The Brutalist Review: A Visual Journey of Ambition and Sacrifice

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The Brutalist presents an intricate and sweeping narrative that feels almost larger than life. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, the film is a study in uncompromising artistry, ambition, and the toll those pursuits take on both the artist and those around him. At the heart of this story is Laszlo Toth, a talented architect played with remarkable depth by Adrien Brody, whose vision is so pure and relentless that it risks alienating everything he loves. If you’ve ever read The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, you’ll find echoes of the protagonist Howard Roark in Laszlo—an architect whose commitment to his craft knows no bounds, even when the world around him demands compromise. In fact, when I first saw the trailer months ago, I thought it was going to be an adaptation of Rand’s book. It is not.

From the very beginning, The Brutalist establishes a sense of grandeur and ambition. Laszlo is not interested in designing buildings for the masses or following trends. His work is as much about a philosophy of creation as it is about architecture itself. In this sense, he could be viewed as a modern-day Roark, indifferent to the opinions of critics or the pressures of clients. He’s driven by the purity of his ideas, regardless of the costs to his personal relationships or his career. This central theme of the artist’s struggle with societal expectations is explored thoroughly throughout the film.

The narrative itself unfolds as an epic saga, charting Laszlo’s rise and fall in the world of architecture. The first half is tightly constructed, focusing on his early career and the critical moments that define his professional life. It’s not just about buildings but about the emotional and philosophical toll of sticking to one’s vision. Brody’s performance is exceptional, capturing the complexity of a man who is at once passionate, distant, and sometimes maddeningly obstinate. Watching him on screen, you sense the loneliness that comes with genius and the relentless pursuit of an ideal.

The second part of the film takes a more abstract turn, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The pacing slows down, and the resolution becomes less concrete, leaving the audience to ponder the meaning behind Laszlo’s journey. Some may find this section a bit difficult to digest, but it’s an intentional decision by the filmmakers to further explore the consequences of uncompromising creativity. By this point, you’re invested in Laszlo’s plight, even as his ideals seem to push him further away from human connection.

The epilogue is the final piece of the puzzle, providing closure without necessarily tying everything up in a neat little bow. It’s an ending that asks questions about legacy and the price of artistic integrity, leaving the audience to decide what Laszlo’s life ultimately means.

On the technical side, The Brutalist is a visual feast. Watching it in IMAX was an experience in itself. Presented in VistaVision 1.66:1, the sweeping cinematography captures the monumental scale of the buildings Laszlo designs, as well as the emotional weight of his decisions. The film’s use of an overture and intermission—rare in modern cinema—was a welcome throwback. It reminded me of the roadshow version of The Hateful Eight from a decade ago, which also provided a similar experience of grandeur and anticipation. Those who are used to a fast-paced, no-frills movie experience might find these pauses jarring, but they serve to elevate the story, allowing the audience to truly absorb the epic scope of Laszlo’s journey.

As for its broader cultural impact, The Brutalist may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s a dense, sometimes esoteric piece that demands patience from its viewers. But I think it has the potential to introduce many people to the brutalist art movement, a style often misunderstood but undeniably powerful. For those who appreciate films that are as much about ideas as they are about characters or plot, this one is worth seeing. It’s a film that challenges you to think, to question, and to reflect on the cost of artistic purity in a world that often prefers compromise.

The Brutalist is a rewarding film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its ambitious themes, stunning visuals, and bold performances make it a standout in contemporary cinema. It’s a film that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you into a philosophical dialogue about what it means to create, to sacrifice, and to leave behind a legacy.

The Brutalist is now in theaters in the United States

• Rating Certificate: R (for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, rape, drug use and some language.)
• Studios & Distributors: Brookstreet Pictures | Kaplan Morrison | Intake Films | Andrew Lauren Productions | Lip Sync | Richmond Pictures | Meyohas Studios | Carte Blanche | Pierce Capital Management | A24
• Director: Brady Corbet
• Written By: Brady Corbet | Mona Fastvold
• Country: USA | United Kingdom | Canada
• Language: English | Hungarian | Italian | Hebrew | Yiddish
• Run Time: 214 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 (VistaVision)
• Release Date: 20 December 2024 (limited)