A REAL PAIN (2024) – An Engaging Journey Through History and Heritage

A Real Pain is a film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who is widely recognized for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network. While Eisenberg is predominantly known for his on-screen roles, A Real Pain marks his second foray into both writing and directing.

The film provides a captivating viewing experience. It narrates the story of two Jewish cousins who embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland, seeking to understand the historical suffering of the Jewish community during World War II. Additionally, they use this opportunity to visit their recently deceased grandmother’s hometown. The narrative focuses on their interactions with fellow tour group members. Although the premise might seem uneventful, Eisenberg’s adept direction transforms this film into an engaging piece with a concise runtime of one hour and thirty minutes. The screenplay is a blend of humor, insight, and poignancy, showcasing Eisenberg’s storytelling prowess.

Eisenberg also takes on the role of David, one of the cousins, while Kieran Culkin portrays the other cousin, Benji. David’s introverted nature contrasts sharply with Benji’s outgoing personality. Culkin’s performance outshines Eisenberg’s, earning him nominations for Best Supporting Actor across various major film awards, and positioning him as a strong contender for the Academy Awards. Audiences familiar with Culkin’s role as Roman Roy in the television series Succession will notice similarities in the characters’ brash demeanors. However, Benji’s character in A Real Pain is more nuanced, allowing Culkin to deliver a multi-dimensional performance that highlights his acting capabilities. His screen presence is commanding, making the film predominantly his.

The film’s screenplay is another significant strength. The dialogue-driven script is executed beautifully by the cast, delivering sharp wit and humor interwoven with profound and sentimental insights. Consequently, Eisenberg has received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Original Screenplay, standing a good chance of winning.

Poland’s landscapes are exquisitely captured in the film, enhancing the narrative’s immersion. The tour guide character, portrayed by Will Sharpe in an excellent understated performance, guides the audience through Jewish heritage and Holocaust history, making viewers feel like participants in the tour. Sharp eyed viewers will recognize Will Sharpe from his role as Ethan in White Lotus Season 2.

Lastly, the film’s title, A Real Pain, is particularly noteworthy. Although it may initially appear unremarkable and even forgettable, its relevance becomes apparent upon viewing the film, revealing the title’s cleverness and depth.