Writer, director and lead actor Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” mixes heartfelt moments and humor as it addresses family relationships, trauma and the lasting bond between two estranged cousins.

Loosely based on Eisenberg’s own family, “A Real Pain” follows cousins ​​David (played by Eisenberg) and Benji (played by Kieran Culkin) on a journey through Poland to honor their recently deceased grandmother.

Although they are close in age, David and Benji are polar opposites. David is a family man with a structured life, preferring everything to be orderly and planned. Benji is single and living in upstate New York, working odd jobs, smoking weed, and living a more chaotic lifestyle.

Their different personalities and lifestyles create tension during the journey, revealing underlying issues and their different ways of grieving; Benji struggles deeply with this loss, having been very close to their grandmother, while David feels a mixture of envy and frustration with Benji’s lifestyle.

Upon arrival in Poland, David and Benji join a small group of tourists to explore historical monuments related to Jewish history and the Holocaust. The group includes a recently divorced woman, played by Jennifer Grey, a retired couple played by Liza Sadovy and Daniel Oreskes, and a Rwandan convert to Judaism, played by Kurt Egyiawan.

Each member of the group grapples with their own personal connections to these important sites of Jewish heritage, adding depth and complexity to their shared journey.

The two main actors deliver exceptional performances. Eisenberg shines as the anxious and awkward David, while Culkin embodies Benji’s charismatic but conflicted personality. Their chemistry makes both characters convincing and endearing.

“A Real Pain,” rated R and running 1 hour and 29 minutes, won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film is currently in limited release and will be released nationwide on November 15.

“A Real Pain” offers a unique perspective on family dynamics and the healing power of travel, making it a film worth watching.