A Real Pain
First screened in November 2024

---

Director: Jesse Eisenberg. Cast: Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Daniel Oreskes, Liza Sadovy, Marek Kasprzyk, Jakub Pruski, Ellora Torchia, Banner Eisenberg. Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg.

---

In Brief: Some short-cuts along the way, but script avoids many simplifications you expect. Humor, pathos, a few restless ideas.

VOR: ③  We could do with more flavorful, three-course miniatures like this. Technique isn't eye-opening, but equally character- and theme-driven.

---

Photo © 2024 Searchlight Pictures / Topic Studios

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B

---

Academy Award Nominations:
	Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin
	Best Original Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg
Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
	Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
	Best Actor (Musical/Comedy): Jesse Eisenberg
★	Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin
	Best Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg
Awards:
	National Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin); Best Screenplay
	New York Film Critics Circle: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin)
	Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin); Best Screenplay
	Chicago Film Critics Association: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin); Best Original Screenplay
	National Board of Review: Best Supporting Actor (Culkin)

---

Permalink

Home

2024

ABC

E-Mail