Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain' Reflects on Generational Trauma and Identity

The actor-director's second film explores Jewish heritage, Holocaust memory, and personal struggles through a poignant yet humanizing lens.

Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain' follows two Jewish-American cousins retracing their grandmother's Holocaust survival story in Poland.
The film grapples with themes of generational guilt and the emotional legacy carried by descendants of Holocaust survivors.
Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Kieran Culkin, drew from his personal experiences and family history for the film's narrative.
The movie balances its heavy subject matter with moments of humor, empathy, and self-reflection, earning critical praise for its depth and humanity.
Filmed on location at the Majdanek concentration camp, the production evoked powerful, emotional reactions from the cast and crew.