An ambitious young New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.An ambitious young New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.An ambitious young New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
- Awards
- 6 nominations total
Zoe Winters
- Sophie
- (as Zoë Winters)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Reviewers say 'Materialists' explores modern love, relationships, and materialism, with mixed opinions. Positive reviews highlight its thoughtful commentary, strong performances, and cinematography. Negative reviews criticize its pacing, plot holes, and unrealistic characters. Neutral reviews appreciate its discussion of dating challenges and expectations. Overall, the film is seen as thought-provoking but uneven in execution.
Featured reviews
I think that the movie was overhyped. It felt like there was just something missing and maybe because I watch a lot of series and get to enjoy the progression of characters overtime. That's why I felt like there was something missing. I think that the actors were great and maybe during the storyline there was way too much focus on her job aspect and there could've been just a little bit more of her personal life being expressed on screen. I honestly think the trailer was probably better than the movie and I found myself getting a little bit bored at times. I think that this was a great trio, but I don't know if that this was the perfect movie for them.
'Materialists' was not what I expected.
It's been marketed like a rom-com - but honestly? If you're heading in expecting laughs, you'll be disappointed. What you get instead is a sharp, quietly melancholic study on modern love, dating, and loneliness in the big city. It's not so much about romance as it is about emotional bankruptcy - the way ambition, money, and appearances slowly chip away at real connection.
The story follows Lucy, a matchmaker who views relationships like transactions, caught between two opposites: Harry, rich and polished, and John, her sweet but struggling ex. But the real tension isn't between them - it's in her. What does she actually want? Love, comfort, validation? Or just a life that looks good on paper?
Celine Song's style is unmistakable - lingering shots, dialogue that feels like internal monologue, and a quiet ache humming underneath it all. At times, it almost felt like watching a late-era Woody Allen film - not in tone, but in that subtle, creeping sense of urban melancholy. By the end, I didn't feel uplifted. I felt... thoughtful. A bit heavy, even.
This is a film about the emotional numbness that sneaks in when we live our lives through filters - digital and otherwise. About the loneliness hiding behind perfect apartments and curated dating profiles. And how love (or at least the idea of it) gets commodified without us even noticing.
Not a rom-com. Not really even a romance. More of a character study. A mood piece. A quiet critique. And once I let go of what I thought it was meant to be, I found I really liked it, and I hope you do too.
It's been marketed like a rom-com - but honestly? If you're heading in expecting laughs, you'll be disappointed. What you get instead is a sharp, quietly melancholic study on modern love, dating, and loneliness in the big city. It's not so much about romance as it is about emotional bankruptcy - the way ambition, money, and appearances slowly chip away at real connection.
The story follows Lucy, a matchmaker who views relationships like transactions, caught between two opposites: Harry, rich and polished, and John, her sweet but struggling ex. But the real tension isn't between them - it's in her. What does she actually want? Love, comfort, validation? Or just a life that looks good on paper?
Celine Song's style is unmistakable - lingering shots, dialogue that feels like internal monologue, and a quiet ache humming underneath it all. At times, it almost felt like watching a late-era Woody Allen film - not in tone, but in that subtle, creeping sense of urban melancholy. By the end, I didn't feel uplifted. I felt... thoughtful. A bit heavy, even.
This is a film about the emotional numbness that sneaks in when we live our lives through filters - digital and otherwise. About the loneliness hiding behind perfect apartments and curated dating profiles. And how love (or at least the idea of it) gets commodified without us even noticing.
Not a rom-com. Not really even a romance. More of a character study. A mood piece. A quiet critique. And once I let go of what I thought it was meant to be, I found I really liked it, and I hope you do too.
The Materialists tries to tackle class and romance but ends up being a glossy misfire. Dakota Johnson delivers an average performance, lacking the emotional depth the role demands. Chris Evans, with his natural charm and effortless confidence, tries hard but is completely unconvincing as a struggling man. Pedro Pascal is criminally underused, his talent lost in a flat, undercooked plot. The film's core, choosing between rich future and poor love, unintentionally highlights the unfair pressure men face to succeed, with little nuance. What could've been a sharp commentary on love and materialism ends up as a dull, clichéd romance. Disappointingly weak from A24, known for more layered storytelling. The only winner is the cinematography, every frame is visually delightful, pleasing to the eyes.
Sad depressing melodramatic melancholy movie with wrong modern day portrayals. Very little comedy and almost a bit scary especially some of the subject matter which was quite sad. I can't think of a particular time or generation on this type of romantic activity would have been common or normal. Also substandard acting and directing.
Dakota Johnson acts as if she's reading off of a script in front of her. She has no change in tone, no depth to her voice or emotions. Even Pedro was underwhelming in this role. It felt as though Celine Song was attempting to make this film have an incredibly deep and moving message, but it didn't come across as she intended. They marketed this movie as a rom-com, disappointing me when I realized it wasn't. It could have been redeemed by a compelling story but the poor acting and awkward conveyance of a boring intended message proved the film irredeemable. Anyone other than Dakota Johnson would've worked better. Next time cast Daisy Edgar Jones.
Theatrical Releases You Can Stream or Rent
Theatrical Releases You Can Stream or Rent
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Did you know
- TriviaWriter/director Celine Song's name is listed as the playwright for John's play on a poster outside the theater, because the play is actually a real one she wrote back in 2016.
- GoofsWhen Lucy and John are sitting on a bench towards the end of the movie and she finishes her phone-call, it's clearly visible that the phone is on the lock-screen, and not in a call.
- Quotes
Harry's Father: When you get lost... and I know you'll be lost at times... it's life. When you're lost... the answer is simple. Just go where love is.
- Crazy creditsAt the end of credits scene of people getting married, the cave people are seen happily walking out of the room together.
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Materialistas
- Filming locations
- Crested Hen Farms, High Falls New York, USA(The outdoor wedding scene at the barn outside of New York City.)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $20,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $36,503,614
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,338,642
- Jun 15, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $92,603,614
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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