Why Are Materialists Reviews So Divided? Unpacking A24’s Latest Polarizing Release

Materialists Reviews are flooding the internet, and A24’s latest romantic drama, Materialists, directed by Celine Song, has sparked a heated debate among critics and audiences alike.

Released on June 13, 2025, the film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal in a love triangle that promised a fresh take on the rom-com genre.

Yet, the response is anything but unified—some praise its introspective depth, while others lament its uneven execution. Why is this star-studded film dividing viewers? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the polarized Materialists Reviews and what makes this A24 release so divisive.

Why Is Materialists Marketed as a Rom-Com but Feels Like a Drama?

One major reason Materialists Reviews are split lies in its misleading marketing. Trailers featuring a bubbly cover of Madonna’s “Material Girl” and a glamorous New York City backdrop suggested a lighthearted rom-com.

However, the film, as noted by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, leans heavily into drama, dissecting modern dating and materialism with a cynical edge. This bait-and-switch frustrated audiences expecting a feel-good escape, with X posts like @jammypants4’s review calling the screenplay “bumpy & sluggish” and lamenting its mixed reception.

Conversely, critics like those at IGN praise Song for subverting rom-com tropes, transforming the film into a “meaningful, introspective drama about self-worth.” This disconnect between expectation and reality has fueled much of the divide.

How Does Celine Song’s Direction Shape the Film’s Reception?

Celine Song, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated Past Lives, brings a distinct style to Materialists, which both captivates and alienates viewers. Her dialogue, described as “lived-in” by Rotten Tomatoes critics, and her unflinching exploration of love versus money resonate with those who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

BBC’s review calls it a “piercingly honest exploration of love and money,” bolstering Song’s reputation as a master of relationships. Yet, some Materialists Reviews, like one on IMDb, argue that Song’s minimalist approach—relying on body language and sparse dialogue—falls flat compared to Past Lives, making the story feel disjointed.

This stylistic choice splits audiences between those who find it profound and those who see it as underwhelming.

What Role Does the Cast Play in the Mixed Materialists Reviews?

The starry cast of Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal is a double-edged sword. Johnson’s performance as Lucy, a matchmaker torn between two men, earns praise for its glamour and restraint, with Roger Ebert’s review noting her “aspirational” quality.

Pascal and Evans also shine, with X user @Lulamaybelle calling them “undeniably terrific.” However, some Materialists Reviews, particularly on Reddit’s r/Pedro_Pascal, suggest a lack of chemistry between Johnson and Pascal, possibly intentional to contrast with Evans’ character, but still jarring for viewers.

Others, like @capybaroness on X, slam the screenplay for making characters feel like “aliens with no understanding of human behavior,” undermining the cast’s efforts. The cast draws crowds but can’t fully bridge the script’s gaps.

Why Does the Subplot Stir Controversy in Materialists Reviews?

A subplot involving Lucy’s client, played by Zoë Winters, adds a darker layer to Materialists, which critics view as both a strength and a flaw.

Roger Ebert’s review acknowledges its raw emotion but notes a pacing dip, calling it a “detour.” Metacritic reviews criticize this arc as “poorly handled,” clashing with the main love triangle and alienating viewers who wanted a tighter narrative.

On X, @Erib3004 praises the film’s study of modern relationships but implies the subplot disrupts the flow, contributing to mixed Materialists Reviews. This risky narrative choice deepens the film for some but feels extraneous to others, widening the reception gap.

How Does the Film’s Box Office Reflect Its Polarized Reception?

Despite mixed Materialists Reviews, the film scored A24’s third-largest domestic opening with $12 million, behind only Civil War and Hereditary.

Collider reports it outperformed expectations, boosted by Song’s fanbase and the cast’s star power, though its B- CinemaScore and 71% Rotten Tomatoes audience score signal lukewarm word-of-mouth.

X posts, like @downeyjessevan’s, defend the film’s anti-materialism message, suggesting some negative reactions miss its point. The strong debut indicates curiosity, but the divisive reviews may hinder long-term legs, especially with a reported $20 million budget.

Highlights of Materialists  

• Release Date: June 13, 2025, in theaters worldwide.

• Cast: Dakota Johnson as Lucy, Chris Evans as John, Pedro Pascal as Harry.

• Director: Celine Song, known for Past Lives.

• Genre: Romantic drama with rom-com elements.

• Box Office: $12 million domestic opening, A24’s third-largest.

• Ratings: 87% Rotten Tomatoes (critics), 71% audience score, B- CinemaScore.

• Runtime: 1 hour 56 minutes, rated R for language and brief sexual content.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Materialists Reviews reveal a film that’s as thought-provoking as it is divisive, caught between rom-com expectations and dramatic ambitions.

Celine Song’s bold direction, a stellar cast, and a risky subplot create a unique but polarizing experience, reflected in its strong box office yet mixed audience response.

Whether you see it as a sharp critique of modern love or a disjointed misfire, Materialists sparks conversation.

Catch it in theaters or wait for its streaming release on Max around October-November 2025, and decide for yourself where you stand in this love triangle debate.