A Real Pain is a lovely film that tells the story of two cousins traveling to Poland to explore their ancestral roots. Set against a background of exquisitely chosen Chopin music, the story transitions seamlessly from real pain—annoyance—to real pain—grief. At the outset, Jesse Eisenberg’s character struggles with his cousin’s gimcrack energy and erratic behavior, a discomfort that is powerfully conveyed to the audience through both his and Kieran Culkin’s standout performances. In his role, Culkin embodies this volatile and bizarre energy, making the audience cringe and share Eisenberg’s unease. These moments of tension are delicately punctuated by Chopin’s melodies, which become so integral to the film that the composer could well be part of the main cast.
Eisenberg, Culkin, and indeed Chopin are joined by a tourist group, who serve as the backdrop for the film’s pivotal restaurant scene. The moment begins with a pianist playing in the background, signaling that something significant is about to unfold with the instrument. After Culkin’s particularly disruptive behavior at dinner, he briefly departs, leaving Eisenberg to deliver a heartfelt apology on his behalf. What follows is a profound and revelatory conversation that peels back the layers of both characters’ inner struggles. This climax ends with Culkin at the piano, delivering the film’s only non-Chopin piece—a touching tune that redefines him not as a loudmouth but as a man in pain.