At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, The Brutalist emerged as a standout, winning Best Drama Motion Picture, Best Director (Brady Corbet), and Best Dramatic Actor (Adrien Brody). With seven nominations and three wins, the Adrien Brody-led drama solidified itself as one of the year’s most celebrated films.
For Brody, the victory was especially meaningful. It marked his first Golden Globe win more than two decades after his Oscar triumph for The Pianist in 2002.
Brody’s Acceptance Speech:
“There was a time, not too long ago, that I felt this may never be a moment afforded to me again,” the actor emotionally shared during his speech.
With Oscar nominations set to be announced on January 17, The Brutalist is considered a strong contender for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Picture.
What Is ‘The Brutalist’ About?
The Brutalist is a sprawling, 3-hour-and-15-minute epic that delves into the life of Hungarian architect László Toth, played by Adrien Brody.
Plot Summary
- Setting: 1947, post-World War II.
- Storyline: László Toth flees war-torn Europe with his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) to start anew in the United States after surviving the Holocaust. Their dreams of building a legacy are forever altered when they collaborate with a wealthy and enigmatic client (Guy Pearce), whose influence reshapes their future.
Themes:
The film explores themes of resilience, legacy, artistic ambition, and the immigrant experience in mid-century America.
Director Brady Corbet, known for bold cinematic choices, acknowledged the unconventional nature of the film in his Golden Globe speech:
“No one was asking for a three-and-a-half-hour film about a mid-century designer on 70 millimeter. But it works. So please, just think about it.”
Who Stars in ‘The Brutalist’?
The cast boasts an impressive ensemble of talent:
- Adrien Brody as László Toth
- Felicity Jones as Erzsébet Toth
- Guy Pearce as the mysterious client
- Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Alessandro Nivola, Ariane Labed, Emma Laird, and Michael Epp in supporting roles
How to Watch ‘The Brutalist’
Current Availability
- Theatrical Release: The film debuted in New York and Los Angeles in December 2024 and will expand to a wider release on January 17, 2025.
Streaming Options
A streaming release date has yet to be announced. However, this awards-season favorite is expected to land on a popular service soon. Keep an eye on major platforms.
Why You Should Watch ‘The Brutalist’
With its compelling performances, visually striking cinematography, and a narrative steeped in post-war history, The Brutalist is a must-watch for fans of epic dramas and historical storytelling. Adrien Brody’s transformative performance as László Toth and Brady Corbet’s visionary direction make it one of the year’s most talked-about films.
