Pedro Pascal stars in acclaimed romcom Materialists, which has secured a notable 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes prior to its cinema debut. Scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 13, the film is drawing substantial attention for its fresh approach to modern relationships and its ensemble cast.
Star-Studded Cast Returns to the Romantic Comedy Genre
Materialists is directed by Celine Song and features Dakota Johnson as Lucy, an accomplished matchmaker navigating the complexities of the New York dating scene. Johnson’s character finds herself ensnared in a romantic triangle, with Chris Evans portraying her former lover and Pedro Pascal playing a wealthy new suitor. Pascal, recognized for his roles including The Last of Us, joins Evans, best known for his role in Captain America, and Johnson, known from Madame Web, to bring an engaging dynamic to the film.
The central premise explores the tension faced by Lucy as she tries to balance the prospect of an ideal match against the unresolved emotions of her past relationship. This narrative structure provides room for examining themes around self-worth, desire, and what it means to find a partner in a bustling metropolis.
Critics Respond with Praise and Nuanced Commentary
The film‘s early reviews suggest it stands out among contemporary romantic comedies, with critics emphasizing its depth and conversational storytelling. From 33 reviews, Materialists has achieved an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong approval while also hinting at the film’s complexity.
“Materialists is exquisitely made, character-driven and talky, with some glittering dialogue. It’s the kind of idiosyncratic film a director sometimes gets to do after a great success and Song makes the most of it.”
—BBC Culture
“I do heartily recommend you see Materialists, and that you see it for what it is, not what it kinda looks like from the outside, as pitched to you by the very sort of romance-commodification salespersons that Celine Song’s movie criticizes.”
—The Wrap
“Song has turned the genre inside out to show us how shallow these stories can be. In short, imagine if the decree that a film centers on ‘the love you could only find at the movies’ wasn’t a compliment, but a stern provocation,”
penned IndieWire.
“A refreshingly complex look at modern love, self-worth and the challenges of finding a partner in an unaffordable city, which once again treats three points of a romantic triangle with equal integrity and compassion.”
—The Hollywood Reporter
“While it’s all too easy to imagine the breezy ’90s version of this movie, Materialists is very much not that movie. It’s a sharp and serious social romantic drama full of telling observations about the way we live now.”
—Variety
“Although not without its narrative stumbles, this is a sharp look at modern love, which is often as much about the need for fiscal security as it is the pursuit of a mythical soulmate.”
—Screen International
A Fresh Perspective on Love and Relationships in Modern Cities
Materialists distinguishes itself with its thoughtful examination of romance within the challenging context of an expensive city. The story avoids well-worn genre conventions, focusing instead on the realistic challenges of connection and emotional vulnerability for urban dwellers. Lucy’s career as a professional matchmaker is leveraged to pose questions about authenticity, personal values, and societal pressures in seeking companionship.
The screenplay balances witty conversation with moments of introspection, encouraging viewers to reflect on the commodification of romance and the search for both emotional and financial security. By giving equal weight to each of the central characters in the love triangle, Materialists brings nuance and empathy to all sides, making it resonate with a contemporary audience.
What Anticipation and High Scores May Signify
With its 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of release, Materialists is expected to appeal to viewers looking for something more layered than traditional romantic comedies. The film offers fresh perspectives thanks to both the cast’s performances and Celine Song’s direction, addressing issues like love, ambition, and self-realization in today’s complex urban environment. As Pedro Pascal stars in acclaimed romcom Materialists, anticipation is high for its debut, and both fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how it shapes future narratives in the genre.
