Hollywood star Jesse Eisenberg, aged 41, has expressed that his latest movie, A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, is not intended to come across as preachy. In the film, he plays David alongside Succession actor Kieran Culkin, who portrays his cousin Benji. Eisenberg mentioned during the 68th BFI London Film Festival that he enjoys writing about significant themes in a way that doesn’t feel overly intellectual.
He explained that the movie follows cousins on a Holocaust tour but aims to maintain a relatable and accessible tone, rather than one of sanctimony or excessive seriousness. Eisenberg emphasized that he wanted the movie to be a mix of fun and sadness, capturing the range of emotions experienced during a tour to a historically charged place with a childhood friend.
He also shared an amusing scene from the movie involving Kieran’s character during a tour in Poland. Eisenberg praised Kieran Culkin’s suitability for the role, which was confirmed when his sister remarked that only Kieran could play the part of Benji. Eisenberg also disclosed that his next movie is scheduled to start filming in March, expressing a desire to release one film each year.
