As Hollywood gears up for an exciting 2025, one film generating significant buzz is Materialists, a romantic comedy-drama directed by Celine Song and starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. With its sharp take on modern love and a stellar cast, Materialists is poised to be one of the year’s standout releases. Alongside this, Dakota Johnson’s slate of upcoming projects solidifies her as a versatile force in cinema. Here’s a deep dive into Materialists and why it’s a must-watch, plus a look at Johnson’s other exciting ventures in 2025.
Materialists: A Fresh Spin on the Rom-Com
Released on June 13, 2025, Materialists marks Celine Song’s follow-up to her critically acclaimed Past Lives (2023), which earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Original Screenplay. Set against the backdrop of New York City’s luxury-driven dating scene, Materialists follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a professional matchmaker navigating a love triangle with her struggling actor ex-boyfriend, John (Chris Evans), and a wealthy private-equity broker, Harry (Pedro Pascal). The film blends sparkling romantic comedy elements with thoughtful reflections on ambition, identity, and the commodification of modern relationships.
Johnson delivers what critics call her “most forceful performance” yet, shedding her signature soft-spoken charm for a “radiant sharpness” as Lucy, a woman torn between her ideals and the transactional nature of her profession. The film’s dialogue, described as “pinging with wit and perception,” explores contemporary dating culture, where apps and algorithms reduce love to a checklist of height, income, and status. A notable moment in the film, which sparked audience reactions, is Lucy’s revelation that she earns $80,000 a year—a rare instance of a rom-com addressing financial realities head-on. This detail underscores the film’s commentary on how capitalism shapes modern romance.
Critics have praised Materialists for its mature deconstruction of the rom-com genre, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 80% approval rating from 216 reviews. The consensus lauds the film for providing “its trio of swoon-worthy stars some of their meatiest material yet” while reaffirming Song’s mastery of relationship dramas. However, some reviews note that the film’s ambitious social critiques occasionally overshadow its emotional core, and its pacing may feel meandering to some viewers. Despite these critiques, the chemistry between Johnson, Evans, and Pascal, coupled with Song’s introspective storytelling, makes Materialists a compelling addition to 2025’s cinematic landscape.
The film grossed $50 million worldwide against a modest budget, a strong performance for an indie release distributed by A24 in the U.S. and Sony Pictures internationally. Its success reflects audiences’ hunger for fresh, character-driven stories, with Johnson’s nuanced portrayal of Lucy earning particular acclaim. At the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where Johnson received the President’s Award, she described the film as one that “ignites fire in people’s hearts and minds about love and how we treat each other.”
Dakota Johnson’s Other 2025 Projects
Beyond Materialists, Dakota Johnson is making waves in 2025 with Splitsville, a romantic comedy directed by Michael Angelo Covino, which she also produced through her TeaTime Pictures banner. The film, showcased alongside Materialists at Karlovy Vary, explores themes of marriage and relationships with a comedic lens. Johnson’s role as a producer highlights her growing influence behind the camera, and she has expressed a commitment to telling “female-centric stories” that are “provocative” and “different.”
Additionally, Johnson is preparing to direct her first feature film, a project close to her heart co-developed with autistic actress Vanessa Burghardt, her co-star from Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022). Described as a “very small” but personal project, it underscores Johnson’s desire to champion unique voices in Hollywood. She’s also expressed interest in taking on diverse roles, including a psychopath or an action hero, signaling her intent to push her boundaries as an actress.
Why Materialists Stands Out in 2025
Hollywood’s 2025 slate is packed with blockbusters like Avatar 3 (December 19, 2025) and The Smashing Machine (October 3, 2025), as well as indie gems like Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt (October 10, 2025). Yet Materialists distinguishes itself with its blend of glossy romance and incisive social commentary. The film’s exploration of how wealth and ambition distort modern love resonates in an era of dating apps and curated social media personas. Johnson’s performance, paired with Song’s thoughtful direction, elevates the film beyond typical rom-com fare, making it a cultural touchstone for 2025.
As Dakota Johnson continues to evolve from her Fifty Shades of Grey breakout to a multifaceted actress, producer, and soon-to-be director, Materialists showcases her ability to anchor complex, emotionally resonant stories. Whether you’re drawn to its starry cast, sharp dialogue, or poignant reflections on love in the digital age, Materialists is a must-see film that cements Johnson’s place in Hollywood’s new wave of talent.
Where to Watch: Materialists is available in theaters and for rent on platforms like Fandango at Home. Check local listings or streaming services for Splitsville updates, and stay tuned for news on Johnson’s directorial debut.
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