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Materialists (2025), directed by Celine Song, is a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, blending heartfelt emotion, sharp wit, and a star-studded cast. Featuring Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a New York City matchmaker, alongside Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal as her competing love interests, this A24 production has garnered buzz since its trailer dropped. With a release date of June 13, 2025, Materialists promises to be one of the year’s standout films. This 2000-word review dives into the film’s narrative, performances, direction, and cultural impact, optimized for SEO to help fans and cinephiles find the insights they need.

Introduction to Materialists: A Love Triangle for the Ages

Celine Song, the Oscar-nominated director behind Past Lives (2023), returns with Materialists, a romantic comedy that explores love, class, and personal ambition. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the film follows Lucy, a professional matchmaker who excels at pairing others but struggles with her own romantic decisions. Caught between a wealthy, charismatic suitor (Pedro Pascal) and her flawed but endearing ex-boyfriend (Chris Evans), Lucy’s journey is both relatable and captivating.

The film’s trailers, including the Official Trailer 2 released in May 2025, have sparked excitement with their nostalgic rom-com vibes and a playful tone reminiscent of 2000s classics. With a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes and an R rating, Materialists offers a mature yet lighthearted exploration of modern relationships. Let’s break down why this film is a must-watch and how it stands out in today’s cinematic landscape.

Plot Overview: A Toxic Love Triangle with Depth

Materialists centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a successful matchmaker responsible for nine happy marriages. Her professional life thrives, but her personal life is a mess. When she attends a high-profile wedding, she encounters two men who turn her world upside down: Harry (Pedro Pascal), a billionaire described as a “unicorn, an impossible fantasy,” and John (Chris Evans), her ex-boyfriend now working as a cater-waiter with dreams of acting.

The narrative unfolds as Lucy navigates this toxic love triangle. Harry represents stability and luxury, living in a $12 million apartment, while John embodies raw emotion and nostalgia, despite his financial struggles and roommate-filled life. The trailer highlights poignant moments, like John’s heartfelt line: “When I see your face, I see wrinkles and children that look like you.” Lucy’s internal conflict forces her to question her career and beliefs about love, culminating in a story that balances humor, romance, and introspection.

Drawing inspiration from classics like Pride and Prejudice and Howards End, Song infuses the film with themes of class disparity and romantic idealism. Unlike traditional rom-coms, Materialists doesn’t shy away from ambiguity, leaving viewers to ponder Lucy’s ultimate choice—an approach that echoes Song’s nuanced storytelling in Past Lives.

Stellar Performances: Johnson, Evans, and Pascal Shine

Dakota Johnson as Lucy

Dakota Johnson delivers a career-defining performance as Lucy, bringing depth to a character who could have been a rom-com cliché. Known for roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Lost Daughter, Johnson showcases her versatility here, blending sardonic humor with vulnerability. Her chemistry with both Pascal and Evans feels authentic, making Lucy’s indecision palpable. Johnson’s ability to convey Lucy’s professional confidence and personal turmoil anchors the film, earning praise from early reactions on X, with users calling her “breathtaking” and “unlike anything she’s done before.”

Chris Evans as John

Chris Evans, fresh off action-heavy roles in Red One and Deadpool & Wolverine, returns to his romantic roots with John. Fans on X have noted that his performance recalls his earlier, down-to-earth roles in Before We Go and Playing It Cool. Evans imbues John with charm and relatability, making him more than just the “broke ex” archetype. His delivery of emotional lines, combined with subtle comedic timing, adds layers to a character who could have been one-dimensional. Evans’ fans are thrilled, with comments like “Chris Evans being a hopeless romantic? I’m IN!” flooding social media.

Pedro Pascal as Harry

Pedro Pascal, often celebrated for his “dad” roles in The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, brings suave sophistication to Harry. His billionaire character is charismatic yet enigmatic, challenging Lucy’s perceptions of perfection. Pascal’s natural warmth and charisma make Harry a compelling rival to John, and his scenes with Johnson crackle with tension. The trailer’s moment where Harry magically procures Lucy’s drink order hints at his larger-than-life presence, which Pascal plays to perfection.

Supporting Cast

The ensemble, including Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg, adds richness to the film. Each actor brings distinct energy, from Winters’ sharp-witted friend to Jacobson’s quirky client. Their performances enhance the film’s New York vibe, grounding the central triangle in a believable world.

Celine Song’s Direction: A Rom-Com with Artistic Flair

Celine Song’s sophomore effort proves she’s no one-hit wonder. After Past Lives earned two Oscar nominations, expectations for Materialists were sky-high, and Song delivers. Her direction blends the glossy appeal of mainstream rom-coms with the introspective depth of indie dramas. The film’s New York City setting, captured through vibrant cinematography, feels like a love letter to the city, much like Past Lives.

Song’s script is another highlight, weaving humor and heartache seamlessly. Drawing from her brief stint as a matchmaker, she crafts authentic dialogue that resonates. As she told Time, “I learned more about people in those six months than I did in any other part of my life.” This experience informs the film’s exploration of love’s complexities, making it more than a simple “who will she choose?” story.

The film’s pacing, at 1 hour 49 minutes, keeps viewers engaged, though some may find the ambiguous ending divisive. Song’s use of a retro voice-over in the trailer, described as a throwback to mid-aughts rom-coms, adds a playful touch that carries into the film. An original song by Japanese Breakfast further elevates the mood, blending modern indie vibes with nostalgic romance.

Themes and Cultural Impact: Love, Class, and Modern Romance

Materialists tackles universal themes with a contemporary lens. The film explores the tension between material wealth and emotional fulfillment, a topic that resonates in today’s status-driven world. Lucy’s struggle mirrors societal pressures to prioritize financial security over passion, a dilemma Song frames with nuance.

The film also revitalizes the rom-com genre, which has seen a decline in big-screen releases. By combining A24’s indie sensibility with mainstream appeal, Materialists fills a gap for audiences craving sophisticated yet accessible romance. Early reactions on X praise its “excellent writing and heart,” suggesting it could become a modern classic.

Culturally, the film benefits from its starry cast and Song’s rising fame. Dakota Johnson’s fanbase, bolstered by her indie cred, and the internet’s obsession with Pascal and Evans, dubbed “Hollywood’s favorite dads,” drive buzz. Posts on X highlight the film’s appeal, with one calling it “one of the best films of the year.” Its June 13 release, alongside How to Train Your Dragon, positions it as a counterpoint to blockbuster fare, likely drawing adult audiences seeking emotional depth.

Production and Marketing: A24 and Sony’s Winning Strategy

Produced by Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, alongside David Hinojosa of 2AM, Materialists reflects A24’s knack for backing bold voices. Filming took place in New York City from April to June 2024, with leaked set videos fueling early excitement. Sony Pictures’ acquisition of international rights in an eight-figure deal underscores the film’s global appeal.

A24’s marketing, including character posters and two trailers, has been strategic. The posters, describing Evans’ John as “voted for Bernie” and Pascal’s Harry as “old money,” hint at the film’s class dynamics. The trailers, set to Madonna’s Material Girl and featuring a retro voice-over, evoke nostalgia while showcasing the cast’s chemistry.

Strengths and Weaknesses: What Works and What Doesn’t

Strengths

• Cast Chemistry: Johnson, Evans, and Pascal elevate the love triangle with authentic performances.

• Direction and Script: Song’s nuanced storytelling and sharp dialogue make the film emotionally resonant.

• Visual and Sound Design: New York’s vibrant setting and Japanese Breakfast’s song enhance the experience.

• Thematic Depth: The exploration of love and class adds substance to the rom-com formula.

Weaknesses

• Ambiguous Ending: Some viewers may crave a definitive resolution to Lucy’s choice.

• Familiar Tropes: The love triangle setup, while well-executed, treads familiar ground.

• Pacing in Act Two: A few scenes feel slower, though they serve character development.

SEO Optimization: Why Materialists Matters in 2025

For those searching for Materialists movie review 2025, Dakota Johnson rom-com, or Celine Song new film, this film is a must-see. Its blend of star power, directorial pedigree, and timely themes makes it a standout. Keywords like Chris Evans Pedro Pascal love triangle, A24 romantic comedy 2025, and Materialists trailer analysis are trending, reflecting its online traction.

The film’s release aligns with a renewed interest in rom-coms, as seen in recent hits like Anyone But You. By targeting audiences who love Past Lives, When Harry Met Sally, or Crazy Rich Asians, Materialists taps into a broad demographic. Its R rating ensures a mature perspective, appealing to adults seeking more than fluffy romance.

Conclusion: A Rom-Com Worth Falling For

Materialists is a triumph of modern romantic comedy, blending humor, heart, and social commentary. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal deliver magnetic performances, while Celine Song’s direction elevates the genre. Though not without minor flaws, the film’s emotional depth and cultural relevance make it a standout for 2025.

Whether you’re Team John or Team Harry, Materialists invites you to question what truly matters in love. Catch it in theaters on June 13, 2025, and prepare to be charmed. For more on Materialists, check out A24’s official site or follow updates on X.

FAQs

When is Materialists releasing?
June 13, 2025, in U.S. theaters, with international dates via Sony Pictures.

Who stars in Materialists?
Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, with Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, and more.

Is Materialists worth watching?
Absolutely, for its stellar cast, sharp script, and fresh take on rom-coms.

How does Materialists compare to Past Lives?
It’s lighter and more mainstream but retains Song’s emotional depth and New York setting.