“MATTERIALISTS” is an American romantic comedy movie written and directed by Celine Song, who is best known for “Past Lives,” which got great reviews. Song tries something new with movies this time, making a sharp and touching story about love, ambition, and class in the modern world. . Starring Dakota Johnson as Lucy, Chris Evans as John, and Pedro Pascal as Harry Castillo, the film blends romantic tension with societal commentary, wrapped in the glossy atmosphere.
WHAT HAPPENS IN MATERIALISTS?
Lucy, a once-aspiring actress, has reinvented herself as a top-tier matchmaker for a New York-based firm named Adore. Proud of her record of nine successful matches leading to marriage, she now believes in dating only wealthy men. At a client’s wedding, she meets Harry Castillo, a wealthy financier and the brother of the groom, who instantly shows interest in her. At the same event, she also reconnects with her ex-boyfriend John, a struggling actor working as a caterer.
As Lucy navigates new affections with Harry, who showers her with affection and luxury, she starts to question her values and career. After a professional misstep involving a harmful matchmaking, she takes time off and goes with Harry to Iceland. Realizing their relationship lacks true emotional depth, she breaks it off.
Without a home, Lucy turns to John, and their bond rekindles. A scary call from a former client in trouble forces Lucy to go on a rescue mission, which makes her bond with John even stronger. He asks Lucy to give him another chance at love, and she says yes.
Lucy has changed by the end; she’s not just after fame or perfection anymore. At the end of the story, she turns down a promotion and says yes to John’s marriage proposal in—Central Park.
WHERE WAS MATERIALISTS (2025) FILMED?

Principal photography for Materialists began on April 29, 2024 and wrapped on June 6, 2024. The movie was shot in a lot of famous and beautiful places in New York City and the surrounding areas—staying true to its urban and romantic themes. These places are more than just background— they show how the characters are feeling and what they are thinking.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, USA
A lot of Materialists was shot on location in New York City, which fit the movie’s mood and plot perfectly. Lucy’s life, both professionally and personally, revolves around the city’s high-society circles, charming streets and lively cultural scene. From the lobby of a fancy hotel to the stage of an independent theater to the busy sidewalks, New York becomes a living character in the story.
SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Manhattan, which is big and full of history, was the site of one of the wedding scenes in the movie. The church, which is known for its Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, was a great place for a big romantic moment because of its ornate interiors and grand atmosphere. Moviemakers love it because it looks so grand in movies. In this case, it’s the setting for a wedding where Lucy meets both Harry and John.
CRESTED HEN FARMS, HIGH FALLS, NEW YORK
At Crested Hen Farms in High Falls, NY— a big outdoor wedding scene was filmed. This scene may have been a metaphor for Lucy and John’s emotional journey. The venue is known for its beautiful scenery and an English-Dutch barn from the 1830s that has been beautifully restored. It is located in the Hudson Valley at the base of Mohonk Mountain.
The rustic barn has 3,000 square feet of event space with real wooden beams and a country feel that makes it perfect for creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. It’s very different from the polished city scenes, which shows Lucy’s journey from being materialistic to being real.
COOPER UNION, EAST VILLAGE, NEW YORK CITY
Cooper Union, a renowned educational institution in the East Village, served as another filming location. The building, which is known for being architecturally unique and playing a significant role in New York’s intellectual history, added a level of sophistication to the scenes. It could have been Lucy’s workplace or a place tied to John’s career as an independent actor. The film is about creativity and finding out more about yourself, and the striking interiors of Cooper Union support these ideas.
LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE, MANHATTAN
Another luxury location used in Materialists is the Lotte New York Palace, one of Manhattan’s most iconic hotels. The hotel, which is famous for its elegance and historical importance, was probably used for scenes showing Harry’s wealthy life or Adore’s high-profile events where she sets up dates.
The hotel’s plush rooms, fancy dining rooms, and private suites went well with the movie’s themes of money and status. Its frequent appearances in TV and movies—such as in Gossip Girl, make it an instantly recognizable and evocative setting for high-class romance.
Check out tvacute.com again for more updates on filming, and behind-the-scenes.
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