Intro
Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, Materialists isn’t your average romantic comedy. Directed by Celine Song, this genre-bending film sets its sights on love in a society obsessed with wealth, prestige, and curated perfection. But don’t be fooled by its sleek setup — beneath the glitter lies a raw critique of transactional relationships in today’s dating world.
Plot
Meet Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a top-tier New York matchmaker who approaches romance like a broker closing a high-stakes deal. For her, love is a formula — social compatibility, shared values, and above all, a heavy bank balance. So when she meets the obscenely rich Harry (Pedro Pascal) at a client’s wedding, he seems like the jackpot. But her tidy calculations go haywire when her broke ex, John (Chris Evans), returns — full of charm and unfinished business. A subplot involving her client Sophie (Zoe Winters) forces Lucy to confront the very foundation of her beliefs, pushing her to choose between the comfort of luxury and the messiness of authenticity.
Performance & Direction
Celine Song brings a poetic sensibility to what could’ve been a glossy fluff piece. The emotional undercurrents run deep, thanks largely to the nuanced performances. Chris Evans ditches his Captain America charisma for something far more human — a lovable loser with layers of regret and unresolved longing. Dakota Johnson delivers a delicate performance, juggling confidence and insecurity with grace. Pedro Pascal, ironically playing a character richer than he’s ever been onscreen, balances elegance with quiet restraint. Zoe Winters brings warmth and sincerity in a role that grounds the film emotionally.
What Works
The film’s visual language is elegant, courtesy of Shabier Kirchner’s cinematography, evoking melancholy and nostalgia with a modern edge.
Daniel Pemberton’s score transitions from fizzy sophistication to emotional gravity with seamless finesse.
The emotional complexity of the leads adds unexpected depth to what appears to be a conventional rom-com setup.
What Doesn’t
A few genre clichés peek through — like the “he understands you better than your boyfriend” trope.
The narrative occasionally feels conflicted, unsure whether it wants to satirize or sympathize with its heroine.
Some subplots, especially the exploration of Lucy’s clients, feel underdeveloped and rush past potential.
Final Words
Materialists offers more than what its designer-draped characters and witty dialogue initially suggest. While it may not be a perfect love story, it’s a sharp and stylish commentary on how modern dating often feels like a contract negotiation — with heartbreak included in the fine print. A cerebral rom-com with emotional bite.
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