Materialists (film)

''Materialists'' is a 2025 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Celine Song. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Zoë Winters, Marin Ireland, Louisa Jacobson, and Pedro Pascal. Set against the backdrop of New York City's luxury-driven dating culture, it follows a love triangle between a matchmaker, her aspiring actor ex-boyfriend, and a charming billionaire.

The project marks Song's second feature following '' Past Lives'' (2023), and continues her exploration of intimacy, identity, and modern relationships. Produced by Killer Films and 2AM, the film was released in the United States by A24 on June 13, 2025 and distributed internationally by Sony Pictures Releasing International. It received generally positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Lucy, a failed actor turned successful matchmaker, works at Adore, a New York City-based firm, and has made pairings that have resulted in nine marriages. Though voluntarily celibate, she maintains that she will only date and eventually marry a wealthy man. At the wedding of her latest successful match, she is approached by financier Harry Castillo, the groom's brother, who expresses romantic interest. Lucy rebuffs him, suggesting instead that he become a client of Adore. At the same event, she unexpectedly reunites with her ex-boyfriend John, who is working as a caterer and continues to pursue acting. They reminisce about their past relationship, which ended due to financial strain.

Harry persists in courting Lucy, taking her to upscale restaurants. She initially questions his interest, believing he can do better, but he reassures her that he respects her outlook and values her self-worth. Their relationship soon becomes official, and Lucy's renewed optimism translates into professional success, leading her to match Sophie, a long-time client, with another client named Mark. She and Harry attend John's stage performance, where John is visibly dismayed to see them together and privately questions Lucy on the relationship.

Lucy's confidence is shaken when her boss, Violet, informs her that Mark assaulted Sophie and Sophie is suing Adore. Though Violet promises to handle the legal consequences and tells Lucy to avoid talking to her, Lucy follows and personally apologizes to Sophie, who accuses her of facilitating the match without due diligence and ends their friendship.

Temporarily subletting her apartment for a planned trip to Iceland with Harry, Lucy discovers an engagement ring in his luggage. Later that night, she finds out that Harry had undergone leg lengthening surgery to become taller. Adamant that the procedure changed his life for the better, but frustrated that Lucy found out, he asks her if it changes her feelings for him. While she claims it doesn't affect her view of him, she admits she doesn't truly love him and amicably ends the relationship.

With nowhere to stay, she moves in with John, and the two travel upstate with money he earned from his play. At a wedding they gatecrash together, Lucy kisses John. When John questions whether they are getting back together, Lucy expresses uncertainty, citing her conflicted values. John confesses he has always loved her and envisions a future together, while Lucy admits that her pursuit of wealth once overshadowed their love.

Lucy then receives a panicked call from Sophie, who reports that Mark is outside her apartment and that the police refuse to intervene. Lucy and John rush to her aid, finding that Mark has already fled. Lucy helps Sophie file a restraining order, and the two reconcile. Before parting, John makes a heartfelt appeal to Lucy to rekindle their relationship, also promising to work harder to support her. Lucy agrees.

Some time later, Sophie begins dating a new match from Adore; Harry has also become a client. Violet offers Lucy a promotion to lead Adore's New York office. Lucy reveals that she intended to resign but reluctantly considers the offer. During a casual lunch in Central Park, John proposes, and Lucy accepts with a kiss. The credits depict various couples, including Lucy and John, receiving marriage licenses at the city clerk's office.

Cast

* Dakota Johnson as Lucy Mason
* Chris Evans as John Finch
* Pedro Pascal as Harry Castillo
* Zoë Winters as Sophie
* Marin Ireland as Violet
* Dasha Nekrasova as Daisy
* Louisa Jacobson as Charlotte
* Sawyer Spielberg as Mason
* Eddie Cahill as Robert
* Joseph Lee as Trevor
* John Magaro as Mark P. (voice)
* Baby Rose as Wedding Singer

Production

''Materialists'' was written and directed by Celine Song, marking her second feature following '' Past Lives'' (2023). The project was announced in February 2024, with Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films, and David Hinojosa of 2AM, serving as producers. At the time of the announcement, Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal were confirmed to star. A24 was attached as the film's domestic distributor and international sales agent, bringing the project to the European Film Market to secure financing. The film was co-financed by IPR.VC.

Later that month, Sony Pictures acquired international distribution rights (excluding Russia, China, and Japan) in an eight-figure deal.

In May 2024, Zoë Winters, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Marin Ireland were announced as additional cast members.

Principal photography began on April 29, 2024, in New York City and wrapped on June 6, 2024. The film was shot on 35mm by Antiguan cinematographer Shabier Kirchner, marking his second collaboration with Song following '' Past Lives'' (2023).

Music

Release

''Materialists'' was released theatrically in the United States by A24 on June 13, 2025. Sony Pictures Releasing International is scheduled to distribute the film internationally on August 16, 2025.

Reception

Box office

, ''Materialists'' has grossed $28 million in the United States and Canada, and $8 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $36 million.

In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside ''How to Train Your Dragon'' and was projected to gross $7–9 million from 2,844 theaters in its opening weekend. The film made $5 million on its first day, including $1.5 million from Thursday night previews. It went on to slightly overperform, debuting to $12 million and finishing in third behind ''How to Train Your Dragon'' and holdover ''Lilo & Stitch''.

Critical response

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B–" on an A+ to F scale, while those surveyed by PostTrak gave it a 69% positive score.

Christy Lemire of '' RogerEbert.com'' described the film as "clear-eyed, even as it makes the happily-ever-after seem possible after all," praising its performances and character depth. In ''Variety'', Owen Gleiberman wrote that the film offers "sharp and serious social romantic drama" and commended its "telling observations about the way we live now."

''Entertainment Weeklys Maureen Lee Lenker called the film a "sly, yet charming romance," likening Celine Song's work to Jane Austen's in terms of its cultural wit and romantic nuance. Manohla Dargis of ''The New York Times'' complimented Song's continued interest in time, emotion, and identity, calling the film "formally inventive, emotionally curious, and thoroughly adult."

Richard Lawson of '' Vanity Fair'' wrote that the film's strength lies in its "topical boldness", with New York City rendered as both a real and romanticized cityscape.

''Common Sense Media'' praised its thoughtful storytelling and suitability for mature teens and adults, highlighting its emotional realism and mature relationship themes. ''People'' referred to the film as "elusive but not inscrutable," adding that it is "delicately playful, rarely sentimental."

Justin Chang of ''The New Yorker'' appreciated the vividness of the dialogue but noted that the film's second half loses momentum due to an emotionally underdeveloped subplot. ''The A.V. Club'' offered a split verdict, with one critic praising its clever blend of old-school and modern romance, while another felt it lacked intimacy compared to Song's earlier film '' Past Lives'' (2023).

''NPRs Aisha Harris observed that while ''Materialists'' has "moments of insight," it is occasionally "undone by its own ambition," particularly in juggling commentary and romance. Harris was also critical of the film's depiction of sexual assault, describing it as "most confounding". ''Screen Rant'' noted that the film's pace may feel meandering to some viewers and that its social critiques occasionally overshadow emotional investment.

References

External links

* {{IMDb title

2025 romantic comedy films
2020s American films
2020s English-language films
A24 (company) films
American romantic comedy films
English-language romantic comedy films
Films directed by Celine Song
Films produced by Christine Vachon
Films scored by Daniel Pemberton
Films set in New York City
Films shot in New York City
Killer Films films
Stage 6 Films films