The Brutalist

Finally, Erzsebet confronts Harrison Lee Van Buren about his assault on Laszlo, forcing a confrontation that sends shockwaves through his family. Harrison’s reaction is to go into hiding, and although there are hints that he may have taken his own life, the film leaves his fate ambiguous, emphasizing the unresolved chaos caused by his actions. Meanwhile, Harry, Harrison’s son, reveals troubling tendencies, suggesting he may have inherited or learned similar immoral behaviors, especially through his disturbing interactions with Zsofia, Laszlo’s niece. The film’s concluding scenes shift to an exhibition in Venice decades later, where an elderly Laszlo is honored posthumously. His life’s work, rooted in the brutalist style of architecture, finally receives the recognition it never truly had during his lifetime, especially as his designs bear the scars of his personal trauma and the history he endured. Zsofia’s impassioned speech underscores the importance of remembering one’s roots and struggles, emphasizing that her journey—marked by trauma, resilience, and artistic expression—has led her to a place of empowerment. The film ends with the notion that true art and architecture reflect not only beauty but also the pain and history of those who create them, leaving behind a legacy that resonates beyond personal achievement. The ambiguity surrounding Harrison’s fate underscores a cycle of injustice and the enduring scars of trauma, while Laszlo’s lasting architectural legacy signifies the power of art to transcend suffering and cement a meaningful, global appreciation of his life’s work.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44