Star Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin
Director: Jesse Eisenberg
A Real Pain Movie Review Synopsis:
A REAL PAIN is the story of two cousins on a life-changing trip. Jewish cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benjamin aka Benji (Kieran Culkin) reside in the USA. They head to Poland as part of a Nazi-German Holocaust tour. As per the arrangement, they plan to leave the tour a day early to visit the childhood home of their late grandmother who survived the Holocaust and shifted to the USA. They land in Warsaw and proceed to the hotel where they meet their tour guide James (Will Sharpe), a recently divorced middle-aged woman Marcia (Jennifer Grey), an old couple Diane (Liza Sadovy) and Mark (Daniel Oreskes) and a recently converted Black man Eloge (Kurt Egyiawan). David is an introvert and reserved while Benji is free-spirited and likes to speak his mind. Benji’s behaviour gets a little extreme at times and Benji has no choice but to bear it and even apologize to other tour members during the course of their journey. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
A Real Pain Movie Story Review:
Jesse Eisenberg’s story is striking. Jesse Eisenberg’s screenplay incorporates laughter and tragedy beautifully. However, towards the end, the writing falters.
Jesse Eisenberg’s direction is simple. The film is just 90 minutes long and yet, Jesse manages to incorporate a lot into the narrative. The film begins on a funny note but soon, the confrontation and emotional moments take over and it makes for a great experience. The Indian audience will see a sort of familiarity – while the Europan road trip aspect gives a deja vu of ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA [2011], the Holocaust connection might remind one of BAWAAL [2023]. Of course, the goings-on here are totally different. The characters are also well fleshed out, especially David and Benji. Benji might also remind viewers of Zach Galifianakis’ character in THE HANGOVER but once the emotional and dark side of the character comes to the fore, the similarities end.
On the flipside, the scene where David and Benji finally reach their grandmother’s place is very underwhelming. The finale is probably justified but it’s also a bit abrupt and somewhere leaves a bit to be desired. Lastly, the film is too niche and will appeal only to a section of the audience.
A Real Pain Movie Review Performances:
Jesse Eisenberg is behind the camera as well as in front of it and he comes out with flying colours on all fronts. He plays the socially awkward person with deep insecurity with panache. Kieran Culkin takes the cake as he plays the difficult part with ease. When David says ‘I love him, I hate him and I want to kill him,’ you can’t help but agree as Kieran brings that complicated aspect to life beautifully. Will Sharpe leaves a mark, especially in the scene where Benji gives him constructive feedback. Jennifer Grey is lovely while Kurt Egyiawan lends able support. Liza Sadovy and Daniel Oreskes also do well.
A Real Pain movie music and other technical aspects:
A REAL PAIN has a minimal background score and it comprises piano pieces by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (performed by Tzvi Erez). The use of little music adds to the realism and also niche value. Michał Dymek’s cinematography is spectacular and would tempt viewers to visit Poland. Mela Melak’s production design and Malgorzata Fudala’s costumes are straight out of life. Robert Nassau’s editing is slick.
A Real Pain Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, A REAL PAIN has its share of funny and moving scenes and rests on an award-worthy performance by Kieran Culkin. At the box office, the film will struggle due to the niche appeal and little awareness. However, it might spring a surprise if the film manages to secure a couple of Oscar nominations, once the list is announced next week.