In A Real Pain, a pair of mismatched cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
As a descendant of immigrants, it’s difficult not to feel a deep sense of empathy when watching A Real Pain. With a stern look at ancestral grief, the movie invites us to think about where we come from, and the long lasting legacy of intergenerational trauma. Masterfully navigating the painful territory of grief, the Jesse Eisenberg directorial debut embarks on an emotionally nourishing journey that presents the depths of human suffering, and the sorrows history has a grip over.
Despite dealing with heavy themes and the consequences of historical tragedies, A Real Pain is suprisingly charming, even funny at times. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the buddy dramedy entertains with razor-sharp wit, which is further elevated by the authentic, awkward chemistry of the leads. Furthermore, Culkin clocks in an incredible performance, taking a character who could have been a one-dimensional stand-in and characterising him with charisma, vulnerability, and even relatability.
Narratively, A Real Pain works effectively as a character study. By taking a more restrained, low-key approach, the movie is able to focus on the predicaments of its characters. It may sound like a conventional, bare bones premise on paper, but A Real Pain’s atmosphere renders it into a powerful story on grief, compassion, and hope. It’s bold enough to make us ponder on how life doesn’t always go the way we want it to, and that’s okay.
Ultimately, A Real Pain is a spectacular examination on intergenerational trauma. On top of being a great dramedy, the movie works as a remarkable showcase for Culkin’s acting chops, as well as an impressive directorial debut for Eisenberg. The film’s ability to infuse empathy in its characters is most impressive, especially in a time when said empathy seems to be in short supply.
*A Real Pain is available at selected GSC locations as part of GSC International Screens line-up. For more information, visit here.
