The 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off with flair, showcasing A Real Pain, directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg. This comedic-drama, featured in the Talking Pictures series, attracted cinephiles and fans eager to dive into award-season contenders. The film also stars Kieran Culkin as Benji, the chaotic counterpart to Eisenberg’s David. Together, they navigate familial bonds and unresolved tensions during a poignant tour of Poland to honor their grandmother.
About the Film
David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) are mismatched cousins reunited for a journey through Poland, retracing their grandmother’s steps. What begins as a sentimental homage quickly becomes a minefield of old arguments, emotional landmines, and bittersweet realizations. Against the backdrop of Polish heritage sites, the duo wrestles with their differences while confronting their shared history.
Eisenberg’s sharp dialogue and exploration of identity breathe life into this odd-couple story, while Culkin’s charisma adds depth to the complicated family dynamic.
Photo by Alan Ng
Q&A Highlights with Jesse Eisenberg
After the screening, Eisenberg captivated the audience during a Q&A, blending humor, introspection, and his signature charm. Here are some standout moments:
On the Film’s Inspiration:
“This story is semi-autobiographical. When my wife and I visited Poland in 2008, we stood outside my family’s old house. I thought I’d have this grand emotional catharsis, but…nothing. It was anticlimactic in the strangest way, and I wanted to capture that feeling in the movie. The emotional climaxes often aren’t where you expect them.”
On Casting Kieran Culkin:
“I’d never seen Succession because I avoid popular things—I’m an angry, weird person. But I remembered Kieran from an audition back in 2009. He’s brilliant, unpredictable, and brought such authenticity to Benji. He nearly dropped out two weeks before filming, but thankfully, Emma Stone, one of our producers, essentially blackmailed him into coming back. True story.”
On Family Dynamics and Connection:
“I made David and Benji cousins because cousins are linked through grandparents, not parents. Once the grandma’s gone, they have to decide if they want to stay connected. It’s heartbreaking to think about how fragile those ties can be when no one’s forcing you to stay together.”
Eisenberg also delved into his unique approach to writing and directing, balancing creative vision with the practical realities of filmmaking. “Directing feels like coaching a baseball team in a circus, and it’s about to rain,” he quipped, earning laughs from the crowd.
For those who want to experience the full depth of Jesse Eisenberg’s insights and humor, Film Threat YouTube members can watch the entire Q&A session from the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Dive deeper into the making of A Real Pain and hear firsthand how Eisenberg brought this personal story to life. Not a member yet? Join now and never miss exclusive content from the indie film scene!
