mature approach, adding depth without overshadowing the intimate character drama.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Materialists” is not a film that relies on extravagant visual effects; instead, its strength in visuals comes from its grounded realism and meticulous production design. The film visually captures the distinct environments of New York City, from upscale apartments and chic restaurants frequented by the wealthy to the more modest, lived-in spaces of aspiring artists. The visuals are designed to reflect the film’s central themes, particularly the contrast between materialism and authentic connection. The production design department excels in creating believable and aesthetically pleasing sets that immerse the audience in Lucy’s world, whether she’s making a high-stakes match or grappling with her personal life. The visual composition, guided by the cinematography, is often intimate and focused on facial expressions and body language, allowing the subtle nuances of the performances to shine through. Any special effects present are likely to be practical and seamless, serving only to enhance the narrative’s authenticity rather than drawing attention to themselves. The overall visual style is one of understated elegance and observational honesty, contributing significantly to the film’s sophisticated tone and its realistic portrayal of modern relationships.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Materialists” is a critical component in shaping its unique pacing and sophisticated narrative flow. Under the direction of Celine Song, the film’s cuts are deliberate, allowing scenes to unfold naturally and giving space for the nuanced performances and dialogue to breathe. The editing avoids rapid-fire sequences, opting instead for a more contemplative rhythm that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles and the complexities of their relationships. This measured pacing allows the audience to fully absorb the emotional weight of each interaction. The screenplay, also penned by Celine Song, is undeniably the film’s backbone. It is lauded for its sharp, intelligent dialogue and its fresh, mature deconstruction of romantic comedy tropes. Song crafts a compelling love triangle that is less about who “wins” and more about Lucy’s journey of self-discovery and understanding her own desires versus societal or financial pressures. The script is rich with subtle humor and profound observations on human nature, money, and love. It navigates complex emotional territory with grace and authenticity, making “Materialists” a deeply engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that avoids clichés in favor of genuine human drama.

Positives / What Works

“Materialists” excels on multiple fronts, starting with Celine Song’s brilliant direction and sharp screenplay, which offer a fresh and mature perspective on modern romance. The film is elevated by the phenomenal performances of its lead trio: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, all of whom deliver nuanced and deeply human portrayals, showcasing remarkable chemistry. Its ability to deconstruct traditional rom-com tropes while still delivering genuine humor and emotional resonance is a major strength. The film’s thought-provoking exploration of love, money, and societal expectations resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The sophisticated cinematography and understated score contribute significantly to its overall polished and immersive atmosphere. “Materialists” provides a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, offering a refreshing alternative in the romantic genre.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While largely praised, “Materialists” may not appeal to all viewers. Some who expect a conventional, lighthearted romantic comedy might find its more analytical and introspective approach to be less overtly “funny” or romantic. The film’s deliberate pacing, while praised by many for its depth, could be perceived as slow by audiences accustomed to faster-moving narratives. The thematic focus on “materialism” and the transactional nature of relationships, while central to the plot, might be seen as cynical or less aspirational by some. Additionally, while the love triangle is compelling, some viewers might wish for a more clear-cut resolution or find the ambiguity challenging. Although these points are minor in the grand scheme of the film’s critical success, they represent aspects that might not universally connect with every audience member.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Materialists” is a captivating and intelligent romantic comedy-drama that reaffirms Celine Song’s unique voice in contemporary cinema. It’s a film that dares to ask difficult questions about love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness in a world often driven by material concerns. With stellar performances from Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film delivers a nuanced and often humorous exploration of a woman torn between two very different paths. Its sharp screenplay, sophisticated direction, and grounded realism set it apart. While it might not fit the mold of a traditional lighthearted rom-com, “Materialists” offers a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience that resonates with the complexities of modern dating. It’s a must-watch for those seeking a romantic film that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, solidifying its place as one of the standout films of 2025.

Movie Rating

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