Fri Nov 01 12:30:00 UTC 2024: ## “A Real Pain”: Cousins Confront Trauma and Empathy in Poland

**By Brian Tallerico**

Jesse Eisenberg’s new film “A Real Pain” explores the complexities of empathy and the struggle to truly understand another’s pain. The story follows two cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they travel to Poland to learn about the Holocaust and visit their grandmother’s hometown.

While David is a man of traditional patterns, Benji is emotionally raw and unpredictable. This dynamic, masterfully crafted by Eisenberg’s script, creates a poignant contrast between the two cousins, who, despite their differences, long to understand each other.

The film follows their journey with a tour group, led by the engaging James (Will Sharpe), avoiding the cliché of turning the other tourists into emotional pawns. Instead, Eisenberg cleverly uses these characters to enhance the film’s realism and complexity.

Culkin delivers an exceptional performance as Benji, capturing the essence of a friend or relative who can be both infuriating and endearing. His raw, organic portrayal makes Benji a relatable character, a testament to Culkin’s talent and his ability to embody complex emotions.

Eisenberg’s directorial choices are equally compelling. He uses music sparingly, most memorably opting for silence at the concentration camp, allowing the weight of history to speak for itself. The film’s pace is deliberate, with a 90-minute runtime that feels complete and impactful.

“A Real Pain” is not a film that seeks to offer easy answers. It confronts the difficult truth that we can never fully understand another person’s pain, even when we try to empathize. Yet, it also reminds us of the power of connection and the importance of being present for those we love.

Despite their differences, David and Benji’s love for each other shines through, creating a film that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. “A Real Pain” is a powerful reminder that our pain, in all its complexity, is a part of what makes us human and deserving of compassion.

Read More