The Brutalist: A Meditation on Art and Identity

If there’s one category The Brutalist will dominate this awards season, it’s Best Performance. Every actor brings their A-game, elevating the film with emotionally rich and nuanced portrayals. Adrien Brody is nothing short of phenomenal as László Tóth, offering a layered and powerful depiction of an immigrant navigating the complexities and contradictions of the American system. His performance anchors the film, grounding it with vulnerability and quiet strength. Guy Pearce is equally compelling, giving a captivating and deeply memorable turn in a supporting role that adds tension and intrigue to nearly every scene he’s in.

What further enhances the film is its impeccable craftsmanship. The score is haunting and evocative, beautifully complementing the emotional undercurrents of the story. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing each frame with precision and artistry. The use of light and shadow is masterful, evoking a sense of mood and place that feels timeless. These technical elements work in tandem to create a striking, atmospheric film that feels almost dreamlike at times.

The first half of The Brutalist is where it shines brightest. The pacing is tight, the stakes are clear, and the character interactions are magnetic. It’s emotionally engaging and intellectually rich, pulling viewers into László’s world and his pursuit of purpose in a new land. However, the second half loses some of that momentum. When Felicia Jones’s character enters the narrative, the dynamic shifts in a way that feels less compelling. It’s not that her performance is lacking, but the narrative starts to sprawl, losing some of its initial emotional focus.

One of the film’s most fascinating aspects—László’s architectural vision and its commentary on the American Dream—begins to fade into the background. This thematic thread, which could have been a deeply resonant metaphor, feels underexplored in favor of more conventional dramatic beats. A tighter runtime and a more focused narrative arc might have allowed those themes to breathe more fully.

Despite its flaws, The Brutalist remains a striking and ambitious film. It might not land every emotional beat, but it’s a thoughtful, beautifully made exploration of identity, ambition, and the cost of assimilation. It lingers in your mind, and for that reason alone, it’s worthy of attention.