Adrien Brody’s The Brutalist, which earned him his second Best Actor Oscar, has recently become a surprise hit on HBO Max after its theatrical release last year. The film, notable for its 215-minute length and heavy themes, has struck a chord with viewers worldwide since streaming debut. Its growing popularity underscores the lasting impact of the film’s immigrant narrative and Brody’s acclaimed performance.
Comparing The Brutalist’s Performance with Other Films on HBO Max
According to FlixPatrol data from late September, The Brutalist ranked as the fourth-most-watched movie globally on HBO Max, trailing behind titles like James Gunn‘s Superman and Celine Song‘s Materialists. It even surpassed critically noted films such as Michael Mann’s Miami Vice and Christopher Nolan‘s Insomnia, which cater to a similar cinephile audience. The Brutalist originally premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where it quickly became a frontrunner for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards, ultimately receiving 10 nominations but losing to Sean Baker’s Anora.
Box Office Success Highlights The Brutalist’s Impact
Produced on a surprisingly modest budget of less than $10 million, The Brutalist amassed $50 million worldwide, showcasing its strong commercial appeal despite demanding runtime. Its competitor Anora earned a slightly higher $57 million globally. The film currently holds a 93% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where it is praised for both structure and acting. One review states,
“Structurally beautiful and suffused with Adrien Brody’s soulful performance, writer-director Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist is a towering tribute to the immigrant experience.”
– Critics’ consensus
The Story Behind The Brutalist’s Powerful Immigrant Theme
Directed by Brady Corbet with co-writing from his wife Mona Fastvold, The Brutalist tells the story of Holocaust survivor and architect László Tóth, alongside his wife Erzsébet, who seek to rebuild their lives in America. Their journey is deeply shaped by the influence of a mysterious, wealthy benefactor portrayed by Guy Pearce. The film’s cast includes Felicity Jones, Alessandro Nivola, Isaach de Bankolé, and Joe Alwyn, who round out this evocative drama.
Exploring the Film’s Narrative and Characters
The Brutalist centers on László Tóth’s vision as he and Erzsébet flee Europe to start anew in America, but their plans are complicated when a wealthy client alters their path. This film poignantly captures ambitions challenged by the realities of a new world, threading personal stories into a broader immigrant experience that resonates in today’s socio-political climate.
