Exploring The Brutalist’s 97% Rotten Tomatoes Score: Insights from Reviews and Critics

The year 2024 is coming to a close with a standout film, The Brutalist, which has generated considerable buzz thanks to its remarkable Rotten Tomatoes rating. With a striking 97% Certified Fresh score, the film has caught the attention of critics and moviegoers alike, even before its wide release on December 20. This impressive rating has left many wondering what sets this film apart and what intriguing story lies ahead.

An Overview of The Brutalist

Set against the backdrop of Pennsylvania in the late 1940s, The Brutalist follows the journey of László Toth, a European architect rebuilding his life in America. While he dreams of achieving fame and success through his designs, Toth is also escaping the devastation of post-World War II Europe. His aspirations begin to materialize when he attracts the attention of Harrison Lee Van Buren, an American industrialist. Together, they navigate a complex version of the classic American Dream, featuring an impressive cast that includes Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Joe Alwyn.

Adrien Brody and the Oscar Buzz

Brody Delivers an Exceptional Performance

A significant factor contributing to the acclaim of The Brutalist is Adrien Brody’s portrayal of Toth. Critics laud his ability to engage audiences, demonstrating the character’s evolution from an optimistic immigrant to a disillusioned architect. Many comments suggest that Brody’s compelling performance makes the film’s lengthy runtime of three hours and 35 minutes feel inconsequential, a feat that is beneficial for a historical epic. While long runtimes typically pose challenges at the box office, Brody’s presence seems to create a strong pull for viewers.

The Unique Appeal of The Brutalist

Standing Out in the Current Cinematic Landscape

Adrien Brody in The Brutalist at train station

While Brody’s performance is a cornerstone of the film’s success, The Brutalist distinguishes itself through its premise. Although the storyline might initially appear straightforward, it encapsulates significant dramatic themes. Moreover, it stands apart from much of the contemporary film landscape, as it is not tied to existing franchises and does not rely on a star-studded ensemble. This confidence in storytelling clearly resonates with the audience, suggesting a resurgence of interest in long-form historical narratives.

The film’s ambition evokes comparisons to Oppenheimer, with both sharing a focus on obscure historical events that achieve a striking impact on the viewer. Like Oppenheimer, The Brutalist seems poised to tap into the appetite for similar epic storytelling.

Brady Corbet and the Film’s Technical Excellence

Corbet as a Director

Credit for The Brutalist‘s artistic success can also be attributed to director Brady Corbet, whose vision plays a crucial role in the film’s development. Critics have praised his meticulous craftsmanship, often dubbing it a “masterpiece.”With intentional choices in filmmaking and cinematography, The Brutalist could well be regarded as Corbet’s finest work to date.

Although Corbet is primarily known for his prior acting roles in renowned projects like Funny Games and Mysterious Skin, this film marks only his third directorial effort but is already generating more acclaim than his earlier work, The Childhood of a Leader. As he steps further into the spotlight, his innovative approach could position him as a prominent force in filmmaking.

Oscar Conversations Surrounding The Brutalist

Oscar Potential for The Brutalist

As we look ahead to the 2025 Academy Awards, the early critical reception of The Brutalist raises intriguing questions about its Oscar prospects. Its Rotten Tomatoes score positions it favorably alongside contenders like Anora and Wicked, despite slightly outpacing them in ratings. The film has yet to achieve the acclaim of Sing Sing, which currently holds a 98% score, but it’s evident that The Brutalist stands as a frontrunner for awards season.

While many draw comparisons to the success of Oppenheimer, predicting a similar trajectory for The Brutalist may be ambitious. Despite its critical acclaim, the film faces tough competition from indie favorites and big-budget franchises. Additionally, it may not achieve the blockbuster box office performance typical of Oppenheimer, which could hinder its overall impact. Nonetheless, The Brutalist showcases remarkable promise, ensuring that it is deserving of the attention it’s already gaining.

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