The first trailer for “The Brutalist” (2024) introduces a visually stunning and emotionally charged period drama directed by Brady Corbet. The film stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Joe Alwyn, delivering a tale of art, architecture, and personal resilience amidst post-war Europe.
The trailer opens with a somber piano melody as we are introduced to László Toth, played by Adrien Brody, an ambitious Hungarian architect fleeing the devastation of World War II. The visuals are striking, showing a war-torn Europe contrasted with Toth’s visionary architectural designs—dreams of towering structures and sleek, geometric buildings. László’s narration begins: “In a world rebuilt from ash, we were promised hope… but hope comes at a cost.”
Cut to Felicity Jones, who plays Erika, László’s wife and emotional anchor. The couple arrives in America, hoping to start anew. They are drawn into the booming post-war construction era, where László is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to create a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece—a “brutalist” structure that will redefine modern living.
The trailer shifts into moments of intense drama as László struggles with his artistic vision clashing with the demands of his wealthy patron, played by Joe Alwyn, a powerful and enigmatic figure who pushes László to compromise his ideals for the sake of profit and prestige.
We see a glimpse of the emotional toll on László and Erika as their dream of building a new life in America begins to fracture. The cinematography is bold, with sharp, angular shots of László’s concrete creations juxtaposed against intimate moments of vulnerability and tension between the couple. Felicity Jones’ portrayal of Erika shows her strength and sacrifice as she supports her husband’s ambition, while silently bearing the weight of their uncertain future.
The tension rises as László’s once-clear vision becomes blurred, not only by artistic challenges but by personal demons, including his haunting memories of war, survivor’s guilt, and the compromises that threaten his integrity. As the score builds, we see flashes of László’s architectural works being constructed, towering in all their brutalist glory, but at a great personal and emotional cost.
The final moments of the trailer show László standing before his completed masterpiece, a towering concrete structure, while his voiceover concludes: “To build is to leave a mark. But what do we leave behind in the process?”
The title “The Brutalist” appears on the screen, followed by the tagline: “Art. Vision. Sacrifice.”
“The Brutalist” (2024) promises to be a powerful exploration of post-war identity, the costs of artistic ambition, and the personal toll of creating something monumental. With standout performances from Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Joe Alwyn, the film is poised to be an emotionally resonant and visually stunning drama.
