A Real Pain is written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg who also co-stars along with Kieran Culkin. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay (Eisenberg) and Best Supporting Actor (Culkin), A Real Pain follows two cousins as they reunite to travel with a tour group to Poland to honor their late grandmother and connect with their Jewish heritage.
I like it when the seemingly simple movies sneak up on me and grab my heart like this one did. Culkin plays Benji, who jumps in as an especially fun and likable guy, lacking a filter and commanding attention. His cousin David (Eisenberg) is a bit more mindful and focused and he has clear expectations as the orchestrator of this trip. The two grew up together born only months apart and raised like brothers.
The performances are fantastic while honestly not feeling like much of a diversion from their true personalities. Culkin as Benji is both charming and exhausting. David is more rigid, responsible and like his life has an itinerary that includes emotions along with directions. They both have different yet relatable levels of anxiety and insecurity. The natural banter and frustration with one another is part of the sincerity of their relationship.
The supporting cast is adorable and paces the spotlight of the cousins’ scenes long enough to take a cleansing breath. Relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw. There is something therapeutic about watching flawed characters steeping in hidden resentments and behaviors finally overflow with emotion.
Since the Brutalist is top of mind, I might project that Benji is more like the journey while David is the destination. Together they create a story about acceptance and the fragility of life.
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