In "A Real Pain," a film written by, directed, and starring Jesse Eisenberg, two cousins journey through Poland as a tribute to their grandmother, who lived there before the Holocaust. The experience was initially planned as a way to reconnect with their past and handle their own sense of guilt and responsibility. However, the visit to concentration camps and historic cemeteries leaves them doubly perplexed.
Eisenberg plays David, who placates his intense anxiety while balancing work commitments and family life. The trip is both an opportunity for him to ponder deep questions and spend time with his cousin Benji, portrayed by Kieran Culkin, who has become increasingly unstable since their grandmother's passing.
Traveling with a group, including a divorcée, a Rwandan genocide survivor, and an older couple, David and Benji's contrasting personalities lead to deeper conversations and unexpected revelations. David prefers silent, individual reflection, while Benji's emotional outbreaks fuel in-depth discussions with their fellow tourists.
Eisenberg is not only a lauded actor but also a respected director, playwright, and author. His fascination with his family history inform both his debut film, "When You Finish Saving the World," and "A Real Pain."
"A Real Pain" boldly addresses the Holocaust's legacy, blending humor with sorrow and humanity. It explores the struggle to confront personal and collective trauma and the challenge and embarrassment of unpacking emotional baggage without shutting out the world.
During an interview, Eisenberg discussed his personal take on Holocaust tourism, the impact of returning home, and the experience of fleshing out characters with the actors.
"A Real Pain" delves into the fears and uncertainties regarding our emotional connection to our relatives, ancestors, and our histories as a whole. It presents two characters who, despite having everything they could ever want, struggle with a lack of meaning and happiness.
Despite its absurdity, Holocaust tourism forces people to empathize and understand their place in history. Yet, it is also paradoxically awkward for individuals, typically from the middle class, to stay in comfortable accommodations while trying to comprehend historical trauma.
"A Real Pain" showcases the complexities of grief, pain, and the value we place on these experiences. Eisenberg conveys the challenge of trying to connect with the past, even when doing so is practically impossible. He credits his positive experiences on film sets with directors like Richard Ayoade and Greg Mottola, as inspiration for creating a worthwhile environment on his own set.
"A Real Pain" is now playing in selected theaters across the U.S. and will have a nationwide release on Nov. 15.
