Jesse Eisenberg, who was nominated for an Oscar, will play a number of roles in the forthcoming film A Real Pain. Eisenberg will act as producer, writer, and director of the film, in addition to acting in it. Conceptually, this new work will revolve around the thorny dynamics of a relationship between cousins. The filming of A Real Pain is scheduled to begin in Warsaw that March 2023, and it will depict the narrative of “two estranged cousins who come to Poland after their grandmother dies to explore where she came from, and find up joining a Holocaust tour.” It has been announced that Eisenberg will co-star with Kieran Culkin as one of the cousins (Succession).
Eisenberg spoke on the film’s tense and “bittersweet” interaction between his two characters when chatting with ScreenDaily.com. Against the backdrop of this tremendously dramatic past, he explained, “they have a humorous, uneasy connection; it’s a melancholy narrative, as we learn maybe we don’t completely belong together.” The star of Zombieland continued, “I’m trying to ask the question is modern pain valid against the backdrop of real historical trauma? “I guess I’m addressing to the experience of folks [in their 30s] who return and find it alien and now abruptly real.” Eisenberg’s intention to go from acting in front of the camera to working behind the scenes is evident in his decision to take on the role of director in A Real Pain.
Eisenberg’s directorial debut, When You Finish Saving the World, premiered outside at the Sarajevo Film Festival. While receiving an honorary Heart of Sarajevo Award at the city he calls his “favourite in the world,” the actor also spoke to Variety about his transition between careers. “Perhaps subconsciously I’ve considered directing a film, but I’ve never allowed myself to think about it overtly because it just feels like such a cliche,” he remarked. He went on to say that directing made him nervous, but that working with stars like Julianne Moore was a breeze. He said, “She’s the finest.” Eisenberg is interested in directing more, but he is also enthused by the potential of playing, and his performance in A Real Pain would be worth checking out.
Given that he is descended from Jews who settled in Poland, he should bring a unique dynamic to the film’s plot. Dave McCary, Emma Stone, and Ali Herting’s production company Fruit Tree will be responsible for making A Real Pain. The company also produced When You Finish Saving The World, another film starring Stone. There is currently no set date for the release of A Real Pain.