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Some People Just Want More: "Materialists"
July 7, 2025
By Bessy ADUT
Materialists is the standout film for adults this summer of 2025, a rare gem in the modern romantic genre. While marketed as a romantic comedy, it leans more into meaningful drama than laugh-out-loud humor, offering a thought-provoking exploration of love in the contemporary age and the profound impact of money on relationships. Should we follow our hearts or our heads? The film deftly examines this question from multiple angles, ultimately landing on a conclusion that favors the heart—with just a touch of logic. Money matters, but it isn’t everything when it comes to affairs of the heart.
Directed by the talented Celine Song—whose Past Lives earned Academy Award nominations last year—Materialists further establishes Song’s mastery of intimate relationship stories. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Louisa Jacobson, and Pedro Pascal. Both Johnson and Pascal deliver particularly compelling performances that anchor the film with depth and authenticity.
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s elite dating scene, the story centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a failed actress turned highly successful matchmaker at a prestigious firm. She finds herself torn between two men: John, her struggling-actor ex-boyfriend, and Harry, a dashing, wealthy bachelor she meets at a wedding. The film’s core message could be distilled to “be careful what you wish for,” as Lucy’s seemingly perfect romance with the rich and generous Harry is soon upended by her lingering feelings for John. Against all odds, she follows her heart back to her first love.
Produced by Killer Films and 2AM, Materialists was released in the United States by A24 on June 13, 2025, with Sony Pictures Releasing International handling its worldwide distribution. The film has received generally positive reviews from critics.
Here is the trailer of the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A_kmjtsJ7c
SPOILER ALERT – Best read after watching 
Lucy works at Adore, a New York-based matchmaking firm where she is celebrated for orchestrating nine successful marriages. Far more than just a matchmaker, Lucy’s keen understanding of human psychology and genuine care for her clients set her apart. At a wedding event, she meets Harry Castillo, who, instead of seeking her professional help, pursues her romantically even as her ex-boyfriend John happens to be catering the same event.
Harry courts Lucy with lavish dates and gifts, even giving her the key to his luxurious penthouse. Their relationship soon becomes official. Meanwhile, Lucy maintains a cautious friendship with her jealous ex, John. Through a flashback, we learn their relationship ended after a heated argument over a parking fee on their anniversary, highlighting Lucy’s fear of letting money poison love.
As Lucy plans a romantic trip to Iceland with Harry, she discovers an engagement ring hidden in his luggage and learns he has recently undergone leg-lengthening surgery. This revelation unsettles her; perhaps it feels superficial or emblematic of deeper insecurities. Disillusioned, Lucy breaks up with Harry and rekindles her romance with John, who is still living with his chaotic roommates. Too embarrassed to invite her to his apartment, John takes Lucy on a road trip, where they crash a wedding, share heartfelt moments, and finally kiss.
A subplot involving one of Lucy’s clients, who has been assaulted and stalked, adds layers of tension and showcases Lucy’s dedication. Just as she considers quitting her job out of disillusionment, she’s offered a significant promotion as proof of her worth. In the end, she accepts both the promotion and a marriage proposal from John, her once-broke, now-reunited love.
The film closes on a heartwarming montage of modest, intimate weddings—a powerful reminder that true love is found not in wealth or glamour, but in the willingness to build a life together through thick and thin. Materialists beautifully underscores the idea that it’s better to be broke and in love than rich and alone.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly award this film 5 stars. With stellar performances, sharp and poignant dialogue, gorgeous cinematography, and a memorable soundtrack, Materialists is a triumph. Kudos to Celine Song for delivering another masterful portrait of modern love.
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