‘A Real Pain’ is a comedy/drama written, directed by, and starring Jesse Eisenberg.
The film follows David (Eisenberg), a reserved and cautious young man, and his unpredictable cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin). Once inseparable, the two have drifted apart over the years. Hoping to reconnect, they embark on a Holocaust Tour through Poland in memory of their recently deceased grandmother.
A Real Pain explores the themes of grief, loss, pain and suffering and the complex dynamics of family. At its core though, is generational trauma and the mark that history leaves on us, shaping who we are.
The film’s strength lies in the actors’ honest portrayals. Culkin delivers a standout performance as Benji. His portrayal is painfully raw and heartbreaking as he unravels in his desperation for connection.
The contrast between David’s uptight demeanour and Benji’s chaotic charm drives the narrative tension, while the other characters provide more depth to the overall story. The way Eisenberg weaves the narrative of each of these relationships through the scenes is masterful.
The tour group travel through Warsaw and its surrounding countryside, stopping at memorials of Jewish history. The visit to the concentration camp Majdanek, is powerful and devastating. It brings almost a pause to the story, and in this, you can feel the weight of this moment on each character.
Eisenberg calls ‘A Real Pain’ his ‘love letter to Poland’, with much of the film rooted in his own family history. It’s a story full of highs and lows. At times I cried, at times I laughed, at times I felt the enormous frustration of this relationship. Overall, it’s a beautiful film that I highly recommend.