The cinematic world can’t seem to get enough of the latest drama from A24, The Brutalist. If you’re keen to discover what makes this year’s most extended movie so remarkable, you’re at the right place. A24, known for its strong portfolio from Lady Bird to Midsommar and Everything Everywhere All at Once, consistently delivers films that leave a significant imprint. And now, as the award season sets off, one film name echoes in every corner of Hollywood – The Brutalist.
This extensive, semiautobiographical drama captured three of the leading Golden Globe Awards of 2025 – Best Drama Film, Best Director, and Best Actor. The Brutalist stands tall, contributing to the industry’s honor roll, sparking intrigue about the movie’s appeal. Eager to understand why this film is gaining such critical acclaim? We delve into the frequently asked questions about The Brutalist in the paragraphs that follow.
Wondering what the plot of The Brutalist entails? The narrative follows László Tóth, a Jewish architect from Hungary and a survivor of the Holocaust. The story unfolds as he resettles in America post-World War II. The film chronicles 33 years of László’s life, initially setting the stage with his assignment by wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren to draft a community center.
However, as the movie progresses, László’s architectural style, known for its brutalist approach, becomes a poignant metaphor for the discord between his European origins, his American present, and the harrowing journey to freedom he undertakes. László, after moving his wife Erzsébet and niece Zsófia to America, undertakes the project amidst a personal battle against his heroin addiction.
His efforts to bring his artistic vision to life are constantly thwarted by Harrison. The relentless undermining turns into mistreatment, making László’s journey more challenging than he had anticipated.
Is The Brutalist inspired by true events? While it’s firmly rooted in the experiences of several renowned immigrant architects, The Brutalist does not draw from a single individual’s life. Instead, it weaves together a myriad of experiences from Jewish architects in the post-war era in America. This creative storytelling continues the pattern of unique portrayals of significant historical events from the past century.
This narrative speaks volumes as an immigrant artist’s grandson and strongly resonates with the ongoing political debate in America.
Interestingly, The Brutalist breaks from the mold of most modern mainstream movies, incorporating a 15-minute break halfway. With its duration totaling more than three and half hours, the film is split into two segments: ‘Part 1: The Enigma of Arrival’ and ‘Part 2: The Hard Core of Beauty.’
Just as fascinating is the ensemble cast delivering this narrative. The Brutalist boasts an array of stellar performances with Adrien Brody leading as László Tóth, a role that earned him the Best Actor Award at the 2025 Golden Globes.
Equally captivating performances support his brilliant acting. Felicity Jones, known for The Theory of Everything, stars as László’s wife Erzsébet. Guy Pearce, popular from Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, plays the role of Harrison Lee Van Buren, while Joe Alwyn portrays his son, Harry Lee Van Buren.
So, when does Australia get to see The Brutalist? Although Australian film enthusiasts may feel left behind in terms of movie premieres, they won’t have to wait too much longer to witness The Brutalist unfold on the big screen. This highly anticipated movie is expected to hit theaters across Australia on January 23, 2025.