The Brutalist (2025) is a powerful historical drama directed by Brady Corbet, set in the aftermath of World War II. The film follows László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who flees the horrors of the Holocaust and moves to the United States to rebuild his life. Struggling with the weight of his past and the trauma of his experiences, László attempts to create a new identity in a foreign land. However, the architectural projects he embarks on in America force him to confront the emotional and psychological scars left by the war, as well as the complexities of living as an outsider in a rapidly changing society.
The film stars Adrien Brody as László, delivering a haunting and deeply moving performance that explores the nuances of grief, identity, and resilience. Felicity Jones plays his supportive but conflicted wife, while Guy Pearce portrays a fellow architect whose own secrets complicate László’s journey toward healing.
Set against the backdrop of post-war America, The Brutalist captures the stark contrast between the promise of a new life and the ghosts of the past that continue to haunt its characters. Through stunning cinematography and a haunting score, the film immerses viewers in a world where memory and trauma shape the path to redemption. The complex relationships between the characters mirror the very structures they build, reflecting the fragility and strength inherent in human resilience.
Nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, The Brutalist has been hailed for its poignant storytelling, powerful performances, and its unflinching exploration of the impact of war on the human psyche. A remarkable film about loss, survival, and the struggle for a new beginning, it resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a meditation on how the past forever shapes our present.
