How to watch A Real Pain at home? Digital release date, platforms, and more

Modified Dec 30, 2024 23:20 GMT

Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg in Real Pain ( Image via Searchlight pictures)

A Real Pain is a 2024 film directed and written by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Kieran Culkin and Olivia Thirlby. The movie follows cousins David and Benji on a journey through Poland to honor their late grandmother. Set against the backdrop of Poland's rich cultural and Jewish heritage, the film explores themes of personal and historical pain.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was released in U.S. theatres on November 1, 2024. It has received positive reviews, with an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%.

Kieran Culkin's portrayal of Benji has been highlighted as a standout, with critics noting his ability to convey depth and nuance. The film has been praised for its emotional depth and the chemistry between the lead actors.

The official synopsis of the movie reads as:

"Mismatched cousins reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple's old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history."

A Real Pain will be released digitally on December 31, 2024, and will be available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Hulu.

Digital release of A Real Pain explored

A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, is set for digital release on December 31, 2024. The film will be available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play platforms. Pricing typically ranges from $5.99 to $19.99, depending on the platform and whether you rent or buy.

For instance, rentals may cost around $5.99, while purchases can be approximately $19.99. As for free streaming, A Real Pain is expected to be available on Hulu, given that Searchlight Pictures, the film's distributor, is owned by Disney, which also owns Hulu.

While an exact date hasn't been confirmed, based on previous release patterns, it may become available on Hulu approximately 60 to 90 days after the digital release, potentially in late February or March 2025.

Release times on December 31, 2024, may vary by platform, but digital releases often become available at 12:00 AM Eastern Time. It's advisable to check the specific platform for exact availability.

A Real Pain: What to expect

A Real Pain follows cousins David, played by Jesse Eisenberg, and Benji, played by Kieran Culkin, as they embark on a journey to Poland to celebrate their grandmother's passing. David is a straight-laced digital advertiser by profession, while his cousin Benji is free-spirited and outspoken.

As the tour of the historical Polish landmarks, even those connected with the Holocaust, their personal and family battles are brought to light. Their individual and different characters are brought out differently to regard their heritage, thus pitting one against the other.

One notable scene occurs at the Old Jewish Cemetery, where Benji challenges the tour guide's factual approach, advocating for a more emotional connection to the history being presented. This confrontation highlights Benji's struggle with the perceived detachment in the portrayal of their shared heritage.

The film's climax takes place at the Majdanek concentration camp. Here, the cousins confront the stark realities of the Holocaust, leading to a profound emotional breakdown for Benji. The silence and gravity of the setting amplify the weight of their family's history and the personal demons they face.

At the film's helm is director Jesse Eisenberg, bringing nuances that balance humour and deep, profound themes of historical trauma and personal identity. His direction brings out the trauma that generations have suffered. It has been critically acclaimed, with a perfect balance between comedy and tragedy in the riveting performance by the lead actor.