The Brutalist
dir. Brady Corbet · 2024
The pursuit of ambition can lead to both extraordinary achievements and profound personal sacrifices.
László Toth stands before a blank canvas, envisioning a monument that could redefine the American landscape, while his wife Erzsébet grapples with the sacrifices their dreams demand. As they navigate the allure and disillusionment of their new life, the film immerses you in a world where ambition collides with the harsh realities of existence.
When visionary architect László Toth and his wife Erzsébet flee Europe to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern America, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious and wealthy client. The seemingly charming industrialist Harrison Van Buren offers László and his family the American Dream on a silver platter by commissioning him to design a grand modernist monument and help shape the landscape of the country he now calls home. It will be the most ambitious project of his career, one that will take László and Erzsébet to both monumental heights and devastating lows.
Talking points
- the impact of ambition on personal relationships
- the role of architecture in shaping identity
- the complexities of the immigrant experience in America
