Why Period Drama, The Brutalist, Is Set For Awards Season Glory
We’re coming into awards season in the world of movies, culminating in the Oscars ceremony early next year- and one of the big potential contenders is The Brutalist, an epic historical drama starring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones.
It begins in the 1940s in America and follows a Jewish architect who survived the Holocaust (Brody), and his struggle to pursue the American dream. However, when he gets a new wealthy client, his life is changed forever. With the film receiving glowing reviews ahead of its release in the US in December and the UK in January, here’s everything you need to know:
What is The Brutalist about?
Directed by Brady Corbet, who directed the Natalie Portman-starring Vox Lux, the film weaves a tapestry through the years after the Second World War, as Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth arrives in Philadelphia. Having emigrated from Budapest and survived the Holocaust, he seeks to find a new purpose and forge a new life in the US. Like others in his position, he comes to the country with close to nothing and lives in poverty. However, his life is changed when he meets a rich new client for his architect business, a prominent industrialist Harrison Van Buren (Guy Pearce). Harrison can see László has a lot of talent- but he may not be entirely well-meaning, with a darker side underneath.
Meanwhile, also starring alongside Brody is Felicity Jones, who plays his wife Erzsébet, whom he has been separated from and remains back in Europe. As Lászlo works to build his new career alongside the ambitious but insecure Van Buren, he hopes he can construct an identity for himself in America, and reunite with his family. But while he may find professional success, his personal life becomes complex and tormented.
Why is it being touted for awards success?
Put simply, The Brutalist has received glowing reviews from critics across the board for its direction, plot and performances. It’s been named one of the best films of the year, and its classic American immigrant story seems like an award winner. Particular praise goes to the lead performance of Brody, who recently appeared in the West End in The Power of 13, and won an Oscar for the film The Pianist. It also really is an epic – with a long run time of just under 4 hours.
Who else is in the cast, and when does it release?
The Brutalist also stars Joe Alwyn (Conversations with Friends), Raffey Cassidy (Tomorrowland), Stacy Martin (The Serpent) and Emma Laird (A Haunting in Venice). It’s set to release in the UK on 24th January 2025.
Watch the trailer below:
Want more films to watch? Check our list of the best this month.
