‘A Real Pain’ is Kieran Culkins’ path to awards consideration

A Real Pain

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, ” A Real Pain” centers on two cousins Benji (Kieran Culkin) and David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg) who go on a tour through Poland in remembrance of their heritage and specifically their grandmother, who Benji was closest to.

Benji and David couldn’t be more different. Benji is the epitome of ADHD, whizzing through emotional roller coasters, inspiring and captivating the people and energy around him, but holding a deep sadness and loneliness under the surface. David has a life, a wife, children, a career, and hopes that this trip will answer questions about Benji and bring them closer together.

I saw “A Real Pain” when it premiered at Sundance this year, and you can check out my red-carpet interviews with the cast and director here. “A Real Pain” is a beautiful buddy road trip that has incredible nuanced performances by both Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg, and one that even since January remains in my top 5 films of 2024.

It’s a deceptively simple premise that Jesse Eisenberg masterfully crafts these grounded and realized characters. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and engaging from start to finish. I love a film that can keep you engaged just by the stimulating conversations the characters are having on screen.

The scenic tour of Poland immerses you into the group of misfits on their journey. You the viewer feel like you are an unseen character witnessing the beauty and the horror of retracing Jewish heritage in WW2 Poland, and the contrast between David and Benji are explored as they both react differently to the tour’s destinations.

I welcome the trust Jesse Eisenberg gives his audience that even though this is a tour of great pain and sadness, he can still bring in lightheartedness, and levity that doesn’t feel inappropriate, but makes the story feel more realistic. This being his sophomore directorial project, I am seriously in awe of the work behind and in front of the camera for Jesse Eisenberg.

Kieren Culkin is the MVP of the film. When it comes to nominations, he has the option in my opinion to run for best actor or best supporting actor. To me, he shares co-lead with Eisenberg and completely steals every scene he is in. A lot of that comes from his boisterous character, but it’s the charm and depth infused with Culkin’s acting that puts his performance solidly as a contender and one that I hope he gets rewarded for.

“A Real Pain” is a real joy. I loved every minute of this film, and hope you consider checking it out this weekend. It’s a beautiful character study on love, family, and tracing back our roots, and is expertly directed and acted.

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