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This week at the Tryon Theatre is “A Real Pain,” an earnest, original, and moving film, perfectly steeped in the bittersweet. This film is a directorial debut for writer and co-lead Jesse Eisenberg, whose established talents in front of the camera are outclassed by the sensitivity and nuance he has found in his artistry behind the camera. 

Eisenberg’s story is insightful, relatable, and mature. Sharing the screen as fellow co-lead is Kieran Culkin, whose celebrated performance has already earned the film a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actor. Culkin finds a career-best role in “A Real Pain.” His complex and grounded performance forms the heart of the film. 

This film has a classic comedic foundation: the odd couple. The pairing in question are two estranged cousins who have connected for a planned trip to Poland. This setup provides no shortage of humor due to the contrast of personalities and outlooks between the cousins and the plentiful barbs and ribbing they exchange. However, their journey uncovers painful memories and personal revelations. 

The pair’s reason for coming to Poland is to explore their grandmother’s legacy, her recent passing inspiring them to venture to her homeland. They hope to explore their shared heritage and honor their grandmother’s sacrifices that enabled them both to pursue their own lives. 

With a compact runtime, “A Real Pain” features an incredible density of thought and emotion. The authenticity of this film comes from the relatability of the conversations and interactions between the characters; its very efficacy is born from the lack of spectacle. Life itself is a complex, frustrating, and beautiful experience, sometimes fitting all of these qualities into the same day or moment. “A Real Pain” revels in this quixotic but ultimately balanced sense of existence, a fully realized scope of human emotion. Powerful, but never performative. 

“A Real Pain” has received rave feedback from audiences and critics alike. Its potent balance of laughter and sadness is worthy of recognition. This is a mature film made for an adult audience, not because the content is shocking or overly ribald, but because an adult’s perspective on life’s painful beauty is required to appreciate the film’s message and the depth of its emotional beats. “A Real Pain” is a film that will surely receive further praise come Oscar season and one that we hope you will share with us soon!