Materialists Sparks Debate: Is Dakota Johnson's Character Set Up for Failure?

Published: June 21, 2025

The newly released film Materialists has sparked a heated debate among moviegoers, with many questioning the choices made by Dakota Johnson's character, Lucy. The film, which stars Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans alongside Johnson, poses the question of whether love or money is the ultimate priority.

Lucy, a successful matchmaker, finds herself in a love triangle with two men who offer her different things. Harry, played by Pedro Pascal, is a wealthy billionaire who can provide Lucy with a life of luxury, while John, played by Chris Evans, is a struggling actor who offers her love and affection. In the end, Lucy chooses John, leaving many viewers feeling that she has settled for less.

The Internet Weighs In

PEOPLE editor Bailey Richards has spoken out about the film, stating that Lucy was set up for failure from the start. "I don't think she should have ended up with either of them," Richards says. "Marry this hot, caring man who will pay for everything for you for the rest of your life — any materialistic whim you may have. He doesn't love you, but he will pay anything. Or a hot, caring man who does love you, but makes no money ... he will drop anything, at any given moment to do whatever for you."

Richards believes that Lucy should have taken a step back and focused on herself, rather than choosing between the two men. "After everything that she, as a matchmaker, as a woman, goes through in that movie, she just needs to break from romance altogether and do some introspection, the kind that requires you to be single and be alone."

While the film has sparked a heated debate, it's clear that Lucy's choices have left many viewers feeling unsatisfied. Whether or not she made the right decision, one thing is certain - Materialists has got everyone talking.

Read more about the latest entertainment news:

Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson in 'The Materialists'