⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ — 4 out of 5 stars
Director: Celine Song
Release Date: June 13, 2025 — Now Streaming
Every once in a while, a movie comes along that gently taps you on the shoulder and whispers, “Hey… you’ve got options. Don’t forget what actually matters.”
Materialists is exactly that kind of film — a clever, quietly emotional exploration of the choices we make in love, comfort, and compatibility.
The story opens with an imagining of the very first caveman couple to ever get married. It’s playful, symbolic, and just a little bit unhinged — the perfect tone-setter for what’s to come. From there, the film moves through modern dating and relationships, thoughtfully picking apart the difference between:
- The person who feels right
- And the person who makes sense on paper
If you’ve ever been torn between what you want and what feels safe or sensible, you’ll see yourself in this movie more than you might expect.
This is a slow-burn, conversation-starter kind of film rather than a laugh-out-loud rom-com. Best watched on a quiet night when you’re in a reflective mood — preferably with tea, a blanket, and no distractions.
Dakota Johnson: The Soft-Spoken Powerhouse
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — Dakota Johnson is quietly becoming one of my favorite actresses.
Even in films that didn’t receive glowing reviews (Madame Web, I’m looking at you), she consistently manages to be the bright spot. In Materialists, she brings her signature understated charm — a blend of humor, softness, and subtle chaos that works beautifully for this role. She grounds the film emotionally, making even the most complicated love-triangle moments feel honest and human.
Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans: The Handsome Dilemma We All Deserve
As if Dakota Johnson weren’t enough, Materialists gifts us with both:
- Pedro Pascal, bringing his warm, soulful, “I could emotionally wreck you with eye contact” energy
- Chris Evans, offering the effortless charm and charisma that made half of America fall in love with him years ago
This movie didn’t have to go this hard… but it absolutely did.
Their chemistry with Dakota adds tension, humor, and genuine emotional stakes. Because choosing between logic and love is one thing — but choosing between Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans? That’s a spiritual crisis no romance movie can fully prepare you for.
Another Thoughtful Hit from Director Celine Song
You may recognize Celine Song from her 2023 film Past Lives, and if you enjoy Materialists, I wholeheartedly recommend giving that one a watch as well.
While Past Lives leans more into “what ifs” and the quiet ache of childhood connections lingering into adulthood, Materialists feels grounded in the present — in the decisions we make as life unfolds, often without realizing how much they’ll shape us.
Relationships are something Celine Song clearly understands. Her films are full of pauses, restraint, and realism — the kinds of moments that feel deeply familiar, even when they’re uncomfortable. Her storytelling doesn’t rush or force emotion; it lets it breathe. Every time, her work leaves me reflective long after the credits roll.
Love vs. Logic: The Real Heart of the Story
At its core, Materialists is a meditation on what we value in relationships:
- Stability?
- Compatibility?
- Status?
- Or the person who feels like home, even if it makes no practical sense?
The film never pushes you toward a “right” answer. Instead, it gently invites you to examine what you’re prioritizing — and whether those choices truly align with what you want.
For me, it was a quiet reminder of what’s real, what’s present, and what we sometimes cling to simply because it looks good on paper — even when it doesn’t feel right.
How Critics and Audiences Are Responding
If you’re curious how this landed beyond my own couch-viewing experience, here’s how Materialists is landing with critics and audiences alike:
Rotten Tomatoes
- 78% of critics gave the film a positive review
Critics’ consensus:
“A mature deconstruction of the conventional rom-com, Materialists provides its trio of swoon-worthy stars some of their meatiest material yet while reaffirming Celine Song as a modern master of relationship dramas.”
Metacritic
- 70/100 (based on 50 critics)
- Labeled “generally favorable”
Audience Scores
- CinemaScore: B–
- PostTrak: 69% positive
In other words — critics are impressed, audiences largely enjoyed it, and most agree the film has something meaningful to say.
This is the kind of movie that sparks long conversations after the credits — about love, timing, and the choices we don’t realize we’re making until much later.
Who This Movie Will Resonate With
- Viewers who prefer quiet, character-driven romances over big rom-com antics
- People navigating dating or long-term relationship crossroads
- Anyone who loved Past Lives
Final Thoughts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I’m giving Materialists a strong 4 out of 5 stars.
It’s thoughtful, charming, and refreshingly grounded for a modern romance. The performances — especially from Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans — elevate the story, turning a familiar love-triangle setup into something quietly profound.
This isn’t a loud or flashy film. It’s the kind that lingers, not because of dramatic twists, but because it asks the right questions.
If you love:
- Modern, clever rom-coms
- Relationship dramas with emotional depth
- A cast that is almost distractingly attractive
- Stories that make you pause and reflect on what truly matters
…then Materialists deserves a spot on your watchlist.
So I’ll leave you with this:
Would you choose the person who feels like home — or the one who fulfills your needs on paper, even if something’s missing? There’s no right or wrong answer — it’s just life.
If this review resonated with you, I’d love to have you stick around.
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 
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