A Heartfelt Exploration of Love in Materialists: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal Shine
Celine Song, the visionary writer-director behind the acclaimed film Past Lives, returns with her sophomore feature Materialists. This stirring tale about the search for love captivates audiences and evokes a wave of cinematic nostalgia reminiscent of the likes of Billy Wilder and Nora Ephron. With this project, Song positions herself as a formidable voice in contemporary filmmaking, exploring themes of connection and self-discovery.
A Complicated Love Triangle: Meet Lucy
At its core, Materialists revolves around Lucy, a character brought to life by the talented Dakota Johnson. As a skilled matchmaker at a high-end New York agency named Adore, Lucy excels at pairing her clients with their ideal partners, yet she finds herself grappling with her own romantic shortcomings. Calling it a rom-com or romdram doesn’t encapsulate the film’s complexity; it boldly defies shy categorizations to deliver a profound look at love.
Navigating the Love Market
Lucy earns about $80,000 a year, crafting matches based on meticulous checklists from her affluent clientele. Each vignette serves as a comedic yet poignant exploration of the matchmaking world, filled with characters who harbor absurd requirements. One hilarious episode features a man whose ideal match is someone who has yet to hit the age of 30. For Lucy, love is commodified—a negotiation in which money plays a crucial role, leading her to reflect on her own past relationships.
In a flashback, we witness Lucy’s struggle with her former boyfriend, John (played by Chris Evans). Their relationship begins with both being struggling actors, but as time passes, Lucy finds herself increasingly burdened by financial insecurities. Their breakup sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love’s complexities.
A New Connection Sparks with Harry
At a wedding for one of her successful clients, Lucy encounters Harry (Pedro Pascal), a suave commodities broker residing in a luxurious Manhattan penthouse. Initially, she views him as the ideal candidate for her clients—a “unicorn” in the dating world—only to discover that Harry is more interested in Lucy herself. This unexpected twist leads Lucy to confront her own emotions, blurring the lines between professionalism and personal desire.
As the plot unfolds, we are left wondering: Will Lucy navigate the intricacies of her own heart, or will love become yet another negotiation?
Standout Performances Bring Depth
The film’s casting is impeccable. Dakota Johnson masterfully captures Lucy’s inner turmoil, portraying her as an assured yet vulnerable matchmaker. Chris Evans showcases his dramatic chops, brilliantly portraying John as a man still searching for his true love. Pedro Pascal elevates Harry from a stereotypical role to a character with real depth, revealing layers of vulnerability that resonate with viewers.
A Shift in Genre Norms
One of the film’s most compelling aspects lies in its willingness to tackle darker themes. Zoe Winters plays a client who faces an unexpected and traumatic experience during a matchmaking date—an element that adds a significant weight to the narrative and resonates profoundly in today’s landscape.
The City as a Character
A major star in Materialists is New York City itself, portrayed with breathtaking cinematography by Shabier Kirchner. The city serves as both backdrop and metaphor for love’s elusive nature. A poetic montage set to Harry Nilsson’s "I Guess the Lord Must Be In New York City" highlights just how intricate the chase for genuine connection can be.
A Timely Addition to Romantic Cinema
Materialists arrives at a moment when audiences are eagerly seeking fresh takes on romance. It offers a nuanced portrayal that appeals to both romantic idealists and cynics alike. The film’s conclusion, with its hopeful gaze over the bustling New York Marriage Bureau, beautifully underscores that while finding true love can be challenging, hope remains eternal.
Final Thoughts on Materialists
Celine Song’s Materialists promises to be a refreshing alternative amidst the summer’s typical action-packed blockbusters. It artfully navigates the longing for connection while challenging viewers to reconsider their own relationships.
Producers: Celine Song, Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, David Hinojosa.
Distributor: A24 Films
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Director-Screenplay: Celine Song
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Louise Jacobson
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hr, 56 min
In a cinematic landscape marked by oversimplified narratives, Materialists stands out for its rich character development and its exploration of love in all its complicated forms. Mark your calendars, this is one movie you won’t want to miss!
