‘A Real Pain’ revolves around two Jewish American cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother. Their journey delves into personal and historical exploration, blending humor with introspective reflections about their Jewish heritage.
Along the way, they visit historical landmarks, meet locals, and clash over their conflicting personalities and approaches to life. While the film addresses heavy themes like inherited trauma and cultural identity, it balances the weight with biting humor, sharp dialogue, and moments of heartfelt connection.
Directed with precision by Jesse Eisenberg, the film’s visual style amplifies the inner struggles of its protagonists and the weight of their journey. The cinematography captures Poland’s historical and emotional landscapes with care. The muted, earthy color palette evokes a sense of nostalgia and solemnity, particularly in scenes set in Holocaust memorials and old neighborhoods. These scenes emphasize the weight of history, allowing the audience to feel the depth of the cousins’ connection to their roots.
Close-ups are frequently used to highlight the nuanced performances of Eisenberg and Culkin, emphasizing their emotional vulnerability. The wide shots of Polish scenery and historical landmarks provide a striking juxtaposition, making the characters appear small against the backdrop of history—a visual metaphor for the film’s exploration of generational trauma.
Overall, it’s this balance of intimacy and universality, wrapped in a mix of laughter and poignancy, that makes ‘A Real Pain’ such a compelling watch.