A fortuitous trip to Poland several decades ago by filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg eventually turned into A Real Pain, a delightful and poignant exploration of family, friendship, and the passage of time. With a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection, the film resonates deeply with its audience, seamlessly weaving its themes into a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Eisenberg, taking on the dual roles of writer-director and actor, brings to life the character of David, a New Yorker and young father. David's cousin, Benji, portrayed by the charismatic Kieran Culkin (“Succession”), is his opposite in almost every way. Their dynamic propels the film into a charming buddy road trip, filled with moments of humor and introspection. The duo's chemistry is palpable, and their interactions provide both comedic relief and emotional depth.
The narrative unfolds as David and Benji – who haven’t been in contact with one another for years – reconnect and journey through Poland on a Holocaust history tour funded by their late grandmother Dora. This backdrop serves as a poignant counterpoint to the cousins’ personal struggles and offers a reflective lens through which the audience can explore themes of generational trauma and reconciliation. The film deftly balances these heavy subjects with a light-handed elegance, a testament to Eisenberg's skillful direction.
Eisenberg’s portrayal of David is nuanced and relatable, capturing a man caught between his responsibilities and the unresolved tensions of his past. Culkin's Benji, on the other hand, embodies a sense of arrested development, providing a humorous yet touching contrast to David’s more grounded demeanor. Together, they create an odd-couple cringy dynamic that is both entertaining and deeply human.
The supporting cast, including Will Sharpe (“The White Lotus”) as the affable tour guide James, adds layers of warmth and complexity to the film. Sharpe’s performance is particularly noteworthy, as his character provides moments of levity and insight that enrich the overall narrative. The extended cast includes Jennifer Grey, yes that Jennifer Grey, as newly divorced Marsha who is also visiting her roots, Liza Savoy and David Orestes as a friendly midwestern couple, and Kurt Egyiawan as Eloge, a Rwanda massacre refugee who fled the country before converting to Judaism.
A Real Pain beautifully captures the essence of what it means to confront one's family history while navigating personal challenges. Without preachiness, it questions the validity and intensity of pain, whether it's David's obsessive-compulsive tendencies triggered by historical sites or Benji's struggle to find his place in the world. These explorations are handled with a deft touch, ensuring that the film never loses its emotional core.
What makes A Real Pain stand out is its ability to feel like a movie from another time—evoking the classic road trip comedies or yore while also addressing timeless themes of identity and belonging. Eisenberg’s storytelling is both serious and light-hearted, a rare combination that invites us to reflect on our own lives while enjoying the misadventures of two mismatched cousins.
A Real Pain is an engaging, well-crafted film that offers laughter, insight, and a touch of nostalgia. It's a must-watch for fans of excellent writing, road movie enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a thoughtful exploration of life's complexities. Jesse Eisenberg has delivered a film that is as entertaining as it is meaningful.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 90 mins
Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Writer: Jesse Eisenberg
Cast: Kieran Culkin; Jesse Eisenberg; Olha Bosova
Genre: Comedy | Drama
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "I love and I hate him and I want to kill him and I want to be him."
Theatrical Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Official Site: https://www.instagram.com/a_real_pain_movie_2023/
Release Date: November 15, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Mismatched cousins 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.
