‘Materialists’ Surprises with Substance and Style - Review
I’m not going to lie, I went into Materialists expecting a stylish, possibly shallow romance drama that ended up being kind of a slog, but was surprised to find something more emotionally layered and thematically rich. Celine Song’s sophomore directorial effort follows up Past Lives with a story that may look like a glossy New York love triangle on the surface, but beneath that is a meditation on value, connection, and what truly matters in relationships. Truly, one of the biggest surprises I have seen this year.
Image courtesy of A24 (2025)
At its core, Materialists plays with the tension between surface-level attraction and deeper emotional resonance. It explores the kind of decisions people make—or don’t make—when love is tangled up in power, wealth, and image. It’s not a film that yells its themes; rather, it quietly lets them settle in, especially in the second half, where the emotional stakes become clearer and more personal.
Chris Evans delivers one of his more understated performances here — still charismatic, but with a restraint that lets the cracks beneath his polished exterior slowly reveal themselves. It’s the kind of role that reminds us Evans is more than just a blockbuster lead; projects like Materialists give him space to tap into a more emotional, introspective range. Pedro Pascal brings his signature grounded charm, offering a warmth and quiet intensity that draws you in without ever feeling forced. Dakota Johnson continues her streak of complex, quietly captivating characters. Her signature monotone delivery, which doesn’t always work in other projects, feels especially effective here, aligning well with the film’s emotionally muted tone. Together, the trio shares a chemistry built more on tension than traditional romantic spark, which suits the film’s themes of emotional distance, longing, and disconnection.
Image courtesy of A24 (2025)
Visually, the film is stunning. Song and her cinematographer present New York not just as a location but as a kind of emotional mirror for the characters — elegant, cold, luminous, and lonely all at once. Every shot feels considered, and the aesthetic has a soft sophistication that aligns well with the film’s mood.
Where Materialists succeeds most is in refusing to settle into a familiar rom-com or melodrama rhythm. It suggests that modern relationships are as much about timing, privilege, and personal baggage as they are about love — and that sometimes, clarity comes too late. It’s not a film that will work for everyone. Some may find it too quiet or too emotionally reserved. But for those willing to sit with its silences and appreciate the nuance, Materialists offers more than expected. It’s a love story, sure, but one with questions, not always answers.
Verdict: A sleek, thoughtful drama that looks like a romance but cuts a little deeper. Fans of character-driven stories and emotionally mature filmmaking will likely appreciate what Materialists has to say — and how beautifully it says it.
RATING:
3.5 out of 5
