The Brutalist

After fleeing the ruins of war torn Europe, a gifted and ambitious architect arrives in Pennsylvania at the dawn of the United States' modern era. He hopes to salvage his reputation and craft a lasting legacy through grand design. His wife chooses to stand by his side, sharing the dream and the burden of building a new life on America’s expanding landscape. As they chase prestige, a wealthy patron steps into their orbit, exercising influence that reshapes not only their plans but their sense of self. The film follows how pressure, money, and ambition test loyalty and resilience. The story unfolds with restrained intensity as the couple negotiates space, time, and the pressure of public ambition.

Directed by Brady Corbet with Mona Fastvold credited as a creator, The Brutalist brings together Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn and Raffey Cassidy in a portrait of ambition and a changing era.

Box office figures have not been publicly released, as the film circulated through limited venues before wider streaming. The cast pairs Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn and Raffey Cassidy. It rolled out across select markets and festivals.

On the public score, The Brutalist sits at 6.972 out of 10 from 1484 votes, signaling a mixed reception. Critics highlight the slow burn, its austere visuals, and a dialogue heavy meditation on legacy, wealth, and the costs of pursuing an illuminated future. Its restraint invites viewer interpretation about the cost of ambition.

The film's late 50s to early 60s aesthetic and architecture motif contribute to ongoing discussions about immigration, modernism, and the American dream. While not a consensus defining work, it offers striking performances and scenes that may echo in film and design conversations for years. The look of the film has sparked conversations about mid century architecture and immigrant narratives.