The Brutalist

There is no question that The Brutalist is the most ambitious and accomplished film Brady Corbet has made as either a writer or director. The scale is impressive, the craftsmanship is undeniable, and there are moments that genuinely feel like they belong in a classic Hollywood epic.

Adrien Brody is outstanding. Much like The Pianist, he excels at portraying a man carrying the weight of enormous personal and historical burdens, but this performance feels older, wearier, and more reflective. He gives the film its emotional center and keeps the audience invested even when the story begins to lose momentum.

For me, the first half was significantly stronger than the second. Early on, the story is focused, compelling, and full of purpose. As it progresses, the pacing slows considerably, and the film's already substantial runtime begins to feel even longer. Emma Laird also delivers a strong supporting performance and makes the most of her screen time.

I admired The Brutalist more than I loved it. It's a well-made film with exceptional performances, but one that ultimately became too drawn out for its own good.