The Brutalist
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Plot Summary
In a near-future dystopia, a reclusive architect (Joaquin Phoenix) is forced to confront his past when his most infamous creation—a monolithic concrete housing project—becomes the site of a series of ritualistic murders. As he investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy linking the building's brutalist design to a secret society that weaponizes urban decay. The film blends psychological horror with architectural theory, culminating in a climactic showdown within the building's labyrinthine corridors.
Why You Should Watch
- Visual Innovation: Stark cinematography transforms brutalist architecture into a haunting character.
- Joaquin Phoenix's Performance: A career-best as the tormented architect, blending madness and genius.
- Genre-Defying: Equal parts psychological thriller, social commentary, and Lovecraftian horror.
- Critical Darling: Premiered at Sundance 2025 to rave reviews for its audacious premise.
Cast
Review
"Brutalist" is Alex Garland's most provocative work since *Annihilation*. Phoenix's unraveling performance anchors the film's cerebral horror, while the camera lingers on concrete surfaces until they feel alive with menace. The third-act descent into the building's hidden heart—a surrealist nightmare of skewed geometries—will polarize audiences but cements Garland as a master of existential dread. Not for the faint-hearted, but essential for fans of brainy, visually stunning cinema.
Memorable Quotes
"You don't live in my building. My building lives in you."
"Geometry is God's handwriting—and sometimes He writes in blood."
What Viewers Say
- "Phoenix and Dafoe's scenes are like watching two wizards duel with whispers."
- "Made me terrified of staircases. And right angles. And concrete."
- "The *Eraserhead* of architectural horror—I'll never look at buildings the same way."
Awards & Nominations
- Sundance 2025: Won Best Cinematography, Special Jury Prize for Visual Innovation
- Gotham Awards (Pending): Expected nomination for Best Feature
