Following her deeply introspective and Oscar-nominated debut, Past Lives, Celine Song returns to the director’s chair with Materialists. This A24 romantic drama promises wit, emotional complexity, and a tug-of-war between love and luxury. Set to release in theatres on June 13, 2025, Song’s sophomore effort dives into the complicated world of modern relationships—this time with a sharper, flashier edge.
At the heart of Materialists is Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, an ambitious New York City matchmaker who has successfully orchestrated nine love stories—but her own remains unresolved. The film pits two sharply contrasting love interests against each other: Pedro Pascal as Harry C, a billionaire charmer who seems to embody perfection, and Chris Evans as John P, Lucy’s flawed yet sincere ex-boyfriend who still lingers in her heart. The central dilemma? Whether Lucy will follow the allure of stability and opulence with Harry or rekindle a more grounded but unpredictable connection with John.
“When I see your face, I see wrinkles and children that look like you,” John tells her in a trailer moment that captures the tender ache of unfinished love. Lucy’s reflection on marriage—“Because they’re lonely, and because they’re hopeful”—offers a glimpse into the emotional depth that Song is once again exploring.
Backed by the powerhouse producing team behind Past Lives—Christine Vachon, Pam Koffler (Killer Films), and David Hinojosa (2 AM)—Materialists promises sharp writing and an emotionally layered narrative. Song penned the script herself, maintaining the personal touch that made her debut so resonant. Two trailers released so far have offered a stylish preview of what’s to come, both set to a dreamy rendition of Madonna’s “Material Girl,” followed by a new track from Japanese Breakfast’s For Melancholy Brunettes.
In one trailer, Lucy is dubbed the “eternal bachelorette” by a friend. At the same time, a surreal moment—her exact drink order magically appearing courtesy of John—captures the film’s flirtation with the whimsical. The contrast between the characters is also sharply drawn in terms of lifestyle. Harry lives in a $12 million apartment and offers Lucy the ease of luxury, while John, still living with roommates, offers something rougher but potentially more real.
The tension between fantasy and authenticity is central to the film’s premise—and perhaps a metaphor for many people’s choices in love and life. With its dream cast and Celine Song’s now-signature emotional sensitivity, Materialists is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most anticipated films. It also expands Celine Song’s cinematic palette: where Past Lives was quiet and restrained, Materialists seems vibrant, dynamic, and laced with satire.
As Lucy navigates her heart’s divided loyalties, audiences will again be invited to reflect on the delicate intersections of desire, self-worth, and the choices that define us. Whether you’re team Pedro Pascal or team Chris Evans, one thing’s certain—Materialists is set to spark conversation and stir emotions equally.
Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated releases of 2025 is Celine Song’s blissful romantic-drama Materialists, and its first trailer has captivated audiences completely. The film promises a fresh and emotional take on modern romance, set against the backdrop of New York City.
The trailer opens with a voiceover that introduces Lucy as, "In the world of matchmaking, no one plays the game better than Lucy." We see a montage of her clients and the matches she has successfully made. The next scenes show Lucy confronting her boyfriend John and arguing with him in the middle of a street. John asks her, "Do you know how hard it is to make you happy?", while Lucy looks visibly upset.
Then the scene cuts to her meeting Harry at a party. While Harry seems like the perfect man to her, she keeps getting drawn to her former beau. She also warns Harry not to date her, as she is looking to marry the next guy she dates. The trailer teases a love triangle that feels real, flawed, and deeply human. Besides Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film also stars Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg.
Fans have reacted positively to the trailer, expressing excitement about the return of voiceover trailers reminiscent of classic rom-coms from the 90s and 2000s. One fan wrote, "Finally, the era of rom-coms. No more superhero movies supremacy." Another commented, "This looks like it’s gonna be sharp, messy, and can’t wait to see this cast bring it to life on June 13."
Moreover, the film was filmed exclusively in New York City and shot on 35mm film, adding to its nostalgic appeal. The vibrant energy and life captured in Materialists are set to draw audiences in, with Song's ability to lean heavily into the drama of human emotions ensuring that this film will resonate deeply.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. Celine Song's Materialists, with its engaging narrative and stellar cast, is not just a film about love; it’s an exploration of what true love is worth. The film will hit theatres on June 13, 2025, and promises to be a significant addition to the romantic comedy genre.
Song's exploration of the complexities of love and relationships through Lucy's journey is sure to resonate with many. As audiences prepare for what could be a defining moment in the romantic comedy landscape, the question remains: who will Lucy choose? The answer is bound to be as layered and nuanced as the film itself.
