The trend of lengthy films is on the rise, exemplified by Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ A noteworthy addition is ‘The Brutalist,’ a historical drama directed by Brady Corbet, featuring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce. With a runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes, it has garnered 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Set in 1950s America, it follows a Holocaust survivor navigating personal and professional challenges in architecture.
The Rise of Epic Cinema: A New Trend in Filmmaking
In recent times, the trend of longer films has gained momentum, captivating audiences worldwide. Notable examples include Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ which stretches to three hours, and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ clocking in at three and a half hours. The German film landscape for 2025 also welcomes a remarkable addition: ‘The Brutalist’ directed by Brady Corbet.
A Deep Dive into ‘The Brutalist’
This sweeping historical drama made its debut in the USA last year, boasting an impressive runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes. It has earned a staggering 10 Oscar nominations, including the coveted Best Picture award. The film stars Adrien Brody, known for his role in ‘The Pianist,’ along with Felicity Jones from ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,’ and Guy Pearce, recognized for ‘Iron Man 3.’
Although ‘The Brutalist’ is currently in theaters and will hit DVD and Blu-ray shelves in April 2025, you can already find it on the US Apple TV store for $19.99. However, it is worth noting that it lacks a German audio track or subtitles. No need to fly to the US—simply create a US account to access the store!
With 10 nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards, ‘The Brutalist’ is in strong contention, particularly for Best Picture. Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce are nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, while Felicity Jones is up for Best Supporting Actress. Although the competition is fierce, many believe Brody is poised to take home the Best Actor award.
Brody portrays László Toth, a Holocaust survivor who emigrates to the United States to pursue a career in architecture, all while haunted by his past. His performance is both compelling and sensitive, marking his second portrayal of a Holocaust survivor after his acclaimed role in ‘The Pianist.’
Having previously won the Best Actor Oscar for ‘The Pianist’ at the young age of 29, Brody holds the record as the youngest winner in that category. This year, he faces stiff competition from Timothée Chalamet for ‘Like a Complete Unknown.’ If Chalamet wins, he would not only eclipse Brody in their direct comparison but also break Brody’s long-standing record.
Despite being the same age as Brody was during his win, Chalamet would be a few months younger if he takes home the award this year.
Plot Overview of ‘The Brutalist’
Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, ‘The Brutalist’ follows László Toth (Adrien Brody) as he embarks on a new chapter in Pennsylvania. While the country offers him a fresh start, it also poses challenges to his artistic vision. Struggling to adjust, he seeks to rebuild his strained relationship with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), who has also been impacted by the war and shifting political landscapes in Europe.
The turning point arrives when Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), a wealthy industrialist, recognizes Toth’s architectural talent and hires him for an ambitious project. Van Buren commissions Toth to create an institute that includes a library, gymnasium, auditorium, and chapel, dedicated to his late mother.
This partnership allows László to explore his architectural dreams through bold brutalist designs characterized by their geometric forms. However, as the project evolves, he grapples with the heavy burdens that come with power and legacy, revealing the darker side of Van Buren’s wealth.
With a captivating storyline and a stellar cast, ‘The Brutalist’ promises to be a significant entry in the film industry for years to come.