Is 'Materialists' any good? Review Roundup.
Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal star in the new movie 'Materialists' out August 13th, but is it any good? Here's what the critics said.
‘Materialists’ directed by Celine Song, is released on 13 August. It’s a modern romantic drama set in New York City, following a successful matchmaker named Lucy.
Lucy finds herself torn between her seemingly perfect client, Harry, played by Pedro Pascal, and her ex-boyfriend, John, portrayed by Chris Evans, who works as a cater waiter at the same event. The film explores themes of modern dating, materialism, and the complexities of relationships, all while satirizing the transactional nature of love in a world obsessed with social media and financial success.
👍 What Critics Liked
Emotional and Social Insight
Christy Lemire (RogerEbert.com) describes the film as “clear‑eyed, even as it makes the happily‑ever‑after seem possible,” and praises its character richness. Owen Gleiberman (Variety) sees it as a “sharp and serious social romantic drama” reflecting modern life.Smart Subversion of Rom‑Com Tropes
IGN lauds how the film transforms a simple love triangle into a “meaningful, introspective drama about self‑worth”. Entertainment Weekly calls it a “sly, yet charming romance” with Austen‑like satire and modern relevance.Standout Performances
Dakota Johnson delivers a layered portrayal of 'Lucy', while Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans bring emotional contrast and depth to their roles. Zoë Winters—playing a traumatized client—stands out for her raw and poignant supporting role.Visually and Atmospherically Rich
Shabier Kirchner’s cinematography captures a polished yet tangible New York backdrop, and Daniel Pemberton’s score adds emotional texture and narrative momentum.Bold Social Critique
Critics commend Materialists for confronting class, capitalism, consent, and romantic ideals head-on—especially via a storyline involving a client’s sexual assault that brings gravity to Lucy’s journey.
👎 What Critics Didn’t Like
Emotional Detachment
Some reviews describe the film as elegant but hollow—stylistically sharp yet lacking genuine intimacy.Uneven Storytelling & Weak Chemistry
Critics and viewers note that Johnson and Pascal lack spark, while the script's concluding act feels formulaic and overly neat.Thematic Missteps
The subplot involving sexual assault is considered mishandled by some—including The New Yorker—who view it as a narrative shortcut for emotional growth rather than meaningful engagement.Genre Inconsistency
IndieWire and Slant argue the film tries to satirize rom-coms but ends up reverting to the same clichés it meant to critique.
Should you bother watching ‘Materialists’?
Materialists emerges as a provocative and stylishly crafted exploration of love, romance, and economics in the 21st century. Critics applaud its social consciousness, character-driven performances, and willingness to tackle uncomfortable truths.
Yet others feel the film sacrifices emotional fullness and striking chemistry in pursuing stylistic ambition and thematic complexity.
Materialists is in cinemas from 13 August 2025.