Materialists is an upcoming romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Celine Song. Best known for her critically acclaimed film Past Lives, Celine returns with a new story that explores love, ambition, and the pressure of living in a high-status world.
The film follows Lucy, a successful matchmaker working with New York City’s wealthiest clients. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Randy, a rich best man at a lavish wedding, and runs into her ex-boyfriend, John, a struggling actor. This leads her into a complicated love triangle where she must balance her heart, her image, and her career.
Starring Dakota Johnson as Lucy, with Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal in major roles, Materialists is set for release on June 13, 2025, in the U.S. by A24. Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle the global distribution.
Here at NetFilming, we’re diving into the real filming locations used in the movie—and yes, they’re as glamorous and iconic as you’d expect from a story set in New York City.
Where Was Materialists Filmed?
The entire movie was shot in New York City, New York, a city that’s practically a character in the film. Its vibrant energy, upscale venues, and iconic landmarks perfectly suit the story’s themes of love, status, and ambition. Filming took place over five weeks, from April 29, 2024, to June 6, 2024, capturing the city’s glamorous side. Here are the standout locations used in Materialists:
Cooper Union – A Historic Gem
One of the key filming spots was Cooper Union, a prestigious institution in Manhattan’s East Village. Because of its distinctive design and cultural value, filmmakers love this old building with its beautiful architecture. In Materialists, Cooper Union is probably used as a setting for sequences that have to do with the city’s art and intellectual scene. The film’s romantic and ambitious tone is enhanced by its bold, timeless appearance, which fits perfectly with Lucy’s world of elite matchmaking.
Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church – A Grand Wedding Venue
The main wedding scene was filmed at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Midtown Manhattan. This famous church has Romanesque and Byzantine-style architecture that is quite beautiful. Filmmakers love to shoot there because of its enormous interiors and intricate décor. The chapel probably sets the scene for a fancy wedding in Materialists, as Lucy’s love triangle starts to unfold. This place will steal the show if you like wedding sequences in movies.
Lotte New York Palace – Luxury at Its Finest
The Lotte New York Palace, a luxurious hotel in the heart of Manhattan, was another filming location. Hollywood has used this famous place in a lot of movies and TV shows, including Gossip Girl. The movie’s focus on high society and matchmaking for the wealthy fits wonderfully with the restaurant’s fancy decor and posh atmosphere. The Lotte New York Palace provides a bit of luxury to Materialists, whether it’s a romantic moment or a tense meeting.
New York City’s Streets and Cafés
In addition to these well-known sites, Materialists also employ New York City’s streets, cafés, and other high-end places. The city’s busy streets and cute corners make the plot feel real. These places, from intimate coffee shops to fancy event spaces, show what Lucy and her clients do every day. They anchor the film’s love turbulence in a context that is both accessible and aspirational.
When Was Materialists Filmed?
Filming started on April 29, 2024, and ended on June 6, 2024. The cast and crew filmed a number of sequences around the city during this time, using real places instead of studio sets. This choice makes the movie more real and shows the vitality of New York’s upper society.
The cinematography was handled by Shabier Kirchner, who also worked on Past Lives. What’s notable is that the entire movie was shot on 35mm film, giving it a more natural and cinematic feel—something that stands out in today’s digital-heavy productions.
Although most of the filming was done in Manhattan, there were also reports of brief shoots in Upstate New York. However, the main story sticks to the city’s core, showing both its charm and complexity.
Materialists Behind The Scenes
The making of Materialists brought together a talented team both in front of and behind the camera, creating a collaborative environment that enriched the film’s development.
Director Celine Song used her own experience as a professional matchmaker in New York City to make the story feel real. “I had to get a job as a matchmaker,” she said. It was my job to help people fall in love, but it also made me think a lot about what love is and what it meant to be with someone.”
Dakota Johnson, the lead actor, said she loved Song’s vision, saying, “I am deeply in love with her—both as a filmmaker and as a person.” Johnson also talked on how close the actors became, saying, “It’s one of those rare moments in my career where I felt inspired and connected with both of those dudes [Pascal and Evans] and everyone on set.”
Christine Vachon, the producer, said of Song’s changing style of directing, “It seems like she makes a different movie every time. She’s going to be the kind of filmmaker who doesn’t make the same movie twice.”
The movie was made entirely in New York City, using famous places to reflect the themes of love and ambition in the plot. The movie was shot from April 29 to June 6, 2024, and it showed off the city’s lively spirit. Photos taken behind the scenes showed the cast filming in different neighborhoods, such as the West Village, which helped give the movie its real urban environment.
Materialists Official Trailer
The movie comes out on June 13, 2025, so keep a lookout for it. You can also find out more about your favorite movies’ filming locations & behind the scenes on NetFilming!
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