A Real Pain is a poignant and darkly comedic film about two estranged cousins, David and Benji, reconnecting on a journey to Poland after their Holocaust-survivor grandmother’s death. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the film navigates complex themes of familial bonds, historical trauma, and personal anxiety.
Eisenberg stars as the neurotic David, while Kieran Culkin steals the show as the troubled yet charismatic Benji. Their journey explores humanity’s coping mechanisms for pain, blending slapstick humor with profound introspection, making the story both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
The Ending: A Return Without Resolution
The film concludes with David and Benji returning to New York after a trip filled with emotional revelations. Their time in Poland, culminating in a bittersweet visit to their grandmother’s former home leaves them contemplative but unchanged. At the airport, David extends an invitation for dinner with his family, but Benji declines.
A symbolic slap from David mirrors an earlier story about their grandmother, bringing a touch of humor and poignancy to their goodbye. As David leaves, Benji remains at the airport, his neutral expression suggesting introspection but no clear emotional closure.
Kieran Culkin as Benji Kaplan and Jesse Eisenberg as David Kaplan (Photo: A Real Pain/Searchlight Pictures)Benji’s decision to linger at the airport, bookending the film with scenes of him sitting amidst travelers, has sparked varied interpretations. Is he processing the weight of their trip, mourning his grandmother, or grappling with the prospect of reintegration into daily life?
The absence of a cathartic transformation emphasizes the realism of the story: personal growth is often subtle and non-linear. The airport becomes a metaphorical space for Benji—a liminal zone where paths converge and diverge, reflecting his internal struggle to find direction and meaning.
Speculations About Benji’s Life
The ambiguity surrounding Benji’s circumstances deepens the narrative. Some viewers speculate he might be homeless, explaining his early presence at the airport and reluctance to accept David’s offer of a ride. His reliance on David’s phone and the neglect of his voicemail add layers to his character, hinting at disconnection from his past life. This interpretation portrays Benji as a figure caught between striving for normalcy and confronting his own unresolved issues, resonating with the film’s themes of identity and belonging.
Online discussions highlight the film’s impact on audiences. One viewer speculated that Benji’s airport behavior symbolizes an attempt to find inspiration or direction by observing others. This interpretation underscores a central theme: the search for purpose amid life’s uncertainties.
Benji’s decision to remain at the airport signifies effort rather than defeat—a tentative step toward self-discovery, even if the outcome remains uncertain. Such nuanced interpretations enrich the audience’s engagement with the story, showcasing its layered narrative.
Eisenberg has described the film’s conclusion as a reflection of life’s bittersweet nature. He emphasizes that the cousins’ bond will endure, even if their closeness wanes. Rejecting a conventional Hollywood ending, Eisenberg opted for authenticity over mass appeal, prioritizing a narrative true to the complexities of human relationships. His perspective aligns with the film’s exploration of evolution—whether in history, personal connections, or self-identity. This choice reinforces the movie’s emotional resonance, leaving viewers with lingering questions and an appreciation for its raw honesty.
