Materialists Review: A Modern Rom-Com With Real Heart

Celine Song’s latest film, Materialists, is a compelling romantic drama set in the heart of New York City. Known for her Oscar-nominated work Past Lives (2023), Song returns with another emotionally rich story centered on a love triangle. This time, the cast features Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, delivering performances that balance vulnerability, charm, and emotional depth.

While some viewers may label Materialists as a return to the rom-coms of the ’90s and early 2000s, the film leans more into romance than comedy. It is a heartfelt, nuanced story that explores themes of love, regret, and self-worth with sincerity and sophistication. Distributed by A24, the film is a strong addition to the studio’s catalog of emotionally intelligent narratives.

A Thoughtful Take on Familiar Tropes

The plot centers on Lucy (Johnson), a professional matchmaker who ironically struggles to find love herself. The story unfolds after she matches her ninth couple and attends their wedding, where she meets Harry (Pascal), the groom’s wealthy and charming brother. At the same event, she reconnects with John (Evans), a struggling actor and a significant figure from her past.

The film smartly plays with the age-old trope of choosing between a rich man and a poor one, reminiscent of titles like The Notebook, Made of Honor, and Sweet Home Alabama. Yet, Materialists avoids cliché by rooting these choices in Lucy’s internal struggles and emotional growth. The question isn’t just who she loves — it’s about who she allows herself to be, and whether she believes she’s deserving of love in the first place.

Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans Shine in Contrasting Roles

Pedro Pascal delivers another magnetic performance as Harry, embodying the “unicorn” man — tall, successful, and seemingly flawless. His presence continues to dominate screens after roles in Freaky Tales, The Last of Us, and his upcoming appearances in Eddington and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Pascal’s portrayal of Harry brings gravitas to a character that might have otherwise felt too idealized.

Chris Evans, meanwhile, gives one of his most grounded performances in years. After a string of forgettable roles in The Gray Man, Ghosted, and Red One, Evans returns to a more human character reminiscent of his work in Before We Go. As John, he is warm, vulnerable, and deeply relatable. He captures the spirit of someone struggling with life but still full of heart — an impressive shift from his action-hero persona.

Dakota Johnson Finds Her Strength in Drama

Dakota Johnson brings emotional weight to Lucy, particularly in the more serious and introspective scenes. Her character deals with the guilt of a client’s failed date, showing raw vulnerability that Johnson handles with skill. While her comedic timing is less polished, she more than compensates with sincerity and dramatic depth that elevate the film’s emotional beats.

Direction, Tone, and Real-World Resonance

Celine Song’s direction ensures the movie feels personal and real. The juxtaposition of Harry’s lavish Soho lifestyle with John’s modest shared apartment is a visual metaphor for the choices Lucy must confront. The film doesn’t necessarily break new ground in premise, but it explores familiar ideas with nuance and emotional intelligence.

Perhaps most importantly, Materialists is grounded in genuine human connection. The characters are flawed, layered, and deeply relatable. While Harry might be too perfect at times, the dynamic between all three leads keeps the tension alive. The decision Lucy faces isn’t about luxury versus love — it’s about self-acceptance and confronting personal fears.

The authenticity of New York City as a backdrop adds further texture. The film was shot on location, giving it a real sense of place — something often lacking in contemporary romantic films.

Final Verdict: 7/10
A warm, emotionally intelligent romantic drama that balances classic tropes with modern sensitivity. While not a laugh-out-loud comedy, Materialists succeeds as a heartfelt film that asks meaningful questions about love, class, and self-worth.