Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin Shine in Oscar-Nominated ‘A Real Pain’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin deliver standout performances in the Academy Award-nominated film “A Real Pain,” a poignant exploration of family, trauma, and the weight of history. The film, which earned nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, follows two cousins on a Holocaust tour of Poland after the death of their grandmother.

Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, stars as David, a reserved and corporate-minded man, while Culkin plays his charismatic yet volatile cousin, Benji. The duo’s contrasting personalities drive the narrative as they navigate their shared grief and personal struggles. “David is fidgety and outwardly ordinary,” noted Manohla Dargis, chief film critic for The New York Times, while Benji is described as charming but emotionally unpredictable.

The film begins with the cousins joining a Holocaust tour group in Warsaw, where they meet other Jewish travelers with personal connections to the tragedy. Their guide, James, played by Will Sharpe, provides historical context, but the focus remains on the evolving dynamic between David and Benji. As the group travels through Poland, Benji’s erratic behavior—ranging from infectious enthusiasm to sudden outbursts—reveals his inner turmoil.

One particularly tense moment occurs during a train ride, where Benji struggles to reconcile the luxury of first-class travel with the horrors of the Holocaust. Later, at a cemetery, he lashes out at James’ “constant barrage of stats,” highlighting his inability to process the weight of history. The emotional climax comes during a dinner scene, where David reveals Benji’s recent suicide attempt, underscoring the film’s central theme of pain and its universality.

Despite its heavy subject matter, “A Real Pain” balances melancholy with humor. James’ deadpan remark after Benji’s train outburst—”Obviously, there are triggers along the way with this tour. I must say the train is not normally one of them”—provides a moment of levity. The film’s score, featuring works by Frédéric Chopin, and its warm color grading further enhance its emotional depth.

Eisenberg’s screenplay deftly explores the tension between personal suffering and collective trauma. “I know that my pain is unexceptional,” David tells the group, a sentiment that resonates throughout the film. While the movie doesn’t offer easy answers, it leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

“A Real Pain” is currently streaming on Hulu and playing in select theaters nationwide. Its critical acclaim and Oscar nominations cement it as one of the year’s most compelling films.