Spoiler Alert: This article contains mild spoilers for “Materialists,” currently showing in theaters.

The film “Materialists,” directed by Celine Music and serving as a sequel to “Previous Lives,” provides an insightful exploration of how wealth and financial status influence modern relationships. The main character, Lucy (portrayed by Dakota Johnson), is a skilled matchmaker whose clients often have stringent income requirements for potential partners, reflecting Lucy’s own desires. She is acutely aware of the importance of financial stability and aspires to the elite lifestyle that many striving upper-class New Yorkers covet. This desire encapsulates the pressures faced by individuals navigating the complexities of romantic relationships within a capitalist society.

The film effectively uses the geography of New York City to underscore its themes of socioeconomic disparity. According to set decorator Amy Silver, who has worked on notable projects such as “The Beguiled” and “The Mastermind,” “The film is all about class, and the neighborhoods everyone resides in are a direct reflection of their social standing.” This critical observation allows audiences to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, as the visual storytelling highlights the stark differences in living conditions across the city.

Throughout the film, various apartments are showcased, revealing the dramatic contrasts between Harry’s lavish penthouse and the humble living conditions of John (played by Chris Evans). The disparity between these two environments is not only exaggerated for comedic effect but also rings true for many New Yorkers, illustrating the vast range of housing experiences in the city. This dichotomy emphasizes the characters’ differing financial situations and their implications on their life choices and relationships.

Amy Silver collaborated with production designer Anthony Gasparro to meticulously craft the apartment environments seen on screen. The duo shared insights with Variety on their creative process, discussing how each living space was thoughtfully designed to reflect the character’s lifestyle choices and potential rental costs. They also explored the various locations chosen for weddings and the bustling Adore office, each contributing to the film’s rich narrative tapestry.

Discovering Lucy’s Unique Brooklyn Heights Apartment

Location: Brooklyn Heights

Estimated Rental Price: $3,200/month

Interestingly, the initial script envisioned Lucy residing in Greenpoint. However, according to Gasparro, none of the available locations fit the vision they had for her character. After exploring Williamsburg, the team ultimately settled on Brooklyn Heights. “It’s not precisely Brooklyn Heights, but rather a unique area between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill,” Gasparro explains. Finding Lucy’s apartment was a challenge, as the crew was intent on presenting a living space that felt distinct from typical romantic comedies.

Importantly, the chosen apartment had to reflect what Lucy could realistically afford. Silver notes, “Her apartment was very deliberate in its design. While it doesn’t feature prominently in the film, every element was carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged.” This attention to detail ensures that the audience can connect with Lucy’s character on a deeper level, understanding her aspirations and limitations.

Moreover, the decor was intentionally curated to align with Lucy’s financial reality. Gasparro mentions, “She might splurge a little on the dining table but would likely opt for IKEA flatware. Given her busy lifestyle, the apartment is compact. It cleverly utilizes the fire escape as a reflective space for her to unwind or enjoy a moment of solitude.” This thoughtful design choice speaks volumes about Lucy’s character and her pursuit of balance in her hectic life.

A standout feature for Silver is the vintage makeup desk where Lucy is first seen in the movie. “I found this desk in Hudson, NY. It previously belonged to Norman Rockwell,” she shares. “This stunning, kidney-shaped Victorian desk, painted white with a mirrored top, stood out beautifully in her apartment. I loved that it was the only vintage piece in her otherwise modern space.” This touch of history adds depth to Lucy’s character, enhancing her narrative arc within the film.

Both creators emphasize the apartment’s modest size. “It’s about the size of a laptop,” Gasparro reflects. “Typically, many cinematographers would reject such compact spaces, but Shabier Kirchner fully embraced it, understanding its significance in conveying the reality of Lucy’s situation.” They aimed for authenticity, considering Lucy’s stated income of $80,000 a year and the challenges of affording even a small apartment in New York City.

Lucy’s choice to reside in this neighborhood reflects her aspirations for wealth, even if she isn’t home frequently. “Brooklyn Heights is undeniably affluent, yet Lucy occupies a spot on its periphery. This decision suggests she desires to associate with individuals of means,” Silver explains. The narrative cleverly highlights this juxtaposition, allowing viewers to appreciate the complexities of Lucy’s character and her environment.

“She also desires proximity to the subway and shies away from living in the outer boroughs as she aims to stay close to Manhattan and the Adore office,” Gasparro adds. “Even if she could secure a more spacious apartment in Sunset Park, she wouldn’t settle for that. Lucy prefers a smaller space that resonates with the Manhattan vibe, illustrating her ambition and lifestyle choices.” This aspect of her character enhances the film’s exploration of social aspirations and personal identity.

Unveiling Harry’s Luxurious Tribeca Penthouse

Location: Tribeca

Estimated Rental Price: He owns the condo outright.

Harry’s opulent $12 million penthouse required the team to find a location that exuded both richness and a sophisticated aesthetic reflective of Harry’s character. “There’s an air of sophistication to it; it feels bespoke and incredibly tasteful,” Gasparro states. The design choices made for this space were aimed at showcasing Harry’s refined lifestyle, which is integral to the film’s narrative.

The search for a location with appropriate scale and dimensions for extensive filming was challenging, particularly for the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Once they discovered the right space, Gasparro recalls, “We knew this would be a cornerstone for how the rest of the film would visually unfold.” This strategic choice underlines the importance of setting in storytelling and character development.

Harry’s penthouse is a real apartment inhabited by a family, which presented unique challenges. Silver had to remove any family-oriented elements to transform it into a bachelor pad. She describes the style of Harry’s place as “quiet luxury,” which evokes a sense of understated elegance and sophistication.

The apartment showcased a palette of neutral colors, reflecting a design sensibility reminiscent of the 2010s. “It featured exquisite antiques and Italian lighting fixtures, including Charlotte Perriand sconces on the walls,” Silver notes. “While nothing screamed major designer brands, each piece was carefully selected and exuded quality and refinement.” This attention to detail enhances the storytelling, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in Harry’s world.

The crew faced limitations when working in Harry’s penthouse, particularly when it came to making alterations. They could only construct a new headboard and mattress for Harry’s bedroom, a necessity given the extensive filming in that area. “We were restricted in what we could do due to the plastered walls, which made it impossible to hang anything,” Gasparro explains. “Amy had this idea of creating a large headboard and then sourcing beautiful sheets and bedding for it.” This inventive approach showcases the collaborative nature of film production and the creative solutions that arise from constraints.

Exploring John’s Modest Sunset Park Apartment

Location: Sunset Park

Estimated Rental Price: $3,400/month shared among roommates

Interestingly, John’s apartment was actually constructed in a studio located in Long Island City, although its exterior is depicted as Sunset Park. Music used photos of a place where her husband, Justin Kuritzkes, once lived as a reference for the rundown apartment’s design. “We had an amazing crew, including a talented construction and scenic team that brought this vision to life. We emphasized the wear and tear that a typical apartment with multiple roommates would experience,” Gasparro shares.

The design team aimed to incorporate details that reflected the challenges of living in a traditional, poorly maintained rental. Gasparro mentions features like a painted-over intercom, unattractive sconces, peeling paint on pipes, and a shabby air conditioning unit, all of which contribute to the authentic portrayal of John’s living conditions.

“This apartment is the kind of place only a New Yorker would dare to inhabit. It lacks a proper living room—just a narrow strip of wall with a couch and a single bathroom,” Silver explains. “[John’s] apartment is the most well-kept in the building because he has resided there the longest, giving him access to the best windows.” This remark highlights John’s character and his struggle to navigate life in a city filled with high rents.

Silver fondly recalls the process of hunting for the perfect decor elements. “It was enjoyable to source the most affordable items from Home Depot, IKEA, and thrift stores to create a visually appealing yet dilapidated aesthetic. I mean, he literally steps on a condom, which conveys a lot about his living situation. Plus, we even added a spaghetti dish left in the sink for several days, which resonated with many crew members who shared their own experiences of living in similar conditions,” she laughs.

At one point, John struggles to close the bathroom mirror, which springs open no matter how many times he pushes it back. This detail was included in the script, and Gasparro notes, “Amy found the perfect mirror, and surprisingly, we didn’t have to do any additional rigging to make it work.” This moment adds a layer of realism to John’s daily struggles.

To effectively visualize John’s cramped apartment, the crew mapped out the entire space with tape. “We taped where the sink would be, where he would step on the condom, and where the kitchen would fit. This allowed us to create a large, to-scale blueprint that we could walk Celine and Shabier through,” Gasparro explains. “Then we designed it from the ground up, ensuring it had just the right amount of space for Shabier to maneuver the camera and for everything to occur, keeping it small enough to convey a cramped, dingy atmosphere.”

Silver asserts that “this portrayal is not a fantasy of living in New York; it’s a realistic depiction of how three individuals with limited finances navigate life in a space that seems almost impossible to inhabit.” This perspective adds depth to the film’s exploration of urban living and the challenges faced by young adults in the city.

Examining Sophie’s Elegant West Village Residence

Location: West Village

Estimated Rental Price: $6,800/month

Sophie occupies a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment situated on “one of the most picturesque streets in New York City,” as Silver describes. This street holds global fame, largely due to its association with Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.”

“It’s only two houses away from the iconic residence featured in ‘Sex and the City,’ located on Perry Avenue. The intention was to reflect Sophie’s ability to afford a matchmaker, which indicates her apartment is more curated,” Gasparro explains. “She likely spent a bit more, affording built-in features and a larger dining table. Her aesthetic is more sophisticated, providing her with a greater sense of comfort than Lucy’s cramped apartment, where she must step outside for a breather.” This distinction highlights the varying lifestyles of the characters.

While viewers primarily see Sophie’s kitchen, the glimpses reflect her character traits effectively. “The design of her space suggests that although she has money, she remains somewhat of a blank slate. The aesthetic is minimalistic yet refined, featuring nicer items that are more mainstream than the quirky furnishings in Lucy’s apartment,” Silver notes. This contrast reinforces the film’s exploration of character development and personal identity.

Exploring the Various Filming Locations in “Materialists”

“Materialists” vividly showcases wedding culture and its associated grandeur. “The weddings are primarily set in Midtown, near Central Park, capturing the quintessential New York City vibe. You know, the iconic scenes featuring Central Park and Fifth Avenue, but we focused on areas closer to the upscale parts of Midtown, rather than Herald Square,” Gasparro shares.

Think of iconic venues like the Plaza Hotel. Gasparro recalls that the film was shot during peak wedding season, which limited their location options. “We needed to blend a few hotels to create the illusion of a singular venue,” he explains. This creative challenge speaks to the intricacies of film production and location scouting.

Regarding Lucy’s workplace, Adore, the creators envisioned it to be situated in a central area of New York City, embodying the lively heartbeat of the city. Gasparro notes, “We decided to film in Soho while also considering Union Square as a potential location,” highlighting the vibrant urban backdrop essential to the story.

Further filming locations included various restaurants in Tribeca and Lower Manhattan. John’s world, including the theater and his apartment, took place in Sunset Park and other Brooklyn neighborhoods, adding authenticity to his character’s experiences. Central Park also served as a significant setting, enriching the narrative with its iconic imagery and cultural significance.