In the vibrant and bustling world of New York City, a young and ambitious matchmaker named Lucy, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, navigates the complexities of love and relationships. With an innate talent for connecting couples and a keen understanding of what makes a perfect match, Lucy has built a successful career helping others find their soulmate. However, as she immerses herself in the lives of her clients, she finds herself grappling with her own feelings and desires, leading her to a crossroads between pursuing her ideals and confronting her past.
The plot thickens when Lucy encounters her charming yet imperfect ex-boyfriend, John, played by Chris Evans. John's reappearance in Lucy's life forces her to confront the unresolved feelings that linger from their past relationship. While she is determined to find the ideal match for her clients, Lucy struggles to reconcile the notion of perfection with the complexities of human emotions. As she helps others navigate their romantic endeavors, she is increasingly drawn back to the familiar but flawed connection she once shared with John, leaving her to question what true love really means.
As the story unfolds, Lucy's journey becomes a poignant exploration of love, acceptance, and the choices that define our relationships. The dynamic between Lucy and John adds layers of tension and emotion that resonate deeply with viewers, ultimately showcasing the idea that sometimes, the most imperfect connections can teach us the most about love. With engaging performances and a compelling narrative, "Materialists" captures the essence of modern romance, offering a fresh perspective on the pursuit of happiness and the complexities of the heart.
Critics' Reviews
80
Materialists is a film with the costume of a romcom but a brain and heart to challenge easy tropes. Dating, we are told here, is a question of value, a symbol of status and worth. But what happens when people are simply commodified into merchandise? And why would anyone engage in modern dating if it’s actually highly unpleasant, driven by obsessions with height, and rife with “known risks” for women, as one character coldly puts it? Yet as those cave people remind us, we still do it. The outlook here is cynical but hopeful... a razor-sharp look at the competitive marketplace of dating: both rigorously honest and idealistically romantic.
90
Song achieves an impressive tonal balance here within the economic disparity of the love triangle she’s established. Yes, these are beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes in beautiful places, but the truth behind the decisions they make can be quite ugly. Dakota Johnson’s Lucy is fully aware of that contradiction, but she still sells the dream of true love as a matchmaker to New York’s elite. Part of the initial fun of “Materialists” is that it takes the familiar shape of a traditional romantic comedy, complete with the obligatory bad-first-date montage–only these are the interviews Lucy has with potential clients, all of whom have ridiculous requirements for a potential mate.
Main Cast of Materialists
Dakota Johnson
Lucy
In the film "Materialists," Dakota Johnson delivers a nuanced performance as Lucy, a character who embodies the complexities of modern materialism and its impact on personal relationships. Johnson skillfully portrays Lucy's internal struggle between her desire for success in a consumer-driven society and her yearning for genuine human connection. Her portrayal is both relatable and thought-provoking, as she navigates the delicate balance of satiating her ambitions while confronting the emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of more. Johnson's Lucy is a compelling mix of strength and vulnerability, showcasing her range as an actress as she brings depth to a character caught in the often absurd and superficial world of material excess. Her performance serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of contemporary values, inviting the audience to reflect on what truly brings meaning and happiness to our lives. With her expressive eyes and understated delivery, Johnson captures the essence of a woman torn between societal pressures and her intrinsic search for purpose, making her rendition of Lucy a standout in the film.
Chris Evans
John
Chris Evans delivers a compelling performance in the movie 'Materialists' as John, a character that allows him to showcase a range beyond his typical heroic roles. In this film, Evans embodies the complexities of a man grappling with the materialistic culture that defines his existence, infusing John with a sense of conflicted yearning and disillusionment. His portrayal is nuanced, capturing the subtle shifts of a man who is both repulsed by and entrapped within the consumerist society he inhabits. Evans's performance is punctuated by moments of introspective vulnerability, offering audiences a glimpse into the inner turmoil of a character seeking authenticity in a world that often feels synthetic. His interactions with the other characters reveal a depth of emotion and a thoughtful critique of the values that drive contemporary life, making his rendition of John a memorable and reflective depiction of modern ennui.
Pedro Pascal
Harry
Pedro Pascal delivers a captivating performance as Harry in the movie 'Materialists,' bringing a complex blend of charisma and depth to a character that navigates the treacherous waters of high-stakes finance and personal morality. His portrayal is nuanced, showcasing Harry's shrewd intelligence and ambition, while also peeling back the layers to reveal the character's internal conflicts and vulnerabilities. Pascal's on-screen presence is commanding, yet he manages to imbue Harry with a relatable humanity, allowing audiences to empathize with his struggles in a cutthroat industry that tests his ethical boundaries. With his dynamic range and magnetic charm, Pascal's performance is a standout element of 'Materialists,' offering viewers a compelling exploration of success, identity, and the true cost of material wealth.
Crew of Materialists
Full backstage crew list →