What makes a film truly epic? Is it the grand scale of the narrative or the raw emotional power of its characters? “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, is a film that flawlessly combines both. Praised as one of the most compelling cinematic achievements of the year, this 215-minute historical drama has quickly garnered widespread acclaim. From its powerful performances, led by Adrien Brody, to its visually arresting cinematography, “The Brutalist” is not just a film—it’s a towering work of art that examines themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream. Ahead of the film’s official wide release, here’s an in-depth exploration of what makes “The Brutalist” an unmissable masterpiece.
Exploring the Story of “The Brutalist”
At its heart, The Brutalist tells the story of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Jewish-Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor who immigrates to the United States in 1947 with his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones). After escaping war-torn Europe, László is determined to rebuild his life and legacy as he navigates the hardships of pursuing the elusive “American dream.” Central to his struggle is a wealthy and enigmatic client, Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce), whose influence brings both opportunity and conflict to László’s life.
A Tale of Resilience and Ambition
The narrative captures László’s pursuit of meaning as he grapples with society’s prejudices, personal traumas, and the limitations of his pursuits. Told across decades, the film unfolds like a modern-day “Godfather,” focusing on the complexities of human survival and ambition amid an unforgiving world.
Architectural Symbolism
The film does more than just tell a biographical story. Architectural design becomes a metaphor for the monumental challenges László faces as he builds not just physical structures but also his identity in a foreign land.
What Sets “The Brutalist” Apart?
The Performances
Adrien Brody delivers one of the most impactful performances of his career, portraying the unstable yet deeply empathetic László Tóth. His nuanced portrayal highlights the emotional toll of ambition and trauma. Felicity Jones, meanwhile, creates a quietly powerful Erzsébet, and Guy Pearce’s chilling performance as Harrison perfectly balances charm and menace.
Masterful Direction by Brady Corbet
Brady Corbet, widely known for his indie successes like “Vox Lux,” directs The Brutalist with extraordinary vision. His ability to weave a fundamentally human story within an epic framework elevates this film to artistic heights. Corbet combines meticulous period detail with emotional weight, making each scene both visually stunning and narratively gripping.
Haunting Cinematography
Shot with VistaVision cameras for extra-wide aspect ratios, The Brutalist uses architectural landscapes to create mind-blowing visual compositions. The film’s cinematographer, Lol Crawley, delivers imagery that’s nothing short of mesmerizing, with rich color palettes that evoke both hope and melancholy.
Compelling Score
Composed by Daniel Blumberg, the haunting musical score amplifies the film’s emotional core. With instruments like prepared pianos and synthesizers, the soundtrack helps establish the film’s dreamlike tone.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
“The Brutalist” has swept up accolades during its festival circuit, including the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the Venice International Film Festival. Critics have compared it to The Godfather and celebrated its ability to blend social commentary with a deeply personal story. With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is seen as a strong contender for the upcoming Oscars.
FAQs About The Brutalist
Is The Brutalist a good movie?
Without a doubt. Critics and festival audiences have praised it as one of 2024’s best films, citing its masterful storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances.
What is The Brutalist about?
The film tells the story of Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth as he emigrated to the United States after WWII. It captures his struggles to rebuild his legacy while confronting personal and societal challenges.
Where can I stream or watch The Brutalist?
The movie will premiere in select theaters on December 20, 2024, before expanding to a wide release in January 2025. A24 films are typically available for streaming on Max roughly four months after their theatrical release.
Where was The Brutalist shot?
Filming took place in Budapest, Hungary, and Carrara, Italy, beautifully capturing the post-war architectural landscapes.
The Brutalist—A Future Classic in Modern Cinema
With its gripping performances, breathtaking visuals, and resonant themes, The Brutalist redefines the concept of an epic film. It is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the mind and soul—a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re an avid film lover or just venturing into historical dramas, make sure to add The Brutalist to your must-watch list.