In a packed theater, I experienced The Brutalist, a gripping new film that follows Lazlo Toth, a Jewish immigrant seeking refuge in post-World War II America. His dream seems simple: escape the horrors of his past, reunite his family, and carve out a slice of the American dream. But the simplicity of that premise belies the complexityโand weightโof this sweeping, 3.5-hour film (yes, with an intermission).
Iโd call The Brutalist an โintimate epic.โ Through Lazloโs personal struggle, the film unravels the mythos of the American dream, exposing the toll it takes and the blood spilled to achieve it. The story dives deep into themes of art versus commerce, assimilationโs double-edged sword, and the thin line between ambition and greed. While the scope is vast, the film never loses sight of Lazloโs journey, making his story feel both universal and achingly personal.
Whatโs remarkable is the filmโs restraintโit doesnโt rely on extensive backstory or tidy resolutions. Instead, it trusts the audience to piece together the narrative, giving it a raw, immersive depth. The epilogue offers a flood of information, but the โhowโ of it all remains tantalizingly ambiguous, leaving space for interpretation. Iโm still unpacking it, and thatโs part of its power.
The Brutalist is challenging and unflinching. Its violence, both emotional and physical, is neither gratuitous nor manipulative, though there are moments that will leave you reeling. It doesnโt shy away from the darker sides of humanity, yet it balances the hurt with an equally potent exploration of resilience and sacrifice.
This isnโt a film you walk away from easilyโit lingers, it questions, it demands reflection. Iโm already considering a second viewing to fully absorb its layers. If youโre ready to confront the complexities of the American dreamโand its costsโthis is a cinematic journey worth taking.