Gayatri S
In a world increasingly driven by algorithms, dating apps, and pragmatic choices, what does it mean to fall in love? For acclaimed director Celine Song, the answer lies in the quiet, ordinary moments that defy logic and expectation. Her latest film, Materialists, is a tender, nuanced exploration of love in 2025 New York—a city that never sleeps, and rarely pauses for romance.
Following the critical success of her 2023 breakout Past Lives, Song returns with a story that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. In her own words, “When love happens, it’s a miracle”—a sentiment that forms the emotional core of Materialists.
A Story Rooted in Realism
Materialists follows Lucy, a successful matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself caught between two very different men: Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy and charming entrepreneur, and John (Chris Evans), her struggling actor ex-boyfriend who still carries a quiet torch for her.
The film opens at a wedding Lucy orchestrated—an event that should symbolize her professional success. But as she reconnects with John and meets Harry, Lucy begins to question the very ideals she’s built her career on. Is compatibility enough? Can love survive without financial security? And most importantly, can love still surprise us?
The Romance of the “Bad Deal”
One of the most striking elements of Materialists is its redefinition of romantic language. In most films, words like “deal” or “financial decision” are cold, transactional. But in Song’s world, they’re imbued with unexpected tenderness.
A standout line—“How would you like to make a very bad financial decision?”—isn’t just a punchline. It’s a declaration of love, a leap of faith, and a rejection of materialism in favor of emotional truth. Song flips the script on what romance looks like in a capitalist society, where love is often weighed against wealth and status.
Love in 2025: A Personal Lens
Set in a contemporary New York that feels both familiar and freshly observed, Materialists is less about grand gestures and more about the intimate, everyday choices that define relationships. Song, who lives in the city with her husband, infuses the film with autobiographical elements. “It’s about the way I have to live and love in this city,” she explains.
This authenticity shines through in every frame. Whether it’s Lucy’s quiet moments of doubt, John’s unspoken devotion, or Harry’s effortless charm, the characters feel real—flawed, hopeful, and deeply human.
A Cast That Breathes Life Into Love
The film’s emotional resonance owes much to its stellar cast. Dakota Johnson brings a grounded vulnerability to Lucy, navigating her internal conflict with subtlety and grace. Pedro Pascal is magnetic as Harry, offering a glimpse into the allure of a “perfect match.” And Chris Evans, in a refreshingly understated role, delivers one of the film’s most poignant lines: “When I look at you, I see wrinkles, grey hair, and children that look like you”.
Their chemistry isn’t just romantic—it’s lived-in, layered, and reflective of the complexities of modern relationships.
Breaking the Rom-Com Mold
While Materialists may appear to follow the romantic comedy blueprint, it quickly subverts expectations. There are no villains, no caricatures, no easy answers. Instead, Song presents a love triangle where each choice is valid, each character is worthy, and the resolution is less about winning and more about finding emotional truth.
Critics have praised the film for its refusal to indulge in clichés. Instead of painting love as a fairy tale, Song presents it as a miracle of timing, vulnerability, and courage—especially in a world that often prioritizes convenience over connection.
The City as a Character
New York isn’t just a backdrop in Materialists—it’s a living, breathing character. From bustling weddings to quiet subway rides, the city mirrors Lucy’s emotional journey. Song’s lens captures both the chaos and the intimacy of urban life, inviting viewers to experience the city not as tourists, but as residents navigating love in real time.
Why Materialists Matters
In an era where love is often commodified, Materialists dares to ask: What if the most irrational choice is the right one? What if love, in all its messiness and uncertainty, is still worth believing in?
Celine Song doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, she offers a mirror—one that reflects our own hopes, fears, and longing for connection. And in doing so, she reminds us that when love happens, it truly is a miracle.
Final Thoughts
Materialists isn’t just a film—it’s a quiet revolution. It challenges our assumptions, redefines our language, and dares us to believe in love again. With its heartfelt performances, sharp writing, and emotional honesty, it’s a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
So if you’re looking for a story that speaks to the heart without sugarcoating reality, Materialists is your next must-watch.
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