Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a sweeping historical drama that delves into themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of identity. Set in the post-World War II era, the film portrays the journey of a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor as he rebuilds his life and career in the United States. The richly layered narrative is brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast.
Main Cast
- Adrien Brody as László Tóth
- László is the film’s central character, a visionary architect who survived the Holocaust and struggles to establish his legacy in America while grappling with personal and professional challenges. Adrien Brody delivers a compelling performance that anchors the film, earning critical acclaim for his depth and emotional range.
- Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Tóth
- Erzsébet is László’s devoted wife, whose strength and resilience complement her husband’s ambition. Jones portrays Erzsébet with grace, offering a deeply emotional performance that highlights the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams.
- Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren
- Van Buren is a wealthy and enigmatic industrialist whose influence propels László’s career but comes at a significant moral cost. Pearce captures the complexity of a man who embodies both opportunity and danger.
- Joe Alwyn as Harry Lee Van Buren
- Playing the entitled son of Harrison, Alwyn brings nuance to the role of Harry, a character who epitomizes privilege and ambition.
- Raffey Cassidy as Zsófia (Young)
- Cassidy portrays László’s mute niece, Zsófia, whose quiet presence and tragic past add layers to the Tóth family’s story.
- Ariane Labed as Zsófia (Adult)
- Labed continues Zsófia’s journey in her later years, showcasing the enduring impact of the family’s struggles and triumphs.
- Stacy Martin as Maggie Van Buren
- Martin plays Maggie, Harry’s twin sister, a character torn between loyalty to her family and her own aspirations.
Supporting Cast
- Isaach De Bankolé as Gordon
- Gordon is a close friend of László, offering counsel and camaraderie during moments of doubt.
- Alessandro Nivola as Attila
- Attila, László’s cousin, runs a furniture store in Philadelphia and provides a touchstone for László’s journey.
- Emma Laird as Audrey
- Laird plays Attila’s wife, whose character reflects the changing roles of women in the post-war era.
- Christian Erickson as Man in Diner
- A brief yet impactful role, Erickson’s character highlights societal perceptions of immigrants in America.
- Tom Morton as Architectural Judge
- Morton portrays an influential figure in the architectural world who assesses László’s work and vision.
- Edward Hamilton-Clark as Fred
- A colleague of László, Fred represents the collaborative and competitive spirit within the architectural community.
- Robin Greer as Industrialist Rival
- Greer’s role adds a layer of conflict to László’s professional journey.
- Ellen Rausch as Lab Technician
- A pivotal role that reflects the scientific and innovative spirit of the time.
- Alonso Venegas Flores as Reporter
- Flores portrays a journalist chronicling László’s rise, adding an outsider’s perspective to the narrative.
Special Appearances
- Lin Chun-Ting as Board Member
- Cyrus Khodaveisi as Architectural Historian
- Shuuko Calderón as Diner Patron
- Mickael Lips as Security Guard
About the Film
- Director: Brady Corbet
- Writers: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold
- Cinematography: Lol Crawley
- Music: Daniel Blumberg
- Release Date: Premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2024. Scheduled for theatrical release on December 20, 2024 (USA) and January 24, 2025 (UK).
