Jesse Eisenberg, a recognized actor from movies like Zombieland and The Social Network, is expanding his professional career as a director with his latest work, A Real Pain. Released in January 2025, the film has generated considerable interest and managed to capture attention at the last edition of the Oscars, where it was nominated in two categories: Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor.
Being unwell while showing that you are very well
Despite not winning the award, Eisenberg’s work was praised for its quality. The nomination for Best Original Screenplay, also written by him, ultimately went to Sean Baker for Anora, while Kieran Culkin, who shares the screen with Eisenberg in A Real Pain, was destined to receive the Best Supporting Actor award given his success in other previous competitions and because he delivers an impeccable performance, to say the least.
The film, which will be available on Disney+ starting April 16, has been positively received by critics and audiences alike. Currently, it holds an impressive score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81% positive rating from viewers. On SensaCine, it received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting its ability to reflect on past traumas and their impact on the present.
A Real Pain addresses the relationship between two cousins, David and Benji, who, after the death of their grandmother, reunite and travel to Poland to discover their family roots. This journey becomes a crossroad of personal tensions, as the differences between the two cousins complicate their relationship. While David seeks structure and order, Benji presents himself as a free spirit, leading to conflicts that they must resolve while delving into their family history.