A Real Pain

In the end, Benji is still deeply grieving his grandmother, and his emotional pain runs beneath his lively exterior. The film shows that his grief isn’t just about her death, but also about losing the part of himself that was nurtured by her presence—the sensitivity and openness she helped foster. His outbursts, his need for comfort at the airport, and his gestures, like playing the piano or wearing threads that symbolize pain, all reveal a man still struggling with loss and internal turmoil. Throughout the trip, his interactions with others, especially with Marcia and the piano, demonstrate his attempt to reconnect with his past and his feelings. Meanwhile, David cares about Benji in his own way and struggles with his jealousy and fear of losing his cousin, which he expresses through his monologue and the slap he delivers. That slap symbolizes a moment of tough love, forcing Benji to confront his pain and realize he is not alone, even if he still clings to grief.

As the film closes, Benji remains at the airport, hesitant to leave because it’s a place where he feels safe—a space where he can feel connected to others without risking more pain. His reluctance hints that he might need more time to heal, but the overall message is one of hope: with David’s love and the reminders of their shared memories, Benji might eventually find the strength to move forward. The mirror shot of him alone at the end, with the title on the right side of his face, shows that while a part of him remains lost in grief, a little hope is lingering. The story suggests that pain doesn’t disappear overnight, but with time, connection, and love, healing is possible—Benji just needs to take that step beyond the airport and into life once again.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03