The Brutalist is a beefy 3-hour-and-35-minute epic, complete with a well-placed 15-minute intermission (at the 1-hour-and-40-minute mark). Directed by Brady Corbet, the film chronicles the life of László Tóth, a fictional Hungarian-born Jewish architect (played by Adrien Brody), who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the United States. Struggling to achieve the American Dream, his life changes when a wealthy client, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), offers him an opportunity to showcase his architectural vision.

Though László is a fictional character, the film convincingly weaves his story with such rich detail that it evokes the realism of a historical biopic. Much like 2022’s TÁR, it immerses the audience in a life so vivid it feels true. The film portrays László as a resilient man, willing to work hard despite the numerous obstacles in his path. One standout element is how opportunities find him, rather than him aggressively seeking them—a unique perspective that contrasts with more extroverted protagonists. For example, László initially renovates a library for Harrison Lee Van Buren, but when the project fails, he settles into a job outside his passion until Harrison later recognizes his talent and offers him a chance to design a massive community center resembling a grand church.

While relatable for viewers who may be new to unfamiliar environments, the film sometimes drags as it paints a comprehensive portrait of László’s journey. His challenges are layered with family struggles, including reconnecting with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), who is wheelchair-bound due to osteoporosis, and rediscovering his mute daughter after years apart. Adrien Brody delivers an impactful performance, portraying a man steadfast in his quiet determination. 

The ensemble cast enhances the film's emotional weight. Guy Pearce impresses as the conflicted Harrison Lee Van Buren, who initially dismisses László’s talent but later seeks to offer him an opportunity when Lászlo's work is admired by the press. His character reflects a man willing to dismiss someone until he realizes how that person can benefit him. Joe Alwyn plays Harry Lee Van Buren, Harrison's pompous son, adding tension to the narrative. Raffey Cassidy and Ariane Labed share the role of Zsófia, László's mute niece, who evolves as a symbol of innocence and perseverance.

The cinematography by Lol Crawley captures the immigrant experience beautifully, contrasting humble beginnings with the grand spaces László builds. The intermission provides much-needed relief in a film so densely packed with years of trials and triumphs. Though it sometimes struggles to maintain momentum, The Brutalist is an admirable slow burn, rewarding patient viewers with an intimate look at a fictional life rich with historical resonance.

With strong performances by Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, The Brutalist is a slow but rewarding character study of resilience and self-discovery. Despite its length, this fictional story feels so authentic it leaves you wishing László Tóth were real.