Everyone is talking about The Materialists. It’s that movie. You know, the one with Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans that feels like it’s been haunting our social media feeds since the first grainy set photos leaked from the streets of New York. Honestly, after what Celine Song did with Past Lives, the hype was always going to be a bit much. People want to know how to watch The Materialists because, let’s face it, we’re all suckers for a well-dressed romantic comedy that actually has a brain.
Wait. It's not just a rom-com. Not really.
A24, the studio behind the film, has a specific way of doing things. They don't just dump movies onto Netflix and hope for the best. They make you wait. They make you go to the theater. If you’re looking to catch this one, you need to understand the rollout strategy because it isn't going to be the same as a Disney blockbuster or a random Adam Sandler flick.
The Theatrical Window: Why You Can’t Stream It Yet
You can’t stream The Materialists today. Sorry.
A24 thrives on the "slow burn." Usually, they launch at a major festival—think Sundance or TIFF—to get the critics screaming about it, and then they hit the "prestige" theaters in LA and NYC. If you want to watch The Materialists the second it drops, you’re looking at a traditional theatrical release. This isn't just about the money, though that's part of it. It’s about the "vibe." Celine Song shoots on film. She wants you to see the grain of the New York pavement on a massive screen, not on your cracked iPhone 13 while you’re sitting on the subway.
Historically, A24 movies stay in theaters for at least 45 to 60 days before they even sniff a digital platform. Sometimes it's longer if the movie becomes a "word of mouth" hit like Everything Everywhere All At Once. If the box office numbers stay high, they’ll keep it in theaters. If it's a niche hit, it might hit VOD (Video on Demand) faster.
How Digital Releases Actually Work
Once that theatrical window closes, the movie moves to "Home Premiere." This is the part where you pay $19.99 to "rent" it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Google Play. It’s expensive. I know. But it’s the only way to see it before it lands on a subscription service.
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- Apple TV & iTunes: Usually the best quality for 4K.
- Amazon Prime Video: The easiest if you already have your credit card linked.
- YouTube/Google Play: Good for Android users.
Then, and only then, does it move to a streaming home.
The A24 and Max Partnership
Here is the most important bit of info for anyone trying to figure out how to watch The Materialists without paying twenty bucks for a rental. In late 2023, A24 signed a massive, multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. This means that Max (formerly HBO Max) is the exclusive streaming home for A24’s entire theatrical slate.
If you’re waiting for this movie to show up on Netflix, don’t hold your breath. It isn't happening.
The timeline for Max is usually six to nine months after the theatrical premiere. If The Materialists hits theaters in early 2025, you’re probably looking at a late summer or fall 2025 streaming debut on Max. It’s a long wait. Is it worth it? Probably. Celine Song’s dialogue is the kind of stuff you want to rewind and listen to twice.
What is The Materialists Actually About?
It’s about a professional matchmaker. Dakota Johnson plays her.
She gets involved with a wealthy man (Pedro Pascal), but—and there's always a "but"—her "toxic" ex-boyfriend (Chris Evans) comes back into the picture. It’s set in New York. It’s messy. It’s supposedly a "rom-com," but considering Song’s previous work, expect it to be a lot more melancholic and intellectual than your standard Hallmark movie.
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People are calling it a "screwball comedy," which is a throwback to the 1930s and 40s style of filmmaking. Think fast talking, high stakes, and lots of class-based tension.
The Star Power Factor
Let’s be real. Most people searching for how to watch The Materialists are doing it because of the cast.
- Dakota Johnson: She has this specific, deadpan energy that works perfectly for a cynical matchmaker.
- Pedro Pascal: He is currently the internet's favorite person. Anything he touches turns to gold.
- Chris Evans: Seeing him play a "bum" or a "messy ex" is a great pivot from the Captain America days.
The chemistry on set was reportedly electric. When you have three actors of this caliber in a room, the "where" to watch it matters less than the "when." You want to see it before the spoilers hit Twitter.
International Viewing: A Different Story
If you are outside the US, the rules change. A24 doesn’t always distribute their own movies internationally. Often, they sell the rights to local distributors.
In the UK, it might be Entertainment Film Distributors. In Canada, it’s often Elevation Pictures. This means The Materialists might end up on different streaming services depending on where you live. In the UK, for instance, many A24 films eventually land on Sky Cinema or Now TV rather than Max. In Australia, keep an eye on Binge or Stan.
Technical Specs and the Best Way to Watch
If you're a cinephile, you care about the specs. Celine Song collaborated again with cinematographer Shabier Kirchner for this project. They used 35mm film.
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Why does this matter? Because if you watch a low-quality pirated version or a heavily compressed stream, you lose the texture. The colors in Song’s New York are vibrant but grounded. To truly appreciate the visual language of The Materialists, you really should aim for a 4K UHD presentation once it hits digital platforms.
- Physical Media: Yes, A24 still does Blu-rays. Sometimes they release "Collector’s Editions" through their own webstore. These are usually gorgeous and come with zines or photo books.
- Soundtrack: The score is a huge part of the atmosphere. Get a good pair of headphones if you’re watching at home.
Avoiding Scams and Fake Sites
Whenever a hyped movie comes out, "free movie" sites pop up everywhere. Don't click them. They are usually phishing sites or just loops of trailers meant to steal your data. If you’re looking for how to watch The Materialists, stick to the legitimate paths: Theaters, VOD, or Max.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to make sure you don't miss the window, here is what you should do right now.
Check the A24 official website or their Twitter (X) feed. They are the first to announce "Special Screenings." Sometimes they do one-night-only events in Alamo Drafthouse theaters that include Q&As with the cast.
If you aren't a Max subscriber, look for deals. Often, you can get a week-long trial or a discounted monthly rate through third-party providers like Hulu or Amazon. Time your subscription for the month The Materialists is slated to drop.
Finally, if you haven't seen Past Lives, watch it now. It’s on Max. It will give you a sense of Celine Song’s rhythm and why everyone is so obsessed with her second feature. Understanding her style will make your experience with The Materialists much more rewarding when you finally sit down to watch it.