A Real Pain Review: Love, loss, and the echoes of grief ft. Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, and a lesson in empathy

A Real Pain Review: That Kieran Culkin will win every award and Jesse Eisenberg is a great director is obvious, but there is so much more to this film than that.

A Real Pain Movie Review

A Real Pain Story: David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benjamin, aka Benji (Kieran Culkin), are first cousins who reconnect after years as they embark on a Polish tour through the horrors of the Jewish genocide, ultimately visiting the birthplace of their grandmother. The journey unveils details about their existence and bond at a vulnerable level, reminding them of what they were to each other and what they needed to become. Directed by Jesse, the movie is also written by him as he plays one of the leading characters.

A Real Pain Review:

Cinema as a tool to explore grief, bonds, and loss is incredibly powerful. The screen, in this case, is far more than a 70 mm whiteboard projecting images; it is a canvas that reflects life in ways one might never imagine. When life translates onto the screen and makes the viewer feel vulnerable, evoking memories of their own past, the movie becomes an unforgettable experience. Remember how hard it was to gulp down emotions when Mia turned back to look at Sebastian in La La Land, signaling the ache that lingers as life moves on? Or how did every separation in the Before series feel so heartbreaking? Well, A Real Pain enters this league, offering another deeply impactful story, thanks to Jesse Eisenberg.

Enter A Real Pain. How often have you thought about reconnecting with a sibling, cousin, or friend you once shared an unbreakable bond with, only to have it fade away over time? What if guilt strikes when you realize they are no longer alive, and you missed your last chance to share a moment with them? Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut explores precisely that and more, guiding viewers through the gut-wrenching yet beautiful landscape of this Polish tour. Staying true to its name, A Real Pain delves into its narrative with such depth that it leaves viewers reflecting long after the credits roll.

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The writing of this 90-minute film is grounded in reality, avoiding dramatics or exaggerated moments, presenting instead lived experiences. The story follows two cousins, once inseparable but distanced by adulting, who embark on this journey to trace their roots and confront their guilt. At its core, A Real Pain is a simple tale of reconciliation. What elevates this slice-of-life drama are the screenplay’s layers: the cousins’ strained dynamic, their emotional Polish tour through a land marred by Nazi atrocities, and the presence of co-travelers observing the brothers come to terms with their grief and distance.

The film emphasizes empathy. Jesse Eisenberg, with his Jewish heritage, infuses multidimensionality into the narrative, lending authenticity to its themes. When Benji challenges the tour guide’s statistical portrayal of Jewish suffering, you understand his defiance. Or when he lightens heavy moments with humor, you sense his search for hope amid darkness.

The chemistry between the two leads is genuinely heartfelt. Kieran Culkin’s Benji kisses and hugs Jesse Eisenberg’s David, showcasing a warmth that transcends acting. Culkin delivers a career-defining performance, expressing hidden pain through his eyes and actions. Eisenberg subtly steps back, letting Benji’s character shine, demonstrating his confidence and security as an actor.

A quietly profound aspect of A Real Pain is its portrayal of trauma’s generational impact. Eisenberg ensures viewers feel every intended emotional pinch during the Jewish Heritage Tour. Benji’s breakdown at a concentration camp, realizing his grandmother might have suffered there, is deeply moving. Eisenberg’s confident direction avoids over-explanation, trusting viewers to grasp the narrative’s nuances.

That said, more insight into their lives in New York would have added depth, though the haunting final frame compensates. Love and warmth coexist with the reminder that even when loved ones return, personal battles remain. The airport metaphor beautifully encapsulates this.

A Real Pain Verdict:

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg deliver one of the year’s most empathetic films. With career-best performances, a soul-stirring story, and a poignant climax, A Real Pain is a must-watch.

The film will be released in India on January 17, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for updates on this and more from the world of streaming and cinema.

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