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Why is Materialists, the romcom with Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, a must-watch?
With the romantic comedy Materialists, Dakota Johnson is back to the film genre that made her successful. The American actress was indeed the star of the sultry Fifty Shades of Grey. Celine Song’s latest feature might just be the perfect pick for a movie night tonight on Canal+.
By Violaine Schütz.
Published on 30 June 2025. Updated on 1 April 2026.
Pedro Pascal and Dakota Johnson on the film set of Materialists in Manhattan, on May 8th, 2024. Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images.
Materialists: a steamy love triangle starring Dakota Johnson
After the lukewarm reception of Madame Web, released in February 2024, the charismatic Dakota Johnson is taking on new projects, contrasting with superheroes and action movies. And they all look very interesting… In the romantic comedy Materialists (2025), which feels like Sex and the City with the sensibility of an art film, she portrays a character many women can identify with.
Directed by the brilliant Celine Song, who previously captivated audiences with the sublime Past Lives, Materialists offers the American actress one of her finest roles to date. The film plunges us into a wealthy district of New York, where a successful matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) starts a relationship with a wealthy man, while still having feelings for her broke ex-boyfriend. What follows is a delicate dance between reason and desire…
Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal in the credits
The successful matchmaker finds herself caught in a toxic love triangle with two equally irresistible partners. Pedro Pascal plays a finance executive, rolling in money, owner of a stunning apartment and seemingly flawless on paper. Meanwhile, Chris Evans embodies a struggling actor with a devastating smile, working as a waiter and sharing a shabby apartment with roommates.
We can already imagine her having quite a hard time choosing between the two men… On one hand, she could marry the perfect catch, but with whom the chemistry feels uncertain. On the other hand, she could rekindle things with her far less affluent ex-boyfriend, with whom the connection flows naturally.
A socially conscious romcom
Celine Song, who once worked as a matchmaker herself, brings sharp intelligence to this age-old story. The director infuses social undertones and a deep sense of melancholy in it. Indeed, her protagonist is facing a traumatic event at work – the sexual assault of one of her clients. From that point, she is questioning everything about her life, choices and intuition.
Dakota Johnson on the film set of Materialists in Soho, New York, on May 17th, 2024. Photo by Gotham/GC Images via Getty Images.
A sophisticated and metaphysical film
Sophisticated and glamorous, Materialists is far from your typical romcom. Intellectual, metaphysical even, subtle and modern, it goes well beyond smooth talking. The film dissects the anguish of loneliness and grip of materialism through the unattainable demands of high-earning bachelors. What if love, in the age of Tinder, Amazon and TikTok, had become yet another commodity or transaction?
Produced by the famous studio A24 (Euphoria, Midsommar), the feature also brings a twist to the tired romcom trope and creates an offbeat, realistic and intimate atmosphere. Its polished cinematography, sharp dialogues, and carefully curated soundtrack, opening with Cat Power, all contribute to the film’s magnetism.
The styling is equally meticulous. The image of Dakota Johnson’s blue evening gown lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. But above all, it is the hypnotic charm of the three lead actors that leaves a lasting impression. Balancing sex appeal and emotional depth, each one of them delivers a nuanced and captivating performance.
Materialists (2025) by Celine Song, available on Canal VOD.
