We’re still over a month away from the premiere ofFantastic Four: First Steps, but before we get there, starPedro Pascal’s new romantic comedy is already a big hit with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Releasing on Friday, June 13, from A24,Materialistshas debuted with a 90% score, signifying that acclaimed director Celine Song (Past Lives) has crafted another beautiful masterpiece.
Critic Hannah Bae from the San Francisco Chronicle notes that even though the film is marketed as a romantic comedy, it’s so much more. “Materialists is a sharper, more thoughtful film than its genre would suggest,” she said in her review, adding: “This is a story about perceived value and what its pursuit costs its characters – emotionally, physically and materially.” Caryn James from BBC.com expands on that, saying:
“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.”
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Also starring Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans,Materialistscenters around a young New York City matchmaker (Johnson) and her lucrative business, which gets complicated as she finds herself torn between the perfect match (Pascal) and her imperfect ex (Evans). It seems like a pretty lighthearted offering, but in the hands of Song, Tyler Taing from Discussing Film saysMaterialists"stands out as one of the best movies of 2025 so far" thanks to the director’s “rich and nuanced understanding of romance and human nature.” MovieWeb’s own Will Sayre also had high praise for the filmin his four-star review, saying:
“Song’s A24 follow-up is on par with its groundbreaking predecessor, and her three A-lister leads shine as well. It’s be great to see a win for both Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans on the performance front — as well as fan-favorite Pedro Pascal maintaining his momentum. Materialists succeeds on these fronts by expanding Song’s repertoire into a more laugh-out-loud project, while honoring the emotionally draining impact of Past Lives.”
‘Materialists’ Proves That Celine Song Is “No Fluke”
Thus far, 2025 has been light on romantic comedies at the box office, as there have been no real breakout hitsthat have managed to penetrate the mainstream.Materialistscould change all that, at least according to critic Courtney Howard, who calls it “the best romance of the year.” David Gonzalez from The Cinematic Reel is another champion of Song’s sophomore outing, adding:
“With Materialists, Celine Song proves that Past Lives was no fluke. Witty, tender, and sharply observant, it’s a love triangle wrapped in luxury and longing.”
While the film does have its detractors, like Justin Chang from The New Yorker, who says it “trips up on its own high-mindedness,” it’s clear thatMaterialistsis definitely worth your time this weekend, if for nothing more than to see its three tremendous leads put on a performance for the ages in a film that Kate Erbland from IndieWire says “turns the genre inside out.” Grab your tickets now, and check outMaterialistswhen it opens nationwide on June 13 from A24.
Source:Rotten Tomatoes
Materialists
