Materialists
Materialists
A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) finds herself torn between the perfect match (Pedro Pascal) and her imperfect ex (Chris Evans).
Nishant Arora reviewedOctober 8, 2025
From the acclaimed director of Past Lives, The Materialists is a sharp, witty, and refreshingly mature romantic comedy. It deconstructs the conventional love triangle by focusing on the uncomfortable realities of money, ambition, and modern dating, while still delivering an emotionally rich and satisfying cinematic experience.
The Good
Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans all deliver compelling and nuanced performances, creating a love triangle that feels complex and human. The screenplay is taut and clever, offering a brutally honest look at how our desires are shaped by financial and social anxieties. The cinematography is stunning, capturing a "quiet luxury" aesthetic that is both aspirational and subtle. The film wisely avoids standard rom-com clichés, opting for a more grounded and thoughtful approach to romance.
The Bad
Despite its compelling premise, the film's narrative can feel anticlimactic as it resolves its central conflict, making the final act feel a little less dramatic than it could be. Some of the dialogue, while sharp, can at times feel a bit morose. The supporting characters, particularly those of the clients, are mostly caricatures meant to fuel the plot rather than fully developed individuals. The minimalist narrative style and sparse dialogue may not appeal to viewers looking for a more traditional, lighthearted rom-com.
Materialists is a thoughtful, cerebral, and highly watchable film that solidifies Celine Song's reputation as a masterful observer of relationships.