JIFF: A Real Pain

A Real Pain

Australian Premiere

“A masterpiece.” - Collider

“A knockout.” - The New York Times 

Two mismatched Jewish cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the pair’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

Eisenberg and Culkin give devastating, funny performances as characters grappling with their grandmother’s history and the ways their own lives have diverged. While Benji’s irreverent charm only partially masks his deep melancholy, David’s frustration with and genuine love for his cousin become achingly clear.

A poignant, funny exploration of the unexpected permutations of intergenerational trauma, and a sensitively drawn reckoning of the legacy of World War II among the survivors of survivors.

Festivals and Awards
Winner - Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, U.S. Dramatic Competition, Sundance Film Festival, 2024

Each session will be preceded by a pre-recorded introduction by Jesse Eisenberg

Rating

MA 15

Duration

89 min

Language

English

Cast

Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin

Director

Jesse Eisenberg