“A Real Pain” Review: A Bittersweet Journey Through Grief, Laughter & Family Baggage

Some movies hit you with big, dramatic moments. “A Real Pain” takes a different approach – it just quietly settles in, peels back family history, and lets all the messy emotions unfold naturally.

Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, this comedy-drama follows two cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), on a trip to Poland to honour their late grandmother. What starts as a sentimental family tour quickly turns into something deeper – an exploration of grief, trauma, and identity, with plenty of awkward, sharp-witted moments along the way.

David and Benji couldn’t be more different. David is anxious and reserved, while Benji is unpredictable, charismatic, and a little bit of a chaos magnet. When they decide to visit Poland as a way of reconnecting with their Jewish heritage and honouring their grandmother’s memory, tensions inevitably rise.

At its core, “A Real Pain” is about grief, generational trauma, and the search for belonging. The cousins’ dynamic fuels much of the conflict – David tries to keep things together, while Benji, haunted by his own demons, pushes against every boundary. As they navigate both personal loss and the broader weight of Jewish history, their differences become increasingly pronounced, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves, their family, and the past.

While Eisenberg delivers a solid performance in his signature fast-talking, anxious style, let’s be real – it’s Kieran Culkin who truly shines. His portrayal of Benji is magnetic – funny, self-destructive, and painfully vulnerable all at once. He brings an intensity that makes every moment feel raw and real, like you’re watching someone unravel in real time.

The supporting cast, including Jennifer Grey, Will Sharpe, Kurt Egyiawan, and Liza Sadovy, adds depth, but all eyes are on Culkin. He makes Benji feel like someone you know – someone whose pain is too big to contain, even when he’s cracking jokes.

Eisenberg’s direction is subtle yet effective. He doesn’t over-explain the historical aspects, instead letting the setting speak for itself. And while some parts of the movie slow down – especially when the cousins wander off from their tour group – the film balances its heavier themes with humour, keeping it from feeling too heavy.

Despite dealing with grief and history, “A Real Pain” isn’t a depressing watch. It’s actually pretty funny in that dry, uncomfortable way, where you laugh but also feel a little sad inside. And that’s what makes it hit differently – it’s not just about personal grief, but how trauma lingers across generations.

If you’re into fast-moving plots and big dramatic twists, this might feel a little slow. But if you love character-driven stories that explore family, identity, and all the messy emotions in between – with just the right amount of humour – this one’s worth watching. Kieran Culkin delivers a performance that lingers, while Eisenberg’s direction keeps every emotional beat feeling raw and real.

It’s not your typical historical drama, but that’s what makes it stand out. Instead of feeling distant, the past becomes deeply personal – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes unexpectedly funny.

As part of the GSC International Screens x Searchlight Pictures Awards Showcase, “A Real Pain” is screening exclusively at selected GSC locations from 20th February onwards. This special showcase brings critically acclaimed films to Malaysian audiences, giving moviegoers a chance to experience award-nominated films on the big screen. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this poignant and humorous journey at GSC’s selected cinemas.

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“A Real Pain” is now showing at selected GSC cinemas.