So, you just finished Celine Song’s latest New York romance, Materialists, and you’re probably sitting there wondering if Lucy Mason actually made the "right" choice. Or maybe you're just trying to settle a bet with a friend about whether the rich guy ever actually wins in these movies. It’s a fair question. The film spends two hours basically poking fun at our obsession with dating "metrics"—height, bank accounts, and social status—only to rip the rug out from under us in the final act.
If you’re looking for the short answer: Dakota Johnson’s character, Lucy, ends up with John, her "broke" ex-boyfriend played by Chris Evans.
But honestly, the way they get there is way more interesting than just a name. It isn't your typical "happily ever after" because the movie goes out of its way to remind you that their future involves a lot of financial stress and shared takeout.
The Love Triangle: Harry vs. John
To understand why Lucy chooses who she does, you have to look at what they represent. Lucy is a high-end matchmaker at a firm called Adore. She’s cynical. She’s practical. She literally tells her clients that marriage is a "business deal" or a search for a "grave buddy."
Then she meets Harry Castillo (Pedro Pascal). On paper, Harry is the "Unicorn." He’s a wealthy financier, he’s charming, and he’s the brother of one of her successful matches. He is the ultimate material prize. He takes her to five-star restaurants and offers her a life of absolute security.
Then there’s John Pitts (Chris Evans). John is the ghost of Lucy's past. He’s a struggling theater actor who works catering gigs to pay the rent in a cramped apartment with roommates. He knows her drink order (a weird mix of Coca-Cola and beer), and he knows the version of Lucy that existed before she started selling love to the one percent.
What Really Happened at the End of Materialists
The turning point isn't a grand romantic gesture, but a series of realizations that make Lucy’s "logical" world fall apart. First, there’s the trauma of one of her professional matches going horribly wrong—a client, Sophie, is assaulted by a man Lucy thought was a "perfect" match. This shakes Lucy's faith in her own algorithms.
Then there’s the "Unicorn" himself. Right before a planned trip to Iceland, Lucy discovers Harry's secret: he had a $200,000 tibial lengthening surgery just to be taller. It’s a massive reveal that shows Harry is just as insecure and "manufactured" as the dating market Lucy serves. He’s not a natural unicorn; he’s a guy who paid to look like one.
When she realizes she doesn't love the "perfect" life Harry offers, she goes to John.
They end up gatecrashing a wedding upstate together, which is a classic rom-com trope, but Celine Song keeps it grounded. They admit they still have feelings, but they also admit why they failed the first time—Lucy’s fear of being poor.
The Final Scene: A Very Poor Financial Decision
The ending is basically a middle finger to the idea of "marrying up." Instead of a diamond ring from a private equity tycoon, Lucy gets a flower ring.
In Central Park, John proposes by asking: "How’d ya like to make a very poor financial decision?"
It’s a callback to their earlier arguments about money. By saying yes, Lucy isn't just choosing John; she’s choosing to stop viewing her life as a portfolio to be optimized.
Does She Keep Her Job?
During the credits, we see them at the New York City Marriage Bureau getting their license. It’s unglamorous and crowded, surrounded by other regular people. While her boss, Violet, offered her a big promotion to run the New York office, the movie leaves it slightly open whether she stays. However, director Celine Song has mentioned in interviews that Lucy likely keeps the job—after all, someone has to pay the rent while John chases his acting dreams.
The Materialists Ending Explained: Quick Breakdown
- The Choice: Lucy chooses John (Chris Evans) over Harry (Pedro Pascal).
- The Reason: She realizes Harry’s perfection is artificial (the leg-lengthening surgery) and that her professional matchmaking logic doesn't account for actual human connection.
- The Ring: A handmade daisy/flower ring, contrasting with the expensive engagement ring Harry had hidden in his luggage.
- The Final Status: They get married at a courthouse, embracing a life that is "materially" unstable but emotionally full.
If you’re still thinking about that leg-lengthening scene, you aren't alone. It’s the weirdest part of the movie, but it’s the most important for Lucy’s growth. It proves that the "perfect" person on paper is often just someone who’s worked the hardest to hide their flaws.
Next time you're watching, keep an eye on the background characters at the Marriage Bureau. It’s meant to show that Lucy and John are finally just "one of many" instead of trying to be the elite "unicorns" of New York City.
If you want to dive deeper into why this ending felt so divisive, you should check out the director's commentary on the A24 Blu-ray release—she talks a lot about how "marrying for love" is actually the ultimate luxury.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the "Math of Modern Dating" featurette on the digital release to see how they choreographed the high-stakes matchmaking scenes.
- Listen to the soundtrack by Japanese Breakfast; the music shifts specifically between orchestral "wealthy" themes and lo-fi "John" themes.
- Compare this to Past Lives (Song's first film). You'll notice she has a very specific way of handling "the one who got away" trope.