Hearts, Hustles and High Society: 'Materialists' Puts a Price on Love

In Materialists, playwright-turned-director Celine Song (Past Lives) trades quiet longing for something sleeker and more seductive. Set in a glossy, high-status New York, the film follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a sharp, discreet matchmaker who treats romance like an algorithm of wealth, compatibility, and social capital. But when an old flame (Chris Evans) returns just as a billionaire client (Pedro Pascal) begins showing interest, Lucy’s tightly managed system of emotional detachment begins to falter.

Shot on lush 35mm film across Manhattan’s Upper East Side and stylish downtown interiors, Materialists is a visual treat. Song’s script balances dry wit with emotional undercurrents, revealing the tension beneath the polished surfaces. The film may wear designer heels, but it walks with psychological weight.

Following early festival buzz, Materialists is now in select theaters via A24 and Sony, with a wider release due later this summer. While it’s not yet available to stream, its boutique charm is tailor-made for the big screen. Critics are calling it smart and emotionally sly — anchored by Johnson’s quietly complex performance and Evans’ surprising softness.