Materialists Explores Love, Wealth, and Modern Romance With Satirical Depth

Celine Song’s second feature film, *Materialists*, builds on the nuanced emotional storytelling of her debut *Past Lives*, this time examining romantic relationships through the lens of money, social status, and transactional dynamics. The film stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a successful but calculating matchmaker who earns $80,000 a year and approaches relationships with the same clinical detachment she applies to her work. She becomes entangled in a love triangle with Harry (Pedro Pascal), a suave private-equity investor who owns a $12 million apartment, and John (Chris Evans), her broke ex-boyfriend and struggling actor. The characters’ financial situations are foregrounded rather than glossed over, offering a refreshing contrast to the traditional rom-com fantasy. Song uses this setup not only to critique the commodification of modern love but also to challenge the genre’s avoidance of economic realism. Despite a few contrived plot turns—especially involving a traumatic client backstory—*Materialists* offers a sharp, visually rich, and often touching story. While Johnson shines in her role, Pascal and Evans bring unexpected warmth and vulnerability to archetypal roles. The film balances satire and sincerity, leaving the viewer pondering whether love can really exist outside the bounds of social and financial capital.