“A Real Pain“ follows the two cousins David and Benji Kaplan as they journey to their grandmother’s ancestral home in Poland following her death. As the two join a Holocaust heritage tour led by guide James, old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family’s history. The once-close cousins, now estranged, must navigate their complicated relationship while confronting their family’s painful history and their own cultural identities.

Led by a scene-stealing turn from Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain“ is a powerfully funny, emotionally resonant dramedy that finds writer-director-star Jesse Eisenberg playing to his strengths on either side of the camera. With a nomination at the oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Culkan nominated for Best Supporting Actor, which he won, this movie is one of the best movies from 2024.

Balancing sharp wit with a heartfelt exploration of grief, identity, and family, “A Real Pain“ lingers long after the credits roll, offering both deeply moving moments and unexpected humor. If you appreciate smart, character-driven dramedies that tackle serious themes with warmth and authenticity, this film is a must-watch. (CJ)