This weekend, millions of viewers debated the classic dilemma of love versus money in The Materialists, the new film by director Celine Song. The movie explores a complex love triangle featuring a woman torn between her past and future, caught between two men with very different lives.
One man is poor but deeply understands who she is, while the other is wealthy and shares her material outlook on life. The film sparked lively discussions among audiences, especially due to its controversial ending. Here, we’ll dive into the plot, themes, and the meaning behind the film’s finale.
Plot Overview of The Materialists
The Materialists is a recent A24 release that follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a pragmatic matchmaker in New York City. Lucy is faced with a major decision: choose between her struggling actor ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), or Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy suitor who offers stability and luxury.
The film opens with a symbolic scene set in prehistoric times, where a caveman places a flower ring on a woman’s finger—highlighting the timeless nature of love. The story then shifts to modern New York, where Lucy expertly orchestrates weddings, including a lavish ninth event attended by affluent guests.
At this wedding, Lucy meets Harry, the groom’s brother, who is described as a “unicorn” — a tall, single, wealthy man with refined taste. Initially, Lucy wants to recruit Harry for her matchmaking service, but the two soon begin dating.
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The plot thickens when John, Lucy’s charming but financially unstable ex, reappears. Although John still loves Lucy, he is aware that he cannot provide the lifestyle she desires. Their unresolved chemistry forces Lucy to face a contradiction between genuine emotional connection and her materialistic worldview.
Lucy’s philosophy that marriage is largely transactional—a merger of assets and lifestyles—is challenged as the story progresses, especially after a client’s traumatic experience forces her to reconsider her cynicism about love and dating.
Understanding the Controversial Ending of The Materialists
The film’s ending addresses its central conflict: the tension between material wealth and true love. Lucy stands at a crossroads, weighing the practical security offered by Harry against the authentic emotional bond she shares with John.
A key revelation is that Harry underwent height-enhancing surgery to improve his social and romantic prospects, including with Lucy’s clients. Despite his wealth and charm, Harry does not love Lucy; instead, he values her for her status. This underlines the transactional nature of the lifestyle he represents.
Lucy ultimately rejects the luxury lifestyle Harry offers, choosing John, who promises unconditional love and equality despite financial uncertainty. The film closes with an intimate scene where John places a flower ring on Lucy’s finger, mirroring the opening prehistoric moment. This symbolic gesture highlights that, before materialism, love was the most precious human connection.
Lucy’s promotion at work hints at future financial stability, suggesting a hopeful balance between love and security.
Themes Explored in The Materialists
The film argues that while financial concerns are a practical part of life, they should not overshadow the importance of love, emotional intimacy, and shared history. True wealth lies in meaningful human connections, which cannot be quantified by money or status.
The Materialists encourages viewers to reflect on the value of love in a world increasingly driven by materialism. It challenges the idea that marriage and relationships are merely transactions and invites a return to authentic emotional bonds.
Final Thoughts
The Materialists is a thought-provoking film that ignites conversations about the nature of love, marriage, and material wealth. Its ambiguous yet powerful ending leaves audiences debating what truly matters in relationships.
What did you think of the movie? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
