A REAL PAIN-Makes a Meaningful Holocaust Movie that Resonates in the Present

A REAL PAIN ("ARP") is a contemporary film that centers around two first cousins who join a tour group in Poland culminating in a tour of a concentration camp. The film was written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg who also stars in the film as Benji Kaplan, one of cousins. Eisenberg received an Oscar nomination for his thoughtful and unsettling screenplay. David Kaplan is the other cousin and is played by Kieran Culkin who rightly received a Best Supporting Oscar nod for his ingratiating and infuriating portrayal of a deranged narcissist. It could be argued Culkin should've received his nomination for lead actor rather than supporting. There's no argument from me that Eisenberg was robbed of an acting nomination. Eisenberg has perfected the whinny, incessant mumbler who always plays second fiddle. However, in ARP he reprises this trope to an advantage by under-scoring the horrific tragedies of the Holocaust by keeping them at arm's length while questioning their imprint on the second or third generation of survivors. Secondly, Culkin's is entertaining as a self-absorbed, attention hound; both incredibly charismatic and intensely off-putting. Furthermore, this remarkable film is honest, humbling and honors the Holocaust. David and Benji are fortunate to be alive today. As Benji says repeatedly, "Thanks to 101 miracles that allowed Grandma to survive." In an amusing and sombre scene, people in the tour group state their reasons for participating. One gentleman spoke of having survived the genocide in Rwanda and  identifies with the Jewish people. One man shares how his grandfather connived his way to survive and struggled to make a living in America which grew into his family business. David stole the limelight from Benji and regaled the group with his tale although Benji was the one who orchestrated the trip. The American expression, "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations" resonates in the context WWII descendants having the luxuries and leisure to enjoy life but nonetheless, still battle with woes seemingly insignificant in comparison to the victims of nazi persecution. David raised the disturbing irony of making the trip to the camps on a train only this time with meals in first class. Eisenberg is the only one who has ever been granted permission to film inside Poland's concentration camps after convincing its directors of his intent to preserve its memory with respect. Observing the group walk silently into the gas chambers, the barracks and past the ovens is a harrowing and poignant tribute to those who perished. ARP is a really powerful film that marks its place in history. It's also amusing in a self-deprecating manner that makes it palatable and relevant in the present. I recommend renting A REAL PAIN and I contend both Eisenberg and Culkin deserve Oscars.