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Materialists

Materialists 2025

Directed by

Celine Song

Celine Song

Made by

A24

A24

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Materialists Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Materialists (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Lucy, a former actress turned accomplished matchmaker at the New York City firm Adore, has successfully orchestrated nine marriages, despite her own voluntary celibacy. She holds a firm belief that her future partner must be wealthy. At a wedding for one of her successful matches, she crosses paths with Harry Castillo, played by Pedro Pascal, the wealthy brother of the groom. While Harry is eager to ask Lucy out, she quickly deflects his advances, suggesting he should become a client at Adore instead. Fate brings her back together with her ex-boyfriend, John, portrayed by Chris Evans, who is now a caterer at the event. Their meeting leads to a nostalgic conversation, revealing that John is still pursuing his dream of acting.

As Harry persists in his pursuit of Lucy, he charms her with culinary dates in upscale locations. Lucy, viewing Harry as a “unicorn” because of his rugged good looks and fortune, expresses her insecurities, wondering what he finds appealing in her. Harry reassures her, citing his admiration for her unique perspective on life and admitting that his extravagant gestures make her feel cherished. Over time, they embark on an official romance, which inadvertently affects Lucy’s matchmaking capabilities, leading her to pair a client named Sophie with another client, Mark.

However, complications arise when it is revealed that Mark has assaulted Sophie during their relationship, leaving Lucy questioning her skills as a matchmaker. Her boss, Marin Ireland, who plays Violet, provides her with time off to recuperate from the emotionally taxing situation. Ignoring Violet’s advice, Lucy reaches out to Sophie to express her remorse, but Sophie accuses her of rushing to make matches without ensuring their safety, leading to a painful severing of ties.

In search of a fresh start, Lucy decides to sublet her apartment for a short trip to Iceland with Harry but soon realizes their relationship lacks genuine romantic feelings, prompting her to end things amicably. With no place to call home, she temporarily moves in with John, and they escape the city to get some peace in an upstate retreat. At a wedding catered by John’s company, Lucy finds herself kissing him during a dance, igniting feelings of confusion within John, who questions whether they should rekindle their past relationship despite his financial challenges.

The plot thickens as Lucy receives a distressing call from Sophie, who is in a precarious situation with Mark attempting to enter her apartment. Lucy bravely instructs Sophie to stand her ground while John drives her to the rescue. Although Mark has fled by the time they arrive, Lucy reassures Sophie that she will eventually discover true love. Just before he departs, John makes a heartfelt declaration to Lucy, promising to love her unconditionally, which she reciprocates.

Time passes, and Lucy is unexpectedly offered Violet’s position as head of Adore’s New York branch while Violet plans to move elsewhere. Despite her current role, Lucy contemplates leaving the company. In a romantic turn of events, during a picnic in Central Park, John proposes, and Lucy joyfully accepts with a kiss.

As the credits roll, the film captures various couples at the City Clerk’s office as they joyfully apply for and receive their marriage licenses, hinting at the enduring power of love and connection.

Materialists Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Materialists (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Lucy's Successful Career

Lucy is established as a former actress who has transitioned into a successful matchmaker for the New York City-based firm Adore. She has successfully paired nine couples, leading to nine marriages, showcasing her skills in matchmaking.

New York City

The Wedding of Client Nine

At the wedding of her ninth successful pairing, Lucy is approached by Harry Castillo, the wealthy brother of the groom. Despite his attempts to ask her out, Lucy suggests that he should become a client of Adore instead.

Wedding Venue

Reunion with John

Lucy unexpectedly reunites with her ex-boyfriend John, who is working as a caterer at the wedding. They catch up, and John reveals that he is still pursuing his acting dreams, having a part in an independent play.

Wedding Venue

Dance with Harry

During the wedding, Lucy accepts Harry's offer to share a dance after he agrees to work with Adore. John, watching from afar, feels a mix of emotions as he observes the chemistry developing between Lucy and Harry.

Wedding Venue

Developing Relationship with Harry

Lucy begins dating Harry, whom she views as a 'unicorn' due to his wealth and attractiveness. However, she questions his interest in her, prompting Harry to reassure her of his admiration and respect for her values.

Upscale Restaurants

A Promising Match Faces Trouble

Lucy successfully sets up her client Sophie with a potential match, Mark. However, the situation turns dire when Sophie reveals that Mark assaulted her, leading Lucy to doubt her abilities as a matchmaker.

Adore Office

Taking Time Off

In response to the assault incident, Lucy’s boss Violet allows her to take four weeks off to refresh. Despite this, Lucy feels compelled to approach Sophie to apologize, which leads to tension between them.

Adore Office

Decision to Separate

Lucy and Harry travel to Iceland for business, but during the trip, Lucy realizes that her feelings for Harry aren’t genuine. She ends their relationship amicably, allowing Harry to proceed to Iceland alone.

Iceland

Moving in with John

After separating from Harry, Lucy decides to move in with John temporarily. They choose to escape his obnoxious roommates by staying in a location upstate, leading to a renewed closeness between them.

Upstate New York

Kiss on the Dance Floor

While attending a wedding catered by John’s company, Lucy and John share a kiss while dancing. This moment reignites questions about their relationship status as John seeks clarity on whether they are getting back together.

Wedding Venue

Sophie Needs Help

Lucy receives a frantic call from Sophie, stating that Mark is trying to break into her apartment. Lucy rushes to help Sophie, demonstrating her commitment to supporting her clients even in critical situations.

Sophie’s Apartment

Final Offer from John

Before leaving to help Sophie, John expresses his desire to rekindle his relationship with Lucy. He promises to love her every single day of their lives, prompting Lucy to reconsider her feelings for him.

Sophie’s Apartment

Career Decisions

Lucy is offered a promotion to head the New York branch of Adore as Violet prepares to leave for a new city. Although initially inclined to accept, Lucy ultimately decides that she wants to quit the job.

Adore Office

John’s Proposal

During a lunch date in Central Park, John surprises Lucy by proposing to her. Overwhelmed with happiness, Lucy kisses him, indicating her acceptance and commitment to their future together.

Central Park

Marriage Licenses During Credits

The film concludes with footage from the City Clerk's office, showcasing various couples applying for and receiving their marriage licenses. This montage symbolizes the overarching theme of love and partnership in the film.

City Clerk's Office

Materialists Characters

Explore all characters from Materialists (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Lucy (Dakota Johnson)

Lucy is a driven former actress turned successful matchmaker whose personal life remains complicated despite her professional accomplishments. Her journey reflects a struggle with self-worth and the pursuit of genuine love, as she navigates the chaotic world of modern relationships. Lucy's character grows throughout the film, learning to balance her ambitions with emotional connections.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Matchmaker 🎭 Ambitious 😟 Insecure

Harry (Pedro Pascal)

Harry is a supportive and wealthy financier who becomes romantically interested in Lucy. He is characterized by his charm and respect for Lucy's independence, encouraging her to embrace her self-worth. Harry's pursuit of Lucy illustrates the theme of finding value in relationships beyond material wealth.

💵 Wealthy ❤️ Supportive 🎉 Charming

John (Chris Evans)

John is Lucy's ex-boyfriend who is still pursuing his acting dreams. His character reflects nostalgia and the struggle between financial pressures and personal desires. John becomes a pivotal figure in Lucy's life, representing a connection to her past and an opportunity for personal growth.

🎭 Actor 🤝 Supportive 😔 Nostalgic

Violet (Marin Ireland)

Violet is Lucy's boss at Adore, who plays a crucial role in guiding her through professional challenges. She provides support and reassurance to Lucy, representing the mentor archetype in the film. Violet's character helps illuminate the importance of workplace support amid personal crises.

👩‍🏫 Mentor 💼 Professional 🌟 Supportive

Sophie (Zoe Winters)

Sophie is a significant client of Lucy's whose experiences reflect the larger themes of vulnerability and the search for love. Her character's struggle with past trauma and the consequences of matchmaking highlights the ethical considerations of Lucy’s profession, serving as a catalyst for Lucy's self-reflection.

👩‍🎤 Vulnerable 💔 Heartbroken 🔍 Searching

Materialists Settings

Learn where and when Materialists (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The events unfold in contemporary times, highlighting the prevalent themes of relationships and modern dating challenges. The characters navigate personal and professional dilemmas that resonate with today's societal norms and values surrounding love and companionship.

Location

New York City, Iceland, Upstate New York

The film primarily takes place in New York City, known for its vibrant culture and bustling atmosphere. It is a hub for artists, including actors and matchmakers, reflecting the complexity of relationships in a fast-paced urban environment. The characters also venture to Iceland, a serene and beautiful landscape that offers a stark contrast to the city's dynamics, providing a backdrop for personal reflections.

🏙️ New York 🌄 Iceland 🏞️ Upstate

Materialists Themes

Discover the main themes in Materialists (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Relationships

The film delves into the intricacies of personal relationships, exploring love's complexities through Lucy's journey as a matchmaker and her own romantic struggles. Themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the quest for genuine connection are prevalent, as the characters learn important lessons about love, trust, and the challenges of emotional intimacy.

🏢

Career vs. Love

Lucy's ambitious role as a matchmaker often conflicts with her personal relationships, illustrating the challenge of balancing career aspirations with the pursuit of love. Her dilemmas reflect the modern struggle many face when trying to maintain professional success while nurturing deep personal connections.

⚖️

Accountability

The film also explores themes of accountability, especially in relationships, as Lucy grapples with the consequences of her matchmaking decisions. The narrative addresses the importance of responsibility and ethical considerations in the pursuit of romantic connections, showcasing how personal choices can impact others.

Materialists Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of Materialists (2025) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.


At the end of Materialists, Lucy’s choice reflects her deep understanding that true love cannot be manufactured or based on superficial qualities. Throughout the film, she struggles with her feelings for her old flame, John, and her growing connection with Harry, who seems perfect on paper but lacks real emotional depth. Lucy’s relationship with Harry is built on appearances and superficial compatibility, signaled by Harry’s surgical height enhancement—an attempt to boost his confidence and attractiveness in a society obsessed with perfection. However, this transformation reveals that Harry’s happiness and sense of worth ultimately come from external modifications, not genuine self-acceptance.

Meanwhile, Lucy’s bond with John develops more naturally, rooted in authentic feelings and shared history. When she witnesses Sofia’s assault and her friend’s subsequent vulnerability, Lucy realizes that relationships built solely on transactional or superficial traits can never fully satisfy the complexities of real love. Inspired by a heartfelt speech at a wedding, John offers Lucy unwavering support and love, which proves more meaningful than any on-paper compatibility or superficial perfection. The final scene confirms Lucy’s decision to marry John, symbolizing her belief that love—genuine, imperfect, and built on real human connection—is what truly matters.

The opening caveman wedding scene, which initially suggests that relationships might be rooted in basic survival and transaction, is ultimately contrasted with the closing shot of Lucy and John cuddling, with Lucy reflecting on how love is the timeless bonding force that has always brought people together. Her final monologue emphasizes that love has been fundamental since the dawn of humanity, and her choice to be with John underscores the movie’s central message: despite society’s obsession with material and superficial perfection, it is love—authentic, imperfect, and vulnerable—that provides true happiness and fulfillment. Lucy’s ending reaffirms that even in a world obsessed with appearances, genuine connection remains the most valuable and enduring part of any relationship.

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