Dakota Johnson explores love, ambition, and wealth in Materialists

Dakota Johnson is stepping into the high-stakes world of New York matchmaking in Materialists, the latest film from Oscar-nominated writer-director Celine Song.

Song, who won international acclaim for her 2023 romantic drama Past Lives, trades that film’s quiet spirituality for a sharper, more satirical look at modern relationships. This time, the focus is on the transactional nature of dating among New York’s elite, where romance often takes a back seat to status, wealth, and appearances.

Johnson plays Lucy, a successful senior executive at an exclusive matchmaking agency that shuns dating apps in favour of a traditional, high-end approach. But for her affluent clients, finding “the one” is less about love and more about securing the right credentials, beauty, height, youth, and financial security topping the list.

Despite orchestrating nine successful marriages, Lucy herself is single. She finds herself caught between two very different suitors: Harry (Pedro Pascal), a wealthy, charming businessman with a luxurious Tribeca penthouse, and John (Chris Evans), her charismatic but financially struggling ex-boyfriend, a theatre actor who still holds a place in her heart.

The film offers both humour and bite. While Song’s witty script delivers moments reminiscent of Sex and the City, it also weaves in cynicism about the modern dating market. Johnson shines in the lead role, bringing complexity to Lucy’s blend of ambition, vulnerability, and romantic uncertainty. Pascal brings warmth and charm to the role of Harry, while Evans plays John with an appealing mix of sincerity and idealism.

Materialists examines the delicate balance between love and practicality, asking whether true connection can survive in a world obsessed with financial compatibility. Critics note that, while it lacks the emotional depth of Past Lives, the film remains engaging and thought-provoking, with polished production values and a strong central cast.