The Brutalist is a highly anticipated historical drama from acclaimed director Brady Corbet, known for his visually striking and thought-provoking films like The Childhood of a Leader and Vox Lux. Set in the tumultuous aftermath of World War II, the film delves into the complex themes of trauma, survival, and the American Dream. A stellar cast, including Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn and Alessandro Nivola, brings to life a tale of a Holocaust survivor navigating a new life in post-war America.
The film chronicles three decades in the life of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-born Jewish architect who survived the Holocaust. After World War II, László emigrates to the United States alone when he and his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) become separated through no fault of their own. László’s new life begins in poverty and hardship, when he struggles to find his footing in a foreign land. His fortunes take a dramatic turn when he secures a contract with Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy and enigmatic client whose commission will change the course of his entire existence. This relationship, set against the backdrop of Brutalist architecture, explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the price of success.
Brady Corbet, a director known for his ambitious and often unsettling narratives, uses the Brutalist architecture as both a visual and thematic framework for the film. The stark, imposing concrete structures symbolise the harsh realities of László’s journey, reflecting the post-war era’s tension between rebuilding and the lingering scars of destruction. Corbet’s direction is meticulous, blending the raw, unyielding nature of Brutalism with the emotional complexity of his characters’ lives. Here he offers a powerful meditation on the intersection of art, history, and identity.
Adrien Brody’s performance as László Tóth is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his ability to fully inhabit his roles, Brody brings a quiet intensity to László, portraying a man who is both shaped by his past and determined to forge a new future. His nuanced portrayal captures the inner turmoil and resilience of a survivor navigating the complexities of a new world away from everything he once cherished. This role stands out as one of Brody’s finest, potentially defining his career and placing him among the contenders for major awards.
At 3 hours and 35 minutes, The Brutalist is an epic narrative that requires patience and engagement from its audience. The film’s considerable length is necessary to fully explore the depth of its characters and the intricacies of its story. An intermission is wisely included, allowing viewers to process the film’s weighty themes before its climactic conclusion. This grand structure is reminiscent of classic cinema, where storytelling was given the space and time to unfold at its own pace.
The Brutalist is a monumental achievement that showcases Brady Corbet’s evolution as a filmmaker. With its ambitious scope, powerful performances, and profound exploration of historical and personal themes, the film is poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema. The Brutalist not only affirms Corbet’s place as one of contemporary cinema’s most daring voices but also signals a shift in the possibilities of historical drama, making it a film that will be studied and revered for years to come. I would be surprised if I saw a better movie this year.
