Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the film follows two mismatched cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they embark on a journey to honour their late grandmother. What starts as a heartfelt pilgrimage quickly devolves into a series of uncomfortable confrontations, existential musings and moments of unexpected hilarity.
David, on the other hand, is the straight-laced counterpart, constantly exasperated by Benji’s antics but secretly envious of his cousin’s unfiltered approach to life. Together, they form a duo that is as dysfunctional as it is endearing.
Let us be clear – A Real Pain is not an easy film to watch. It tackles heavy themes like grief, mental health and the lingering effects of trauma with a rawness that can feel uncomfortable at times.
The film’s setting, a tour through a country steeped in history, serves as a powerful backdrop for the cousins’ struggles. The juxtaposition of their petty squabbles against the weight of the past creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. It is because of Eisenberg’s writing and direction that the film manages to balance these heavy themes with moments of levity, making it both a challenging and rewarding experience.
At the heart of A Real Pain is the electric chemistry between Eisenberg and Culkin. Eisenberg’s David is the epitome of repressed emotions, his tightly wound demeanour a stark contrast to Culkin’s Benji, who is all chaotic energy and unfiltered honesty. Their interactions are a masterclass in comedic timing and emotional depth, with each actor bringing a unique vulnerability to their role.
Relatable ensemble
Sharpe’s portrayal of James, the mild-mannered tour guide, is particularly noteworthy. His calm demeanour serves as a counterpoint to Benji’s chaotic energy, creating some of the film’s most memorable moments. Grey, meanwhile, brings a quiet strength to her role as Marcia, a recent divorcee who finds herself drawn to Benji’s unfiltered honesty. Together, the ensemble cast creates a rich blend of characters that feels both authentic and compelling.
Without giving anything away, the ending of A Real Pain is likely to polarise audiences. On one hand, it feels unsatisfying, as if the story is left hanging in the balance. On the other hand, it is deeply realistic, capturing the messy, unresolved nature of life. The film does not offer easy answers or tidy resolutions and that is precisely what makes it so powerful.
For the open-minded
At its core, A Real Pain is a film about the human condition, about the ways we cope with trauma, the bonds that tie us together and the messy, imperfect nature of life. It is a tough watch, but one that is ultimately worth it. Just do not expect to leave the theatre with all the answers. Sometimes, the most realistic endings are the ones that leave us with more questions than resolutions.
CAST: Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan
PLOT: 6/10
ACTING: 8/10
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