Pedro Pascal’s performance in Materialists rom-com is drawing widespread acclaim, with critics noting his outstanding presence in Celine Song’s latest film, which debuted in New York City. Released by A24, Materialists offers a contemporary take on the love triangle trope, bringing together Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson, and Chris Evans in a heartfelt story that both charms and tugs at the heartstrings.
A Contemporary Love Triangle Set Against New York’s Backdrop
Materialists, directed by Past Lives’ Oscar-nominated Celine Song, centers its narrative on Lucy, portrayed by Dakota Johnson. Set within the vibrant streets of New York City, the film introduces a modern love triangle involving Lucy, the handsome and affluent Harry (Pedro Pascal), and John, an earnest caterer played by Chris Evans. Song’s approach brings together familiar rom-com elements with a more nuanced, emotional layer, making the film resonate with audiences who crave both warmth and heartbreak.
Lucy, a professional matchmaker, finds herself ironically unable to secure her own happiness in love, despite helping nine couples reach marriage. Her profession’s irony becomes a central theme, especially when her clients express fears of loneliness that Lucy herself quietly harbors. The wedding scene, where Lucy’s path crosses with both Harry and John, sets off the conflict: she is torn between the wealthy, almost mythical “unicorn” Harry and her unresolved past with John, the struggling but sincere actor. This dynamic puts Lucy at a personal crossroads, reminiscent of classic genre predecessors but with added introspective depth.
Pedro Pascal’s Standout Role and Its Impact
Pedro Pascal’s performance in Materialists rom-com has become one of the film’s defining features. As Harry, he embodies an ideal that many within the story consider elusive. Lucy describes Harry as,
“a unicorn, a man who’s tall, rich, good-looking, and everything a woman would want.”
Pascal’s current Hollywood ubiquity, with recent projects including Freaky Tales and The Last of Us, makes him particularly suited for the role, lending a grounded charisma to the otherwise almost-too-perfect character.
Viewers have found Harry both engaging and slightly enigmatic; despite his perfection, audiences are left caring deeply about his connection to Lucy. The authenticity Pascal brings highlights why his performance is being singled out—he creates a magnetic presence while keeping the character believable, rather than caricatured. From luxury apartments in Soho to high-end restaurants, Harry’s lifestyle stands in sharp contrast to John’s more modest circumstances, but Pascal’s interpretation ensures that the choice for Lucy remains emotionally complex and compelling.
Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson Complete the Ensemble
Chris Evans delivers a performance that many see as his best in recent years. Unlike his action-heavy roles in The Gray Man, Ghosted, or Pain Hustlers, Evans imbues John with relatability and depth, recalling the sensitive portrayals from his earlier film Before We Go. John may be a struggling actor and a caterer living with roommates, but Evans makes him likable and sincere, fully realizing the character’s vulnerability and kindness on screen. The challenge of making a global star believable as a financially struggling New Yorker is met with surprising success.
Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson faces a tall order as Lucy, a character grappling with her own self-worth amidst comedic and dramatic moments. Johnson is more assured in the film’s poignant scenes, particularly those involving guilt and personal regret related to her matchmaking clients. The comedic beats, while serviceable, are not her strongest suit; her dramatic range is what primarily elevates her role within the trio.
Song’s Direction Couples Familiar Tropes with Human Complexity
Under Celine Song’s direction, the genre’s well-trodden themes are presented with fresh emotional honesty. By juxtaposing Harry’s luxurious life—complete with a Soho apartment and exclusive dining spots—with John’s simple living arrangements and preference for halal carts, the film raises questions about what truly matters in a romantic partner. Lucy’s decision is layered with the realization that choosing between wealth and sincerity is less straightforward than it seems; her journey becomes one of self-acceptance and confronting insecurities.
Though the plot revisits classic motifs akin to films like The Notebook or Made of Honor, Song’s writing and editing make these elements feel reflective rather than repetitive. The film continuously invites viewers to empathize with the characters’ emotional struggles instead of merely focusing on the outcome of the love triangle. Even when the story touches familiar beats, it invests in the internal conflicts of Lucy, Harry, and John, making each character‘s journey integral and engaging.
Materialists Resonates Beyond Its Classic Formula
The film’s portrayal of love, regret, and the search for fulfillment elevates Materialists beyond a simple romantic comedy. Audiences have responded to how the characters reflect genuine flaws and relatable insecurities, with the authenticity of New York City as a backdrop bringing added depth. The connection to real city life, rather than a set or stand-in, gives the film a sense of place that reinforces its emotional landscape.
While Harry may remain a largely idealized figure throughout much of the film, the audience finds themselves invested in the outcome, thanks in large part to the way Pascal, Evans, and Johnson immerse themselves in their roles. The dynamic between the three leads allows for a nuanced depiction of relational choices, with flaws and virtues on display for all to see.
Critical Response and What Lies Ahead
Materialists received a score of 7 out of 10, marking it as a “good” film worth watching, though it may appeal more to those open to emotionally intense stories with nuanced character work. According to ComingSoon, the film succeeds as a piece of entertainment, balancing its tearjerker moments with enough warmth to make it memorable for many viewers.
Pedro Pascal’s performance in Materialists rom-com signals his continuing rise as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and magnetic stars. With future roles already lined up in projects like Eddington and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pascal demonstrates again why he’s in demand. Materialists, meanwhile, stands as a testament to the power of deeply felt performances within a genre often dismissed as formulaic.
