Materialists

Materialists is a gripping 2025 drama featuring Dakota Johnson as a conflicted art curator who grapples with ethical dilemmas when rare artifacts surface amidst a high-stakes investigation into cultural heritage theft. Set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolitan art scene, the film delves into themes of authenticity, greed, and the moral complexities surrounding the commodification of art and history. As Johnson’s character navigates the murky waters of the art world, she encounters a cast of intriguing characters whose motivations range from noble to nefarious, leading to a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that questions the true value of material wealth versus cultural legacy.

Materialists has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 78% approval rating based on over 120 reviews, with the consensus highlighting Dakota Johnson’s nuanced performance as a standout element and praising the movie’s thought-provoking exploration of art world ethics. Critics from The Guardian complimented the film's atmospheric direction and said, “Materialists challenges the viewer to rethink the line between possession and appreciation, anchored by Johnson’s compelling presence.” However, some reviews, like those from Variety, pointed out that the pacing occasionally falters, stating, “While the premise is intriguing, Materialists sometimes gets bogged down in exposition, diluting the tension.” Metacritic assigns a score of 65/100, noting that the film succeeds most in its dramatic confrontations but loses momentum in secondary plotlines. IMDb users have rated the film 7.1/10, appreciating the character-driven story but wishing for more dynamic narrative twists. Overall, Materialists is recognized for its intellectual engagement and strong performances, though some viewers may find its slow-building tension less satisfying.