Materialists (2025): A Sophisticated Rom-Com

Find love that makes you happy.

After it was matched up with the theater, Materialists aired in 2025. Lucy is an ambitious New York City matchmaker who questions her morals. She gets caught up in her own love affairs, with Harry, a handsome suitor, and her imperfect ex, John.

I was expecting the average rom-com when I walked into Materialists. Seeing how the film hadn’t garnered much marketing, I grew more intrigued by the reviews. I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. Materialists is a sophisticated romance film that has authentic themes about love, growth, and career goals.

Dakota Johnson may look like she’s playing your average protagonist, whose confidence soars in her fancy boots, clothes, and opinions, but Lucy has more hidden layers. Johnson does a great job of portraying this character, though I wasn’t a fan of her monotone voice. She was stiff in deliveries, but that felt part of the character.

Lucy’s growth is the highlight. She’s afraid to step into reality, unsure of how to lead herself when she’s been leading others.

Lucy never expected to end up on her own matchmaker journey with Harry (Pedro Pascal) and John (Chris Evans). Both teach her about romance, but in different ways. Pascal is as charming as Harry. Johnson, Pascal, and Evans excelled in their scenes, each delivering enticing conversation scenes.

It’s John who needed further development. The film doesn’t provide too much exposition about John’s background, and it’s revealed through conversation about Lucy and John’s past.

This film includes supporting talents from Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, Eddie Cahill, and more. I liked the ensemble of women who worked at Adore. My favorite moment was them celebrating a work accomplishment in the background. I also liked the subplot with Sophie (Winters), adding an unexpected subplot.

Materialists is Celine Song’s latest rom-com after her successful Oscar-nominated film, Past Lives. She describes the film as a ‘rom-com-dram.’ Song, once again, crafts a story where romance is not just about choosing the right person, but choosing your authentic self. Are you falling in love with someone, or the idea of them?

The romance genre has always attracted Song, especially when examining it through the lens of other filmmakers, such as Jim Brooks and the late Nora Ephron. Song’s vision is a character-driven exploration of what it means to love without losing yourself. Self-love is a resonating message for all audiences.

In contrast to Song’s film, Past Lives, Materialists doesn’t carry the subtle nature. Honestly, I’m glad this movie is its own thing, instead of copying its predecessor. Films should be something different, even when they have the same messages about romance.

Song’s signature cinematography is evident in each frame. The wedding scene in the climax is a stunning image with the lights glowing in the background.

Based on the title, my first prediction was that the film would take place in the fashion industry. I am close, seeing how Lucy dresses up in several stunning outfits. The costumes have a more substantial impact on the film than I realized. Each costume emphasizes Lucy’s growth from serious business attire to loose dresses.

Here’s my main question: How come Materialists didn’t attract more marketing? Certain films haven’t had enough traction to get viewers to theaters. I would have missed this movie if I hadn’t seen a poster for it.

Materialists is worth checking out. For anyone who enjoys a good rom-com, put this movie on your list. It’s something different, and watching it in a movie theater setting enhanced my experience.