In summer 2023, Queens Jewish native and Oscar-nominee Jesse Eisenberg traveled to Poland, but not for a leisure trip. He set out to manifest his dream film project, which he spent steadfastly preparing over the last 15 years. Delving deep into the depths of his proud Jewish-Polish heritage, Eisenberg co-produced, wrote, starred, and directed A Real Pain, a fictional picture set in the modern backdrop of the Central European country that, like its title suggests, elicits “real pain” – both in its historical scope and in confronting human foibles. Eisenberg and co-star Kieran Culkin portray mismatched cousins – David and Benji – who together join a heritage tour throughout Poland after the loss of their grandmother, Dora. As part of her will, Dora implores her grandsons to visit the country’s historical touchstone locales.