It was just last year that Kieran Culkin won his first Golden Globe Award for playing Roman Roy in Succession, but now he has won another, for his role in Jesse Eisenberg's new comedy-drama film A Real Pain.

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The film, which Eisenberg not only wrote and directed but also stars in, centres around two cousins who go on a tour of Poland after the death of their grandmother, in honour of her life and history.

Culkin's win now puts him in pole position in the Supporting Actor category going into the rest of the awards season, while the film itself also picked up Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Screenplay and Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for Eisenberg.

But are fans in the UK currently able to watch the film, and if so, is it available on any streaming services? Read on for everything you need to know about how to watch A Real Pain.

How to watch A Real Pain - is it streaming?

Jesse Eisenberg and Will Sharpe in A Real Pain standing and looking up
Jesse Eisenberg and Will Sharpe in A Real Pain. Searchlight Pictures

A Real Pain is not yet available to stream in the UK, as it is just about to be released exclusively in cinemas.

While the film has already been out for some time in the US, it will be released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 8th January 2025.

What is A Real Pain about?

Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain in a red hoodie with red eyes
Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain. Searchlight Pictures

The official synopsis for A Real Pain says: "Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour 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 cast - who stars in the film?

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain, sat together on a train or bus
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain. Searchlight Pictures

Writer and director Jesse Eisenberg also leads the cast of his film A Real Pain, playing David.

Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin plays his cousin Benji, and the rest of the cast is filled out by the likes of Will Sharpe (The White Lotus) and Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing).

You can find the full list of stars here:

  • Jesse Eisenberg as David Kaplan
  • Kieran Culkin as Benji Kaplan
  • Will Sharpe as James
  • Jennifer Grey as Marcia
  • Kurt Egyiawan as Eloge
  • Liza Sadovy as Diane
  • Daniel Oreskes as Mark
  • Ellora Torchia as Priya

A Real Pain trailer

You can watch the trailer for A Real Pain right here now.

A Real Pain will be available to watch in UK cinemas from 8th January 2025.

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Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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