Led by a scene-stealing turn from Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain is a powerfully funny, emotionally resonant dramedy that finds writer-director-star Jesse Eisenberg playing to his strengths on either side of the camera.
It may be formally unadventurous but A Real Pain is a real treat, a tender, funny treatise on family jealousies and our relationship to the past. Simultaneously light and heavy, it soars on the stellar pairing of Eisenberg and Culkin.
Read full articleInseparable as kids, our two heroes now make a classic odd couple, even if that comic staple seems a strange fit indeed for the gravity ahead.
Read full articleA substantial and emotionally nourishing journey that contains, courtesy of Culkin, perhaps the most devastating final shot of any film you will see this year.
Read full articleA touching, funny drama that allows truths to emerge subtly and sometimes ambiguously.
Read full articleA Real Pain is a film that’s really an ellipsis. That’s where it derives its tender power.
Read full articleEisenberg must be given credit for his decision to give Culkin the space to show off his tragicomic register, an opportunity that he takes full advantage of by giving one of the most brilliant performances of the year. [Full review in Spanish]
Read full article…a film that is much more provocative, profound and of a broader reach than it initially seemed. [Full review in Spanish]
Read full articleJesse Eisenberg's directorial debut is one of the favorite films of the awards season. This includes the recognition of Kieran Culkin as best actor. [Full Review in Spanish]
Read full articleA beautifully written and well acted film that will have you doing some deep thinking long after the credits role.
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