I was lucky enough to attend the Australian Premiere of A Real Pain, thanks to Luna Palace Cinema’s In Leederville and the Jewish Film Festival. A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, takes audiences on a journey of heritage and heartache. Starring Eisenberg himself alongside Kieran Culkin, the film takes viewers on a deeply personal journey through Poland, where two cousins confront their family’s past and their own inner demons.
The film opens with David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin) reuniting after the death of their grandmother, a Holocaust survivor. The cousins, who have grown apart over the years, decide to honor her memory by visiting her hometown in Poland. This trip is not just a physical journey but an emotional one, as they navigate their grief and the unresolved tensions between them. Eisenberg’s direction is both sensitive and insightful, capturing the ups and downs of the cousins’ relationship. The script, also penned by Eisenberg, is sharp and witty, yet never shies away from the heavier themes of trauma and loss.
Culkin delivers a standout performance as Benji, a character who is both endearing and frustrating. His portrayal of a man struggling with his identity and his place in the world is both raw and authentic. Eisenberg, on the other hand, plays the more reserved David, whose quiet strength provide a perfect counterbalance to Benji’s volatility.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to handle its heavy subject matter with a delicate touch. While it delves into the horrors of the Holocaust, it does so with respect and sensitivity, focusing on the personal impact rather than the historical events themselves.
A Real Pain is not just a film about the past; it’s a film about the present and the future. It explores how our histories shape us and how we can find healing and understanding through confronting our pain. It’s a story of reconciliation, not just between the cousins, but within themselves.
A Real Pain releases at Luna Palace Cinemas on Dec 26th.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
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