A Real Pain 15

Written, directed by and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg alongside a scene-stealing Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain is a moving dramedy that sees two polar opposite cousins reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother.

Neurotic, hyper-articulate David (Eisenberg) and chaotic misfit Benji (Culkin) rub up against each other on a group trip, but the adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple's old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

A Real Pain is deeply perceptive on the legacy of ancestral pain and trauma, with a humanistic script rooted in Eisenberg’s own family past – and terrific performances – giving the film a powerful emotional kick alongside a sense of humour. Filmed on location across Poland, it’s a thoughtful, character-driven look at the light and dark of life and how to reconcile them.

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay.