The Brutalist Showtimes, Cast, Plot, and Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The Brutalist Showtimes: In a world saturated with blockbuster franchises and formulaic scripts, The Brutalist emerges as a profound cinematic experience—an epic, slow-burning drama that fuses the stark realities of post-World War II trauma with the raw beauty of architectural transformation. Directed by the visionary Brady Corbet, The Brutalist is more than just a period piece—it’s a meditation on exile, ambition, memory, and the struggle for identity in a rapidly evolving America.

Set in the aftermath of World War II, the film follows the journey of László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish architect who, after surviving the Buchenwald concentration camp, seeks a new beginning in the United States. Played by Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody, László becomes a conduit through which themes of displacement, resilience, and reinvention are powerfully conveyed. With his wife Erzsébet (portrayed by Felicity Jones) at his side, László attempts to reclaim a sense of purpose through his designs—bold, minimalist structures reflective of the brutalist architectural style that gives the film its name.

Showtimes

The Brutalist premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2024, and was released in the United States by A24 on December 20, 2024. The film is currently available in select theaters across the U.S., U.K., and Hungary. For the latest showtimes and ticket availability, please check local theater listings or online platforms such as Fandango and Cinemark.The Guardian+5Wikipedia+5Observer+5

Cast & Characters

• Adrien Brody as László Tóth: A Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who immigrates to the United States.
• Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Tóth: László’s wife, a journalist and Holocaust survivor.
• Guy Pearce as Harrison Lee Van Buren: A wealthy industrialist who becomes László’s primary client.
• Joe Alwyn as Harry Lee Van Buren: Harrison’s entitled son.
• Raffey Cassidy as Zsófia: László’s orphaned teenage niece.
• Stacy Martin as Maggie Van Buren: Harry’s kinder twin sister.
• Alessandro Nivola as Attila Miller: László’s cousin and a furniture store owner in Philadelphia.
• Emma Laird as Audrey Miller: Attila’s Catholic wife.
• Isaach de Bankolé as Gordon: László’s friend, a single father.Cinemark+4Wikipedia+4Decider+4IMDb+1Cinemark+1

Plot Summary

The Brutalist chronicles the journey of Hungarian-born Jewish architect László Tóth, who emigrates to the United States in 1947 after surviving the Buchenwald concentration camp. Settling in Pennsylvania, László strives to rebuild his life and career amidst the challenges of postwar America. His fortunes change when he is commissioned by the wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren to design a cultural institute. As László navigates the complexities of his new environment, he confronts themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream.What to WatchVanity Fair+4Cinemark+4IMDb+4

Production Details

• Director: Brady Corbet
• Writers: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold
• Producers: Trevor Matthews, Nick Gordon, Brian Young, Andrew Morrison, Andrew Lauren, D. J. Gugenheim, Brady Corbet
• Cinematography: Lol Crawley
• Editing: Dávid Jancsó
• Music: Daniel Blumberg
• Runtime: 215 minutes
• Budget: $9.6 million
• Gross: $50.2 millionWhat’s After the Movie?+17Wikipedia+17IMDb+17AP News+4IMDb+4Wikipedia+4Vanity Fair+1Wikipedia+1

Critical Reception

The Brutalist received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, performances, cinematography, and score. The film earned ten nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won awards for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, it won Best Motion Picture – Drama. The film was also named one of the top ten films of 2024 by the American Film Institute.Wikipedia

Home Media and Streaming

The Brutalist is currently available for streaming on major platforms. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on where to watch the film, please refer to official streaming services or the film’s official website.

FAQs

Q: What is the runtime of The Brutalist?
A: The film has a runtime of 215 minutes (3 hours and 35 minutes).Wikipedia+1Fandango+1

Q: Is The Brutalist based on a true story?
A: While the film draws inspiration from historical events and figures, it is a work of fiction.

Q: Where was The Brutalist filmed?
A: The film was shot in various locations, including Budapest, Hungary, and Carrara, Italy.What to Watch+3Wikipedia+3Vanity Fair+3

Q: What is the significance of the title The Brutalist?
A: The title refers to the architectural style known as Brutalism, which is characterized by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements over decorative design.

Q: Has The Brutalist won any awards?
A: Yes, the film has won several awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards, as well as Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

Conclusion

The Brutalist is not just a film—it is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of postwar identity, human resilience, and the transformative power of art and architecture. With its epic runtime, masterful direction by Brady Corbet, and a powerhouse performance from Adrien Brody, the film transcends traditional storytelling to become a work of cinematic architecture in itself—layered, stark, and deeply human.

Set against the backdrop of one of history’s most turbulent periods, the story of László Tóth resonates across generations. His journey from a Holocaust survivor to an uncompromising artist navigating the complexities of American capitalism is as much a personal tale as it is a universal one. The brutalist architecture that underscores the film is not merely a stylistic motif—it symbolizes survival, reinvention, and raw emotional truth.

Critically acclaimed and award-winning, The Brutalist is a testament to the power of cinema as both an artistic and emotional force. Its cast, including Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Joe Alwyn, bring depth and dimension to a narrative that challenges, confronts, and ultimately inspires. With its poetic cinematography, immersive score, and socio-political commentary, the film invites audiences to reflect on what it means to create something lasting in a world marred by impermanence.

Whether you’re watching for the first time in theaters, revisiting it on streaming platforms, or simply exploring its themes and legacy, The Brutalist stands tall as one of the defining films of 2024. It demands attention, sparks conversation, and rewards those who engage with its intellectual and emotional depths.