Jesse Eisenberg’s third feature, “A Real Pain” (2024), is one of this year’s finest independent dramas. The film is elevated thanks to the captivating performances from both Eisenberg himself and the already incredible Kieran Culkin, famous for his role in HBO’s “Succession” (2018–2023).
The film tells the story of two Jewish cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), who are traveling to Poland for a tour to honor their recently deceased grandmother. During their escapade, old tensions between the two reappear while exploring their family’s history.
At first glance, “A Real Pain” doesn’t seem like it has the potential to be one of 2024’s best films even if it has two talented actors in Eisenberg and Culkin. Some viewers might assume nothing stands out or grabs your attention; however, whoever believed that before seeing it will surely be mistaken.
The film works because of its two lead actors and the themes it discusses. The core of “A Real Pain” is all about the complexities of grief, complicated family dynamics and the overbearing weight of historical trauma.
There are a handful of scenes in the film where Benji shows raw emotion when talking about the death of his grandmother and the horrors of the Holocaust to the other people participating in the same tour. However, the people he is talking to do not share the same reactions or feelings. As a result, it frustrates Benji so much he walks away from the group in anger and sadness.
David, being more of a man who does not express his feelings all too much, is usually the one to calm Benji down and keep the boat from sinking. In these moments, David worries about how others will perceive him and perhaps is a little embarrassed by Benji’s behavior.
Throughout the film, the tour group members take Benji more seriously as they come to understand where he is coming from and try to comfort him. It does not hit David until an important dinner scene where the audience understands why David and Benji’s relationship is rigid.
Eisenberg and Culkin feel so natural in their performances as David and Benji. There is never a moment where the audience thinks they are seeing an actor playing a role in a film. Their interactions are authentic to how siblings and cousins with a rocky history would play out.
The two are opposites, which strengthens their chemistry. David is much more reclusive than Benji, and it seems he is uncomfortable in his skin. Benji is the type of man who never truly grew up.
Benji excels at communicating his thoughts with people he may not personally know, but David does not (even if he wants to). Although this may come off as rude or inappropriate in certain cases, it is always impressive to see someone so certain of how they feel.
Eisenberg’s choice to cast himself and Culkin was genius. They are what makes “A Real Pain” something special, especially in the film’s emotional and humorous aspects.
It is hysterical seeing Benji be so unhinged in how he reacts to what others say. The comedy also works when David tries defusing any potential rising tensions between Benji and others in the tour group. It is all well written and acted.
Eisenberg outdid himself with this film, and it is his best role since playing Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s “The Social Network” (2010). As for directing, “A Real Pain” is compiled a lot better with its cinematography, camerawork and locations compared to Eisenbeg’s previous two films.
“A Real Pain” is a film that needs to be seen by all cinema lovers. If it is playing in a theater near you, give this film your full attention.
Rating: 4/5
