Movie buffs are buzzing about a film called The Brutalist and for good reason. It's a big ambitious movie with Oscar whispers already swirling around it . One of the names you will hear mentioned a lot in connection with this movie? Felicity Jones. She is not just in it she is a standout part of what makes this movie so compelling .
Felicity Jones as Erzsébet in 'The Brutalist': Strong Women in Intense Worlds
In The Brutalist Felicity Jones plays Erzsébet the wife of the main character László Tóth played by Adrien Brody. László is a Hungarian Jewish architect who comes to America after surviving the Holocaust. This movie is not light viewing it is a decades-long saga exploring his journey chasing the American dream but facing a lot of tough realities along the way.
Felicity Jones as Erzsébet is not just a supportive wife character though. She is described as "fiercely protective" of her husband and also "clear-eyed". That means she sees things as they are and she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her performance is getting noticed as "just as impressive" as Adrien Brody's which is saying something because Brody is fantastic in this role. Erzsébet arrives in the second half of the movie and really shakes things up especially in László's relationship with his wealthy patron.
Think about Felicity Jones in other roles like in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story or The Theory of Everything. She has this ability to portray women who are strong determined and face challenging circumstances head-on. Erzsébet in The Brutalist fits right into that pattern. She brings depth and complexity to a movie that is already packed with big ideas and emotions.
Oscar Talk and Box Office Success: 'The Brutalist' is Making Waves
The Brutalist is not just getting critical acclaim it is also doing surprisingly well at the box office for an indie movie. With a budget of only $10 million it has already made over $36 million. That is a big deal and shows people are connecting with this film. And yes the Oscar buzz is real. The movie is predicted to be a serious contender for Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards and Adrien Brody is getting mentioned for Best Actor. Felicity Jones could very well be in the conversation for supporting actress nominations too.
This kind of success puts Felicity Jones in an even brighter spotlight. Being part of a movie that is both critically praised and commercially successful is a great combination for any actor. It shows she can choose projects that are meaningful and also resonate with audiences.
What is 'Brutalism' Anyway? The Architecture Style Behind the Movie Title
You might be wondering about the title The Brutalist. It refers to Brutalist architecture a style that became popular after World War II . Think big concrete buildings that are not trying to be fancy or decorated just functional and strong. The movie uses this architectural style as a visual metaphor.
Brutalist buildings are often described as "harsh" or even "ugly" because they use raw materials like concrete and brick in very direct ways. But the idea behind Brutalism was actually pretty idealistic. After the war architects wanted to create a new world. Brutalist buildings were meant to be honest showing how they were made and serving a social purpose often for ordinary people like in housing or schools.
In The Brutalist László Tóth's architectural style and his massive community center project represent his own inner world which has been "shattered" by trauma. The movie uses Brutalist architecture to explore themes of resilience trauma and the challenges of rebuilding after destruction both personal and societal. Felicity Jones as Erzsébet is part of this world navigating its stark realities and emotional weight.
Beyond 'The Brutalist': Felicity Jones' Impressive Film Career
While The Brutalist is currently getting a lot of attention Felicity Jones has built a solid and diverse career over the years. She is not new to the movie scene and has starred in a range of films from big blockbusters to smaller indie projects. Here are just a few examples of her notable movies:
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): She played Jyn Erso the rebel hero in this popular Star Wars spin-off showcasing her action movie lead potential.
- The Theory of Everything (2014): She received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Jane Wilde Hawking Stephen Hawking's first wife in this moving biopic.
- Like Crazy (2011): A romantic drama where she starred alongside Anton Yelchin showing her range in indie films.
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014): She had a role as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat hinting at her versatility even in superhero genres.
This list just scratches the surface but it shows Felicity Jones' talent and ability to take on varied and challenging roles. She consistently delivers strong performances making her an actress to watch no matter the project.
Must-Watch Felicity Jones Movies: A Quick List for Fans
- The Theory of Everything (2014): For her Oscar-nominated performance and a beautiful and heartbreaking story.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016): For action sci-fi and seeing her as a powerful rebel leader.
- Like Crazy (2011): For a raw and realistic portrayal of young love and its complications.
- The Invisible Woman (2013): For a period drama showcasing her elegance and acting skill as Nelly Ternan.
- Breathe (2017): For an inspiring and emotional true story where she stars alongside Andrew Garfield.
Felicity Jones: A Star on the Rise with 'The Brutalist' Leading the Way
So keep an eye out for Felicity Jones. The Brutalist is shaping up to be a significant moment in her career and a movie that is sparking important conversations. She is a talented actress who consistently delivers compelling performances. Whether you are already a fan or are just discovering her now 2025 could be Felicity Jones' year to truly shine even brighter in Hollywood.