Materialists (2025) by Celine Song: Love, Money, and the Modern Matchmaker
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 22
- 16 min read
Movie Summary: A Matchmaker's Battle Between Head and Heart
"Materialists" is a 2025 American romantic dramedy written and directed by Celine Song. The film follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a cynical yet successful high-end matchmaker in New York City. Her professional world, which often treats love as a transaction, clashes with her own evolving understanding of romance. Lucy finds herself in a love triangle between Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy and seemingly "perfect" client, and John (Chris Evans), her aspiring actor ex-boyfriend. The film explores the tension between material security and genuine emotional connection, ultimately asking what truly constitutes love in a commodified world.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30253473/
About movie: https://a24films.com/films/materialists
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/materialists (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/materialists (Canada)
Detailed Summary: Lucy's Conflicted Values
The Cynical Matchmaker: Lucy is introduced as a highly capable matchmaker at "Adore," a company that caters to New York's elite. She views dating and marriage with a pragmatic, almost clinical perspective, believing that "material" compatibility (wealth, appearance, status) is key. Her personal life, however, is complicated; she is a "voluntarily celibate" "eternal bachelorette" who believes she will either die alone or marry a wealthy man.
The Unrealistic Demands: Lucy becomes frustrated with her clients' increasingly unrealistic standards. One long-term client, Sophie (Zoë Winters), struggles to get past a second date, despite being willing to lower her standards.
A Wedding and a Love Triangle: At a former client's wedding, Lucy encounters two significant men:
Harry Castillo (Pedro Pascal): A charming and wealthy financier, Harry overhears Lucy's business pitch and is instantly interested in her. He represents the "unicorn" – the ideal, financially secure partner Lucy ostensibly seeks for herself and her clients. Their relationship becomes official, bringing Lucy a renewed sense of optimism.
John Finch (Chris Evans): Lucy's ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor working as a caterer at the same wedding. Their past relationship ended due to financial difficulties. John still harbors deep feelings for Lucy and pursues rekindling their connection.
Shaken Beliefs: Lucy's confidence in her materialistic approach is rattled when her boss informs her that Sophie, a client, was assaulted by a match, leading to a lawsuit against Adore. This traumatic event forces Lucy to re-evaluate her system and the inherent risks of modern dating.
Personal Revelations: During her relationship with Harry, Lucy finds an engagement ring, but also discovers he underwent leg-lengthening surgery for height – a literal embodiment of the pressure for superficial perfection. She realizes their connection is based on image rather than genuine feeling.
Reconciliation and Choice: John consistently expresses his love and desire for a future with Lucy, despite their past financial struggles. Lucy, confronted with the dark realities of commodified love and her own conflicted values, eventually chooses John. The film concludes with their engagement and hints at a hopeful future.
I understand. I will revise the "Plot Summary" section to use bullets and remove cast information from the "Cast" section.
I'll regenerate the content for "Materialists (2025) by Celine Song" with these specific formatting changes. "Materialists (2025)," directed by Celine Song, is a romantic dramedy that delves into the complexities of love, money, and societal expectations in modern New York City. The film marks Song's highly anticipated follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, "Past Lives."
Materialists (2025) by Celine Song: Love, Money, and the Modern Matchmaker
Movie Summary: A Matchmaker's Battle Between Head and Heart
"Materialists" is a 2025 American romantic dramedy written and directed by Celine Song. The film follows Lucy, a cynical yet successful high-end matchmaker in New York City. Her professional world, which often treats love as a transaction, clashes with her own evolving understanding of romance. Lucy finds herself in a love triangle between a wealthy and seemingly "perfect" client, and her aspiring actor ex-boyfriend. The film explores the tension between material security and genuine emotional connection, ultimately asking what truly constitutes love in a commodified world.
Detailed Summary: Lucy's Conflicted Values
The Cynical Matchmaker: Lucy is introduced as a highly capable matchmaker at "Adore," a company that caters to New York's elite. She views dating and marriage with a pragmatic, almost clinical perspective, believing that "material" compatibility (wealth, appearance, status) is key. Her personal life, however, is complicated; she is a "voluntarily celibate" "eternal bachelorette" who believes she will either die alone or marry a wealthy man.
The Unrealistic Demands: Lucy becomes frustrated with her clients' increasingly unrealistic standards. One long-term client, Sophie, struggles to get past a second date, despite being willing to lower her standards.
A Wedding and a Love Triangle: At a former client's wedding, Lucy encounters two significant men:
A charming and wealthy financier, Harry, who overhears Lucy's business pitch and is instantly interested in her. He represents the "unicorn" – the ideal, financially secure partner Lucy ostensibly seeks for herself and her clients. Their relationship becomes official, bringing Lucy a renewed sense of optimism.
Lucy's ex-boyfriend, John, a struggling actor working as a caterer at the same wedding. Their past relationship ended due to financial difficulties. John still harbors deep feelings for Lucy and pursues rekindling their connection.
Shaken Beliefs: Lucy's confidence in her materialistic approach is rattled when her boss informs her that Sophie, a client, was assaulted by a match, leading to a lawsuit against Adore. This traumatic event forces Lucy to re-evaluate her system and the inherent risks of modern dating.
Personal Revelations: During her relationship with Harry, Lucy finds an engagement ring, but also discovers he underwent leg-lengthening surgery for height – a literal embodiment of the pressure for superficial perfection. She realizes their connection is based on image rather than genuine feeling.
Reconciliation and Choice: John consistently expresses his love and desire for a future with Lucy, despite their past financial struggles. Lucy, confronted with the dark realities of commodified love and her own conflicted values, eventually chooses John. The film concludes with their engagement and hints at a hopeful future.
Plot Summary: The Heart's Unpredictable Path
The film opens with a symbolic prologue of prehistoric lovers, establishing a foundational idea of love's primal simplicity before cutting to the stark realities of modern New York City dating.
Lucy, a cynical matchmaker, navigates a world where wealth and status often dictate romantic compatibility. Her professional success masks her own personal struggles with finding love that aligns with her pragmatic worldview.
The narrative intensifies when Lucy is caught between two very different men: the affluent Harry, who embodies all the "material" qualities she advises her clients to seek, and her struggling ex-boyfriend John, who represents a past love unburdened by financial expectations.
A harrowing incident involving one of Lucy's clients forces her to confront the darker, riskier aspects of modern dating and the limitations of a purely transactional approach to love.
This pivotal moment, coupled with her growing disillusionment with Harry's superficiality, pushes Lucy to re-evaluate her long-held beliefs.
Ultimately, Lucy must decide whether to choose the "perfect" match who checks all the boxes or the "imperfect" ex who offers genuine, enduring connection, challenging her own "materialistic" assumptions about what truly makes for a fulfilling partnership.
Director's Vision: Celine Song's Subversive Take on Romance
Celine Song, following the critical success of "Past Lives," approaches "Materialists" with a sharp, subversive vision that deconstructs the romantic comedy genre while simultaneously exploring the complexities of modern love.
Satire and Realism: Song combines sharp wit and ruthless satire of the modern dating scene with moments of grounded realism. She highlights the "transactional foundations of modern relationships" and how capitalism has "warped courtship."
Challenging Rom-Com Tropes: She deliberately plays with classic rom-com conventions (the love triangle, happily ever after, love vs. money dilemma) but interrogates them, often leading to unexpected tonal shifts and deeper implications.
Emphasis on Internal Conflict: Song focuses on Lucy's internal journey and evolving perceptions of love, showcasing a "guarded transformation" rather than a simple fairy-tale resolution.
Visual Storytelling: The film uses a "lush, grainy 35mm cinematography" to evoke the early 2000s rom-com era while also employing "voyeuristic elegance" and "static compositions" to underscore the performative nature of modern relationships. An "understated but emotionally evocative" score further enhances the duality of connection and calculation.
Authenticity Amidst Artifice: While depicting a world of curated perfection, Song's vision aims to reveal the "ugly truth" and "messier, more complicated, more real" aspects of modern dating, including darker themes like sexual assault.
Themes: Materialism vs. Love, Authenticity, and The Modern Marketplace of Dating
Materialism vs. Love: The central theme explores the tension between pursuing love based on financial security and social status versus seeking genuine emotional connection.
The Commodification of Love: The film critiques how modern dating, especially through matchmaking services, can turn relationships into a transactional marketplace where individuals are valued based on their "assets."
Authenticity and Persona: It delves into the pressure to present an "ideal" self in dating and the consequences when such facades crumble (e.g., Harry's surgery).
Feminism and Capitalism in Courtship: The film is interpreted by some as a critique of how "have it all" feminism and a free-market economy can warp traditional notions of courtship for women.
Vulnerability and Risk: It addresses the inherent vulnerability in opening oneself to love, and the real-world risks, particularly for women, in modern dating.
Second Chances: The rekindling of Lucy and John's relationship explores the possibility of reconnecting with past loves and re-evaluating priorities.
Key Success Factors: Acclaimed Director, Star Cast, and Bold Thematic Approach
Celine Song's Vision: Following the massive success and critical acclaim of "Past Lives," Song's second feature is highly anticipated for her unique voice and sharp take on romance.
Star Power: The high-profile cast, including Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, generates significant public interest and box office potential.
Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film's exploration of modern dating, materialism, and relationships in New York City resonates with contemporary audiences.
Genre Subversion: Song's ability to take a seemingly conventional rom-com structure and inject it with satire, realism, and darker truths creates a fresh and thought-provoking experience.
Strong Performances: Early reviews praise the lead actors, particularly Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, for their nuanced and compelling portrayals.
A24 Distribution: The film's distribution by A24, known for its critically acclaimed and often unique films, positions it well for both critical recognition and audience engagement.Detailed Summary: Lucy's Conflicted Values
The Cynical Matchmaker: Lucy is introduced as a highly capable matchmaker at "Adore," a company that caters to New York's elite. She views dating and marriage with a pragmatic, almost clinical perspective, believing that "material" compatibility (wealth, appearance, status) is key. Her personal life, however, is complicated; she is a "voluntarily celibate" "eternal bachelorette" who believes she will either die alone or marry a wealthy man.
The Unrealistic Demands: Lucy becomes frustrated with her clients' increasingly unrealistic standards. One long-term client, Sophie (Zoë Winters), struggles to get past a second date, despite being willing to lower her standards.
A Wedding and a Love Triangle: At a former client's wedding, Lucy encounters two significant men:
Harry Castillo (Pedro Pascal): A charming and wealthy financier, Harry overhears Lucy's business pitch and is instantly interested in her. He represents the "unicorn" – the ideal, financially secure partner Lucy ostensibly seeks for herself and her clients. Their relationship becomes official, bringing Lucy a renewed sense of optimism.
John Finch (Chris Evans): Lucy's ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor working as a caterer at the same wedding. Their past relationship ended due to financial difficulties. John still harbors deep feelings for Lucy and pursues rekindling their connection.
Shaken Beliefs: Lucy's confidence in her materialistic approach is rattled when her boss informs her that Sophie, a client, was assaulted by a match, leading to a lawsuit against Adore. This traumatic event forces Lucy to re-evaluate her system and the inherent risks of modern dating.
Personal Revelations: During her relationship with Harry, Lucy finds an engagement ring, but also discovers he underwent leg-lengthening surgery for height – a literal embodiment of the pressure for superficial perfection. She realizes their connection is based on image rather than genuine feeling.
Reconciliation and Choice: John consistently expresses his love and desire for a future with Lucy, despite their past financial struggles. Lucy, confronted with the dark realities of commodified love and her own conflicted values, eventually chooses John. The film concludes with their engagement and hints at a hopeful future.
Director's Vision: Celine Song's Subversive Take on Romance
Celine Song, following the critical success of "Past Lives," approaches "Materialists" with a sharp, subversive vision that deconstructs the romantic comedy genre while simultaneously exploring the complexities of modern love.
Satire and Realism: Song combines sharp wit and ruthless satire of the modern dating scene with moments of grounded realism. She highlights the "transactional foundations of modern relationships" and how capitalism has "warped courtship."
Challenging Rom-Com Tropes: She deliberately plays with classic rom-com conventions (the love triangle, happily ever after, love vs. money dilemma) but interrogates them, often leading to unexpected tonal shifts and deeper implications.
Emphasis on Internal Conflict: Song focuses on Lucy's internal journey and evolving perceptions of love, showcasing a "guarded transformation" rather than a simple fairy-tale resolution.
Visual Storytelling: The film uses a "lush, grainy 35mm cinematography" to evoke the early 2000s rom-com era while also employing "voyeuristic elegance" and "static compositions" to underscore the performative nature of modern relationships. An "understated but emotionally evocative" score further enhances the duality of connection and calculation.
Authenticity Amidst Artifice: While depicting a world of curated perfection, Song's vision aims to reveal the "ugly truth" and "messier, more complicated, more real" aspects of modern dating, including darker themes like sexual assault.
Themes: Materialism vs. Love, Authenticity, and The Modern Marketplace of Dating
Materialism vs. Love: The central theme explores the tension between pursuing love based on financial security and social status versus seeking genuine emotional connection.
The Commodification of Love: The film critiques how modern dating, especially through matchmaking services, can turn relationships into a transactional marketplace where individuals are valued based on their "assets."
Authenticity and Persona: It delves into the pressure to present an "ideal" self in dating and the consequences when such facades crumble (e.g., Harry's surgery).
Feminism and Capitalism in Courtship: The film is interpreted by some as a critique of how "have it all" feminism and a free-market economy can warp traditional notions of courtship for women.
Vulnerability and Risk: It addresses the inherent vulnerability in opening oneself to love, and the real-world risks, particularly for women, in modern dating.
Second Chances: The rekindling of Lucy and John's relationship explores the possibility of reconnecting with past loves and re-evaluating priorities.
Key Success Factors: Acclaimed Director, Star Cast, and Bold Thematic Approach
Celine Song's Vision: Following the massive success and critical acclaim of "Past Lives," Song's second feature is highly anticipated for her unique voice and sharp take on romance.
Star Power: The high-profile cast, including Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, generates significant public interest and box office potential.
Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film's exploration of modern dating, materialism, and relationships in New York City resonates with contemporary audiences.
Genre Subversion: Song's ability to take a seemingly conventional rom-com structure and inject it with satire, realism, and darker truths creates a fresh and thought-provoking experience.
Strong Performances: Early reviews praise the lead actors, particularly Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, for their nuanced and compelling portrayals.
A24 Distribution: The film's distribution by A24, known for its critically acclaimed and often unique films, positions it well for both critical recognition and audience engagement.
Awards & Nominations: Early Recognition for a Strong Follow-Up
"Materialists" has quickly garnered early attention, particularly within mid-year awards cycles and film festivals, affirming Celine Song's continued impact in cinema.
Astra Midseason Movie Awards (July 3, 2025): The film received multiple nominations, signaling its strong reception early in the awards season:
Nominated: Best Picture
Nominated: Best Director (Celine Song)
Nominated: Best Actor (Chris Evans)
Nominated: Best Actress (Dakota Johnson)
Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Pedro Pascal)
Nominated: Best Screenplay
Film Festival Selections: The film has been an official selection at prominent festivals, including its Canadian Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Director's Track Record: Celine Song's debut film, "Past Lives," received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, setting high expectations for "Materialists."
Summary: "Materialists" has quickly earned significant early awards recognition, including multiple nominations at the Astra Midseason Movie Awards, and has been an official selection at prestigious film festivals like TIFF. This early buzz suggests it's a strong contender in the upcoming awards season, building on Celine Song's celebrated debut.
Critics' Reception: A Deconstructive and Thought-Provoking Romance
Critics have largely given "Materialists" generally favorable reviews, praising Celine Song's distinctive voice, the film's intelligent deconstruction of romantic comedy tropes, and the performances of its lead cast.
Rotten Tomatoes: Scores an 80% positive rating from 221 critics, with a consensus stating it's "A mature deconstruction of the conventional rom-com, Materialists provides its trio of swoon-worthy stars some of their meatiest material yet while reaffirming Celine Song as a modern master of relationship dramas."
Metacritic: Achieved a score of 69 out of 100 based on 45 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
Deconstruction of Rom-Com Tropes: Many critics highlight Song's "brilliant" and "refreshing" approach to the romance genre, using its conventions to explore deeper, more pragmatic issues like money, social status, and personal value in relationships (CinemaBlend, The Playlist).
Timely Social Commentary: The film is commended for its "sharp and serious social romantic drama," offering "telling observations about the way we live now" and a "system-critical portrait" of courtship warped by capitalism (Variety, Jacobin, Cineuropa). It tackles the "commodification of the self" and the transactional nature of modern dating.
Strong Performances: Dakota Johnson's portrayal of Lucy is widely praised as "compelling," "flawless," and "perfectly cast" for conveying both a cynical exterior and underlying vulnerability (Screen Rant, 1st Reviews). Chris Evans delivers a "career-best performance" with newfound vulnerability as John, and Pedro Pascal is noted for his charm as Harry (Rendy Reviews, CinemaBlend).
Celine Song's Unique Voice: Reviewers affirm Song's continued skill in crafting "thought-provoking, thoroughly modern, and utterly gorgeous" relationship dramas (1st Reviews). Her ability to infuse "emotional depth, intelligence, and humor" is consistent with her previous work (TIFF).
Visuals and Craft: The film is often described as "visually stunning" and "richly photographed," with "breathtaking cinematography" (1st Reviews, FilmSpeak).
Mixed Points/Critiques: Some critics felt the film, while intelligent, occasionally lacked the profound emotional resonance of "Past Lives" (Swampflix, FilmSpeak). Others found parts of the dialogue blunt, certain character motivations less developed, or some plot points (like a sexual assault subplot) jarring or underdeveloped in relation to the main narrative (Reddit, NPR, Cinema from the Spectrum). The tonal shifts between humor and darker themes were also sometimes noted as uneven.
Summary: "Materialists" is largely celebrated as a sophisticated and mature deconstruction of the romantic comedy, offering sharp social commentary on modern love and materialism. Celine Song's directorial vision and the strong performances of the lead cast, particularly Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, are highly praised, despite some minor critiques regarding narrative flow and emotional depth compared to her previous film.
Reviews: The Interplay of Love and Practicality in NYC
Reviews delve into the core love triangle, the protagonist's cynical worldview, and the film's exploration of what truly matters in the pursuit of a partner in contemporary New York City.
Plot Overview: Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a successful and cynical high-end matchmaker in New York City who views relationships through a pragmatic, almost transactional lens, analyzing clients' "value" based on assets like age, appearance, and financial status. Her carefully constructed worldview is challenged when she finds herself caught in a love triangle between her wealthy "perfect match" client, Harry (Pedro Pascal), and her "imperfect" struggling actor ex-boyfriend, John (Chris Evans).
The Love Triangle's Dynamic: The film cleverly uses the love triangle to explore the tension between idealism (often represented by John, who values emotional connection despite his lack of material wealth) and practicality/stability (represented by Harry, who is wealthy and "perfect on paper"). Lucy's struggle to choose reflects a broader societal dilemma about what truly constitutes a "good match" (Screen Rant, IGN).
Matchmaking as a Metaphor: Lucy's job as a matchmaker is central, serving as a metaphor for the commodification of relationships in a capitalist society. She treats love as a "mechanical enterprise" and celebrates engagements like "Wall Street finance bros after they close a big deal" (Curzon, Rendy Reviews).
Character Depth and Flaws: While Lucy initially appears cold and calculating, reviews highlight that the film gradually reveals her insecurities and the deeper reasons behind her materialistic outlook, often tied to her own past experiences with poverty (Cinema from the Spectrum, IGN). John and Harry also have their own flaws and complexities.
Exploration of Modern Anxieties: The film taps into contemporary anxieties about dating, value, and personal worth in a competitive urban environment. It questions whether "love can conquer all" when economic realities and societal pressures are at play (Awards Watch, Curzon).
Unexpected Tonal Shifts: The film includes surprising shifts, such as a "darker turn" involving one of Lucy's clients, which challenges her professional detachment and deepens her character, though some reviewers found this subplot somewhat jarring (Cinema from the Spectrum, Rendy Reviews).
Open-Ended Reflections: "Materialists" doesn't provide easy answers but rather encourages viewers to reflect on their own definitions of love, value, and what compromises they are willing to make for happiness. It's described as a film that leaves audiences "pondering what I know about love and life" (CinemaBlend).
Summary: "Materialists" is reviewed as an insightful romantic drama centered on a cynical matchmaker caught in a love triangle that forces her to confront her materialistic views on relationships. The film cleverly uses its premise to explore the interplay between love, money, and societal expectations in modern New York City, driven by strong performances and Celine Song's signature blend of wit and emotional depth.
Box Office: Early Theatrical Success
"Materialists (2025)" was released in U.S. theaters on June 13, 2025. It has generated a box office of $50.4 million as of late June/early July 2025. This indicates a strong early performance, especially for an A24 release.
Theatrical Release: June 13, 2025 (USA)
"Materialists (2025)" was released in U.S. theaters on June 13, 2025.
Why to Watch This Movie: A Fresh, Smart Take on Modern Love
Celine Song's Unique Voice: For anyone who appreciated "Past Lives," this film offers another intelligent and emotionally resonant exploration of human connection.
Star-Powered Performances: Enjoy compelling performances from the cast, who bring depth and charisma to their roles.
Thought-Provoking Romance: If you're looking for a romantic film that goes beyond clichés and delves into the complex realities of modern dating, money, and personal values, "Materialists" offers a smart take.
Genre Subversion: For those who enjoy films that play with and challenge traditional genre conventions, this film offers a refreshing twist on the rom-com.
Relevant Social Commentary: The film's themes are highly relevant to contemporary discussions about relationships, wealth, and authenticity in a commodified world.
Movie Trend: The Elevated Rom-Com and "Auteur Romances"
"Materialists" exemplifies the growing trend of the "elevated rom-com" or "auteur romances," where acclaimed independent filmmakers inject more complexity, realism, and social commentary into the romantic comedy genre. This trend moves away from purely escapist fantasies to explore the messier, more ambiguous realities of modern relationships, often with a critical eye on societal pressures (like capitalism or gender roles). These films often feature nuanced characters, sophisticated dialogue, and a blend of humor and drama, appealing to audiences who seek both entertainment and intellectual engagement from their romantic stories. The involvement of A24 in distributing such a film further solidifies this trend.
Social Trend: Navigating the "Relationship Economy" and Authenticity in Dating
"Materialists" directly taps into the profound social trend of the "relationship economy" and the ongoing struggle for authenticity in modern dating. In an era saturated with dating apps, curated online personas, and visible wealth disparities, individuals are increasingly navigating a perceived "marketplace" where personal value is often tied to material assets, careers, and social status. The film reflects the anxiety, cynicism, and moral dilemmas that arise when the pursuit of love intersects with economic realities and societal pressures to "have it all." It resonates with a generation that questions whether genuine connection can thrive when relationships are viewed through a transactional lens, and highlights the desire for deeper, more authentic bonds in a world that often prioritizes superficial attributes.
Final Verdict: A Sharp, Must-See Modern Romance
"Materialists (2025)," directed by the visionary Celine Song, is a sharp, witty, and deeply resonant romantic dramedy that masterfully dissects the complexities of modern love. With a stellar cast, the film challenges traditional rom-com tropes by exploring the uncomfortable truths about dating in a commodified world, where material desires often clash with genuine emotional connection. Following her critically acclaimed "Past Lives," Song delivers another thought-provoking and visually compelling film that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Having opened strongly at the box office and garnered positive critical reception for its bold approach and nuanced performances, "Materialists" is a must-see for anyone interested in a fresh, intelligent take on the timeless pursuit of love in the 21st century.
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