From the very first minutes, Materialists introduces us to Lucy, a dedicated professional who lives in the luxurious world of relationships in New York City. The narrative opens with a visually striking sequence: two primitive people fall in love in the forest, a deliberate contrast with the modern world the film explores.
This introduction clearly sets the tone as philosophical: love, value, and choice are presented as elements of a much more complex system than a standard romantic story. Early on, it becomes clear that this is far from a conventional love story: the film bears Celine Song’s signature ambition to explore intimacy and identity amid the fleeting culture of materialism.
There is a palpable tension: Lucy seems confident in her matchmaking logic until John (Chris Evans) reappears. That’s when the film gradually reveals its emotional depth — albeit a restrained one — signaling that the traditional rom-com will give way to a study of the human cost of material success.
A Story of passions and unfinished loves
The plot of Materialists revolves around Lucy, a sophisticated matchmaker who arranges relationships for demanding clients but begins to see her own certainties unravel. When she gets involved with Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy financier, and reconnects with John (Chris Evans), her ex who is struggling to make it as an actor, a clash between real and superficial values begins to form.
The pacing is deliberately measured: director Celine Song avoids resorting to immediate drama, choosing instead a calm and thoughtful progression, which some viewers may find slow at times.
The narrative keeps your attention through the duality between Harry’s and John’s worlds. Harry’s luxurious life — shown in scenes set in a multimillion-dollar apartment and fancy dinners — stands in sharp contrast to John’s unstable routine, working as a waiter and trying to launch his acting career.
This intentional disconnection builds dramatic tension: while Lucy tries to rationalize her relationships as calculations of value, her emotional chemistry with John breaks that model. The film captivates by showing her inner conflict between material security and genuine connection.
A Stellar Cast of Renowned Stars
Dakota Johnson plays Lucy with a minimalist and introspective approach; her deliberately restrained performance divides opinion: while some critics see her as cold, others view the choice as a perfect reflection of a character who rationalizes love as if it were an investment.
Chris Evans, as John, brings an empathetic charm that appeals more to the emotions. His vulnerability wins over the audience when the script threatens to drift away from feeling. His scenes with Johnson deliver genuine emotional impact and romantic tension.
Pedro Pascal portrays Harry with refined subtlety. His presence is more reserved, almost complementary to the central narrative. It suits a character who embodies material stability but lacks the emotional intensity that John brings — a deliberate contrast that serves the story well.
Among the supporting cast, Zoë Winters stands out as Sophie, bringing an authenticity that balances the emotional coldness of the main trio. The ensemble of characters deepens the film’s layers of ambition, social critique, and emotional introspection.
A Few interesting facts worth knowing
The film’s aesthetic is marked by 35mm cinematography, with a golden palette that highlights the theatrical luxury of New York City. Every setting seems meticulously chosen to convey status, emotional distance, and quiet introspection.
Daniel Pemberton’s soundtrack complements the visual style and narrative: it begins with light, glamorous compositions but gains depth and tension as the characters’ internal conflicts intensify. The melancholic and elegant tone enhances the introspective moments and existential questioning.
The setting shifts between upscale salons, theater studios, and real urban spaces, creating an atmosphere that reflects themes of identity, value, and social expectations. It’s a setting that speaks volumes without flashy visuals, relying instead on the emotional and symbolic contrasts.
A Film that echoes some classics
There are echoes of When Harry Met Sally in the meet-cutes and discussions about love and value, but Song dismantles traditional romantic expectations by exposing the calculating side of modern relationships.
For those who saw Past Lives (2023), this second feature by Song expands her exploration of relationships through a different lens — while the earlier film explored reconnection and destiny, Materialists examines love through the logic of emotional consumerism.
Some critics have suggested that the film flirts with modern psychological drama or even a kind of emotional horror: by avoiding catharsis and embracing ambiguity, it leaves an unsettling sense of existential dissatisfaction.
Despite this thematic boldness, some have compared Materialists to the works of Nora Ephron or James L. Brooks — not in their lighter moments, but in their use of rom-com structure to deconstruct romance and cultural expectations.
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In short, Materialists is a modern and sophisticated portrayal of the tensions between love, value, and genuine connection. Celine Song delivers a film that challenges classic romantic ideals without abandoning emotion — even if it’s expressed in a more thoughtful, cerebral tone.
If you’re looking for more than light entertainment, this film offers deep reflections on what we value in ourselves and others. Chris Evans delivers a touching performance, and the art direction and soundtrack create an aesthetic immersion that mirrors the characters’ emotional journeys.
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