Review: A Real Pain

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Official Synopsis: Mismatched cousins David and Benji (Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) 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.

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Jesse Eisenberg. He gets a lot of flack for being "one note" but I tend to enjoy most of his movies. His last time in the director's chair (When You Finish Saving The World) was promising, and he's improved even more with A Real Pain. 

Culkin and Eisenberg feel made for each other. You couldn't find two better actors to play these characters. You could argue Eisenberg is writing a version of himself but it's a very honest one. David may often get frustrated with Benji, but he also idolizes him in a way. In a few key scenes where he expresses it, I couldn't help but feel for him. I would say I'm a quieter person as well, and I'll ever know what it's like to light up a room. It was nice to hear another person voice those thoughts out loud. 

Culkin has had a great few years on Succession and I'm glad he's bringing a big performance like this to the big screen again. You're not going to find Roman Roy in this performance, save for maybe talking too much. He's a broken man trying to make sense of a tragedy. Benji is a character that is almost overwhelming. When he's not on screen, someone is talking or thinking about him. He's ever present.

Brisk, funny, and heartfelt, this is a step up for Eisenberg's directing and it features two amazing lead performances. Trigger warning for travelers who hate other people being late and holding up the group. David and Benji would've been on my shit list. 

Grade: A

Comments

  1. thevoid99November 19, 2024 at 1:13 PM

    I've heard amazing things about this film as I would like to check it out.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 21, 2024 at 8:02 AM

      It's very easily in my Top 10 of the year. I can't image anything bumping it off the list.

      Delete
  2. BirgitNovember 19, 2024 at 1:45 PM

    I heard good things about this movie but I just can't stand Eisenberg. I think he's insufferable who believes in his own hype. That being said, I'd still watch this. You would hate my one friend who says she will be at my door to visit at 1 and comes around 3.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 21, 2024 at 8:03 AM

      I can't with lateness, especially when I'm paying for something lol. I think his personality fits this role really well. Obviously because he wrote it himself, but it works!

      Delete
  3. SJHoneywellNovember 19, 2024 at 2:48 PM

    This popped up on my radar for the two stars. I like Eisenberg in general, and Kieran Culkin seems to be the most talented Culkin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 21, 2024 at 8:03 AM

      I go back and forth between him and Rory. They're both great, but Kieran has been getting better roles lately.

      Delete

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