Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a high-end matchmaker in Manhattan, in the new film “Materialists.” The movie follows Lucy as she navigates a love triangle between two men: Harry, a wealthy bachelor played by Pedro Pascal, and John, her financially struggling ex-boyfriend portrayed by Chris Evans. The film attempts to bring a fresh perspective to the modern rom-com genre but struggles with tone and coherence. Lucy, praised for her sharp instincts in her professional life, ironically struggles to manage her own love life.
When she encounters both Harry and John at a client’s wedding, a classic romantic conflict is set up.
Pascal’s triangle: on MATERIALISTS, the latest from Celine Song, in theatres this Friday. https://t.co/Qu9iCI63qR
— Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) June 9, 2025
However, the narrative takes a serious turn when Lucy learns that one of her clients was assaulted on a date arranged by her agency. This heavy subject feels out of place in what is marketed as a light-hearted romantic story, disrupting the overall flow of the film.
“Materialists” is excellent. A Trojan horse romance smuggling some of the most broken, cynical characters in any recent Hollywood movie. Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal? Great. Zoë Winters? Revelatory. And no one has used Dakota Johnson quite like Celine Song. https://t.co/ZJqU0mUZSb
— Siddhant Adlakha (@SiddhantAdlakha) June 9, 2025
Erratic love triangle dynamics
The chemistry between the lead actors feels forced and unconvincing, failing to sell the romantic tension integral to the story. The characters work more as contrasting figures rather than parts of a cohesive love triangle.
Celine Song’s ‘MATERIALISTS’, starring Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, debuts with 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Read our review: https://t.co/aj3IW31T0R pic.twitter.com/3UyzCoBrHR
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 9, 2025
“Materialists” appears caught between paying homage to classic rom-coms and tackling pressing contemporary issues, but it fails to commit fully to either. This results in a film that feels disjointed and uncomfortable, rather than the charming escapism one might expect from the genre. The film is currently in theatres, offering a reflective but unsettled take on modern romance.
#Materialists is a sweet, romantic slice of life in New York City.
Check out my full, spoiler-free review here! https://t.co/t7mk8RbI5c
— Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim) June 9, 2025
While it aims to bring a breath of fresh air to the rom-com genre, it often falls short, leaving audiences with a viewing experience that feels like an awkward first date.
