The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, is an ambitious work of art that captures the essence of resilience and identity in the face of adversity. Featuring stellar performances by Adrian Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, the film is a fictional biography of Laszlo Toth, a Jewish Hungarian architect escaping the horrors of World War II.

Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe and America, The Brutalist follows Toth as he flees Nazi persecution and embarks on a journey to the United States. The film opens with Toth leaving behind his wife Erzebeth and niece Zsofia, who face the scrutiny of Soviet soldiers as the Nazi regime crumbles.

In Philadelphia, Toth finds refuge with his cousin Attila (Allesandro Nivola) and his Catholic wife Maggie. Attila, who has converted to Catholicism, introduces Toth to the world of furniture making, and together they undertake the redesign of a library for a wealthy shipping tycoon, Harrison Lee Van Buren. What begins as a promising venture quickly turns sour as Van Buren, played with hilarious intensity by Guy Pearce, angrily dismisses the crew, leading to the cancellation of their payment.

Toth's life takes a dramatic turn when Attila, driven by prejudice and suspicion, accuses him of making advances towards Maggie and forces him out. At his lowest point, Toth is unexpectedly approached by Van Buren, who offers him a chance at redemption by commissioning him to build a community center in honor of his late wife. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a complex exploration of contrasting values and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a foreign land.

The Brutalist is famously shot in Vistavision, an obsolete film format that requires a 70mm print, adding a layer of authenticity and grandeur to the visual experience. The film's cinematography beautifully captures the stark contrasts between the old world and the new, reflecting Toth's internal struggle to maintain his identity amidst a relentless push for assimilation.

One of the film's most powerful themes is the subtle yet pervasive discrimination that Toth faces in America. Despite escaping overt persecution, he is still dehumanized and marginalized for his refusal to conform. This allegory for the filmmaking process itself underscores the importance of artistic integrity and the resistance against compromising one's vision.

The ending, while peculiar and somewhat unsettling (not in a disturbing way, more just a different tone than the rest of the film), serves as a poignant reminder of Toth's initial motivations. The story comes full circle with Zsofia, who has found her voice, symbolizing hope and continuity in the face of relentless challenges.

Overall, The Brutalist earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that delves deep into the complexities of identity, discrimination, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. While the ending may leave some viewers perplexed, (noting that it’s the goal and not the journey) the journey it takes us on is undeniably compelling and profoundly moving. Both Brody and Pearce give Oscar worthy performances, the cinematography is stunning and bravo to Brady Corbet for taking such a huge swing in a strange time to be a unique voice.