Javier Ibarreche Talks with Jesse Eisenberg About His Film ‘A Real Pain’

Share:

A Real Pain is a film written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. The movie blends melancholy with just the right amount of humor to make you reflect while still bringing a smile to your face.

The story follows two cousins, Benji and David. Both born in the United States, who travel to Poland to reconnect with their roots and say goodbye to the places their recently deceased grandmother once knew. A Holocaust survivor, she never appears on screen, yet her love and the impact of her absence are felt throughout the film.

In an exclusive interview with Javier Ibarreche from ‘De Estreno’ on LOS40, Eisenberg shared how he approached the theme of grief, how he ended up casting Kieran Culkin in a role he originally planned to play himself, and more!

The film has received major recognition, earning a 2025 Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. On the other hand, Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Benji, a character who uses humor and reckless behavior to deal with his pain.

Adding to the film’s emotional depth is its beautiful use of Chopin’s music. Eisenberg paid tribute to the composer by making his melodies part of the journey. Without a doubt, A Real Pain is one of the most powerful and moving films in theaters right now. It offered us a thoughtful take on loss, humor, and how our roots shape us—if we let them.