Is ‘Materialists’ Broke Man Propaganda? Ending Sparks Mixed Fan Reactions

Fans are divided on the movie Materialists’ ending, leaving some to declare the film “broke man propaganda” —- and they’re refusing to fall for it.

Warning: spoilers for Materialists below.

The premise of the A24 film finds Dakota Johnson’s character, Lucy, choosing between two men: her ex John played by Chris Evans, or a potential new love match with Pedro Pascal‘s character, Harry.

Lucy is a successful matchmaker who sees love as a business transaction as she primarily focuses on setting up wealthy individuals. In her romantic life, Lucy seemingly wants the same as she’s on the search for someone who can support her. So when Harry, a rich tech founder, connects with Lucy at one of her client’s wedding, she’s intrigued.

However, John, a struggling actor, walks back into her life as he shows up as one of the event’s caterers. He winds up charming Lucy by bringing her go-to beverage: a Coca-Cola and a beer. John and Lucy’s relationship didn’t work out the first time due to their constant arguments over finances.

Lucy attempts to form a connection with Harry as he promises to whisk her away on a romantic trip to Iceland. But despite his wealth, the pair lack a spark. Lucy finds an engagement ring and decides to call things off with Harry.

After her breakup, Lucy decides to give things with John another try and he confesses he never stopped loving her. Materialists ended with Lucy and John getting engaged and obtaining a marriage license in a post-credit scene.

Some fans enjoyed Materialists’ ending and appreciated its commentary on transactional relationships.

“Materialists simultaneously made me somehow even more depressed about the state of dating in the modern age but also even more optimistic that true love and commitment still can (and does) exist against all odds,” one user wrote via X. “Because it always has and always will. Really special movie man.”

Others expressed their disappointment with Lucy choosing John over a more financially established man, going so far as to critique her for settling for something she did not want at first.

“Watching Materialists and realizing its broke man propaganda meant to teach women to reduce their standards,” one user wrote via TikTok. “And that they’re a ‘bad’ person for not wanting a partner who’s a brokie 37 year old struggling actor who can’t pay for parking on your anniversary vs a rich, kind, respectful guy who you already assumed is better than you and you won’t have a real conversation with bc you have an unhealthy attachment to your ex.”

Before Materialists even hit theaters, director Celine Strong already had a pretty good idea that the film’s ending would upset some viewers.

“I think it’s amazing that people feel so passionate about the actors behind the characters. But it’s a movie,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly published on Friday, June 13. “I would say it’s a movie. I feel so lucky and happy that these actors showed up to do this movie. We love it, and we believe in it.”