The Materialists comes to rescue of modern rom-coms

The Materialists hits a number of grace notes, beginning with its well-chosen title. It's a rom-com that asks: What happens when we treat love like a transaction — a merger that capitalizes on each party’s strengths?

The casting is spot-on, starting with Dakota Johnson, who brings her signature blend of dry humor and vulnerability to the role of Lucy, a professional matchmaker. Unlike some of her previous performances, she shows a refreshing range here, anchoring the film with quiet charisma. As Lucy, Johnson plays a woman both skilled at navigating the emotional needs of others and skeptical of the clichés she repeats for a living. There’s a subtle irony to her performance that really works. 

Chris Evans surprises in a delightfully endearing turn as John, Lucy’s ex-boyfriend — a struggling actor still devoted to his craft. Playing against his usual heroic type, Evans demonstrates sharp comedic timing and a grounded vulnerability that’s genuinely appealing. Pedro Pascal brings suave warmth to the role of Harry, the obscenely rich finance guy who courts Lucy after meeting her at one of her engineered weddings. For Harry, their connection feels like a smart match — the right merger at the right time. Yet Pascal infuses the character with unexpected tenderness, giving their dynamic emotional stakes. Together, the trio has chemistry that lights up the screen. 

There’s a violent incident (kept off-screen) that acts as a catalyst for the story. For my taste, it felt like a too-convenient, even gratuitous device — resolved quickly and a bit bloodlessly — one of the film’s few false notes. That said, it serves its narrative purpose, and Zoe Winters gives a strong supporting performance as Sophie, the "wronged party" and, arguably, the film’s moral compass. I’ll be watching for her in future roles. 

Under the direction of Celine Song — who also penned the script — The Materialists thrives. Song’s framing choices are sharp and revealing (see the elegantly simple scene of Lucy taking a business call in Harry’s library after a night together). Her earlier film, Past Lives, garnered praise in 2023, but it felt inert to me. This one, by contrast, is nimble, full of feeling, and a clear step forward. 

As my wife aptly noted, there are no villains in this story. John isn’t a hero in shining armor, and Harry isn’t a predatory capitalist. All three leads — flaws and all — are complex and relatable, which makes their interactions sparkle with a real, well-earned charm. In a cinematic world crowded with formulaic rom-coms, The Materialists stands out. It’s a throwback in the best sense: witty, tender, smartly paced, and directed with confidence. It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to — it simply reminds us how delightful these films can be when done right. 

Pat Rocchi is a versatile entertainer and writer. Currently a stand-up comic, emcee, and overall funnyman, he uses his voice and his way with words in many additional ways. Learn more about Pat at his Website (www.patrocchi.com), and well as his presence on social media (https://www.facebook.com/patrocchicommunicates/; https://www.instagram.com/patrocchi.0612/; and https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrocchi/).