The film The Brutalist has emerged as one of the most talked-about entries at the 82nd Golden Globes, garnering impressive recognition with seven nominations. Directed by Brady Corbet, this drama has captivated audiences and critics alike since it premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and now it stands as one of the heavyweights heading toward the Academy Awards.
At the heart of The Brutalist is the story of László Tóth, portrayed by Adrien Brody, and his arduous path from being a Jewish immigrant to becoming a celebrated architect. The plot explores László's life after World War II as he relocates to the United States with his wife, Erzsébet, played by Felicity Jones. Their pursuit of the American Dream takes significant turns when László finds himself commissioned to create notable architectural works by affluent clients. This dynamic builds tension between personal ambition, artistic integrity, and the commercialism inherent within architecture.
Meanwhile, Joe Alwyn, who plays Harry—the son of the wealthy industrialist portrayed by Guy Pearce—offered unique insights about shaping his character. He drew parallels between his character and President-elect Donald Trump, stating, "Look who’s the new president of America, and his family. Often family businesses are so insular and stunted and hollow. And you see it with Trump and his children: ‘I can do what I want.’ A convicted felon accused of sexual assault and grabbing them by the pussy and all of 'that. He’s unanswerable, unfortunately." This perspective reflects broader societal themes and raises questions about legacy, privilege, and responsibility.
The film's emphasis on Brutalist architecture symbolizes the societal tensions of its time, as Corbet explains, "Brutalist architecture is representative of something people do not understand and want torn down and ripped away. So, the film is about how post-war psychology shaped post-war architecture." This lens not only reveals personal struggles but also critiques how architecture mirrors the societal psyche.
With its distinguished ensemble cast, including Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Isaach de Bankolé, and Alessandro Nivola, The Brutalist has generated substantial buzz this awards season. Alwyn's thoughtful character work, framed by his immigration narrative and complex familial relationships, signals the film's ability to resonate with viewers. Critics are already lauding its potential as the frontrunner for Best Drama at the Globes, with predictions of widespread recognition extending to the Oscars.
The anticipation doesn't stop at award recognition, as many are eager to know how and when audiences can access The Brutalist for viewing. Currently, the film is screened uniquely within theaters, having debuted on December 20, 2024. A24, the production company, is expected to expand its availability shortly after the awards period concludes. Projections suggest it could become available on streaming platforms like Max around early March 2025, alongside digital purchase options appearing shortly thereafter.
Despite its lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes—making it the longest theatrical release of 2024—the film maintains viewers' engagement through its compelling pacing and emotional depth. This trend of immersively long films is becoming more acceptable if well-executed, as the psychological stakes involved warrant the drawn-out storytelling.
The Brutalist stands as more than just another cinematic piece; it is poised to become a cultural conversation starter around family influences, commercialization of art, and the artistic legacy intertwined with brutalism. Viewers are encouraged to experience this thought-provoking film at the Golden Globes and beyond.
With notable anticipation mounting for the ceremony and the film's broader release, fans of the genre and critics alike are ready to see how The Brutalist will be received—and perhaps inspire future dialogues about similar narratives.