Verdict
Summary
Materialists is disarmingly bold, straddling the line between romance and realism while offering a sharp commentary on love in a financially uncertain world.
Plot: An ambitious matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
Review: On paper, Materialists appears to be a typical romcom, with Dakota Johnson leading as Lucy, a strong, successful New York City matchmaker. She finds herself caught between two men on opposite ends of the financial spectrum: Harry, played by the enigmatic Pedro Pascal, born into wealth and living a life of luxury; and John, portrayed by Chris Evans, an ex-lover and struggling actor living paycheck to paycheck.
But ironically – and refreshingly – Materialists goes beyond the surface-level tropes of romantic comedy. It dives into the uncomfortable realities of middle-age dating, shining a harsh spotlight on the link between financial stability and self-worth. Director Celine Song doesn’t shy away from making audiences squirm, using the genre to confront tough truths rather than offer viewers escapist fantasy.
Though there are moments of charm – and plenty of swooning courtesy of Pascal and Evans – the film leans heavily into realism over romance. Lucy is far from the typical, sweet, endearing heroine you’d find in romcoms. Johnson’s portrayal is cool and calculated, more focused on landing the next match for her clients (or in her eyes, business transactions), than following her heart.
But whether Lucy is likeable or not isn’t the point; her character challenges viewers to reflect on how we assign value to others – and ourselves – especially in a world where money increasingly dictates opportunity, status, and desirability.
While the film is rather sobering, it is not without hope. At its core, Materialists still believes in the possibility of finding a true match, mirroring the ever-hopeful human experience – the persistence of genuine connection, regardless of circumstance.
Materialists opens in theatres on June 13, 2025.