A Real Pain‘s streaming release date has been confirmed after Kieran Culkin’s Golden Globes win. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Poland, the 2024 comedy-drama movie, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, follows mismatched cousins David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin) as they go on an adventure in honor of their recently deceased grandmother, exploring their family history. Since its release on November 1, A Real Pain has received rave reviews from critics and audiences and gained awards attention, particularly for Culkin’s performance as the charming but emotionally troubled Benji.
A Real Pain is coming to Hulu’s streaming platform on January 16. Disney+ subscribers with a Hulu add-on will also be able to stream the movie on the Disney+ platform. The film was recently nominated for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards in four categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Eisenberg, Best Screenplay, and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Culkin, who went home with the award.
What This Means For A Real Pain
More Movie Lovers Will Be Able To Stream A Real Pain Soon
A Real Pain initially had a limited theatrical release in the United States before expanding weeks later. It grossed around $9 million at the box office worldwide against a $3 million production budget. Despite its limited release, the reviews of the film have been overwhelmingly positive. The film has a 96% critical approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81% audience approval rate. Screen Rant‘s review of A Real Pain complimented Eisenberg’s second directorial feature as a “heartfelt dramedy” that “showcases Eisenberg’s writing and directing skills in a better light.“
A Real Pain‘s streaming release is no doubt good news for movie fans with a Hulu subscription and those looking for more affordable ways to watch the movie. It has already been made available on VOD services, but those typically charge a fair amount to either rent or purchase the movie. Having A Real Pain available for a large subscriber base will ensure more people see it, which can only lead to increased success. The awards buzz surrounding the movie likely means it will draw in a good number of viewers upon its Hulu debut.
Our Take On A Real Pain’s Streaming Release & Continued Success
It’s Coming At The Right Time
A Real Pain will be made available on streaming one day before the 2025 Oscar nominations are announced, and roughly a month and a half before the actual ceremony. Should Eisenberg’s movie pick up any nominations, its availability on streaming will only help it. Culkin is the current favorite in the supporting actor category, and Eisenberg could receive a screenplay nom. Best Picture is less certain, but A Real Pain is a definite contender.
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For people looking to catch up on Oscar hopefuls, they will be able to immediately find A Real Pain, ready for them to watch on Hulu. Even if the movie misses out on key categories, the concept of it being snubbed could push people to check it out, just to see whether it truly deserved further recognition. Though it is reaching streaming after only a couple of months in theaters, something that used to be unthinkable, this just means A Real Pain will reach a broader audience, which it definitely deserves.
Source: Disney
A Real Pain explores themes of identity and loss as two estranged families confront their shared and tumultuous pasts. Through intertwining narratives, the film delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of unresolved grief.
- Runtime
-
90 Minutes
- Cast
-
Jesse Eisenberg
, Kieran Culkin
, Will Sharpe
, Jennifer Grey
, Kurt Egyiawan
, Liza Sadovy
, Daniel Oreskes
, Ellora Torchia
, Jakub Gąsowski
, Krzysztof Jaszczak
, Piotr Czarniecki
, Marek Kasprzyk - Character(s)
-
David
, Benji
, James
, Marsha
, Eloge
, Diane
, Mark
, Priya
, Receptionist
, Pianist
, Conductor
, Older Man - Director
-
Jesse Eisenberg
- Writers
-
Jesse Eisenberg
- Studio(s)
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Topic Studios
, Fruit Tree
, Extreme Emotions
, Rego Park