Materialists is a 2025 American romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Celine Song—her second feature after the acclaimed Past Lives . Produced by A24, Killer Films, and 2 AM, it stars Dakota Johnson (Lucy), Chris Evans (John), and Pedro Pascal (Harry) .
Runtime: ~117 minutes
Release: Debuted in U.S. theaters on June 13, 2025 ; digital rent/purchase from July 22 onwards .
Setting: New York City’s upscale, material-focused dating scene .
Lucy is a high-end matchmaker in NYC who treats relationships like investments—applying strict criteria for looks, income, and status . At a wedding, she meets Harry, a wealthy “unicorn” bachelor who begins pursuing her, but she also reconnects with her imperfect ex, John, now struggling to make ends meet . As Lucy navigates this love triangle, she realizes the difference between a calculated, materialistic life and genuine emotional connection .
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🌟 Themes & Tone
Social critique: The film explores how modern romance is commodified—balancing emotional depth with material expectation .
Romance vs. Reality: Though playful and stylish, it has a thoughtful, bittersweet undertone as Lucy must choose between security and authenticity .
Classic-meets-modern: Critics note its blend of screwball rom-com charm rooted in Jane Austen/Ephron traditions with contemporary, spiky reflections on capitalism and intimacy .
Reviewers praised it as a “mature deconstruction of the rom‑com” with emotional realism and relational complexity .
Highlights from reviews:
RogerEbert.com: “brutally honest and bracingly contemporary,” blending glamour with genuine emotional stakes .
Washington Post: “sharp critique of modern dating and materialistic values” while delivering strong performances .
People/AP: Emphasizes the film's exploration beyond a typical love triangle—it's a thoughtful self-discovery narrative .
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🎧 Technical & Production Notes
Cinematography by Shabier Kirchner on 35 mm film .
Score by Daniel Pemberton, released June 13 along with contributions from Japanese Breakfast and Baby Rose .
Distribution: A24 (U.S.), Sony Pictures (international from August 16, 2025) .
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âś… Final Thoughts
Materialists combines glossy rom‑com aesthetics with sharp insight into the transactional nature of modern relationships. Dakota Johnson shines as Lucy, torn between the charm of privilege and the comfort of her imperfect past. It's a stylish, emotionally layered, and culturally relevant film that continues Celine Song’s exploration of intimacy and identity in 21st-century life.
