The BrutalistHaley9.7· February 2, 2025FollowStill in process mode. The intermission was not only necessary due to runtime and bringing a unique theater experience, but for giving the audience a break to properly digest the heaviness of the second half. I will definitely be in need of a rewatch- but the second half of the film is where all the story really lies in my opinion, as well as the culmination of the movie’s thesis. I am a second half defender. Anyone who thought the cave scene was too heavy handed, I can understand but I felt it was very realistically done both metaphorically and literally. The grooming process, the discarding/shame, and feeling foolish for not realizing earlier. I also understand criticism of Erzsebet’s character, but she was given a lot of agency and things to do more so than the typical wife in a movie like this. The epilogue (A.I. aside) is also crucial and brilliantly done. Zsofia’s mirroring to the beginning of the film represented to me that the escape never ends, despite her quoting that it’s about the destination. I am just unsure what it means that her muteness left and Laszlo gained it, symbolically (aside from the textual health reasons). Score and cinematography are mesmerizing.CommentsSign in to react and join the conversation.Sign inGet the app