“Materialists” follows a young New York City matchmaker, whose lucrative business gets complicated as she finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
A Quiet Film with Big Questions
This is a quiet film – literally. Large stretches of the runtime feature no score or background noise. Instead, it leans into raw conversation and long silences, making for an intimate, grounded experience. That stripped-back approach mirrors the film’s larger focus on the transactional nature of the modern dating world.
As Celine Song’s follow-up to “Past Lives,” “Materialists” once again wrestles with love, identity and self-worth. But compared to the raw indie feel of her debut, this one takes a glossier approach with its star-driven cast.
Stellar Cast Elevates Simple Storytelling
Dakota Johnson (Lucy) plays a very performative character by design. Early on, her delivery feels stiff and overly rehearsed, almost off-putting. But as the story unfolds, the layers peel back. Johnson ultimately delivers a deeply emotional performance as Lucy slowly evolves – both as a person and in how she views love.
Pedro Pascal (Harry) and Chris Evans (John) round out the central trio. Pascal brings plenty of charm and swagger, while Evans delivers a grounded, quietly heartbreaking performance. Both actors thrive in their respective roles, adding necessary texture to the film’s emotional core.
At its heart, “Materialists” is an exploration of how money and emotional connection collide. Lucy’s internal tug-of-war between luxury and authenticity drives the narrative. The film gives every character space to grow, and that emotional development does much of the film’s heavy lifting.
The plot itself is deceptively simple, but it’s the strength of the characters that turns it into something richer.
Bumps on the Road to Love
Still, some of the dialogue throughout “Materialists” feels stilted and unnatural – especially in the first half. Characters occasionally speak in a way that feels overly scripted or robotic, which briefly breaks the movie’s immersive tone.
There’s also a nagging side plot that never fully integrates with the main story. While it’s meant to serve as a piece of Lucy’s growth, its placement often feels disruptive. Just as the central narrative gains momentum, the film veers sideways to explore it.
“Materialists” is simple, quiet and unexpectedly moving. Thanks to a powerhouse trio of performances, it rises well above a standard romantic drama. This isn’t a conventional love story – it’s a sharp, thoughtful dissection of what love is actually supposed to mean.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
