In The Brute, Sarah Douglas (Superman II) gives a courageous performance as Diane, a glamorous fashion model trying to escape the brutal blows of her sadistic husband, fearsomely portrayed by Julian Glover (For Your Eyes Only). After a particularly savage attack, Diane leaves to stay with photographer friend Mark (Bruce Robinson, writer and director of Withnail & I) and his girlfriend Carrie (Suzanne Stone). Finding solidarity with other victims at a nearby women’s refuge, she aims to forge a new life alone, but her violent ex-partner is determined to track her down.
Written and directed by Gerry O’Hara (The Pleasure Girls, The Bitch), The Brute is an uncompromising exploitation film which dares to tackle the taboo subject of domestic violence. Unseen since the early days of VHS, The Brute now returns in a worldwide Blu-ray premiere.
Streaming Options
Release Information:
Technical Specifications
Supplements
- Two presentations of the film: the more explicit export cut (90 mins); and the uncensored UK version, under its pre-release title, The Brute Syndrome (89 mins)
- Audio commentary with actor Sarah Douglas and writer and critic Kim Newman (2022)
- Sticks and Stones (2022, 14 mins): director Gerry O'Hara recalls the film’s origins and incurring the wrath of the women’s liberation movement
- UK theatrical prologue (1977): a ‘psychiatrist’ contextualises the film’s themes
- The Sea Can Kill (1976, 27 mins): Royal Navy short, written and directed by Gerry O’Hara, about surviving a disaster at sea
- This Week in Britain: ‘Erin Pizzey’ (1978, 5 mins): interview with the inspirational founder of the world’s first refuge for women, produced by the Central Office of Information
- Original theatrical trailers
- Image gallery: promotional and publicity material
- Limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson, a look at the public response to the film’s controversial screenings, an interview with fight arranger Roberta Gibbs, an overview of contemporary critical responses, Anthony Nield on The Sea Can Kill, and film credits