As 2024 winds down, Oscar contenders are beginning to roll out, and The Brutalist by Brady Corbet is one to watch. If you’re in need of a cinematic escape before all those year-end reflections hit, here’s one for your radar. The Brutalist, Adrien Brody-led film, has just released its first teaser, giving audiences a first look.
The Brutalist has an extensive runtime of three hours and 35 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Corbet’s film follows Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth (played by Brody) over three decades of his life, charting his escape from the horrors of the Holocaust, his quest to find a foothold in Pennsylvania, and the ensuing partnership with a mercurial millionaire (Guy Pearce) that reshapes his career and identity. In an era that loves to examine the American Dream, Corbet’s film looks at the promises and challenges of pursuing a ‘better life.’
Brady Corbet, known for projects like Vox Lux, returns with The Brutalist. The film explores themes like art, identity, legacy, and ambition. Shot in VistaVision, the teaser shows Corbet’s approach to cinematography, underscored by Daniel Blumberg’s score.
The cast features Adrien Brody alongside Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn, Stacy Martin, Alessandro Nivola, Isaach de Bankolé, Raffey Cassidy, and Emma Laird. Together, they tell a story about one man’s survival and the aftermath of dreams that crumble under the weight of ambition.
The Brutalist arrives in theaters on December 20. With its Silver Lion-winning direction, The Brutalist aims to leave a lasting impression as a late-year release.
