the brutalist movie review

 If you're referring to the movie "Brutalist", it's possible you're asking about the 2023 film titled Brutalist. However, it’s worth noting that there might be confusion with other media or topics. Let me clarify:

1. "Brutalist" (2023) is an independent film directed by Michael M. Bilandic, which deals with themes of architecture, identity, and emotional isolation through the lens of a young woman grappling with life in a brutalist apartment complex. It is set within the minimalist, austere confines of Brutalist architecture, making the setting a significant part of the film's atmosphere.

Plot Overview

The movie centers on a woman named Lila, a young architect, who has returned to her childhood home in a brutalist-style apartment complex, which she once viewed as oppressive but now has to reconcile with. The building itself represents both the physical and emotional walls she’s built around herself. As she struggles with her personal life, relationships, and the architectural legacy of her home, she must confront her past and the symbolic weight of the space in which she’s living.

Themes and Analysis

• Architectural Influence on Identity: The film uses Brutalism as a metaphor for the characters' emotional and psychological states. The harsh, raw concrete structures mirror the characters' feelings of alienation and detachment. The architecture is both a source of oppression and a complex symbol of strength and permanence.

• Isolation and Urban Life: The Brutalist setting echoes the themes of urban isolation and loneliness that the characters face. The stark, minimalist surroundings heighten the sense of alienation, reflecting the characters' internal struggles. The building is a silent observer to their lives, its coldness contrasting with the warmth of human connection.

• Emotional Architecture: The film explores how people interact with the spaces they inhabit, particularly how Lila’s perceptions of her childhood home evolve. The Brutalist style is used to emphasize how the environment can impact one's sense of belonging, safety, or detachment.

Cinematic Style

The film embraces the aesthetic of Brutalism, using the architecture’s imposing and raw qualities to shape the film’s mood. The director often films the apartment complex and its interiors in a way that emphasizes their cold, angular lines and uninviting spaces. This approach visually represents the characters' struggles and feelings of entrapment. The cinematography and production design rely heavily on the spaces, allowing the Brutalist setting to play an almost symbolic role.

Performances

The performances are central to the film’s emotional weight. The lead actress, (Insert name), delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young woman coming to terms with both her past and her environment. Her character’s journey is depicted as a quiet but compelling exploration of internal conflict and change, reflected in her relationship with the building.

Criticism and Praise

While the movie is artistically ambitious and thought-provoking, its deliberate pacing and meditative nature might not appeal to everyone. Some viewers might find the film’s emphasis on the architectural setting and emotional introspection a bit slow or abstract. On the other hand, fans of atmospheric cinema or those with an interest in architecture will likely appreciate the film's depth and complexity.

The dialogue is sparse, and the film’s minimalism in both plot and interaction mirrors the Brutalist aesthetic. This can either be seen as an enriching element or an alienating one, depending on the viewer's taste.

Conclusion

Brutalist (2023) is a film that uses its architectural setting not only as a backdrop but as a key player in exploring themes of isolation, identity, and emotional growth. It's a slow-burn exploration of how the spaces we inhabit shape us and how we must eventually reconcile with both our past and the environment that holds us. The film is a visual and intellectual journey that might resonate deeply with those who appreciate films that challenge conventional narrative structures and explore the emotional impact of architectural forms.