Who Does She Choose in 'Materialists' & Why Fans Hate the Ending [Spoilers!]

The most anticipated rom-com of 2025, Materialists, was finally released in theaters on June 13 – and boy, did it cause a stir. Directed by Celine Song, the filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated Past Lives, Materialists tells the story of a love triangle in New York.

However, unlike universally loved Past Lives, Materialists received a much more controversial response from viewers.

What Is 'Materialists' About?

Lucy is a professional marriage agent. She is convinced that she knows everything about love, but her fundamental belief is that marriage is a business deal. At one of her clients' weddings, the charismatic, wealthy Harry begins to court her.

Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend John, a broke man trying to become an actor, reappears in her life. Lucy is torn between the two men, each of whom has his own pros and cons.

Why Are Viewers Mad?

The love triangle between Chris Evans's and Pedro Pascal's characters creates the movie's main conflict. In the second half of the film, Lucy makes a choice, proving that neither luxurious bouquets nor expensive restaurants are the deciding factor – she chooses John.

However, many viewers felt that Lucy's choice not only followed rom-com clichés but also contradicted the main character's worldview. After all, she left John because he was poor. Redditor MrBlank123456 wrote:

“Am I wrong for wanting her to pick Pedro instead to just be a different movie for once. It felt so cliche and obvious to go for Chris. It would've hit more to show the world doesn't always have the magic ending. Just would've appreciated something different.”

And yes, thanks to Materialists, you can now find the phrase "broke man propaganda" among the most frequently used ones – because who would abandon a rich man with the face of Pedro Pascal?

Chris Evans Is Definitely Miscast as John Because He's Too Hot

In addition, many viewers have noted that Chris Evans's appearance as John devalues the essence of Lucy's choice.

After Harry admits that he had surgery on his legs to become taller and more attractive to women, Lucy returns to her ex, who looks like a Hollywood star (well, because Chris Evans kinda is). Reddit user TheHouseOfGryffindor commented:

“Chris Evans gives a fantastic performance… in a role I fear he was too attractive for. It's hard to believe him as a working class dude [...]. I get it's a romance so you want the audience to think he's hot, but there should be a limit, and Evans crosses it.”

'Materialists' Wanted to Charm Us With the "Poor but Sweet" Take, but Failed

Materialists wants us to believe that love trumps luxury, which is a nice idea, but it doesn't align with Materialists' framework.

The movie's heart is in the right place, but Materialists sends mixed signals, making its main message and the main character's choice unclear and crumpled.