The romantic satire Materialists is already making hearts melt ahead of its grand release this Friday, June 13. Directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song, the film has earned rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, the film is a stylish, emotionally rich exploration of transactional relationships and personal evolution in New York City. Early reviews describe the film as a “sweet, romantic slice of life” with layered commentary and nuanced performances that are ‘achingly beautiful’.In the film, Johnson plays a matchmaker navigating her own romantic dilemma—torn between a wealthy bachelor played by Pascal and a struggling actor who happens to be her ex, played by Evans. But director Celine Song is quick to clarify that the story is not about choosing between two archetypes. “It was never going to be a conversation about which flavour of a person,” she said. “It’s about the dating marketplace we all exist in—and the contradictions we live with when trying to quantify love.”Song explained that the film emerged from her own reflections during her wait for Past Lives to debut, and from observing the subtle, often invisible power dynamics of dating. “Pedro’s character represents the pinnacle of straight dating value, while Chris’ character sits at the bottom,” Song noted and adds, “And yet, both are deeply lovable in very different ways.” Dakota Johnson added, “Yes, they’re at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of materialistic value—but they also offer vastly different emotional and spiritual value. Each man brings something unique to the question of soul evolution.”Those who caught the early screenings of the film and several critics have praised all three leads for their deeply affecting performances, with particular attention given to the layered portrayals that challenge conventional rom-coms.“Dating is hard. Love is easy. My heart!!! MATERIALISTS is achingly good,” one fan commented.Another said, “I haven’t stopped thinking about Materialists since watching it this morning. No one makes my heart ache like Celine Song.”Sharing an honest review, another said, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Materialists since I saw it last night. a truly layered, brilliant romance film that only Celine Song could make. Dakota, Chris and Pedro all deliver stellar performances that just make you *feel*. tears, laughs, smiles, I felt it all!”“Materialists is a marvel, showing us that true love is possible if we love ourselves first. Celine Song navigates a tricky balance of humor and realism, hitting a life-affirming space. Everyone is great, but Chris Evans gives an all-time best rom-com performance,” wrote another.“MATERIALISTS is another gorgeous, achy love story from Celine Song. She broke my heart and put it back together in a soulful show & tell of modern romance. Chris Evans delivers his best work yet, and Zoë Winters is a major standout. Already longing to see it again. A real winner,” wrote another. “This Materialists scene is the single best piece of acting Chris Evans has ever done. Exquisitely written and achingly performed; stunning vulnerability and resignation in his eyes and voice. The “I see wrinkles” line is lovely, but there’s another that takes your breath away,” read another rave review.While still another said, “Materialists is not the rom-com that’s being promoted, which should be obvious given that it’s Celine Song. This is actually a razor sharp and even savage look at modern dating. I feel attacked as a short man, but it’s quite good. The three leads are excellent.”As the film heads into its theatrical debut this weekend, Materialists is already being hailed as one of the ‘best romantic films of all time’ with some hailing it to be Chris Evans’ best performance to date. Another tweeted, “MATERIALISTS is amazing. Celine Song has crafted something really special across the board. This went places I wasn’t expecting. Can’t wait to see this again. Absolutely one of the best films of the year.“Still another chimed in agreement, “Materialists hit me on such a deep vulnerable and personal level. beautifully crafted, written and directed. celine song displays love in such a beautiful way that even if you’ve given up on it you see the hope in a genuine true love.”Check out some of the early reviews below: Described as sharp, seductive, and socially astute, Materialists appears poised to become a breakout hit and cultural conversation starter. With a distinct visual style and a script that dares to explore the murky space between what we say we want and who we actually fall for, Song’s latest offering looks set to redefine the modern romance genre.
