Movie Review: A Real Pain

As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must admit that “A Real Pain” has left me both intrigued and exasperated in equal measure. Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of Benji Kaplan is undeniably captivating – he’s like a human-sized dose of unfiltered coffee, raw and unpredictable, yet oddly compelling.


In the latest film “A Real Pain,” actor Jesse Eisenberg assumes the roles of writer, director, and lead character. Joining him is Kieran Culkin, portraying Benji Kaplan, a character so grating, abrasive, and difficult to watch that he ranks among the most exasperating I’ve encountered in cinema. Eisenberg takes on the role of Benji’s cousin, David Kaplan, who is happily married with a child and appears to be a well-balanced adult. Unfortunately, Benji is a mess in this narrative, portrayed as someone who frequents airports and may even be homeless.

In the captivating tale of “A Real Pain,” I found myself deeply moved by the character of Benji Kaplan, masterfully brought to life by Kieran Culkin. Though Benji isn’t overtly portrayed as homeless, he embodies a free-spirited and intricately layered personality grappling with guilt, anxiety, and psychological turmoil. The narrative weaves around Benji and his cousin David Kaplan, played by Jesse Eisenberg, as they embark on a journey to Poland to delve into their late grandmother’s heritage. Benji is portrayed as impulsive and unpredictable, yet his connection to family history and personal struggles lend an emotional richness to his character that keeps me hooked throughout the story.

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2024-11-16 18:49