Introduction:
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist captures the emotional and personal journey of a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and seeks a fresh start in post-war America. This compelling drama dives deep into themes of survival, resilience, and identity while exploring the architect’s professional and personal struggles. With a unique narrative style and a star-studded cast, The Brutalist quickly gained attention after its debut.
We will take an in-depth look at The Brutalist, covering everything from its plot and themes to its release date and cast. The film promises a compelling exploration of identity, trauma, and art that will resonate with audiences globally.
The Brutalist Release Date
The release date of The Brutalist quickly became a topic of interest after its premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2024. Critics praised its deep storytelling and brilliant performances at the festival, immediately fueling global anticipation for the film’s wider release. The film then made its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2024.
The film’s U.S. theatrical release occurred on December 20, 2024, rolling out to a limited number of theaters before expanding to more cities. This limited release helped build up excitement for the full international rollout. In the United Kingdom, The Brutalist will hit theaters on January 24, 2025, giving UK audiences a chance to experience the powerful drama.
A Deep Dive into The Brutalist Plot
The Brutalist tells the emotional story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the horrors of the Holocaust. He and his wife Erzsébet find an opportunity to escape their past and start a new life in post-war America. Although they hope for a fresh start, they face difficulties in their new home. The immigrant experience in America proves challenging, both emotionally and professionally, for László and Erzsébet.
The film takes its title from the architectural style that László becomes known for in his work. Brutalist architecture, characterized by its stark, concrete structures and rigid designs, symbolizes the emotional walls László constructs around himself. Each building he designs represents an element of his survival story. The relationship between architecture and trauma becomes a central theme in the film, as László’s passion for building reflects his desire to create something permanent and lasting in a world that has been cruel and unforgiving.
László’s professional ambitions form one part of the film’s plot, while his personal life and his relationship with Erzsébet provide the emotional core. The couple’s bond becomes strained as they struggle to cope with their shared trauma and the challenges of building a new life. The film’s intimate portrayal of their relationship adds depth to the story, making it an emotionally charged drama that explores both personal and professional survival.
Themes Explored in The Brutalist
Several themes run through The Brutalist, making it a rich, multifaceted film that resonates on many levels. One key theme is survival. László’s journey from Holocaust survivor to celebrated architect captures the essence of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Despite the hardships he endures, he clings to his art as a way of rebuilding both his life and his identity. The film illustrates how art can serve as a powerful tool for healing and transformation.
The immigrant experience also plays a critical role in the story. László and Erzsébet struggle to adapt to American culture, facing challenges that many immigrants can relate to—economic uncertainty, cultural alienation, and societal discrimination. Their attempts to fit into a foreign world reflect the universal struggles of immigrants who must navigate both the opportunities and difficulties of starting over in a new country.
Architecture as a metaphor for identity ties the story together. The structures László designs reflect his emotional state—rigid, cold, and detached. This brutalist style reflects his struggles to deal with his past while trying to create a future. The film uses architecture to illustrate how personal expression and professional work can intertwine, revealing much about a person’s inner world.
Finally, the film explores the concept of legacy. László aims to leave behind a body of work that will endure for generations, paralleling his quest to find personal meaning after surviving the Holocaust. His buildings symbolize his determination to leave a lasting mark, even in a world that has taken so much from him. This pursuit of legacy drives his professional and emotional journey, making it one of the film’s most compelling themes.
The Brutalist Cast: A Stellar Ensemble
The cast of The Brutalist plays a key role in bringing this emotional story to life. Each actor delivers a performance that adds depth to the film’s characters, making their struggles feel raw and real. The performances by the leading actors have earned widespread acclaim and significantly enhance the film’s storytelling.
Adrien Brody as László Tóth
Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth, the film’s central character. Brody delivers a nuanced, emotionally charged performance, capturing the inner turmoil of a man haunted by his past yet driven by his ambition to succeed. Brody’s portrayal of László reflects both vulnerability and strength, creating a character that resonates deeply with viewers.
Brody’s history with similar roles, particularly his Oscar-winning performance in The Pianist, makes him a perfect fit for the role. He masterfully portrays László’s emotional struggles as a Holocaust survivor and his determination to build a new life in America.
Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Tóth
Felicity Jones, known for her roles in The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, plays László’s wife, Erzsébet. Jones brings a quiet strength to the role, portraying a woman who, like her husband, has survived unimaginable horrors. As Erzsébet, she acts as László’s emotional anchor while battling her own inner demons. Her portrayal of Erzsébet is both understated and powerful, adding emotional depth to the film.
Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren
Veteran actor Guy Pearce takes on the role of Harrison Lee Van Buren, a wealthy industrialist who commissions László to design a series of buildings. Van Buren represents the American elite, and his relationship with László forms a central conflict in the story. Pearce delivers a commanding performance, portraying a man who wields power and influence over László’s career while creating tension between the architect’s personal and professional aspirations.
Joe Alwyn as Harry Lee Van Buren
Joe Alwyn, known for his roles in The Favourite and Harriet, plays Harry Lee Van Buren, Harrison’s son. Harry finds himself torn between the expectations of his powerful family and his own personal desires. Alwyn brings a youthful energy to the role, portraying a character whose inner conflict parallels László’s own struggles.
Raffey Cassidy as Zsófia
Raffey Cassidy plays Zsófia, László’s niece who comes to live with him and Erzsébet in America. Though her character remains mute throughout the film, Cassidy’s performance effectively conveys the trauma and innocence of a young girl who has experienced significant loss. Her presence in the film adds another layer of emotional complexity to László and Erzsébet’s lives.
The Brutalist’s Visual Style and Direction
Brady Corbet’s direction of The Brutalist elevates the film to a visual and emotional masterpiece. The movie’s visual style mirrors the Brutalist architecture it draws inspiration from—stark, imposing, and deeply symbolic. Corbet uses architecture not just as a backdrop but as a narrative device that reflects the emotional state of the characters. The cold, concrete structures symbolize László’s emotional distance and the harsh realities of his life as a Holocaust survivor.
Corbet also focuses on capturing intimate moments between characters, using close-ups and lingering shots to emphasize their emotional journeys. His use of lighting and color adds to the film’s atmosphere, creating a visual representation of the internal struggles that each character faces. Through these techniques, Corbet immerses the audience in the world of László Tóth, making The Brutalist not just a story about architecture, but a deeply personal tale of survival and identity.
Critical Reception of The Brutalist
Since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, The Brutalist has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Many have praised the film for its emotionally resonant story, compelling performances, and unique visual style. Adrien Brody’s portrayal of László Tóth stands out as a highlight, with several critics predicting that his performance could earn him another Oscar nomination.
The film’s exploration of complex themes, including trauma, identity, and the immigrant experience, has resonated with viewers, making it one of the year’s most talked-about films. While some have noted the film’s deliberate pacing, most agree that this slow, thoughtful approach adds depth and emotional weight to the story.
Conclusion: Why You Should Watch The Brutalist
The Brutalist delivers more than just a story about architecture—it offers a deeply emotional exploration of survival, resilience, and identity. With its exceptional cast, stunning visuals, and compelling themes, the film promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences. Whether you enjoy historical dramas, architectural symbolism, or powerful storytelling, The Brutalist is a film that should not be missed.
With its wider release in 2025, The Brutalist will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. Keep an eye on its release date and be ready to experience one of the most impactful films of the year.
