The movie Materialists (2025) opens with a striking prehistoric scene: a couple in a cave professing their love to each other, setting a timeless context for the story about love and relationships that follows.

The story then shifts to present-day New York City, where Lucy Mason, a former actress turned successful matchmaker at a luxury service called Adore, operates. Lucy is a self-declared "eternal bachelorette," convinced she will either die alone or marry someone wealthy. She thrives professionally by matching clients based on strict material criteria—height, income, social status—yet privately feels frustrated by the unrealistic standards her clients hold. Early scenes show Lucy consoling her long-term client Sophie, who struggles to lower her standards after a rejection.

Lucy attends a wedding of a former client, the ninth she has matched successfully. The bride is visibly upset, crying because she feels she is marrying out of obligation and superficial reasons. Lucy talks her down, persuading her to proceed with the ceremony despite her doubts. At the wedding reception, Lucy pitches her matchmaking business to singles, where she is approached by Harry Castillo, the wealthy brother of the groom. Harry shows interest in Lucy, but she rebuffs his romantic advances, suggesting instead that he become a client of Adore. Shortly after, Lucy unexpectedly encounters her ex-boyfriend John Finch, who is working as a cater-waiter at the wedding and still pursuing acting. They reminisce about their past relationship, which ended due to financial struggles, including a memory of eating a halal cart meal on their anniversary.

Harry pursues Lucy persistently, taking her to upscale restaurants. Lucy initially doubts his sincerity, thinking he could find a better partner, but Harry reassures her that his interest is genuine. Their relationship becomes official, and Lucy’s optimism improves, reflected in her work when Sophie’s new match, Mark, tells Lucy he enjoyed his date with Sophie and wants to see her again. However, Lucy’s confidence is shaken when her boss Violet informs her that Mark assaulted Sophie and is suing Adore.

Lucy later discovers that Harry underwent tibial-lengthening surgery to increase his height, revealing a literal and symbolic attempt to meet societal expectations. This revelation causes Lucy to question the superficial basis of their attraction.

With tensions rising, Lucy visits John upstate. They gatecrash a wedding together and share a kiss, but unresolved issues remain. Lucy admits she was blindsided by John’s lack of ambition, while John confesses he still loves her. Their interaction is candid and emotionally charged, showing a messy but real connection.

Lucy also helps her friend Sophie when Sophie’s ex shows up threateningly. Lucy assists Sophie in filing a restraining order, and Sophie reconciles with her partner. This confrontation brings Lucy face-to-face with the consequences of treating relationships as transactions rather than emotional bonds.

Throughout the film, Lucy shares intimate moments with both Harry and John. She kisses both men multiple times, and scenes depict her and Harry in bed together, as well as moments of physical intimacy with John. The film also portrays diverse couples dancing and marrying, including same-sex couples, highlighting the varied nature of love in the modern world.

In the final stages, Lucy and John take a road trip where they explore their feelings of regret and consider what might have been. Both men—Harry, the wealthy and polished suitor, and John, the struggling but creatively fulfilled ex—are shown as viable partners, each representing different paths for Lucy. The film ends with Lucy having confronted her materialistic views and the complexities of love, though it does not explicitly show which man she ultimately chooses.

In summary, Lucy survives the emotional journey, grows in self-awareness, and reconciles with her past and present relationships. Sophie also finds some resolution. The film closes on an open note regarding Lucy’s romantic future, emphasizing the tension between love and materialism.

Lucy and John share a complicated past; they were previously in a relationship that ended due to financial difficulties. John is now working as a cater-waiter while pursuing acting, and their reunion at a wedding rekindles old feelings, leading to a road trip where they explore their regrets and what might have been.

Harry Castillo, a wealthy financier and the groom's brother at a wedding, shows interest in Lucy after overhearing her matchmaking pitch. Despite Lucy's initial skepticism about his intentions, Harry persists in courting her with upscale dates, and their relationship becomes official, challenging Lucy's views on love and marriage.

Lucy is a successful matchmaker at Adore in New York City, dealing with clients who have increasingly unrealistic standards. Her professional life intersects with her personal one, as she consoles clients like Sophie, navigates the fallout from a client assault lawsuit, and reflects on the transactional nature of relationships through her own romantic dilemmas.

The wedding scenes serve as key narrative moments: Lucy attends a former client's wedding where she persuades a reluctant bride to proceed, meets Harry Castillo at the reception, and unexpectedly reunites with John, setting the stage for the central love triangle and the exploration of Lucy's conflicting desires.

Harry is portrayed as a wealthy, polished financier with good looks and status, representing security and material success, while John is a struggling actor working as a cater-waiter, embodying passion and imperfection. Both men are respectful and supportive of Lucy, creating a nuanced choice between love and financial stability.

The movie Materialists (2025) is not family friendly and is rated R, primarily due to strong language and some mature themes. It contains frequent harsh profanity, including the word "fuck" and other strong language.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting content includes:

• Sexual content: Several scenes imply sexual activity (kissing, caressing, implied sex with characters covered by sheets, used condom shown) but no explicit nudity or graphic sex.
• References to sexual violence: A woman recounts a sexual assault experience, which could be distressing for sensitive viewers.
• Casual premarital sex: Brief non-explicit depiction of premarital sexual relationships.
• Unkind opinions about physical appearances: Some dialogue includes hurtful remarks about looks.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Mild presence of drinking and smoking.

There is no violence or gore, and the overall tone is light and romantic despite the mature content. However, due to the language and sensitive themes, it is not suitable for children or those sensitive to sexual content or strong profanity.