It’s rare to see such exponential growth between films from a filmmaker, particularly one with very few films under their belt. The unrecognizable difference between Jessie Eisenberg’s directorial debut to his latest, second feature “A Real Pain” is an unfathomable glow up. The kind that improves upon every single facet of filmmaking without sacrificing his integrity as a visual artist. He has something important to say, and in less than two years removed from his first (and frankly misguided and woefully ineffective) attempt he manages to say it emphatically and honestly. “A Real Pain” is the real deal, a brilliantly smart road trip drama about grief and loss that seamlessly oscillates between humor and heartache in profoundly human, deeply personal yet somehow wholly universal ways.
Written and directed by Eisenberg, “A Real Pain” follows two cousins on a road trip through Poland after the death of their grandmother. She left them money to take a tour through her homeland, and as a final wish asked them to visit her home. Benji (Keiran Culkin) is charming and magnetic, the kind of person you’re immediately drawn to with his laid back but outspoken attitude, while David (Eisenberg) is much more quiet and reserved, unable to operate in social situations no matter how hard he tries. The odd couple cousins clash as they go about the tour and uncover more and more of their family history, effecting everyone around them as they both process their own pain – past and present – to reveal their own internal and external struggles to each other and themselves The film also stars Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Ellora Torchia, Kurt Egyiawan, and Liza Sadovy.
Eisenberg’s script is a major step up from his previous film, with “A Real Pain” being deeply layered and complex despite being relatively small and grounded. Striking the dramedy balance is a challenge on its own for even the best of filmmakers, and somehow Eisenberg has managed to lock in both in his script and directorial talents to near perfection. There are so many smart choices Eisenberg makes in “A Real Pain.” Not just in how he chooses to frame his characters, but how he quietly operates within the tropes of a road trip adventure without falling in the traps of cliche subplots or overly subversive resolve. The things he avoids are as important as the things he chooses to focus on, telling signs of an incredibly talented and learned filmmaker. “A Real Pain” lands the execution of its simple story by stripping everything down to their most basic emotional core. It makes everything feel grounded and human, even when characters burst with overflowing emotion. “A Real Pain” never panders, and lets the main characters breath and take shape almost organically as we follow them on their journey.
Culkin (“Succession“) is electric, a lynchpin of “A Real Pain’s” effectiveness and a career best in this new era of his work. Like his character Benji, he kicks the door off the hinges with every single scene. A walking stick of dynamite and a beautiful disaster in the best and worst of ways, Culkin balances the volatile nature of a young man who is clearly hurting but doesn’t know what to do with all of the emotions boiling inside of him. Even when he makes people uncomfortable with his outbursts, he is never malicious. Culkin injects his character with a sense of misplaced compassion and empathy, the kind that feels like its assaultive and rude but is actually someone who simply can’t understand how much of an effect he has on everyone around him. Everyone has a Benji in their life, summed by one of the best lines in the film that David says to him, “You light up every room you’re in, and then you shit all over everything.”
Eisenberg delivers his best performance since “The Social Network,” complimenting the brash but charming Benji with a quiet, reserved, but no less hurting David. If Culkin is the driving force of “A Real Pain,” Eisenberg is the zip tie that keeps it all from going off the rails. It’s a necessary balance in an odd couple type film, and Eisenberg’s David is the perfect compliment. One of the best scenes in the film is when David finally breaks, overwhelmed with emotion and regret and with an uncontrollable shaking of his hands and welled eyes, reveals himself and the true nature of their relationship. It is such powerful stuff that comes off of the heels of some humorous barbs, something “A Real Pain” constantly does and consistently does well. The shifting tones never feel unearned or jarring because both are so fully realized and powered by two great lead performances it always feels right and real.
It’s rare a film is laugh out loud funny and heartbreakingly sad in equal measure, with neither overshadowing or undercutting the other. “A Real Pain” is a truly special film, one that is every bit as good as people have said. I was lucky enough to attend a Q&A with Eisenberg after the screening, and it was as insightful as the film he created. You can tell he genuinely loves this film and loves even more that people love it as well. “A Real Pain” is a personal story made universal, and enters the conversation as one of the absolute best films of the year.
Yes, I know I say that a lot, but “A Real Pain” really may just take the cake. It is infectious, smart, funny and emotionally resonate, charged by two incredible lead performances and an ensemble that – even as they are under utilized at times – add a realism and character to a powerful journey through history. It is a layered exploration of pain across generations, and points the finger inward for our own process and understanding.
“A Real Pain” is a must see and unforgettable. Don’t miss it.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
“A Real Pain” is now playing in select theaters. You can watch the trailer below.
