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🎬 Film Overview

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 .

Box office: Budget ~$20 M, grossed ~$50 M worldwide .



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đź’– Plot Synopsis

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 .



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🎭 Critical & Audience Reception

Tomatometer: ~79% positive reviews; Popcornmeter: ~67% audience score .

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.

Category

📺
TV
Transcript
00:00You did it, Lucy.
00:02When you said that he's 47 and only makes 150k a year, I almost said no, but I'm really happy I trusted you.
00:12I know it's only been one date, and I need to manage my expectations, but it was probably the best first date I've ever had.
00:20Uh, Sophie, so I just got off the phone with him, and he loved meeting you.
00:26He had a great time, but he doesn't feel like the chemistry is there for him at this time.
00:33So, onward and upward.
00:39He doesn't want a second date?
00:42No.
00:46He's balding. How fucking dare he?
00:50Dating is a risk. You took a risk. It's brave.
00:56Why did you set me up with someone like that?
01:00He checked a lot of our boxes.
01:03And you checked a lot of his.
01:06So, onwards and upwards.
01:08Let's talk about your next match.
01:09I have an amazing guy for you.
01:11His name is Mark.
01:12He's a doctor.
01:14He's very handsome.
01:15He has a full head of hair.
01:16He's 48.
01:18That's almost 50.
01:20He looks great for 48.
01:21He's very fit.
01:23He looks like he's 40.
01:24How tall?
01:255'11".
01:27Is he actually 5'11", or is he actually 5'9", and is lying?
01:31What's a couple inches?
01:33I don't want to waste my time.
01:36I am not asking for a miracle.
01:39I'm just asking for the bare minimum.
01:41I'm trying to settle.
01:43Sophie, I know how it feels right now, but I promise you, you're going to marry the love
01:54of your life.
01:56I don't believe you.
01:58That's okay.
02:00I believe it.
02:01I don't believe you.