Celine Song’s ‘Materialists’ tries to tackle the complexities of love in a material world, but its predictable and cynical conclusion hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Celine Song’s new romantic drama “Materialists” delves into the pressures faced by women trying to reconcile their progressive values with the demands of a capitalist society. The film follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a matchmaker who struggles to find love in her own life, as she navigates between two suitors: wealthy private equity guy Harry (Pedro Pascal) and her ex, John (Chris Evans). Despite its intriguing premise, “Materialists” fails to deliver due to its predictable and binary conclusion. The film’s script also struggles to convey the complexities of Lucy’s emotions, leaving her character feeling flat and one-dimensional.
The movie touches on a contemporary anxiety playing out in everyday life, where women feel forced to conform to societal expectations. However, this message is undermined by the film’s inability to create genuine tension or dramatic conflict. The supporting characters are also underdeveloped, with Lucy’s inner struggles feeling more like a checklist of feminist tropes rather than a genuine exploration of her emotions.
While Dakota Johnson shines in her role as Lucy, she is ultimately let down by the script and direction. The film’s attempts to critique the superficiality of modern dating culture fall flat due to its own cynicism and predictability. Despite its interesting premise, “Materialists” feels like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of love and identity in a more nuanced and thought-provoking way.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/13/nx-s1-5407413/materialists-movie-review