Amid the dazzling array of Hollywood stars, eye-catching premieres, and a whirlwind of high-profile events at the Venice Film Festival, a singular film has quietly risen above the rest to capture the hearts of critics: Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist.”

While not entirely devoid of its own share of showbiz allure—thanks to Corbet’s celebrated history at Venice and a stellar cast featuring Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones—”The Brutalist” has managed to stun audiences in ways no other film at the festival has. This cinematic gem has been lauded as “a masterpiece,” “a triumph,” and “era-defining.” It even received an astonishing 13-minute standing ovation, raising the question: Can it possibly meet such lofty expectations? The answer is an emphatic yes.

At the heart of this extraordinary film is Adrien Brody, who delivers a career-defining performance as László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant fleeing the nightmares of post-World War Two Europe for a fresh start in America. László is a skilled architect, yet upon arrival in the U.S., he faces abject poverty and indignity—reduced at one point to shoveling coal—as he tries to establish himself. His initial support comes from his cousin Attila, portrayed by Alessandro Nivola, who had emigrated years earlier.

László’s journey is fraught with struggle, compounded by the pain of separation from his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones) during the Holocaust and his battle with a dangerous addiction. Just when it seems that despair will consume him, a fateful encounter with the enigmatic and immensely wealthy Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) offers a glimmer of hope. Van Buren’s proposition—a contract laden with powerful connections—seems like the perfect solution to László’s myriad woes.

Spanning three decades, “The Brutalist” unfolds as an epic narrative that mirrors the American dream sought by many immigrants. It delves deep into complex themes of family, friendship, and love set against the backdrop of monumental societal shifts in the twentieth century. This multi-layered story is reminiscent of an Arthur Miller play, brought to life on the silver screen.

The film has drawn comparisons to classics like “There Will Be Blood” and “The Godfather,” yet it also evokes the grandeur of 1950s epics such as “Giant,” not merely for its nostalgic use of VistaVision or its intermission. From its very opening, where a bombastic overture is abruptly interrupted by screams and an interrogation, Corbet makes it clear that he is unafraid to defy conventions.

“The Brutalist” is imbued with raw, desperate pain, but it never feels overdone. The film’s messiness and complexity make it all the more compelling, reflecting characters that are far from black-and-white. Brody’s László is a blend of hopefulness and drive but also selfishness and self-obsession, fueled by the disdain he perceives from others. Though Brody won an Oscar over two decades ago for “The Pianist,” his portrayal in “The Brutalist” stands as his most defining role yet. His performance is charged with rage, passion, and helplessness, most poignantly captured in a single tear as Erzsébet attempts to connect with him.

Felicity Jones shines in one of her most nuanced roles to date, revealing a depth of talent seldom showcased before. Guy Pearce masterfully embodies the mercurial Van Buren, delivering a performance that’s sure to be a highlight in the upcoming awards season. Additionally, Joe Alwyn as Van Buren’s son Harry Lee transitions from dependable supporting roles to a more substantial part that showcases his growing prowess as an actor.

Over its sprawling 215-minute runtime, “The Brutalist” adheres to some historical drama conventions while simultaneously forging its unique path through innovative soundtracking, off-kilter shots, and lingering visual motifs like roads and railways. As Corbet stated at the Venice press conference, he does not create films that “fit inside a box.” He emphasized that he and his team aimed to do “everything we’re not allowed to do,” merging the feel of prestigious films from 70 years ago with modern touches.

While emotionally potent, “The Brutalist” is also dense and challenging. It demands engagement in an era dominated by short-form content like TikTok videos. Yet its ambition, artistry, and quality are undeniable. Co-written with his wife Mona Fastvold, this film marks Corbet’s ascension as a true auteur. Even if it may not appeal to everyone—being more enthralling than entertaining—it’s impossible not to be impressed by its scope.

Over three and a half hours of sweeping history, personal struggle, and heartbreaking moments, “The Brutalist” maintains an unyielding sense of urgency. With powerhouse performances led by an electrifying Adrien Brody, this film is poised to be a major contender at the 2024 Oscars.

“The Brutalist” premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1. Its release date has yet to be announced.

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