A Real Pain

There are many emotions evoked throughout Jesse Eisenberg’s second feature film but the authenticity and sincerity at the heart of it is what really sticks with you. The script is tight and character focused, but gives itself room to breath in all the right spots.

Kieran Culkin steals the show & is utterly remarkable from start to finish. He and Eisenberg balance each other out perfectly on screen. Speaking of Eisenberg, he delivers a monologue at a dinner scene in the middle of the film that is the best scene of 2024 so far. More importantly, he’s shown great growth as a filmmaker and it’s clear that he’s got what it takes to stay behind the camera if he chooses.

There’s not a second wasted in the entirety of the film. Such a perfect way to spend 90 minutes.