The Stream: A dramedy about grief may seem unoriginal.

The Big Screen: Strong writing and good performances pack an emotional punch.

The Final Bill: If funny and emotional is what you came for, then you’ll be satisfied.

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Writers: Jesse Eisenberg
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Daniel Oreskes, Liza Sadovy
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating: R for language throughout and some drug use
Runtime: 82 minutes
Production Companies: Top Studios, Extreme Emotions, Fruit Tree, Searchlight Pictures
Platform: In theaters November 1, 2024 (limited)
Notable Trailers: One of Them Days, Wolfman, Nightbitch, A Complete Unknown

What’s up, Streamers!?! When the movie theaters seem oversaturated with big budget blockbusters (I’m looking at you Red One – *eye roll*), it’s nice to have an intimate movie that’s just about regular people dealing with regular emotions. Or, is that just me? Well, A Real Pain may scratch that itch for the other Trip Fontaines out there. Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin star as cousins, David and Benji, who reconnect on a trip to Poland in honor of their deceased grandmother. As they join a Holocaust tour group, David and Benji navigate their differences and attempt to find common ground. Polish tourist-y hijinks ensue.

A Real Pain is basically a family road trip movie. It’s not very high concept, and something like it has probably been made hundreds of times before. That doesn’t mean it’s not successful or worth a watch. Jesse Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed this movie, has added his unique sensibility to it, which mileage may vary for some. Nevertheless, the story’s emphasis on family, grief and emotional suppression is really captivating. These themes are aided by very strong performances by Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg. They each have funny moments and some emotionally devastating ones that will stick with you. If your eyes aren’t brimming with tears, then those mood stabilizers are really working.

Side note: the characters on the tour group with David and Benji are a fun group of people. Will Sharpe is excellent as the British tour guide. Jennifer Grey is fun as Marcia. It’s always good to have her on screen. Kurt Egyiawan is the secret weapon though with humor and heart.

Ultimately, A Real Pain is an emotionally resonant movie with nice touches of humor. It’s a simple story about dealing with grief that will give you chuckles and leave you on the verge of tears. Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg are great on-screen duo, who play off each other well. If you’re like me, then this will be your jam and worth of a big box of popcorn. For most others, I suggest a bowl of popcorn because you might think it’s just like every other indie dramedy.