Materialists Review Plot Summary & Ending Explained 2025

Materialists (2025) is a sharp, witty romantic dramedy that explores love, money, and the commodification of relationships in the digital age, directed and written by Celine Song, who is best known for her acclaimed debut Past Lives. The story follows Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a pragmatic New York City matchmaker who treats dating like a financial market, assigning value to people based on assets, compatibility, and social capital.

Lucy’s worldview is tested when she finds herself torn between Harry, a charming, wealthy “unicorn” suitor played by Pedro Pascal, and John, her struggling actor ex-boyfriend played by Chris Evans, whose effortless chemistry with her rekindles old feelings. Set in Manhattan’s elite dating scene, the film dives into the realities of modern romance, where apps and algorithms have turned people into commodities and relationships into transactions.

The film balances light comedy with social critique, offering a nuanced look at the tension between romantic ideals and the practicalities of partnership, with performances by Johnson, Evans, and Pascal widely praised for their depth and authenticity.

Materialists 2025

Korean: 머티리얼리스트 | Japanese: マテリアリスツ
Directed by: Celine Song
Screenplay by: Celine Song
Based on: Original screenplay
Produced by: Pamela Koffler, Celine Song, Christine Vachon, Hinoosa
Starring: Dakota Johnson (Lucy), Chris Evans (John), Pedro Pascal (Harry Castillo), Zoë Winters (Sophie), Marin Ireland (Violet), Louisa Jacobson (Charlotte)
Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner
Edited by: Keith Fraase
Music by: Daniel Pemberton
Production Companies: Killer Films, 2AM
Distributed by: A24 (US), Sony Pictures Releasing International (Global)
Release Dates: June 13, 2025 (US and select international markets)
Running Time: 109 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $20 million
Box Office: $15.5 million worldwide (as of June 15, 2025)
Rating: R (language, brief sexual material)

Materialists review plot summary & Ending explained 2025

Film Ratings

Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): 86% (147 reviews), Top Critics: 83% (41 reviews)
Rotten Tomatoes (Audience): 70% (verified, 3.7/5 average)
Metacritic: 70/100 (38 reviews)
Cinemascore: B–

Director’s Filmography and Style

Celine Song previously directed Past Lives (2023), which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Song’s style is characterized by a thoughtful blend of romance, realism, and social commentary, often focusing on the complexities of modern relationships. Materialists is her sophomore feature, further cementing her reputation as a keen observer of intimacy and identity.

Materialists Cast

Lucy (Dakota Johnson – Instagram @dakotajohnson): A pragmatic matchmaker who treats dating as a marketplace and must choose between love and security.

Notable works: Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Madame Web (2024).

John (Chris Evans – Instagram @chrisevans): Lucy’s ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor who represents genuine connection.

Notable works: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), The Gray Man (2022).

Harry Castillo (Pedro Pascal – Instagram @pascalispunk): A charming, wealthy suitor who challenges Lucy’s worldview.

Notable works: Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Sophie (Zoë Winters): Lucy’s colleague and confidante.

Violet (Marin Ireland): Supporting role.

Charlotte (Louisa Jacobson): Supporting role.

Materialist Plot Summary

Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a couple manager at “Adore” in New York. She has successfully led many clients to marriage, but she is troubled by one client, Sophie (Joy Winters). Sophie has gone on several blind dates, but none of the men show interest in her. Moreover, Sophie has high standards for her ideal type, so even when Lucy introduces men who seem to match her criteria, the results are always disappointing.

At the company, Lucy’s boss, Violet (Marin Ireland), throws a party to celebrate Lucy’s ninth client getting married. However, Lucy is preoccupied with Sophie’s case, her colleague Daisy (Dasha Nekrasova), and her own views on marriage. Later, Lucy attends the wedding of her client Charlotte (Louisa Jacobson) and uses the opportunity to promote her business to other women.

On the wedding day, Charlotte is plagued by anxiety, so Lucy asks her why she wants to get married. Charlotte answers that her engagement will make her sister jealous and that she feels victorious for getting a better husband than her sister. Lucy thinks that even this is a valid reason for marriage and persuades Charlotte, ultimately helping her successfully go through with the wedding.

At the reception, Lucy meets Charlotte’s brother-in-law, Harry (Pedro Pascal). As the two are about to get closer, Lucy spots her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans) working as a waiter. Lucy smokes a cigarette with John and asks how he’s been; John still dreams of being an actor but hasn’t found much success.

Lucy gives Harry her business card, and Harry says he’ll contact her if she dances with him. Lucy dances with Harry, and her ex-boyfriend John happens to witness it. After the reception, John takes Lucy home. In the past, Lucy and John had argued over money while celebrating an anniversary in Manhattan, and Lucy gave up on the relationship because she disliked the financial struggles.

Lucy grows weary of the reality that most male clients only want young and beautiful women. She starts dating Harry, who is attractive, wealthy, and the ideal type for many women. Harry tells Lucy that her unique perspective and self-confidence are what make her attractive, and the two soon become a couple.

Meanwhile, John is still struggling financially and performs on stage, but he does not achieve great success.

Lucy is delighted to hear that Sophie and Mark (voiced by John Magaro) went on a date and that Mark liked Sophie. However, she soon learns from the company that Sophie is preparing to sue Mark for dating violence. Lucy’s boss, Violet, advises her not to contact Sophie, and Lucy ends up crying in the bathroom.

Lucy and Harry go to see John’s play together. At a bar afterwards, Lucy confides that she is struggling with work, but John dismisses it as just relationship problems. Lucy continues her date with Harry after returning home. In her consultations with female clients, Lucy becomes increasingly honest and blunt about their picky criteria. As a result, several clients discontinue her services, and Violet suggests Lucy may be experiencing burnout and recommends taking a break.

Lucy disguises herself and visits Sophie, but Sophie criticizes Lucy for not investigating Mark’s past thoroughly and ends their service. Frustrated, Lucy calls John and confides in him about her situation. As meaningless dates repeat, Lucy breaks up with Harry; although he is hurt, he accepts her decision.

Materialist Ending (Spoilers)

Afterwards, Lucy goes on a trip with John and attends a wedding reception, where they dance and kiss. However, John feels uncertain about their relationship and is confused. At that moment, Sophie calls Lucy, saying Mark showed up at her house and she feels unsafe.

John takes Lucy back to Manhattan, but Mark is already gone. Lucy spends the night with Sophie to comfort her, and the next day, they apply for a restraining order together. The following morning, Lucy finds John waiting outside her house. John confesses how much he loves her and says he would do anything to be with her. Lucy finally accepts John’s love and kisses him.

Some time later, while having lunch in Central Park, Lucy tells John that she believes love comes with both good and bad. Lucy is offered a promotion at work but considers resigning. John proposes to Lucy with a ring made of flowers, and Lucy accepts.

The two finally register their marriage at city hall and become husband and wife.

Interpretation

Materialists is a thoughtful critique of the commodification of romance in the age of dating apps and social media, challenging viewers to question the value systems that shape modern relationships and to consider the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional honesty in love.

Audience and Critical Reception

The film has been praised for its mature, nuanced approach to the romantic comedy genre and its insightful commentary on contemporary dating culture. While some critics found the emotional core underdeveloped, most agreed that the film’s performances and social critique make it a standout entry in 2025’s film landscape.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in New York City, capturing the city’s luxury-driven dating culture and elite social circles.

Box Office Performance

The production budget was $20 million, and the box office gross as of June 15, 2025, is $15.5 million worldwide. The film has not yet recouped its production budget through box office alone but is expected to generate additional revenue through international sales and streaming rights.

The film opened to $12 million in the US, finishing third in its debut weekend, and the worldwide gross stands at $15.5 million as of mid-June 2025. Despite modest box office returns, the film has been praised for its critical success and is expected to find a strong audience on streaming platforms.

Materialist review

The film’s script and direction have drawn comparisons to Sex and the City and the works of Eric Rohmer for their sophisticated, character-driven approach, and Materialists is expected to gain further recognition through awards and streaming success, solidifying Celine Song’s reputation as a leading voice in modern cinema.

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