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Materialists (2025) is a dazzling modern romantic comedy written and directed by Celine Song, the visionary filmmaker behind Past Lives. Known for her graceful blend of emotion and intellect, Song returns with a witty, heartfelt exploration of love, ambition, and identity in a world driven by wealth. The film dives deep into how relationships and self-worth intertwine when everything — even affection — comes with a price tag.
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Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York City, Materialists follows Brooke, a sharp, successful art dealer played by Dakota Johnson, whose world revolves around luxury, clients, and status. When she crosses paths with Eli, a struggling writer with a disarming charm (portrayed by Chris Evans), her perfectly curated life begins to unravel. Their unexpected connection forces her to question what truly holds value — money, image, or love.
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Celine Song crafts the story with her signature subtlety, blending the emotional sincerity of indie cinema with the sparkle of a modern rom-com. The film doesn’t just entertain — it reflects. Through witty dialogue and beautifully observed moments, Materialists examines how people define success and what they’re willing to sacrifice for it. It’s a love story for the digital age — where hearts and bank accounts often collide.
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Visually, the movie is pure elegance. Cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes bathes each frame in warm city light — from rooftop dinners under string lights to lonely reflections in glass skyscrapers. The design mirrors the theme: everything looks perfect on the surface, but beneath the sheen lies quiet emptiness. It’s a world that glitters — until love begins to expose the cracks.
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The performances are effortlessly engaging. Dakota Johnson gives one of her most sophisticated roles yet — confident, witty, but emotionally guarded. Chris Evans plays against type, offering a tender vulnerability that grounds the story. Their chemistry sparkles; every scene between them feels like a dance between temptation and truth. Together, they embody modern romance: attraction laced with uncertainty and self-discovery.
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Adding to the charm is Ayo Edebiri, who plays Brooke’s best friend and moral compass. Her humor and honesty bring levity to the film’s emotional depth. The dialogue, sharp and observant, feels as if it were lifted from real conversations about love, ambition, and social pressure. Song’s script never preaches — it simply lets its characters collide and evolve.
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The soundtrack, curated by Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), sets the perfect tone — soft R&B, electro-jazz, and dream pop blend seamlessly with the film’s rhythm. Each track adds a layer of sophistication, echoing the emotions of characters caught between luxury and loneliness. The music enhances the romantic tension while keeping the mood sleek and contemporary.
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In the end, Materialists is more than a romance — it’s a mirror reflecting the modern soul. Celine Song transforms the rom-com into a thoughtful study of love and self-worth, asking whether happiness can survive in a world obsessed with appearances. With its sharp humor, heartfelt emotion, and cinematic polish, Materialists stands as one of 2025’s most intelligent and stylish romantic films — a love story wrapped in designer satin, but beating with a very human heart.