Brutalist’s Erzsébet: Wheelchair Reason SHOCKS Fans!

László’s bond with his wife, Erzsébet, plays a crucial role in the narrative of “The Brutalist”. Despite the marital struggles portrayed throughout the movie, it is evident that László cherishes Erzsébet deeply. The traumatic events of World War II force them to live apart and endure separate concentration camps, ultimately leading to László’s immigration to America on his own. Erzsébet doesn’t make an appearance until the latter part of the film. However, despite this delayed introduction, Erzsébet remains one of the most compelling characters in “The Brutalist”, embodying the themes that the movie addresses flawlessly.

In “The Brutalist,” a film masterfully directed by Brady Corbet, the narrative delves into themes like survival and post-traumatic experiences, focusing on the lives of immigrants who came to America after the catastrophic events of World War II. Throughout the movie, it becomes evident that László and Erzsébet grapple with adapting to their new lives in America due to the psychological scars left by the atrocities they experienced during the war. By the end of “The Brutalist,” their marital problems are resolved, but it’s Erzsébet who battles the most throughout the film, particularly since she is afflicted with osteoporosis.

László’s Wife Erzsébet Is In A Wheelchair Due To Osteoporosis

Erzsébet Is In A Wheelchair For Most Of The Brutalist

At the start of the movie, László and Erzsébet frequently exchange letters, yet it’s not until halfway through the film that Erzsébet finally arrives in America. When László greets Erzsébet at the train station, he’s taken aback to find her in a wheelchair. Despite not mentioning it in her letters, Erzsébet has been using a wheelchair for years due to the effects of malnutrition she suffered as a prisoner in a concentration camp during World War II.

Osteoporosis is an ailment affecting the skeletal system, making bones fragile and prone to fractures. After enduring years in a concentration camp, Erzsébet’s bones have become incredibly weak, so simple actions like tripping or twisting awkwardly can result in bone breaks. This condition, as portrayed in “The Brutalist,” is also known for causing persistent pain. Consequently, it’s evident that osteoporosis is a challenging and uncomfortable disorder to cope with on a daily basis.

How Erzsébet Developed Osteoporosis

Erzsébet Developed Osteoporosis During The Holocaust

László was taken aback when he first saw Erzsébet in a wheelchair, as she didn’t have osteoporosis prior to World War II. This underscores how drastically their lives were altered due to the Holocaust. During the war, Erzsébet was malnourished while imprisoned in a concentration camp, which weakened her bones and led to osteoporosis – a condition that many Holocaust survivors unfortunately developed after being liberated from these camps. Despite surviving the Holocaust, they were left with a persistent physical reminder of their traumatic experiences.

As a film enthusiast, I find that The Brutalist beautifully portrays the resilience of the human spirit, particularly in the character of Erzsébet who, like many individuals living with osteoporosis, is on a journey to strengthen her bones. Despite the debilitating effects of this condition, there’s no known cure – yet. However, Erzsébet demonstrates that even in the years following the Holocaust and her arrival in America, where she was initially frail, one can gradually regain strength over time. Her osteoporosis serves as a poignant metaphor for her trauma, but with the support of László, she perseveres and finds a path to healing.

Why Erzsébet Didn’t Need Her Wheelchair In The Brutalist‘s Ending

Erzsébet Is Stronger By The End Of The Brutalist

By the final moments of “The Brutalist”, Erzsébet manages to find within herself the power to walk without the aid of a wheelchair, although it’s challenging and she requires some assistance. In a climactic showdown with Harrison at the end of the novel, we see Erzsébet standing and walking on her own. This display of independence during such an intense scene underscores her resilience. Despite the hardships posed by osteoporosis, “The Brutalist” illustrates that with determination, one can regain a measure of their strength in the face of adversity.

Read More

2025-05-18 17:28