Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘A Real Pain’ Explores Holocaust Legacy Through Humor and Heart

The actor-turned-director’s latest film, co-starring Kieran Culkin, delves into family history, cultural memory, and personal identity with a mix of comedy and poignancy.

Jesse Eisenberg’s new film, 'A Real Pain,' follows two cousins, played by Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they join a Holocaust tour in Poland to confront their shared family history.
The film combines humor and emotional depth to address themes of cultural memory, survivor guilt, and generational trauma, while also reflecting on modern attitudes toward historical tragedies.
Eisenberg, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film, drew inspiration from his own Polish-Jewish heritage and personal reflections on identity and connection to the past.
The character Eloge, a Rwandan genocide survivor who converts to Judaism, adds a unique perspective on shared human suffering and the search for meaning after trauma.
With its mix of comedy and emotional resonance, 'A Real Pain' has already garnered Oscar buzz and is set for release in theaters on January 8, 2025.