A24, known for its critically acclaimed and often Oscar-nominated films, has set its sights on another potential awards contender with ‘The Brutalist,’ the latest cinematic masterpiece from acclaimed director Brady Corbet. This epic American drama, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, follows the journey of László Toth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivor who embarks on a quest for a new life in the United States with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones).
Upon settling in Pennsylvania, László encounters Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a powerful businessman who hires him to design a community center. The film, spanning over 30 years, delves into the complexities of László’s life, navigating his tumultuous relationship with Erzsébet and his relentless pursuit of the elusive American Dream.
‘The Brutalist’ boasts an exceptional cast that includes Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Emma Laird, Isaach De Bankolé, and Alessandro Nivola. The film is a testament to Corbet’s artistic vision, with the director co-writing the screenplay alongside Mona Fastvold. This marks their third feature film collaboration, following the critically acclaimed ‘The Childhood of a Leader’ (2015) and ‘Vox Lux’ (2018).
‘The Brutalist’ made its world premiere at the prestigious 2024 Venice International Film Festival, where it received widespread acclaim. Corbet’s masterful direction earned him the Silver Lion for Best Direction, further solidifying his status as a visionary filmmaker. The film’s impressive 215-minute runtime, which includes a 15-minute intermission, highlights its ambition and depth. Despite its substantial length, ‘The Brutalist’ was produced on a modest budget of under $10 million, showcasing Corbet’s ability to create cinematic magic even with limited resources.
‘The Brutalist’ is poised to become a major player in the upcoming awards season. The film is expected to contend for several prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Corbet, Best Actor for Brody, Best Supporting Actor for Pearce, and Best Original Screenplay for Corbet and Fastvold. A Best Actor nomination for Brody would be a significant achievement, marking his first since his historic win for 2002’s ‘The Pianist.’ Brody made history at age 29, becoming the youngest actor ever to win the Best Actor award.
‘The Brutalist’ is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024, promising a cinematic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The film’s powerful themes of survival, identity, and the pursuit of dreams are sure to resonate with audiences, making it a must-see for fans of historical dramas and compelling storytelling. With its impressive cast, compelling narrative, and potential for awards recognition, ‘The Brutalist’ is a film that is generating significant buzz and anticipation in the film world.
