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By Priyamm Dangi
Already known for his acting prowess, Jesse Eisenberg has mastered the art of storytelling too. Following his directorial debut with When You Finish Saving the World in 2022, the actor-filmmaker is now garnering acclaim for his second project, A Real Pain. Written and directed by Jesse, the comedy-drama movie – tracing the experiences of two Jewish cousins who embarked on a Holocaust tour – also features Kieran Culkin, who was named ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ at 97th Academy Awards for his moving performance in the film. Currently available to stream on JioHotstar, the 90-minute movie captures the adventures of two middle-aged Jewish cousins, Benjamin ‘Benji’ Kaplan (Kieran) and David Kaplan (Jesse) across Poland. The narrative explores the tension between these two personalities and how they navigate their emotional stress while reliving the horrors of holocaust.
Story: Before passing away, Dory left money for her two grandsons, Benji and David, to travel around Poland. The two cousins sign up for a ‘Jewish’ trip across the country. However, there’s a problem – a deep-seated tension between the two men. While David is an overly sensitive and obsessive man, Benji is the life of the party and lights up every room he walks into. How these two estranged cousins attempt to reconnect while mingling with descendants of other holocaust survivors comprise the film’s storyline.
The charming Benji has his fits throughout the tour. The man is aware of his privilege and refuses to travel by first-coach on a train in Poland where his ancestors may have been exploited. He is not afraid to take risks and misses their stopover, just because he doesn’t want to disturb a sleeping David. On the other hand, David keeps apologising for Benji’s antics. He loves his cousin, but there are times when he just can’t bear his presence. The friendly banter and simmering tension between the two keep the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end of the film. At some point in the movie, David even reveals Benji’s suicide attempts in the past. While David cannot get Benji’s image out of his mind, the latter does not have any justification for his actions. All he does is reassure David that he’ll be okay.
There’s no definite resolution in the film that the characters have fought their demons and have moved on. A Real Pain is an empathetic and compassionate portrayal of the saying: ‘the journey is more important than the goal’. The two cousins come together, have the time of their lives and then part ways, much like how we all do in life.
Review: The film does not necessarily comply with the conventional ‘hero’s journey’ narrative. Instead, A Real Pain delves into mental and emotional conflicts that human beings battle all their lives. The characters try to tackle their own quirks and lackings to reconnect with each other. While David is a burned-out corporate employee suffering a work-life imbalance, Benjamin struggles to deal with his emotions and inner demons.
If you look closely, the film is a simple yet relatable tale about siblings who, at times, dislike each other but also admire one another’s skills. However, on the outside, A Real Pain is a subtle commentary on long-lost relationships. David and Benjamin share a deep bond but struggle to stay in touch in this fast-paced world. On multiple occasions, Benjamin expresses his joy at being able to spend time with David. Meanwhile, David seeks Benjamin’s validation every now and then. In one sequence when Benji breaks down at the concentration camp, David holds him in silence.
The storyline is beautifully complemented by Frédéric Chopin’s piano pieces and Tzvi Erez’s performances. Cinematographer Michal Dymek has masterfully brought out the emotion of the story on screen. The shots are a perfect blend of static and handheld shots, providing warmth or energy to the scenes when needed. The rich colours and breathtaking landscapes of Poland make the film pleasing to the eyes. Kieran is extraordinarily brilliant throughout the movie, especially the way he emotes the character’s feelings and struggles on screen. Jesse, on the other hand, plays a rather contrasting role, but gripping nevertheless.
Verdict: A Real Pain is a must-watch not only for Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin’s fans, but also for every cinephile seeking inventive storytelling and emotional depth. Through the film, Jesse proves his mettle as a filmmaker, while Kieran cements his position as a compelling actor. On the storytelling front, the film keeps the viewers on the edge while making them aware of the tension between the two estranged cousins. The emotional journey of David and Benjamin across Poland is sure to stay with you for a long period of time.
A Real Pain
Watch on: JioHotstar
Writer and director: Jesse Eisenberg
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy and Daniel Oreskes
Rating: 3.5 stars
