Celine Song’s Materialists Opens Nationwide Exploring Modern Love

Celine Song's 2025 film Materialists stars Dakota Johnson as Lucy, a New York City matchmaker caught in a love triangle between her ex-boyfriend, played by Chris Evans, and a wealthy client, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. The film explores the tension between material wealth and genuine emotional connection within the modern dating scene, drawing inspiration from Song's own experience as a matchmaker and classic romantic comedies. Unlike traditional rom-coms, Materialists blends drama with romance and features frank conversations about love, aiming to resonate with contemporary audiences while paying tribute to filmmakers like Nora Ephron. While some critics find the movie lacking humor and out of touch, others praise its realistic depiction of matchmaking and the complexities of relationships in a luxury-driven society. The film also reflects on the historical and economic dimensions of marriage, examining how material considerations continue to shape romantic choices. Overall, Materialists challenges typical genre expectations by presenting a nuanced, modern take on love and marriage.