Jesse Eisenberg’s Near-Perfect Exploration of Generational Grief
Jesse Eisenberg proves once again why he’s one of the most thoughtful and multifaceted storytellers in Hollywoodwith A Real Pain. Wearing the dual hats of actor and director, he delivers a film that is both emotionally resonant and darkly humorous. Co-starring Kieran Culkin, the movie is at its best when it allows the two leads to bounce off each other with raw, authentic energy.
🚨 Spoiler Warning: If you haven’t seen A Real Pain, this review discusses key plot points.
The Acting: Kieran Culkin Continues to Prove He’s One of the Best
By now, Kieran Culkin’s talent is undeniable. After his Emmy-winning performance as Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, he has firmly established himself as one of the most captivating actors of his generation. In A Real Pain, Culkin delivers yet another raw, magnetic performance, proving he is just as compelling on the big screen as he is on television.
His portrayal of Benji, the unpredictable, emotionally volatile cousin, adds layers of sarcasm, vulnerability, and deep-seated grief that make him both frustrating and heartbreaking to watch. While Eisenberg plays the more reserved and intellectual David, it’s Culkin’s effortless charisma and erratic energy that inject life into every scene. Their chemistry feels completely natural—like real-life family members caught in a decades-long cycle of tension and understanding.
While A Real Pain may not be a career-defining role for Culkin—because he already has plenty of those—it’s another stellar addition to his filmography, proving that he can effortlessly switch between prestige TV and indie cinema with equal brilliance.
Jesse Eisenberg: From Acclaimed Actor to Thoughtful Director
Jesse Eisenberg has long been known for his sharp, neurotic charisma and ability to play highly intelligent yet emotionally complex characters. From his breakout role in The Social Network (2010), which earned him an Academy Award nomination, to starring in films like Zombieland (2009), The End of the Tour (2015), and Vivarium (2019), Eisenberg has consistently worked on thought-provoking and unconventional projects.
But in recent years, Eisenberg has expanded his role in filmmaking—moving behind the camera as a writer and director.
What Has Jesse Eisenberg Directed Before?
Before A Real Pain, Eisenberg made his feature directorial debut with When You Finish Saving the World (2022), a coming-of-age drama starring Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard.
Themes: The film explored themes of family disconnect, generational divides, and self-absorption, which Eisenberg is clearly interested in as a filmmaker.
Box Office: The film had a limited theatrical release, grossing just over $660,000 worldwide.
Critical Reception: It received mixed-to-positive reviews, sitting at 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its performances but some criticism of its narrative focus.
How Does A Real Pain Compare?
With A Real Pain, Eisenberg takes a step forward as a director, presenting a more introspective, intimate story with a sharper focus on character dynamics and existential themes. While his first film was more of a satirical drama, A Real Pain leans into melancholy, humor, and deep emotional reflection, making it feel like a more mature and refinedproject.
Considering its strong festival buzz and positive critical reception, A Real Pain is poised to be Eisenberg’s most successful directorial effort yet—cementing him not just as a talented actor, but as a filmmaker with a unique voice.
From Vision to Execution: How A Real Pain Delivers Its Themes
With A Real Pain, Eisenberg refines his voice as a director, crafting a film that is emotionally raw, intimate, and thematically rich. But how well does his vision translate onto the screen? While the film excels in its performances and dialogue, some elements could have been executed with greater narrative precision.
The Slap That Could Have Been Perfectly Set Up
One of the more interesting moments in the film comes when David (Eisenberg) slaps Benji (Culkin) during an emotionally charged argument. This moment directly mirrors an earlier conversation about how their grandmother once slapped Benji to “snap him out of it” when he was younger.
🔹 Where It Could Have Been Better: Had this idea been subtly introduced earlier in the film, weaving it into moments of tension, it could have created a sense of looming anticipation—a question of “Will it happen?” lingering in the audience’s mind. Instead, by the time it does occur, it lands well, but without the full dramatic payoff it could have had.
A Journey Without Growth?
Perhaps the most divisive aspect of the film is its conclusion. After everything these characters experience, it feels as if they haven’t truly changed.
🔹 Benji remains deeply broken, his pain unresolved.
🔹 David, despite trying to be the “put-together” one, doesn’t gain new insight about himself.
🔹 The film ends on a deliberate note of existential weight, making us question whether anything really matters in the long run.
It’s a nihilistic approach, one that might resonate with some viewers but leave others feeling emotionally stranded. In a world already steeped in disillusionment and uncertainty, was this the right choice? Or could the film have benefited from even the smallest glimpse of hope?
Final Verdict: A Near-Perfect Film with a Slightly Hollow Aftertaste
A Real Pain is a deeply engaging and brilliantly acted film, but it’s not one that leaves you feeling satisfied. It challenges its audience in ways that are commendable, but it also risks alienating those who crave character transformation.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But prepare for a film that is less about resolution and more about acceptance—the uncomfortable, inescapable kind.
🎬 Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)