Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Dakota Johnson Tackles the Cutthroat World of New York Matchmaking in 'Materialists'

Materialists led by Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal

ROMANCE IN THE CITY: "MATERIALISTS" REVIEWED

Get ready for a juicy dose of Manhattan matchmaking mayhem with Celine Song's latest film, "Materialists", featuring an all-star cast, including Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans.

The movie follows Lucy (Johnson), a high-powered matchmaker who has arranged nine successful weddings to her name. With a keen eye for detail and a no-nonsense approach to love, Lucy believes that marriage is simply a business deal – one where the assets are compatibility, good looks, and a healthy bank balance. But despite her own success, Lucy finds herself struggling to find true love in a world where appearances matter more than anything else.

The film sees her romantically entwined with her ex-boyfriend, John (Evans)

Enter Pedro Pascal as Harry, the tall, dark, and handsome $12 million penthouse-dwelling catch of the day, who seems tailor-made for Lucy's high-end clients. And then there's Chris Evans as John, Lucy's ex-boyfriend – a struggling actor with a head full of hair but empty pockets.

So, which one will Lucy choose? Will it be the wealthy but shallow Harry, or the charming but penniless John?

According to Matthew Bond in The Mail On Sunday, "Materialists" is an altogether bigger affair than Song's debut feature, "Past Lives", and explores similar territory with a sharp eye for detail. With its witty dialogue, clever observations on modern dating culture, and strong performances from its leads, this movie is sure to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even think twice about what love really means.

She is also magnificently courted by the absurdly eligible Harry (Pascal)

But don't expect too much romance – at least not the kind that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Song's script is smart and insightful, but also bleak, cynical, and occasionally depressing, which serves as a welcome counterbalance to the usual rom-com fare.

As Laruskha Ivan-Zadeh notes in The Scholarly Note, "Materialists" poses interesting questions about the balance between romance and rationalism that we can all relate to. Is it really possible to make a relationship work with someone from a different background and values? And what happens when money becomes an issue?

The verdict is in: while "Materialists" may not be as emotionally deep as its predecessor, it's still well-made, watchable, and will make you think – and possibly even hope. So, go ahead, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a romantic comedy with a twist.

THE CAST

  • Dakota Johnson as Lucy: A high-powered matchmaker with a keen eye for detail and a no-nonsense approach to love.
  • Pedro Pascal as Harry: The tall, dark, and handsome $12 million penthouse-dwelling catch of the day.
  • Chris Evans as John: Lucy's ex-boyfriend – a struggling actor with a head full of hair but empty pockets.

THE CREW

  • Celine Song: Writer-director behind "Materialists" and "Past Lives".
  • Matthew Bond: Film critic for The Mail On Sunday.
  • Laruskha Ivan-Zadeh: Film critic for The Scholarly Note.

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

Yes! With its witty dialogue, clever observations on modern dating culture, and strong performances from its leads, this movie is sure to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even think twice about what love really means. So, go ahead, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a romantic comedy with a twist.

RATING

4/5 stars (The Mail On Sunday) 3.5/5 stars (The Scholarly Note)