A Real Pain

Writer, director, and star Jesse Eisenberg teams up with (an outstanding) Kieran Culkin to craft a character-driven flick about mismatched cousins, neurotic David and charismatic Benji, as they trudge through Poland on a “Holocaust tour” to honor their grandmother’s memory.

What starts as a “cringe comedy” road trip film soon reveals itself to be a lighthearted exploration of grief, identity and connecting. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Culkin shines as Benji, infusing him with enough warmth and complexity to make even the dark moments feel alive and relatable. Eisenberg’s script is super sharp, balancing banter with authentic laughs. 

The dynamic between the cousins is so real and dysfunctional that you’ll swear you’ve been on a trip with them in a past life.

A Real Pain isn’t going to excite many cinemagoers to leave their couch on a Friday night, but that’s precisely the point. It’s a throwback to the days of small-scale, character-driven films (Woody Allen, Rob Reiner) that Hollywood has mostly sidelined.

 Eisenberg has crafted a lovable little movie that’s witty, melancholic, and full of heart—perfect for those who appreciate a little laughter with their emotional introspection.

Simply put: At a perfect little 90 minutes, it’s an endearingly awkward journey worth taking.

Where to watch: In theaters starting November 11, 2024.

 

Would it be better with Olivia Colman? Absolutely.

 

Award Potential: Culkin is likely to get some awards attention, but Eisenberg is just as impressive in a subtler but arguably trickier role. I imagine showier films will be in discussion by January.

 

The Ten Buck Reiview: Worth Ten Bucks