Materialists
★★★ 1/2
If Past Lives was Celine Song’s love letter to memory and missed chances, Materialists feels more like a LinkedIn message about love in the age of emotional capitalism. It’s not a rom-com, and not really a traditional romance either—it’s a slow-burn, quiet contemplation on connection, status and what it means to invest in someone (emotionally or otherwise).
I went in knowing this wasn’t going to be a “player”—no banter, no breezy meet-cute energy. And while the trailer hinted at a slick, stylish tone, the film itself is... intentionally awkward. Song, once again, embraces stillness. The silences stretch. The camera lingers. There’s no rush to deliver the next emotional beat. In fact, it almost dares you to squirm in your seat as the characters sit in discomfort—romantic and otherwise.
Dakota Johnson plays a professional matchmaker who’s more enigma than open book. I’m still on the fence about her—sometimes I think she’s quietly brilliant, other times I wonder if I’m just projecting depth onto her blank stares. She brings a similar energy here as she did in Cha Cha Real Smooth—a little aloof, maybe a little too self-possessed. But that vibe kind of works for a character who’s trying to intellectualize love.
Then we’ve got Pedro Pascal as a quote-unquote “unicorn” millionaire, and Chris Evans as her broke, struggling-actor ex. It’s an odd trio—each delivering fine performances, but not exactly in their sweet spots. And that’s maybe part of the point. The chemistry between Johnson and Evans feels real, raw, a little lived-in. Her connection with Pascal is cooler, more aspirational—and that’s exactly the dynamic Song seems to be dissecting.
Love here isn’t sweeping or grand. It’s strategic. At times, it feels like we’re watching characters compare portfolios rather than hearts. There’s a coolness to the whole thing—not emotionally cold, but fashionably detached. And yet, there’s something undeniably human lurking beneath that chill exterior.
If you’re expecting another Past Lives or a quirky rom-com romp, lower those expectations. Materialists is a relationship movie for people who’ve swiped left on love more times than they’d like to admit. It's not trying to charm you. It’s trying to get under your skin, slowly.
Even if I walked away from Materialists feeling unsure, I think that’s part of the experience. It’s a movie that rewards marination. A second viewing might not bring more answers—but it might help you ask better questions.
Verdict: Materialists isn’t made to sweep you off your feet. It wants you to sit down, stare and wonder if love is a feeling, a choice… or just good PR.
