Key Highlights
- Pedro Pascal stars in two controversial films on HBO Max.
- “Materialists” receives mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
- The film grosses over $100 million worldwide despite its polarizing nature.
- Critic opinions vary widely, with some praising the film’s themes while others criticize its writing.
Pedro Pascal: A Busy Year in 2025
In 2025, actor Pedro Pascal has been a busy man. He took on multiple roles that showcased his versatility as an actor and provided him with diverse experiences across various genres. Following his rigorous training for the superhero film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Pascal appeared in a truncated but memorable episode of “The Last of Us” Season 2. However, it was two films starring alongside Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans that garnered significant attention: “Eddington,” a satirical COVID-19 thriller, and “Materialists,” a highbrow romantic comedy.
Divisive Reception for “Materialists”
“Materialists” premiered on HBO Max on November 7, 2025. The film follows matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson) who faces the decision between dating her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans), a broke man with unwavering devotion, or charming and wealthy Harry (Pascal). The movie’s critical reception was mixed; while some praised Pascal’s performance as “ultra-charismatic” and highlighted the film’s bittersweet nature, others criticized its writing. According to Looper, the review described Pascal’s character as the “seemingly perfect ‘unicorn’ of a boyfriend,” while social media users expressed strong opinions, with many finding the film “awful.”
Online Reaction and Controversy
The release of “Materialists” sparked intense online debate. Social media users like @AlanaMediavilla criticized the film on X, stating, “I HATED this movie. Great actors and cinematography just to be met with god awful writing.” Similarly, @DEbanks added, “Get ready to see the worst acting of your life.” However, not all reactions were negative; Stephanie Zacharek from Time magazine wrote that “Materialists” is more bittersweet than sweet, making it a “wonderful,” if elusive, experience. The film’s polarizing nature extended beyond social media as writer-director Celine Song defended John (Chris Evans) in response to online criticism, emphasizing the character’s depth and beauty.
Box Office Success Despite Controversy
In spite of its controversial reception, “Materialists” achieved a significant commercial milestone. The film grossed over $100 million worldwide at the box office, making it a notable success for a romantic comedy in an era where such films often struggle to find financial success. This achievement underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted romance and comedy despite varying audience preferences.
The release of “Materialists” on HBO Max on November 7, 2025, offers audiences a chance to form their own opinions. Whether one sees it as “broke boy propaganda” or a fitting tribute to modern dating, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and relationships in contemporary society.
