A Real Pain

I genuinely loved this film. "A Real Pain" isn’t filled with action or an intricate plot; in fact, there isn’t much happening at all. Instead, it offers a funny, heartwarming, and emotional experience as it follows two cousins reconnecting during a sentimental trip. I truly enjoyed the contrasting dynamic between the characters, Benji and David. By the end of the film, I had developed an emotional connection to both characters and found myself curious about the next chapter in their lives as the credits rolled. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg delivered brilliant performances, and the fact that Eisenberg wrote, directed, and acted in the film is even more impressive.

Brilliant funny and moving film. Great acting.

The movie sketches several personal struggles, shows Polish corners with an interested eye, but I couldn't help the feeling that something was missing. All the emotions kept in check by one of the main character David, seem to be also restricting the storyline.

I kind of wanted this movie to be bad so I could make a joke about it being a pain to watch, but it wasn’t. That said, it wasn’t particularly good either. The actors are really what make this movie shine. Jesse Eisenberg and Kieren Culkin give an incredible performance. And I do really like a lot of what this movie was going for. That said, it almost went for too much for its runtime, which meant that they didn’t spend enough time on the serious themes they were trying to tackle The dialogue was a mixed bag. Some of it great, and at other parts it was as subtle as a hammer. I didn’t have a bad time watching it, but at the end of this movie I was just left wondering what the point was.

Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of Benji adds depth, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a unique take on family bonds and personal discovery, offering a fresh perspective on Holocaust narratives. If you’re looking for a movie that combines humor with meaningful storytelling, this one’s worth a watch.

A good script and excellent acting.

The culkin character is soooo irritating, not funny and feel it was a rip off to buy it.

I struggle to understand the widespread adoration of this movie, in which nothing happens. Ostensibly a comedy-drama about two cousins (one of whom is depressed and quite possibly bipolar) who travel to Poland on a family pilgrimage of sorts, the film never gets deeper than that basic description. Yes, things happen on the screen that fill up time, but a meaningful plot never develops. Instead, you're left feeling like you are watching a home video of two people's travels--most of which is either terribly boring or terribly uncomfortable to (because Culkin's character acts a 40-year old toddler half the time). And like a home video there's no climax, no resolution. In fact, the movie just sort of ends. And you're not quite sure what the point was. Does something interesting happen on the trip? Do they overcome some internal struggle? Heck, do you even know why Culkin's character is depressed? No, no, and no. There is quite literally no story here. Nor is there any humor, as one would expect from a "comedy-drama." Most of the scenes that I imagine were supposed to be funny were just awkward. There's nothing funny about watching a grown man act up, scold people, and constantly interrupt a tour group. This movie, unfortunately like so many others, is just further evidence of a Hollywood that has become so obsessed with everything but the one thing it is supposed to do: entertain.

A Real Pain is odd in the way it does not try and explain to you the story or themes but rather takes you on a journey with a frustrating bipolar man and his shy sheepish cousin. After the film I was upset that I had wasted my time watching it but for some reason it really sticks with you in a weird way, my immediate review was 1 stars but after realizing the point of the movie is to stick with you so you wont forget it I am giving it some more stars. However do not expect to be entertained, its subpar at best and boring and irritating at worst.

I really struggled to get through this film—it fell flat on almost every level. The title was apt: Kieran Culkin’s character was, frankly, a pain. I found it hard to distinguish this role from the one he plays in Succession, making the performance feel tired and overly familiar. It’s genuinely surprising that he won an Oscar for it. That’s not a criticism of Culkin himself—he didn’t nominate himself, and it’s hardly his fault that this kind of character, which seems closely aligned with his usual persona, resonates so strongly with awards voters. The film lacked narrative drive and offered little in the way of meaningful character development. The dialogue felt unconvincing, and the overall tone was flat. I’m honestly not sure who I’d recommend it to. Judging by other reviews, it’s clearly a polarising film—people seem to either love it or find it as frustrating as I did.