5 - Movies
A Real Pain
Released theatrically in 2024, A Real Pain is a film that explores the ins and outs of grief, family, and generational trauma. Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also appears in a leading role, the film follows two Jewish cousins who reconnect when they embark on a journey of their late grandmother's homeland. Through its authentic storytelling, thoughtful cinematography, and deeply human themes, A Real Pain offers a look into the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
After the death of their grandmother, cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) decide to take a tour of Poland in honor of their grandmother's death. Through dealing with their grief, the duo is forced to navigate their complex relationship with each other and reevaluate their own personal struggles. David and Benji are polar opposites of each other, which adds depth to their evolving dynamic. While David is reserved and put-together, Benji serves as his impulsive and emotional counterpart. Their clashing personalities and differing approaches to grief frequently create tension throughout the film.
Nevertheless, their differences are ultimately what drives their journey, leading them to a better understanding of both each other and themselves. As the two cousins traverse across Poland with their tour group, they visit multiple Jewish landmarks, including:
- Monument to the Ghetto Heroes in Warsaw, Poland
- Grzybów Square in Warsaw, Poland
- Warsaw Uprising Monument in Warsaw, Poland
- Grodzka Gate in Lublin, Poland
- Old Jewish Cemetery in Lublin, Poland
- Majdanek Concentration Camp in Lublin, Poland
As they visit these places filled with the history of their heritage, David and Benji both experience a range of emotions and express them in their own ways. David, more introverted and introspective, processes the weight of his ancestors' past through quiet reflection, while Benji, more extroverted and outspoken, reacts with frustration, humor, or sudden bursts of emotion. Their contrasting reactions create moments of both tension and connection, as they struggle to reconcile their individual ways of coping with their feelings.
One of the most interesting scenes, in my opinion, comes from one of the emotional moments where Benji is struggling with the idea of riding first class on a train to the concentration camp. In the clip below, you can see the dynamics between the two characters work in their dialogue and body language to demonstrate their complicated relationship.
Themes of grief, identity, and familial bonds are at the heart of A Real Pain, making it an intricate display of the human experience. Its cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing this narrative, bringing depth and emotion to the story. What I found most compelling about the film's overall look is how intimate the camerawork felt. By lingering on facial expressions and small gestures, I was able to completely immerse myself in what the characters were feeling in moment. The film was mostly captured in natural lighting to give it a more realistic feeling, but some moments were caught in a dim, warm light that, surprisingly, contrasted well with the tense moments that were unfolding.
One of my favorite scenes from the film serves as an example of the dim, warm lighting. In one part, David talks about Benji's nature at a dinner with the rest of the group. The mise-en-scene of the set juxtaposes with the emotional essence of the conversation which, in my opinion, makes it all the more compelling.
Aside from the film's narrative and cinematography, A Real Pain is a critically acclaimed movie with various accolades. Some of the awards that the film won include:
- Best Supporting Actor Oscar award for Kieran Culkin's role as Benji
- Best Supporting Actor BAFTA award for Culkin
- Best Supporting Actor Critics Choice award for Culkin
- Best Screenplay BAFTA award for Jesse Eisenberg
- Best Comedy Movie Critics Choice award
"This one runs almost 90 minutes. That makes it a beautiful little short story, primarily about the agony of being a David when you so desperately want to be a Benji and have only just discovered that being a Benji is agony too." -Matt Singer
"We are all tourists in each other's pain, even those we love. Kieran Culkin gives such an organic, raw performance. You'll be hearing about it all year." -Brian Tallerico
A Real Pain offers a poignant reflection on human connection and self-discovery. The film captures the complexities of relationships and the impact of loss in a way that feels both intimate and real. Everyone deals with grief, and almost anyone can find solace in their emotions through A Real Pain. I highly recommend it for people who enjoy an authentic narrative mixed in with a bit of humor. The film is available to stream, rent, or buy on Hulu, Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Fandango at Home.
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