A Real Pain

The film begins with cousins David Kaplan and Benji Kaplan reuniting at a bustling airport in New York. As they engage in conversation, Benji claims he has been waiting for hours, while David can’t shake off his anxiety about being late. David, who is married to Priya and shares a son named Abe (played by Banner Eisenberg), contrasts sharply with Benji, who is single and carefree. The purpose of their journey is a Jewish heritage tour in honor of their late grandmother, Dory, which takes them to Poland.

Upon reaching their hotel, the atmosphere gets a little awkward when Benji comments strangely about David’s feet. Following this, they join the rest of their group, which features a diverse cast: the British guide James (played by Will Sharpe), Marcia who is traveling solo, a couple named Mark and Diane (portrayed by Liza Sadovy), and a Rwandan refugee named Eloge who has converted to Judaism. The dynamic among the group is intriguing, particularly when Benji questions Eloge about his background, a move that initially concerns David. To David’s relief, Eloge responds positively, sharing a heartfelt story that resonates with the group.

As the tour proceeds, they encounter various landmarks. At a monument commemorating Polish soldiers, David, preferring to take standard photographs, is drawn into Benji’s energetic antics as he encourages everyone to strike whimsical poses for the camera. This lighthearted camaraderie continues to build, especially as Benji strikes up a connection with Marcia.

Things take a more somber turn during their train ride. Benji grapples with his discomfort of sitting in a train car that historically could have transported Jewish individuals to concentration camps. His unease prompts him to seek a different car, with David following closely behind to ensure he isn’t alone. However, a miscalculation on their part leads them to disembark at the wrong station, a choice motivated by Benji’s desire not to disturb David’s sleep. Despite David’s irritation, Benji devises a clever scheme: they’ll head back to their group without needing to purchase new tickets by sneaking into a first-class car and dodging the conductor.

Later, the tour brings the group to a cemetery where James is discussing the lives of those buried there. In a moment of frustration, Benji openly criticizes James for treating the deceased like mere statistics, making David feel increasingly uneasy. In a gesture of respect, Benji encourages the entire group to place stones on a stranger’s grave, moving the group emotionally.

Things get a bit rowdy at dinner that night. Benji, slightly tipsy, makes a series of inappropriate remarks, culminating in a loud belch followed by his announcement of needing the restroom. In the ensuing conversation, David apologizes for Benji’s behavior, explaining the grief stemming from their loss of Grandma Dory—a truth that resonates with some of the other group members. David reveals that they were once very close, but things changed drastically when Benji attempted suicide by overdosing just six months earlier. Amidst the chaos, they hear a piano being played, only to discover that it’s Benji who’s at the keys.

The emotional tone deepens the next day as they visit the site of a former concentration camp. While others openly express their sorrow, Benji’s struggle to repress his emotions next to David becomes palpable. Afterward, James privately commends Benji for influencing the tour’s narrative, expressing gratitude for his contributions.

As the evening unfolds, David and Benji decide to sneak onto the rooftop of Hotel Victoria to enjoy one last joint that Benji had sent to himself. While initially engaging in light-hearted banter, their conversation shifts into a heated argument when Benji implies that David may never contact him again once this trip ends. He strikes a nerve by claiming that David has become emotionally disconnected, contrasting it starkly with the deep feelings he once had. In a fit of frustration, David rebukes Benji for his suicide attempt, voicing his anger about the turmoil he caused in the family.

The following morning, just before they head back to New York, David and Benji stop by Dory’s old home, where Benji recounts a vivid memory of getting reprimanded by their grandmother for being late to dinner because he was smoking weed. This moment, which Benji fondly recalls as one of the best in his life, fosters a connection between the two cousins. They leave stones as a tribute on her porch, but soon attract the attention of an elderly neighbor and his son. Although the gesture is appreciated, they are advised to remove the stones because of a current resident who might trip on them.

Upon their return to New York, the airport feels different, and David senses a shift. He extends an invitation for Benji to join him for dinner, but Benji declines, joking that the airport is where you meet the most interesting people. In a final attempt to connect, David slaps him playfully across the face, echoing their grandmother’s lesson, but rather than taken aback, Benji laughs it off. However, they share an emotional hug before parting ways, returning to their realities—David to the warm embrace of Priya and Abe, and Benji, once again left alone in the airport.

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 19:24