Movie Review: Materialists

 Movie Number 27 of 2025

The Movie: Materialists

The Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens

Runtime: One hour and 57 minutes

Stars: 4

I put Materialists on my list of movies to see as soon as I saw that it was written and directed by Celine Song. Celine Song who wrote and directed the incredible Past Lives. This had to be done. Song has the ability to write grown up, yet still funny, romantic comedies, and although this is not as wonderful as Past Lives, it is still a very entertaining film. 

Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a New York City matchmaker, on her game yet still disillusioned by love. We learn quickly that she takes great pride in her work.

At one of her client's weddings, she meets Harry (Pedro Pascal). The brother of the groom, Harry is also charming, rich, good looking and charming. A complete unicorn as it is known in the business. Adding to this, Lucy's ex, John (Chris Evans) is waiting tables at the event. An impoverish actor, he and Lucy broke up a few years previously after he couldn't provide what she wanted. 

And yes, you can tell from the trailer what's going to happen here, and yes, that part of the story is predictable, but that doesn't matter. The story is told so well. 

What impressed me was Song's sharp critiques of modern dating. It's an absolute nightmare out there and it's shown in all its glory. The men, in particular, are all pretty dreadful. 

Being set in New York, we see the grand, the great and the not so good. John's apartment and housemates ring very true. Ew. Boys. 

The movie's big theme is we love who we love. We can't help it. It just is. 

Materialists is not as good as Celine Song's first offering, Past Lives. Mind you, the latter was up for the Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay Oscars - you're not going to get much better. Yet Materialists makes for a great girl's night out film. As Hoyts has brought back Tight Arse Tuesday, there's no excuse to not get yourself to the cinema. 

Materialists is as intelligent as it is telling. And it's lovely to look at. What more do you need from a rom-com?

Today's song: