“A Bipolar Buddy Dramedy”
“A Real Pain” is a self-contained, low-stakes story that feels more like an illustration or expression than a full film.
The characters and performances are subtle yet natural, and the cousins’ situation unfolds with an authenticity that makes it feel entirely plausible in real life. That realism invites introspection, making it easy to reflect on the film’s themes in relation to one’s own life.
Among the themes expressed are the duality of ego, the varying levels…
