Why Kieran Culkin’s Role in ‘A Real Pain’ Shouldn’t Be Considered Supporting

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Right now, we’re smack dab in the heart of award season, where the top film projects from the past year are honored at numerous upcoming ceremonies. One movie that’s receiving a lot of attention is Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain“, which can be streamed right now with a Hulu subscription. I recently watched it myself, but there’s one element of Kieran Culkin’s remarkable acting that has me puzzled.

After Jesse Culkin’s triumph at the Golden Globes, there has been an influx of people trying to stream “A Real Pain“. The buzz surrounding this project peaked with the 2025 Oscar nominations, where Eisenberg’s screenplay and Culkin’s acting were recognized. However, I find it somewhat frustrating that the actor from “Succession” is nominated in the Supporting Actor category, given my belief that he is the main character of the movie.

The film titled “A Real Pain” revolves around two cousins embarking on a journey across Poland to pay tribute to their deceased grandmother. Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, who appear together in almost every scene, exhibit an exceptional acting dynamic as they portray distant relatives grappling with past traumas and sorrow. However, labeling Culkin’s character Benji as a “supporting” role seems rather amusing; the movie opens and closes at the airport featuring him prominently.

In “A Real Pain,” Jesse Eisenberg’s character, David, serves as the relatable protagonist for viewers, acting as our introduction to the story. However, it is Benji who truly captures the heart of the audience. As we journey through the film’s 9-oaked minutes, we witness the unveiling of his complex layers of pain and vulnerability, which resonate deeply. Particularly poignant is his heart-wrenching response to a visit to a former Nazi concentration camp, a moment that underscores the profound emotional journey he undergoes throughout the movie.

This act seems reminiscent of a remarkable continuation to Kieran Culkin’s Emmy-winning portrayal on Succession (now available with a Max subscription). Interestingly enough, he’ll be facing off against his previous castmate Jeremy Strong in the Best Supporting Actor category for this year’s Academy Awards. It almost feels as if the multiverse is intertwining with the Roy brothers, who were frequently at odds during the series.

Macaulay Culkin’s portrayal of Benji was remarkably moving, standing out among the top film performances I’ve recently watched, even those vying for awards. He skillfully transitions from captivating charm to scenes where he seems to devour the scenery, and at the same time, leaves other characters and viewers emotionally shaken. His character seamlessly integrates elements of his late grandmother, past struggles like a suicide attempt, the horrors of the Holocaust, and a complicated dynamic with Eisenberg’s character, creating a truly impressive acting feat.

This implies that Culkin doesn’t feel like a secondary player in the film “A Real Pain” at all. It seems that studios are employing strategy to maximize Oscar consideration, and this approach has been successful for the 42-year-old actor so far. Let’s wait and see if he wins an Academy Award along with his Golden Globe.

Right now, you can catch the movie “A Real Pain” on Hulu. To help you organize your future movie nights, here are some upcoming release dates for movies in 2025. Enjoy your planning!

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2025-01-23 22:37