Warning: this article contains spoilers for the movie A Real Pain and briefly mentions suicide.
Director Jesse Eisenberg’s newest filmA Real Painis now streaming on Hulu, and the acclaimed movie is definitely worth a watch.A Real Painstars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkinin the leading roles as two cousins who decide to travel to Poland for a Holocaust memorial tour and a visit to their beloved grandmother’s childhood home. The movie explores the differing personalities of the two characters as well as their emotional reactions to the spaces that they are in, resulting in several beautiful and moving moments.
Given the talented cast and the personal nature of the subject matter for Eisenberg as the writer and director, it is no surprise thatA Real Painis faring well with critics and audiences too.Reviews forA Real Painhave been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the performances and storytelling. Now, with the film receiving Oscars buzz, it has quickly gained the attention of streaming audiences. Just days after its release onto the platform,A Real Painis at the top of Hulu’s charts, and it is more than deserving of its current popularity.
Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin’s A Real Pain Is Now Streaming On Hulu - What The Movie Is About
The Actors Play Two Very Different Cousins On A Trip Together
A Real Painfollows Jesse Eisenberg’s character David and Kieran Culkin’s character Benji as they go to Poland to pay their respects to their grandmother’s memory and to reconnect with their Jewish heritage. It is quickly established that the two cousins have very different personalities and lifestyles and that each man struggles to understand the other’s point of view. As the two embark on a Holocaust tour, their differences become even more visible, with Benji clashing with the tour guide and other members of their tour group.
A Real Painfeels incredibly raw and real in its conversation about family, mental health, and history, as well as the possibility of learning and growing.
Though the cousins struggle to understand each other,they gradually begin to bond and recognize the importance of the trip and their family’s history. As the film progresses, the audience can clearly see the emotional depth that Eisenberg and Culkin create in their characters.A Real Painfeels incredibly raw and real in its conversation about family, mental health, and history, as well as the possibility of learning and growing. Though the two cousins have some very difficult conversations, their honesty allows them to bond and finally recognize how much they care about each other inA Real Pain’s ending.
Kieran Culkin Won A Golden Globe For His Performance In A Real Pain
His Portrayal Of Benji Makes The Movie Work
Kieran Culkin’s performance as Benji, the more outgoing and free of the cousins, earned him a Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actor, and it was certainly deserved. Throughout their trip, Benji consistently challenges David’s lack of passion and the tour guide’s emotionless presentation of Jewish history in Poland. However, behind his gregarious outward personality, it is later revealed that Benji had previously attempted suicide.Culkin expertly encompasses both the outgoing aspects of Benji’s personality and the hidden troublesthat are exposed later in the film.
Aside from Kieran Culkin’s win,A Real Painwas also nominated for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Actor - Musical or Comedy, and Best Screenplay.
Additionally,Kieran Culkin’s character’s contrast with Eisenberg’s David serves to enhanceA Real Painby adding numerous complications to the film. Each time Benji causes trouble, David is secretly both impressed by his outspokenness and embarrassed by Benji’s need to have the last word. When the two finally have a real heart-to-heart, David finally admits how deeply Benji’s suicide attempt impacted his understanding of life. Culkin’s awarded performance is one of the best of the year because of Benji’s complexities that only become known asA Real Painunfolds.
A Real Pain Is Considered One Of The Best Movies Of 2024 - Does It Have A Chance At The Oscars?
It’s Current Success Indicates That A Real Pain May Earn Some Nominations
A Real Painis certainly one of the most impressively acted and directed films of 2024, but its Oscars status is currently still unknown. The nominations for the Oscars will be announced on June 25, 2025, so the movie’s chances will become clearer in a few days. However, based on its current performance at the Golden Globes and smaller critics circles,there is a definite possibility thatA Real Paincould be nominated for Oscars in a few categories.
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Based oncurrent 2025 Oscars predictions, it is possible that Culkin could receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance. Additionally, based on critics society nominations,Eisenberg seems likely to get a Best Original Screenplay nomination. While those are the two most likely categories, until the official announcement it is impossible to know for sure whether the film could earn others. Regardless of its awards status,A Real Painhas already proven itself to be one of the most heartfelt movies of 2024.
A Real Pain
Cast
A Real Pain explores themes of identity and loss as two estranged families confront their shared and tumultuous pasts. Through intertwining narratives, the film delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of unresolved grief.
