A Real Pain is a travel dramedy about two cousins David(Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji(Kieran Culkin) who travel to Poland as part of a Holocaust tour group and to see the childhood home of their deceased grandmother who was a survivor. David is the more conventional, Benji the free spirit, Benji's recent personal struggles have prompted David to plan the trip.
Culkin is really the star, electric at times incandescent with his energy and characterization. He's magnetic and its nice to see him get this kind of showcase especially in the wake of Succession. Eisenberg is, no surprise, more understated. He's never had anything like range but he fits well here and has a scene or two of real pathos. The support cast, basically the tour group, are all fabulous- Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Will Sharpe, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes- and there are a couple great ensemble scenes but the film is conflicted about its focus and ultimately the tour group isn't delved into as much as it could be.
The score is beautiful and pitch perfect classical piano, shot on location in NYC and Poland the production all around has an authenticity and elevation to it which speaks to Eisenberg's increasing skills(he is also writer/director based on a short story he wrote). Where the film stumbles is in its story and tone. As a short story this slice-of-life approach would be appropriate here it is clear there is a struggle about what the film wants to be. Is it about the cousins? Is it about the trip? Is it comedic or cathartic? These competing impulses muddle the delivery and ultimately it feels incomplete. It's a pleasant, diverting watch but it doesn't really hit you, either comedically or dramatically, with enough impact to leave much of an impression.
Interesting but mild.
Currently in theaters.
Rent It.
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