The Brutalist Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A brilliant Hungarian architect flees war to America, tries to build a giant concrete box, does some unexpected drugs, gets treated terribly by rich people, and then time jumps like the film forgot the middle part.

🍿 The Brutalist: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A New Start in Post-War America

In 1947, visionary Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth arrives in the United States, a refugee from the aftermath of World War II in Europe. Separated from his wife, Erzsébet, and niece, Zsófia, who remain in Budapest, László seeks refuge and opportunity in Philadelphia. He initially stays with his Americanized cousin Attila and works in his furniture business. An unexpected chance arises when Attila’s son, Harry Lee, commissions László to redesign the library of his wealthy industrialist father, Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. This seemingly small project offers László a glimmer of hope to reignite his esteemed architectural career.

The Van Buren Commission

An initial misunderstanding with Harrison Van Buren leads to conflict, but years later, Harrison seeks out László again. Impressed by the architectural community’s praise for the library redesign, Harrison offers László a monumental opportunity: to design and build a grand community center in honor of his late mother. This commission allows László to move onto the Van Buren estate and begin work, hiring his friend Gordon, whom he met at a charitable housing facility. Harrison’s personal attorney assists in accelerating the immigration process for Erzsébet and Zsófia, finally reuniting the fragmented family in America.

Setbacks and Rising Tensions

Upon their arrival in 1953, László is reunited with Erzsébet, now confined to a wheelchair due to osteoporosis from wartime hardships, and Zsófia, who has become selectively mute from trauma. As construction on the community center progresses, László faces significant challenges. He discovers unauthorized alterations to his design and materials, leading to clashes with developers and the Van Buren family. The project is further jeopardized by a disastrous train derailment carrying essential materials, resulting in injuries and legal complications. Harrison halts construction and fires László and the laborers, forcing László and Erzsébet to relocate and find work in a New York City architecture firm, abandoning the ambitious project.

The Path to Completion and Personal Turmoil

Years later, living a seemingly stable life in New York, László is contacted by Harrison again. Harrison proposes completing the community center if they omit the planned library, a compromise to cover legal fees from the train accident. Driven by his vision, László agrees, even arranging for stone from an old Italian ally. However, during a trip related to the stone acquisition, a deeply unsettling event involving Harrison occurs, leaving László traumatized and increasingly unstable. This trauma, combined with ongoing personal struggles including drug use, leads to erratic behavior, alienating his wife and friends and causing him to lash out as he desperately tries to see his life’s work realized.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• László Tóth (Adrien Brody): A brilliant Hungarian Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor striving to rebuild his life and legacy in post-war America.
• Erzsébet Tóth (Felicity Jones): László’s wife who suffers from war-related trauma and illness, eventually joining him in America.
• Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. (Guy Pearce): A wealthy and manipulative industrialist who becomes László’s complicated benefactor and antagonist.
• Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy): László’s niece, traumatized by the war into muteness, whose journey reflects the family’s enduring struggles.
• Gordon (Isaach De Bankolé): An impoverished African-American man and fellow addict who forms a bond of support with László amidst their hardships.
• Harry Lee (Joe Alwyn): Harrison’s entitled and arrogant son who adds tension and antagonism to the Van Buren family’s interactions with László.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• László Tóth: “Is there a better description of a cube than that of its construction?” – A question posed by László, reflecting his pure, form-follows-function approach to architecture and his focus on the process of creation.
• Older Zsófia: “No matter what the others try to sell you, it is the destination, not the journey.” – Delivered during a speech at an exhibition honoring László’s work, quoting his words and emphasizing the ultimate impact of his architectural achievements, particularly in the context of their shared trauma.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,279,129
• Worldwide Gross: $50,307,584

💥 The Brutalist Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, buckle up, because ‘The Brutalist’ is a LOT. I went in knowing it was long, but three and a half hours felt like a commitment, and honestly, I was hooked for the first half. The way they show Brody’s character arriving in America and trying to rebuild felt so raw and powerful. The acting, wow. Adrien Brody just pours everything into this role, and Guy Pearce is chillingly good. Their dynamic really pulled me in. Visually, it’s stunning – the cinematography and sets just drop you right into that era. But then the second half happened, and things got… weird. The story takes some sharp turns, and the ending felt really abrupt after such a long build-up. I walked out feeling pretty heavy and conflicted, like I’d just witnessed something significant but couldn’t quite put all the pieces together. It definitely stays with you, though, for better or worse.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in post-WWII history and the immigrant experience”
  • “Those fascinated by architecture and artistic ambition”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven stories and demanding cinema”
  • “Admirers of Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Very long runtime (3h 36m) with an intermission”
  • “Graphic sexual content, including depictions of assault/rape (implied or explicit in reviews)”
  • “Female full frontal nudity”
  • “Depictions of drug use and addiction (heroin)”
  • “Themes of trauma, depression, and suffering”
  • “Intense and disturbing scenes”
  • “May be emotionally heavy and bleak”

Professional Reviews

• Synthesized from Audience Reviews: “Corbet’s ambitious epic delivers a visually stunning and masterfully acted portrayal of an immigrant’s struggle. Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce are exceptional, anchoring a film that attempts to tackle immense themes of ambition, trauma, and the American Dream. While its impressive scale and period detail are undeniable triumphs, the narrative occasionally feels unwieldy, particularly in a divisive second half that risks derailing its powerful momentum. A challenging, often bleak watch, but one filled with moments of profound cinematic artistry.
• Synthesized from Audience Reviews: “”The Brutalist” is a film of striking contrasts, boasting gorgeous cinematography and powerful performances, especially from Brody and Pearce. The first half builds a compelling narrative of post-war displacement and artistic struggle. However, its extended runtime and a shift in tone and pacing in the latter sections leave the story feeling disjointed and occasionally frustratingly opaque. It aspires to grandiosity but sometimes gets lost in its own seriousness, making for an impressive but ultimately uneven experience.
• Synthesized from Audience Reviews: “Brady Corbet’s latest is an imposing, nearly four-hour undertaking that feels both monumental and maddeningly shapeless. While the period detail is meticulous and the acting uniformly strong, the narrative is frequently baffling, lurching between intense drama and perplexing detours. The film’s commitment to bleakness can feel excessive, and its abrupt jumps and unresolved threads dilute the impact of its potentially powerful themes. An exercise in artistic ambition that, for many, may collapse under its own considerable weight.

Audience Reactions

Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce’s performances were electrifying.: Many praised the exceptional acting, stunning cinematography, and ambitious scale of the film, especially its immersive first half and period detail.

The runtime felt excessive and the second half lost its way.: A significant number of viewers found the film overly long and the pacing issues in the latter part, along with confusing plot points and an abrupt ending, led to frustration and disappointment.

It’s a visually impressive but emotionally draining and often bleak experience.: Audiences noted the film’s impressive artistry and technical skill but found its relentlessly dark tone and grim subject matter made it a difficult and sometimes unpleasant watch.

Overall Consensus: Highly ambitious and visually impressive with standout acting, but often divisive due to its challenging length, bleakness, and narrative unevenness, particularly in its later sections.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Silver Lion for Best Direction)- 2024

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on 35mm film and presented in select theaters in 70mm, utilizing the classic VistaVision format to evoke the look and feel of 1950s/1960s epics.”
• “Director Brady Corbet included a 15-minute timed intermission during its lengthy runtime, a nod to classic roadshow theatrical presentations.”
• “Despite its historical setting and depiction of real architectural styles, the main characters László Tóth and Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr., and their central story, are entirely fictional.”
• “The brutalist church designed by László Tóth in the film was inspired by Marcel Breuer’s real-life St. John’s Abbey Church complex in Collegeville, Minnesota.”
• “In a scene set in the 1950s, an anachronistic US one-dollar bill with bright green ink (first issued in 1963) is visible among money on a card table; 1950s notes had blue and black ink on the front.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Brutalist?

“The Brutalist” is currently scheduled for a limited theatrical release starting December 20, 2024, followed by a wider release in January 2025 in the United States and the United Kingdom. Information regarding specific streaming platforms (like Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix, etc.) and digital purchase or rental options will be announced closer to or after its theatrical run. Keep an eye on major digital storefronts and streaming services for updates on availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Brutalist, you might like these similar films:

• The Pianist (2002): Features Adrien Brody in a powerful role portraying a Holocaust survivor grappling with trauma and trying to rebuild his life amidst hardship, mirroring the protagonist’s experience in The Brutalist.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): A sprawling, character-driven epic focusing on ambition, capitalism, and complex relationships between men striving to leave a mark on America, sharing thematic parallels with The Brutalist’s critique of the American Dream.
• Megalopolis (2024): Centers on a visionary architect with ambitious, unconventional building projects, exploring themes of artistry, legacy, and societal change, and is also a modern large-scale film that garnered polarizing reactions.
• Citizen Kane (1941): An ambitious, large-scale character study from a young director exploring the life and legacy of a powerful, enigmatic figure in American history, reflecting The Brutalist’s focus on a monumental character and their impact.
• Saul Fia (Son of Saul) (2015): Offers an intense, visceral portrayal of a Holocaust survivor’s experience with a distinct and immersive cinematic style, connecting with the trauma and survival themes present in The Brutalist.
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984): An epic, lengthy narrative following the lives of characters over several decades against the backdrop of American history, similar to The Brutalist’s multi-part structure and focus on the immigrant experience over time.

🛒 The Brutalist Related Products

• Brutalist Architecture 1945-1975 (Architecture in Detail): An in-depth look at the iconic and often controversial Brutalist architectural style that emerged post-WWII, featuring influential buildings and architects.
• The Brutalist (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray / 4K UHD): A high-definition release of the film, potentially featuring bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and historical context features.
• The Brutalist Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Digital Album): The complete score and featured songs from the film, composed by Daniel Blumberg, capturing the epic and often melancholic tone of the movie.
• Vintage 1950s Architecture Print (Inspired by the Era): A high-quality art print featuring architectural drawings or photographs reminiscent of mid-century modernist and Brutalist styles.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Brutalist features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You are my destiny” – performed by Mina
• “Original Motion Picture Score” – performed by Daniel Blumberg

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Oscars 2025: Adrien Brody accepts award for best actor in ‘The Brutalist’

Adrien Brody won the Oscar for his incredible performance in *The Brutalist*! Watch his moving acceptance speech and you’ll feel the emotion and significance of his win – it was truly powerful to see him recognized.

Adrien Brody on “The Brutalist”

Go behind the scenes with Adrien Brody as he discusses his powerful role in *The Brutalist* on CBS Sunday Morning. Hearing him talk about his process and connection to the character really adds another layer to the film!

Watch This Before You See The Brutalist

What *is* Brutalism anyway? This video breaks down the architectural style at the heart of *The Brutalist*, giving you key context that will totally change how you see the movie – super interesting stuff!

The Brutalist – Movie Review

Wondering what a popular film critic thought? Check out Chris Stuckmann’s review of *The Brutalist*. His analysis is always insightful, and it’s fun to compare notes on a movie like this!

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