A Real Pain

Everyone has that cousin they grew up with, who was as much a best friend as they were family. But time, everyone’s worst enemy, turns those weekly hangouts into twice-a-year get-togethers as life takes us in different directions. Jesse Eisenberg must have had a relationship like this because his new film, A Real Pain, centers on a similar bond—but like any meaningful relationship, this story delves into much more than what is on the surface.

Benji Kaplan (Kieran Culkin) and David Kaplan (Jesse Eisenberg) are cousins who used to be very close. However, their lives have since diverged, with David having settled down with a family, while Benji is still struggling to find his way. They don’t speak as often as they used to, but a commitment to honor their beloved grandmother brings them back together. They embark on a tour through Poland to learn about the Holocaust’s impact on the region, planning to conclude their journey in their grandmother’s hometown. They join a small tour group led by James (Will Sharpe), who guides them and others through the remnants of the horrors that still linger.

Though Benji and David were close as children, they couldn’t be more different now. David, who has made peace with his anxieties and neuroses, is in stark contrast to Benji, a free-spirited, charismatic man who lives in the moment. It quickly becomes clear that Benji’s carefree lifestyle is just a way of masking deeper issues, and tensions between the cousins simmer, threatening to erupt and test their relationship.

Written by Eisenberg, A Real Pain explores not only the processing of long-past traumas and horrors but also the torments of the present. Eisenberg’s script skillfully examines identity and the lasting impact of family hardships across generations. Each character has a personal history, and Eisenberg captures the sensitivity and weight of these backgrounds with authenticity. His strength as a director is also evident, particularly in his use of silence, allowing the characters’ expressions to speak volumes when words are unnecessary.

A Real Pain is both a clever and sensitive film about the challenges of confronting emotional scars. Eisenberg masterfully balances sorrow and humor, tapping into experiences that many of us share, along with struggles tied to the past. The characters’ pain is palpable, thanks to an exceptional cast. While Eisenberg brings his usual nervous energy to his role, it’s Culkin who truly shines. As the unpredictable Benji, Culkin nails the “wants-to-be-the-center-of-attention” vibe while subtly hinting at deeper wounds. Together, Eisenberg and Culkin create an oddball chemistry, blending awkward tension with humor. The result is a story that Eisenberg infuses with sincerity and honesty, reminding us that everything we go through—pain included—can be valuable.