Materialists (2025) is a vibrant romantic comedy set in the bustling streets of New York City, where ambition, love, and modern lifestyles collide. The film explores the lives of a young couple navigating the highs and lows of relationships while chasing success and personal fulfillment. With a sharp mix of humor and heartfelt moments, it offers a fresh take on contemporary romance that resonates with today’s urban youth. The movie shines not only through its witty dialogue and engaging storyline but also through the chemistry of its lead actors. Their performances bring depth and charm to characters that are both relatable and aspirational. Materialists promises an entertaining ride filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and poignant reflections on love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in the modern world.
Overview
Materialists (2025) follows the story of a young couple navigating life in the fast-paced world of New York City. Balancing careers, friendships, and personal ambitions, they face the everyday challenges of love and modern relationships. The film captures the excitement, chaos, and humor of urban life while exploring themes of ambition, materialism, and emotional growth.
Set against a vibrant city backdrop, the movie brings together engaging characters and dynamic situations that reflect contemporary lifestyles. With its mix of romance, comedy, and relatable life situations, Materialists provides a glimpse into the struggles and joys of young adults striving for success, love, and self-discovery in a bustling metropolitan world.
Cast and crew
Director: Celine Song
The film is directed by Celine Song, who also co-wrote the screenplay. She is known for her keen eye for character development and modern storytelling. In Materialists, Song brings a fresh perspective to urban romance, blending humor, emotion, and real-life relationship dilemmas. Her direction emphasizes both the vibrancy of New York City and the intimate moments between characters. The result is a visually engaging and emotionally resonant film that appeals to young audiences and urban moviegoers alike.
Lead Actor: Chris Evans
Chris Evans stars as John, a young professional navigating the challenges of love, friendship, and career ambitions. Evans delivers a performance that balances charm, wit, and vulnerability, making his character relatable to viewers. His on-screen presence provides depth and authenticity, particularly in scenes that explore personal growth and romantic tension. Evans’ portrayal contributes significantly to the film’s appeal, capturing both humor and heartfelt emotion. Fans of his previous work will find his performance both familiar and refreshingly nuanced.
Lead Actress: Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a spirited and ambitious woman whose journey forms the heart of the story. Johnson brings energy, charisma, and relatability to the role, portraying a character that is both modern and engaging. Her chemistry with Chris Evans adds an extra layer of authenticity to the romance. Johnson skillfully balances comedic timing with emotional depth, making Lucy a compelling and memorable character. Her performance anchors the story, ensuring that the audience remains invested in her personal and professional journey.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast features Zoë Winters, Marin Ireland, Louisa Jacobson, and Dasha Nekrasova, who portray friends, colleagues, and clients within Lucy and John’s world. Each actor adds unique energy and personality to the ensemble, enhancing the film’s dynamic and layered narrative. Their performances provide humor, tension, and heart, helping to flesh out the vibrant world of Materialists. The interactions among the supporting cast create relatable and engaging moments that complement the lead characters’ storylines.
Music Composer: Daniel Pemberton
The music for Materialists is composed by Daniel Pemberton, known for his versatile and evocative scoring style. Pemberton’s soundtrack blends upbeat, contemporary tracks with emotional undertones to match the story’s rhythm. His music elevates both comedic and dramatic moments, reinforcing the tone of each scene. The score helps capture the energy of urban life while highlighting key emotional beats in the romance. Pemberton’s work ensures the film’s soundtrack resonates with young audiences and enhances the viewing experience.
Production Company
Materialists is produced by Killer Films and 2AM, both recognized for delivering high-quality, character-driven projects. These production companies focus on stories that combine entertainment with depth, supporting emerging voices like Celine Song. Their involvement ensures that the film maintains a polished visual style and professional execution. The teams behind the scenes work collaboratively to balance the narrative, performances, and technical aspects seamlessly. Their commitment contributes to a compelling and enjoyable cinematic experience.
Run Time:1 Hour 57 Minutes
The total running time of Materialists is 1 hour 57 minutes. This duration allows for a well-paced narrative, balancing character development, humor, and romance without dragging. The film maintains audience engagement through tight storytelling and dynamic pacing. Every scene is carefully structured to advance the plot while providing moments of levity and emotional depth. The running time is ideal for a contemporary romantic comedy, giving viewers a satisfying and complete experience.
Budget and Box Office
The production budget for Materialists was reported to be $20 million.At the box office, Materialists has done very well — it earned about $36.5 million domestically and roughly $64.8 million internationally, bringing its total worldwide gross to approximately $101.3 million.
Story
Materialists (2025) tells the story of Lucy, a bright and ambitious young woman navigating life in the fast-paced world of New York City. She works in a profession that constantly brings her into contact with people’s desires and personal ambitions, giving her a unique perspective on relationships and success. Lucy’s life is a delicate balancing act between pursuing her career goals, maintaining friendships, and understanding what she truly wants from life and love. The story opens a window into the daily grind of urban living, portraying both the excitement and the pressure that comes with ambition.
Parallel to Lucy’s journey is John, a charming and thoughtful man who is trying to find his place in the professional and personal spheres. Through his interactions with Lucy, he is forced to confront his own priorities, insecurities, and aspirations. The narrative explores the tension between material ambitions and emotional fulfillment, presenting characters who must make choices that test their values and relationships. Both Lucy and John are portrayed as relatable, multi-dimensional characters whose growth is central to the storyline.
As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the highs and lows of their relationship, alongside the dynamics of their social and professional circles. The supporting characters add richness and texture to the story, bringing humor, conflict, and varying perspectives on life and love. From lively city encounters to quiet moments of reflection, the narrative captures the complexity of modern romance without relying on clichés. Each subplot is carefully interwoven to support the main narrative arc, creating a cohesive and engaging story world.
Ultimately, Materialists is a tale about ambition, love, and self-discovery in contemporary urban life. It examines the choices young adults face when balancing personal desires with societal expectations, and how relationships evolve under the pressures of modern living. The story is both entertaining and thoughtful, providing insight into human behavior, emotional growth, and the pursuit of happiness. It highlights how personal experiences, ambitions, and values shape the characters’ decisions, offering a layered narrative that resonates with audiences seeking both humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Review
Materialists (2025) is a refreshing take on contemporary romance that perfectly blends humor, emotion, and relatable life experiences. The story strikes a balance between the chaotic energy of New York City and the personal, intimate moments of the characters’ lives. The screenplay is sharp and engaging, with dialogues that feel authentic and reflect the quirks and challenges of modern relationships. Every scene seems carefully crafted to entertain while giving insight into the aspirations and struggles of young adults navigating love and career.
Chris Evans delivers a nuanced performance as John, effortlessly balancing charm, vulnerability, and wit. He brings depth to his character, making the emotional beats resonate with the audience. Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Lucy is equally compelling, with her energy and charisma capturing both the ambitions and insecurities of her character. The chemistry between Evans and Johnson adds warmth and authenticity to their interactions, making the central romance feel genuine rather than forced. Supporting actors like Pedro Pascal, Zoë Winters, and Marin Ireland contribute significantly to the film’s dynamic, providing humor, tension, and emotional resonance that enrich the story.
Visually, the film captures the vibrant essence of New York City, with cinematography that highlights both its fast-paced energy and intimate moments. The pacing is well-maintained, allowing the story to develop naturally while keeping audiences engaged throughout. Daniel Pemberton’s music complements the tone perfectly, shifting seamlessly between lighthearted, energetic tracks and more emotional, reflective pieces. The soundtrack adds an additional layer of depth to the film, enhancing the emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
The narrative also stands out for its relatability and realism. Rather than relying on overused romantic clichés, Materialists explores themes such as ambition, materialism, personal growth, and the compromises often required in relationships. The film thoughtfully examines the tensions between professional aspirations and personal fulfillment, making it resonate with viewers navigating similar challenges. The supporting storylines and subplots are well-integrated, providing additional humor and depth without overshadowing the central romance.
The film’s humor is another highlight, combining witty dialogue, situational comedy, and character-driven moments. These comedic elements are balanced with emotional depth, ensuring that the story never feels one-dimensional. Whether it’s through awkward encounters, heartfelt conversations, or clever social commentary, Materialists manages to entertain while prompting reflection on modern relationships and personal priorities. The blend of humor, emotion, and smart storytelling makes it a standout in the romantic comedy genre for 2025.
Behind the Glamour: Life, Love, and Ambition in the City
Materialists (2025) dives into the vibrant chaos of New York City, showcasing how ambition, romance, and friendship intertwine in the lives of young professionals. The film highlights the contrast between the glamorous, fast-paced city life and the personal struggles of its characters, offering a realistic glimpse into the pursuit of success while maintaining meaningful relationships. Through witty dialogue and relatable scenarios, the movie captures the excitement, unpredictability, and occasional absurdity of modern urban living.
Beyond the romance and humor, the movie thoughtfully explores personal growth and the choices that define adulthood. Characters are faced with decisions that test their values, desires, and priorities, making the story both entertaining and reflective. The interactions among friends, colleagues, and lovers provide a rich tapestry of experiences, showing that life in the city is not just about ambition or material success but also about connection, understanding, and self-discovery. This layered storytelling makes Materialists more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a window into contemporary life and relationships.
Conclusion
Materialists (2025) is a captivating blend of romance, humor, and contemporary urban storytelling. It succeeds in portraying the challenges and joys of modern relationships while highlighting personal ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. The film’s engaging performances, especially by Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson, along with its witty screenplay and vibrant New York City backdrop, make it both entertaining and relatable for young audiences.
The movie’s charm lies in its ability to balance lighthearted comedic moments with thoughtful reflections on love, ambition, and personal growth. With strong supporting performances, a compelling soundtrack, and a storyline that resonates with modern viewers, Materialists offers a cinematic experience that is both enjoyable and meaningful. It’s a film that captures the essence of contemporary life while delivering heartwarming moments that linger long after the credits roll.