Watch the Official Trailer for Brady Corbet's The Brutalist (A24)

A Post-War Odyssey Unveiled: The Brutalist Trailer Breakdown

A24 has released the official trailer for The Brutalist, offering a captivating glimpse into director Brady Corbet’s latest cinematic venture. Starring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, the film promises a poignant exploration of immigration, ambition, and moral compromise in post-World War II America.

A Story Forged in Concrete: Plot and Key Details

The Brutalist follows László Toth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-Jewish architect who immigrates to America with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), after surviving the Holocaust. Seeking a fresh start and the chance to rebuild their lives, they encounter unexpected challenges and moral dilemmas in their pursuit of the American Dream. László’s path intersects with a powerful industrialist, Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), leading to potential compromises that could jeopardize his artistic vision and personal integrity.

Director: Brady Corbet
Cast: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Isaach De Bankolé, Alessandro Nivola, Emma Laird
Release Date: Limited 70mm release on December 19, 2024 (New York & Los Angeles), followed by a wider release in January 2025.
Studio: A24
Runtime: ~215 minutes (with intermission)
Accolades: Seven Golden Globe Nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor, New York Film Critics Circle Winner

Behind the Brutalist Facade: Production and Themes

Corbet, known for his visually arresting style (as seen in Childhood of a Leader and Vox Lux), likely utilizes the brutalist architectural movement as a visual metaphor for the harsh realities and emotional landscape of the post-war era. The film likely explores the juxtaposition of grand aspirations with the struggles faced by immigrants seeking a new life in a foreign land. It may also be a commentary on the post-war world itself – a time of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally. The extended runtime suggests a complex and layered narrative, potentially spanning a significant period. The inclusion of an intermission further enhances the sense of cinematic grandeur.

Critical Buzz and Awards Recognition

The Brutalist has already garnered significant attention, receiving seven Golden Globe nominations, a testament to its potential impact. This early recognition, coupled with A24’s reputation for producing thought-provoking cinema, has fueled anticipation for its release. Some experts believe this could be Corbet’s most ambitious and impactful film to date, solidifying his status as a prominent auteur. There is ongoing discussion and debate about how Corbet’s distinct style will translate to a historical drama, and how audiences will connect with the film’s complex themes upon its wider release.

A Deeper Dive: Exploring the Trailer’s Visual Language

The trailer’s striking visuals offer a glimpse into Corbet’s cinematic approach:

Concrete Jungles: The imposing brutalist architecture could symbolize the challenges faced by immigrants in a new environment, the impersonal nature of post-war America, or even the American Dream itself – both alluring and potentially destructive.
Light and Shadow: The use of chiaroscuro may represent László’s internal struggles, moral ambiguities, and the secrets of his past.
Scars of Memory: Flashbacks of the Holocaust suggest the lasting impact of trauma and raise questions about how one rebuilds after such experiences.
Adrien Brody’s Performance: The trailer highlights Brody’s expressive face, inviting viewers to empathize with his character’s inner turmoil and resilience.