By Jorge Ignacio Castillo

Materialists (USA, 2025. Dir: Celine Song): Full disclosure. Remember when the world was singing writer/director Celine Song’s praises following her feature debut Past Lives? I didn’t care for it. I didn’t buy the passivity of the husband character (John Magaro) as his wife embarks on an emotional affair with a man she considered her soulmate.

I’m still not sold on Past Lives (my dude, your wife is dating her ex and you’re way too chill about it), but I’m coming around on Celine Song’s ability to find something fresh on the relationship movie front. Materialists digs into a subject rarely broached in romantic dramas: the importance of money in a partnership. Here’s a hard lesson for you kids: Love doesn't conquer all. Not by a long shot.

Lucy (Dakota Johnson, finally in a role worthy of her talent) is a successful matchmaker who sees single people as commodities. She’s aware height and hairline are often key for a successful relationship, and money is about as important as personality. Her clients are high maintenance and the wiggle room is limited. It helps that she sees through them and what they really want, even if it’s unsavoury.

In a classic case of “physician, heal thyself” Lucy can’t seem to find a match for herself. Her problem is two-pronged: she has low self-esteem and carries a torch for her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a perpetually underemployed actor. When a billionaire who fits all her requirements (Pedro Pascal) comes along, she tries to talk him out of pursuing her. Luckily for her, he’s relentless (in a pleasant, non-stalky way).

Without going into spoilers, it’s worth mentioning Materialists loses its nerve towards the end and takes the crowd-pleasing route. Nevertheless, it succeeds in making its point: you can categorize someone to death and not know the person. ★★★★☆

NOTES:

Chris Evans also benefits from stepping away from more commercial fare. This is his most soulful performance since Knives Out.
For those doubting Pedro Pascal’s range, he brings the charm up several notches with a nice dose of pathos.

Materialists is now available on VOD.