The Brutalist

During World War II, Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth is forcibly separated from his wife, Erzsébet, and niece, Zsófia, in Budapest. This traumatic event sets the stage for his harrowing journey towards survival and eventual emigration.

After surviving the Holocaust, László emigrates to the United States, seeking refuge and a fresh start. He settles in Philadelphia, where he initially stays with his American wife, Audrey, and cousin Attila, while looking for work.

In 1947, László helps Attila in his furniture business. This marks a brief period of stability until his son Harry surprises him with a renovation project that spirals into conflict with a wealthy client.

While working on a renovation for industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren, László faces backlash regarding the poor condition of the work. Harrison demands they leave without compensation, leading to further strain in László’s life.

Audrey accuses László of pursuing her, leading to tensions that force Attila to ask László to leave. This period signifies the beginning of László's emotional and relational disintegration.

Years later, László forms a friendship with Gordon, an impoverished African-American man, while living in charitable housing. Their bond is tested by László's secret heroin use and the challenges they face at a shipyard.

Harrison eventually approaches László, recognizing the architectural brilliance of the library renovation. This acknowledgement leads to a significant project that could change László's fortunes.

Harrison commissions László to design a community center that includes various facilities. Excited about the opportunity, work begins immediately, marking a turning point in László's career despite his ongoing personal struggles.

In 1953, László reunites with Erzsébet and Zsófia at the train station, who have both suffered greatly. Erzsébet is now wheelchair-bound, and Zsófia has become mute due to past traumas, deeply affecting László.

László confronts fellow developers after discovering that materials and designs for the community center have been altered without his approval. This leads to mounting frustrations as he fights to maintain his artistic integrity.

Tragedy strikes when a train carrying László's supplies derails, resulting in severe injuries to two employees. This incident escalates tensions surrounding the community center and leads to Harrison halting the construction.

In the aftermath of the train accident, Harrison decides to lay off László and the construction team. This marks a painful blow to László, compounding his feelings of inadequacy and despair.

Years later, Zsófia overcomes her muteness and shares the news of her pregnancy with a devout Jewish husband. She expresses a desire to move to the new state of Israel, pushing László and Erzsébet to consider their future.

Amid growing tensions, Harrison asserts control over László by committing acts of sexual violence in a quarry. This encounter leaves László traumatized and losing grip on his life and profession.

In 1980, Erzsébet passes away, and a retrospective exhibition celebrates László's architectural contributions. Zsófia reflects on her uncle's journey and the lasting impact of their shared trauma during the Holocaust in her speech.