The highly anticipated Materialists Review reveals whether this 2025 release lives up to expectations after director Celine Song’s acclaimed “Past Lives.”
Every week brings new cinema releases. But does Materialists stand out from the crowded romantic comedy landscape?
After analyzing this latest A24 offering, we’re here with our complete analysis. Let’s dive into what makes this sophisticated romance tick.
Movie Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Movie Name | Materialists |
| 📅 Release Date | June 13, 2025 |
| ⭐ Star Cast | Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal |
| 🎥 Director | Celine Song |
| 🎶 Music Director | Not specified |
| 🕒 Runtime | 116 minutes |
| 🎬 Trailer | Available on YouTube/Rotten Tomatoes |
| 📱 OTT Platform | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV |
| 📺 OTT Release | July 22, 2025 |
| 🏆 Our Rating | 3.5/5 Stars |
Cast & Characters – Materialists Review
Main Cast
Dakota Johnson as Lucy Mason: An ambitious actress turned matchmaker working at Adore, caught between two very different romantic options
Chris Evans as John P: Lucy’s imperfect ex-boyfriend who works as a theatre actor and cater waiter
Pedro Pascal as Harry Castillo: A wealthy man who represents the perfect match for Lucy
Supporting Cast
Zoë Winters – Sophie (Lucy’s 39-year-old client)
Marin Ireland – Violet (Lucy’s superior at Adore)
Dasha Nekrasova – Daisy (Lucy’s co-worker)
Louisa Jacobson – Charlotte (Lucy’s co-worker)
Eddie Cahill – Robert (Lucy’s client)
John Magaro – Mark P. (Sophie’s matched date)
Cast Verdict: The ensemble brings sophisticated depth to this modern love triangle, with each actor delivering nuanced performances that elevate the material.
Materialists Story Review
The plot revolves around Lucy Mason, a New York City matchmaker who finds herself torn between her imperfect ex-boyfriend John and wealthy Harry Castillo, representing the classic choice between comfort and ambition.
What works: Celine Song’s narrative keeps you engaged with its intelligent commentary on modern relationships and materialism in dating culture.
Story strength: The screenplay delivers thoughtful examination of choice, desire, and identity in contemporary romance. Character development feels authentic as Lucy navigates between two vastly different relationship paths.
Performance Analysis – Materialists Review
Lead Performances:
Dakota Johnson: Delivers a career-defining performance as Lucy, balancing vulnerability with ambition
Chris Evans: Shines in emotional sequences, showcasing range beyond his superhero persona
Pedro Pascal: Adds sophisticated charm as the wealthy suitor, creating compelling romantic tension
Supporting Cast: The ensemble cast adds significant depth to the overall narrative structure
Acting Verdict: The trio’s chemistry elevates this romantic triangle significantly, with each actor bringing distinct energy to their roles.
Technical Aspects – Music & Cinematography
Visual Treatment:
- Cinematography by Shabier Kirchner captures New York City beautifully, shot on 35mm film
- Direction maintains engaging pace throughout the 116-minute runtime
- Filming locations include Manhattan, Brooklyn, and select scenes in Durango, Mexico
Production Quality:
- $20 million budget shows on screen with polished production values
- A24’s signature style evident in sophisticated visual storytelling
Technical Rating: 4/5 stars for production values and cinematography.
Trailer Analysis – Materialists Review
Trailer Highlights:
✅ Gives perfect glimpse of the romantic triangle without major spoilers
✅ Showcases stellar performances from all three leads
✅ Builds anticipation for Song’s follow-up to “Past Lives”
✅ Visual aesthetics create strong emotional impact
Trailer Verdict: Successfully creates buzz and establishes the sophisticated tone of this modern romance.
OTT Release Details
Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV/YouTube Movies
OTT Release Date: July 22, 2025
Availability: Video-on-demand rental service
Languages: English with subtitle options
Additional Platforms: Fandango at Home and local cable providers in the US
Materialists Review – What Works
✅ Sophisticated storytelling from acclaimed director Celine Song
✅ Strong performances from the entire ensemble cast
✅ Thoughtful commentary on modern dating and materialism
✅ Beautiful cinematography shot on 35mm film
✅ Engaging romantic triangle with genuine emotional stakes
✅ A24’s polished production values evident throughout
Areas for Improvement
❌ Mixed critical reception with some finding pacing issues
❌ Polarized audience response to the film’s approach
❌ Runtime could benefit from tighter editing in places
❌ Some plot elements feel predictable despite strong execution
Final Verdict – Materialists Review 2025
Bottom Line: Materialists delivers an intelligent, if polarizing, examination of modern love and materialism.
Target Audience: Perfect for fans of sophisticated romantic dramas seeking depth beyond typical rom-com fare.
Worth Watching? Absolutely! This film justifies your time with thoughtful storytelling and strong performances.
Weekend Plans? An excellent choice for viewers who appreciated “Past Lives” and similar character-driven narratives.
OTT Worth? Definitely worth the rental fee if you missed the theatrical experience.
Rating & Recommendation
⭐ Our Final Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Recommendation Level: Worth Watching – A sophisticated entry in the romantic drama genre
Where to Watch:
🎬 Theaters: Limited theatrical run continuing
📱 OTT: Available on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV from July 22, 2025
🎥 Trailer: Available on YouTube and Rotten Tomatoes
Box Office Performance: Grossed $50 million worldwide against a $20 million budget, demonstrating solid commercial appeal for an adult-oriented romantic drama.