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Important Spoiler Alert: This text contains mild spoilers for the film “Materialists,” currently screening in theaters.

“Materialists,” the latest film from Celine Song, is a compelling follow-up to her previous work “Previous Lives.” This cinematic piece offers a revealing exploration of how wealth and socioeconomic status shape contemporary relationships. The story centers around Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, who works as a matchmaker. Lucy’s clients often have stringent income requirements for their potential partners, mirroring her own expectations. She is acutely aware of the importance of financial stability in her life, reflecting the aspirations of many striving to succeed in the elite circles of upper-class New Yorkers.

The film intricately portrays the geography of New York City, serving as a backdrop for its examination of class differences. As set decorator Amy Silver, known for her work on films like “The Beguiled” and “On the Rocks,” explains, “The film is all about class, and the neighborhoods where people reside instantly convey their social status.” This observation underscores how location plays a vital role in the narrative.

Several apartments featured in the film starkly contrast in quality and style, exemplified by the luxurious penthouse owned by Harry (played by Pedro Pascal) and the more modest accommodations shared by John (portrayed by Chris Evans). The absurd yet realistic contrasts between these living spaces highlight the disparities in wealth and lifestyle among the characters.

To create these authentic apartment settings, Silver collaborated closely with production designer Anthony Gasparro, whose previous credits include “Types of Kindness” and “Displaying Up.” In an interview with Variety, they discussed their creative process in designing the apartments showcased in the film, emphasizing what each space reveals about the character’s lifestyle and the estimated rent they pay. Additionally, they explored the locations chosen for weddings and the Adore office.

Exploring Lucy’s Unique Apartment in Brooklyn Heights

Location: Brooklyn Heights

Lease Estimate: $3,200/month

Initially, the script had Lucy living in Greenpoint, but Gasparro noted that none of the locations there were suitable. The team also considered Williamsburg before ultimately settling on Brooklyn Heights. “It’s not exactly Brooklyn Heights; it’s located between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill,” Gasparro explains. Finding Lucy’s apartment was a challenge, as the crew aimed for a setting that felt distinct from typical rom-com locations.

Importantly, the apartment needed to be something Lucy could realistically afford, as Silver points out. “Her apartment was very thoughtfully designed. Although it’s not prominently featured in the film, every detail was carefully considered.” This attention to detail helps convey Lucy’s character and lifestyle effectively.

Moreover, the decor choices reflect what she can realistically afford, according to Gasparro. “Perhaps she splurged a little on the table but opted for IKEA flatware. She likely doesn’t spend much time at home, so her space is relatively small. The fire escape also serves as a spot for her to reflect or enjoy a cigarette.” This blend of affordability and style is essential to understanding Lucy’s character.

One of Silver’s favorite details from the sets is the makeup desk where Lucy sits at the start of the film. “I found that desk in Hudson, NY. It once belonged to Norman Rockwell,” Silver reveals. “It’s a beautiful, Victorian-style, kidney-shaped desk painted white with a mirrored top. I loved that this was the only piece in her apartment with any sense of history.” This choice adds depth to Lucy’s character and aesthetic.

Both artisans emphasize the apartment’s small size, describing it as compact. “It was about the size of a laptop. It was great that Shabier Kirchner, the director of photography, embraced the smallness, which aligned with our realistic portrayal of Lucy’s living situation,” Gasparro explains. “Given that she claims to make $80,000 a year, we wanted to portray a realistic depiction of how one might afford a tiny apartment in New York City.”

Lucy’s choice to live in Brooklyn Heights also reflects her aspirations for wealth, even if she’s rarely at home. “Brooklyn Heights is an affluent neighborhood, and she lives on its fringes. This choice indicates her desire to reside in an area that attracts people with money,” Silver states.

Gasparro adds, “She also wants to be close to the subway, avoiding the outer boroughs. Despite being able to afford a larger apartment in Sunset Park, she opts for a smaller space closer to the Manhattan vibe.” This decision illustrates her commitment to her career and lifestyle.

Discovering Harry’s Luxurious Penthouse in Tribeca

Location: Tribeca

Lease Estimate: He owns the condo.

With a stunning $12 million penthouse, the production team sought a space that embodied the richness and aesthetic that defines Harry’s character. “There’s a sophistication to it. It’s almost bespoke and extremely tasteful,” Gasparro states, highlighting the importance of selecting a setting that matches Harry’s affluent lifestyle.

The search for a location that offered the right scale and dimensions for extensive filming was challenging, especially in key areas like the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Once they found the ideal space, Gasparro remarked, “We knew this would be one of the cornerstones influencing the movie’s overall visual style.”

Harry’s penthouse is a real location, currently inhabited by a family. Silver meticulously removed any elements that appeared too family-oriented to transform it into a bachelor pad. She describes Harry’s style as embodying “quiet luxury,” blending modern elegance with understated sophistication.

“The apartment primarily featured neutral tones and reflected a design sensibility typical of the 2010s, with many distinctive antiques. The lighting included exquisite Italian fixtures and Charlotte Perriand sconces on the walls,” explains Silver. “Although nothing screamed big-name designers, everything was quite special and pricey.” This attention to detail enhances Harry’s character depth.

The production team faced limitations in making physical changes to the space, aside from adding a new headboard and mattress for Harry’s bedroom, as they filmed extensively in that room. “We were constrained in what we could do because the walls were plastered, preventing us from mounting anything on them. Therefore, Amy proposed creating a large headboard and incorporating beautiful linens and bedding,” Gasparro elaborates.

Unpacking John’s Modest Apartment in Sunset Park

Location: Sunset Park

Lease Estimate: $3,400/month shared among roommates

Although John’s apartment was filmed in a studio in Long Island City, the exterior is representative of Sunset Park. Music drew inspiration from photos of a dilapidated apartment where her husband, Justin Kuritzkes, once lived. “We also had a great team, including a talented construction and scenic crew, who helped create a realistic setting. The design included wear and tear that these apartments would realistically experience with multiple roommates coming and going,” Gasparro explains.

The artisans included elements reflecting what a “traditional, lazy landlord would do,” such as a painted-over intercom, unattractive sconces, peeling paint on pipes, and a malfunctioning air conditioner. These details helped ground John’s living conditions in reality.

“It’s the kind of apartment only someone in New York would dare to occupy. There isn’t a real living room; just a narrow strip of wall with a couch and a single bathroom,” Silver describes. “John’s apartment is the best in the building because he has lived there the longest, so he has the most windows.”

Silver recalls the challenge of sourcing the right decor. “It was fun to find the cheapest items at places like Home Depot, IKEA, and thrift stores while making them look appealing, despite the overall run-down appearance. For example, he steps on a condom, which tells a lot about the living situation. Tony even had us leave leftover spaghetti in the sink for days to enhance the realism. Many crew members commented, ‘I lived in an apartment like this,’” she shares.

At one point, John struggles with a bathroom mirror that won’t close properly, a detail included in the script. Gasparro explains, “Amy found the perfect mirror, and it worked out seamlessly without needing any rigging.” This attention to detail contributed to the authenticity of John’s environment.

To bring the apartment to life, the crew mapped out the entire space using tape. “We taped out where the sink would be, where he would step on the condom, and where the kitchen would be. This large, to-scale blueprint allowed us to visualize the space as we walked Celine and Shabier through it,” Gasparro explains. “We designed it from the ground up, ensuring it had just the right amount of space for Shabier to maneuver the camera while capturing the cramped and dingy atmosphere.”

Silver emphasizes that “this isn’t a fantasy of living in New York; it’s a realistic portrayal of how three individuals with limited resources navigate life in a nearly impossible living space.”

Exploring Sophie’s Chic Apartment in the West Village

Location: West Village

Lease Estimate: $6,800/month

Sophie resides in a stylish two-bedroom, two-bath apartment situated on “one of the most beautiful streets in New York City,” as described by Silver. This street has gained fame thanks to its association with Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.”

“I believe it’s just two houses down from the renowned home featured in ‘Sex and the City’ on Perry Avenue. The idea was that since she could afford a matchmaker, her apartment would be more thoughtfully designed,” Gasparro explains. “She invested a bit more money in her space, having more built-ins and a larger desk. Her refined taste reflects her ambition and affluence, contrasting with Lucy’s cramped living situation where she often needs to sit outside for some relief.”

While audiences primarily see Sophie’s kitchen, even this glimpse aligns with our understanding of her character. “The concept for her space was that she had money but was also somewhat of a blank canvas. The aesthetic was minimalist yet elegant, with quality items that were perhaps more mainstream compared to Lucy’s uniquely styled furnishings,” Silver notes.

Highlighting Iconic Locations in “Materialists”

“Materialists” intricately showcases wedding culture and its extravagant elements. “The weddings are set in Midtown, particularly around Central Park, presenting the quintessential New York City backdrop. Whenever you see a film featuring Central Park and Fifth Avenue, it’s not the Midtown near Herald Square, but rather closer to Central Park, which is slightly more upscale,” Gasparro explains.

Envision the grandeur of the Plaza Hotel. Gasparro recalls that filming occurred during peak wedding season, which limited their venue options. “We had to combine several hotels to create the appearance of a single venue,” he shares.

In terms of Lucy’s workplace, Adore: “We envisioned it as a central New York City location with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent accessibility,” Gasparro says. “Consequently, we decided to film in Soho, while also exploring options in Union Square.”

Additional filming locations included restaurants primarily in Tribeca or lower Manhattan, while John’s world—encompassing the theater and his apartment—was based in either Sunset Park or other areas of Brooklyn. Lastly, Central Park also features prominently in the film’s narrative,” Gasparro concludes.