The Brutalist (2024)
Movie Review: 4/5
Entertainment Value: Yes
Story: Very Good
Writing / Plot: Good
Storytelling: Average
Direction: Very Good
Design / Editing: Very Good
Acting: Excellent
Sound / Music: Good
Brady Corbet’s *The Brutalist* is a visually striking, ambitiously scaled drama that soars on Adrien Brody’s commanding performance but stumbles in its pacing and emotional clarity.
Movie Review: 4/5
Entertainment Value: Yes
Story: Very Good
Writing / Plot: Good
Storytelling: Average
Direction: Very Good
Design / Editing: Very Good
Acting: Excellent
Sound / Music: Good
Yes. HB Reviews rates it 4/5 and considers it entertaining overall.
Brady Corbet’s *The Brutalist* is a visually striking, ambitiously scaled drama that soars on Adrien Brody’s commanding performance but stumbles in its pacing and emotional clarity.
*The Brutalist* is a film of grand ambition, both in its sweeping historical scope and its meticulous craftsmanship. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, it follows an innovative architect (Adrien Brody) as he seeks to rebuild his legacy in a new world, only to confront the compromises and moral ambiguities of his profession. The premise is rich with potential, exploring themes of identity, artistry, and the cost of ambition, and while the execution occasionally falters, the film’s strengths are undeniable.
Visually, *The Brutalist* is a triumph. Brady Corbet’s direction is precise and evocative, capturing the stark beauty of mid-century architecture while using the frame to reflect the emotional weight of its characters. The cinematography is frequently breathtaking, with compositions that linger in the mind long after the credits roll.
The production design is equally impressive, immersing the audience in the era with a level of detail that feels both authentic and artistically considered. These elements combine to create a film that is undeniably striking, even when its narrative struggles to match its visual prowess. At the heart of the film is Adrien Brody’s performance, which is nothing short of extraordinary.
Brody brings a quiet intensity to his role, conveying layers of emotion with minimal dialogue. His portrayal of a man torn between artistic integrity and personal survival is deeply compelling, and he carries the film’s lengthy runtime with remarkable presence. Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce also deliver strong performances, though their characters occasionally feel underdeveloped, serving more as foils to Brody’s protagonist than fully realised figures in their own right.
Where *The Brutalist* falters is in its pacing and storytelling. At 215 minutes, the film is undeniably long, and its deliberate rhythm may test the patience of some viewers. The screenplay, while ambitious, occasionally struggles to balance its thematic depth with narrative momentum.
Dialogue can feel stilted at times, and the film’s emotional beats don’t always land with the impact they intend. This is not to say the film lacks substance—far from it—but its execution is uneven, leaving some of its more profound ideas feeling under-explored. The score and sound design, while not the film’s most memorable aspects, serve the story well, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering it.
The music complements the visuals, reinforcing the film’s mood of quiet introspection and occasional grandeur. Ultimately, *The Brutalist* is a film that demands attention. It is not without its flaws, but its strengths—particularly its visual craftsmanship and Brody’s performance—make it a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its deliberate pace and thematic complexity.
It is a film that lingers, inviting reflection long after the final frame.
When an innovative modern architect flees post-war Europe, he is given the opportunity to rebuild his legacy. Set during the dawn of the modern United States (in Pennsylvania), his wife joins him, and their lives are forever changed by a demanding, wealthy patron.
Story source: TMDbOfficial Trailer 2
Digital release timing and streaming availability data from TMDB and JustWatch, supplemented by verified official platform sources. Platforms vary by location and can change.