As A24’s latest summer rom-com, Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, hit theaters in June, writer-director Celine Song faced backlash over online jokes branding the film as “Broke Man Propaganda.” The film, which explores the romantic entanglements of a matchmaker, sparked discussion when audiences expressed disappointment that Lucy, played by Johnson, chooses her ex John over the wealthy Harry. Song responded firmly against such dismissive and classist remarks, emphasizing her film’s deeper themes.
Addressing the critique, Song expressed to Refinery29,
“It really is disappointing to me,”
—Celine Song, writer-director. She elaborated on the intersectional feminist ideals influencing her work, saying,
“Through intersectionality, so much of feminism has been about anti-corporate and anti-capitalist and, of course, it was always at the forefront of fighting capitalism, so I’m very concerned about the way that we talk about people who are poor.”
Song found it hurtful that the character John, portrayed by Chris Evans and described as a loving, compelling figure, was belittled with terms like “broke boy” or “broke man.” She added,
“I find it very cruel to talk about John as a character who loves Lucy, and who is a beautiful character being played beautifully by Chris, to talk about him in such cruel terms as ‘broke boy’ or ‘broke man.’”
She identified the jokes as reflective of broader societal prejudices shaped by wealth, stating,
“I think that is a very troubling result of the way that the wealthy people have gotten into our hearts about how it’s your fault if you’re poor, you’re a bad person if you’re poor. So it doesn’t make me laugh, actually.”
More than just a critique, Song views the backlash as classist and out of sync with her movie’s core message. She emphasized,
“I feel very concerned that anybody would talk about my movie and my characters and to really think about it in such classist terms. The whole movie is about fighting the way that capitalism is trying to colonize our hearts and colonize love.”
Where to Watch Materialists and Release Details
Materialists made its theatrical debut on June 13, 2024, and is available for rental on Amazon Prime. The film is expected to be released soon on HBO Max, allowing wider audiences to access the story.
Plot Overview: A Romantic Dilemma in New York City
The narrative centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a matchmaker based in New York City, who becomes torn between two romantic possibilities. She meets Harry (Pedro Pascal), seemingly the ideal partner, at a wedding but finds herself unable to fully move on from her ex, John (Chris Evans). Their intertwined relationships add emotional complexity and tension to the story. The movie’s poster, featuring wedding cake imagery and “save the date,” reflects the central event around which their lives intersect.
Meet the Cast Behind Materialists
The film boasts a star-studded cast with Dakota Johnson leading as Lucy. When asked about her co-stars Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, Johnson playfully described them during a Daddio premiere interview:
“They’re both big idiots and I love them,”
—Dakota Johnson, actress.
- Dakota Johnson as Lucy: a single matchmaker caught between the perfect new man and her persistent ex.
- Chris Evans as John: Lucy’s former lover who struggles to let go.
- Pedro Pascal as Randy: a stranger who dramatically impacts Lucy’s life.
Filming Locations and Production Timeline
Filming for Materialists was announced in February 2024 and took place primarily in New York City. Production commenced in April and concluded by June. The movie captures the vibrant energy of spring and summer in the city, complementing the lively atmosphere of the story. Dakota Johnson’s wardrobe, featuring sundresses, evokes a modern Brooklyn aesthetic, enhancing the film’s visual charm.
The Nostalgic Feel of the Materialists Trailer
The promotional trailer for Materialists channels the vibe of early 2000s romantic comedies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 27 Dresses, complete with a voiceover that adds personality and nostalgia. The trailer reveals tensions in Lucy’s relationship with John, highlighting their financial disagreements and emotional strain. Lucy fears loneliness, but her encounter with Harry at a matchmaking client’s wedding sparks hope, even as John’s return complicates matters further.
Two particular dialogue lines stand out for their emotional weight. John’s confession to Lucy,
“I wouldn’t be the guy that lost you,”
captures heartbreak and regret, while Harry’s reassurance that “you are valuable” underscores themes of self-worth and validation.
Trailer Highlights: Emotional Depth and Cinematic Style
The Materialists trailer has resonated deeply, with viewers revisiting it multiple times for its layered storytelling. The film portrays Lucy caught between her ex and a seemingly perfect new partner, with Evans’s John expressing dreams of
“wrinkles and children that look like you,”
a touching detail that lingers in viewers’ minds.
Celine Song’s signature storytelling is evident throughout, resembling the emotional resonance of her acclaimed earlier film, Past Lives. Dakota Johnson brings a luminous presence to the screen, while Pascal and Evans communicate powerful emotions even in silence, their eyes revealing the story’s pain and longing. The film’s soft, romantic color grading enhances this delicate triangle, where love must be navigated carefully to avoid heartbreak.
The movie teases that difficult choices don’t necessarily have wrong answers, only challenging consequences. Fans eager to experience the full narrative are anticipating a poignant, possibly heart-wrenching journey.
The Meaning Behind the Title: Exploring Materialism in Relationships
The film’s title, Materialists, resonates with its themes. According to Merriam-Webster, materialism refers to
“a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things.”
This concept is embodied in the characters’ struggles—Lucy, John, and Harry—each grappling with tangible and intangible values in their lives and relationships.
