Jesse Eisenberg delves deeply into the theme of grief with A Real Pain (2024), his second feature as a writer-director. Known for his talent in front of the camera, the filmmaker proves his skill behind it with a polished film carrying a powerful message. A Real Pain draws strength from the performances and a script that turns mundane situations into extraordinary moments.

David (Jesse Eisenberg) and his cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin) were once very close but have since drifted apart. A sudden family event prompts a reunion, leading them on a journey to Poland to honor their grandmother’s memory. Eisenberg’s introspective script reflects this depth in its narrative. The dialogues are sharp, and dark humor becomes the perfect tool for the director to embed social critique. The story’s cornerstone lies in exploring grief through two distinct lenses.

A Very Real Pain

A Real Pain exemplifies an acting duel that showcases two sides of the same coin. David and Benji undergo the same traumatic experience, but each processes it differently. Benji appears to mask his pain with noise, living intensely to overcome the loss. David, on the other hand, suppresses his feelings, using routine as a coping mechanism. Both deceive themselves and prefer to look away rather than face harsh reality. Their journey is a metaphor for their inner struggles. Eisenberg challenges the audience by raising questions about the purpose of the “dark tourism” that David and Benji engage in—visiting places scarred by death and destruction.

Jesse Eisenberg crafts a film that might initially seem simple and straightforward but reveals multiple layers, creating space for deep analysis of human behavior. A Real Pain is an intense journey brought to life by Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg’s outstanding performances, supported by a stellar cast that shines in every scene. Perhaps the essence of the script is best captured in a line from Benji’s character: “Dave, we’re on a damn Holocaust tour. If this isn’t the time and place to grieve, to open up, then I don’t know what to tell you, man.”