A Real Pain- Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin Are A Perfect Pairing
Quick Take: This viewing was without audio description, as I was provided a screener for this title. Jesse Eisenberg wrote, directed, and stars in one of the best films of the year. It is such a simple film, and the second this year with this theme. eisenberg and Kieran Culkin play cousins who are finally getting around to taking a trip to Poland that their recently deceased Grandmother wanted them to take, so they can see where she grew up under Nazi occupation. Eisenberg and Culkin bounce off each other like magic, and are the odd couple of the year. They are very different personality types. Eisenberg seems the more reserved and responsible, while Culkin is the bolder, fly by the seat type of guy. But for both of them, and the audience, the weight of them experiencing this trip to what could have been their homeland if their Grandmother hadn’t immigrated is felt in every frame. Eisenberg has never directed a film this good, ad he has written a great script for he and Culkin. But, everyone is focused on Culkin, because he just is so magnetic. It is a version of what he did on Succession, but you’ll hate him a lot less. He’s far less privileged here, and he seems genuinely interested in this trip. A stellar movie. i will be watching this one again, with audio description, for sure. For more, check out my video.
