The Brutalist Explores Jewish Identity in Post-2023 America

LOS ANGELES, California — A thought-provoking film titled “The Brutalist” raises pressing questions about Jewish identity in America, in the wake of the recent Israel–Hamas conflict. Released in September 2024, the film explores the life of László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, a Hungarian Jewish architect who arrives in the United States in 1947.

The nearly four-hour feature is not just a cinematic experience but a stark commentary on Jewish belonging in America, particularly in light of rising global tensions since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The film’s primary question — “Do American Jews belong in America?” — hits at the heart of current socio-political anxieties within the Jewish community.

Critics suggest that before the onset of the conflict, this question would have seemed nearly unimaginable to many American Jews. However, the dramatic shift in public sentiment regarding Israel after the events of October 2023 prompted a reevaluation of Jewish identity and representation in a changing America.

The Brutalist premiered to critical acclaim and is touted as a frontrunner for the upcoming Academy Awards, with Brody nominated for Best Actor. The film has grossed over $36 million against its modest $10 million budget, indicating a strong public interest in its themes.

Director Isabella Martinez emphasized the film’s intention to prompt dialogue, stating, “This isn’t just a storytelling exercise; it’s an urgent conversation about place, identity, and belonging.” The film interweaves László’s struggles and triumphs with contemporary issues, making its narrative resonate on multiple levels.

As tensions intensify globally, many in the artistic community are engaging with these themes in their work. The Brutalist does so not only as a reflection of László’s 1940s struggles but also as an urgent inquiry into the larger implications of identity for today’s American Jewry.

Next Sunday, audiences will likely see the film recognized in multiple Oscar categories, an indicator of how deeply art has the power to reflect and influence societal discourse.