A Real Pain

Cousins David and Benji Kaplan reunite at an airport in New York. While Benji claims to have been waiting for hours, David is concerned about being late for their flight to Poland.

David and Benji arrive at their hotel in Poland to begin their Jewish heritage tour. They join their group, led by British guide James, and meet other members including Marcia, Mark, Diane, and Eloge.

After settling in, the group has a compelling moment when Eloge shares an emotional story about his background. Benji's curiosity about Eloge pleases him, fostering an immediate bond.

While touring the city, David takes pictures of a monument, but Benji encourages everyone to strike elaborate poses. This leads to a playful atmosphere among the cousins and their group.

During a train ride, Benji becomes uncomfortable with the thought that they are sitting in a car reminiscent of those that transported Jewish people to concentration camps. David chooses to support Benji by joining him in a different car.

Benji's decision not to wake David results in them getting off at the wrong train station. Instead of buying new tickets, they cleverly devise a plan to board a train heading back to their group undetected.

The group visits a cemetery where James shares the history of those buried there. Benji expresses his dissatisfaction with the way James presents the deceased and encourages everyone to place stones on a random grave as an act of respect.

During dinner at a restaurant, Benji, slightly intoxicated, makes inappropriate comments and causes a scene. As David apologizes to the group for Benji's behavior, he reveals the struggles Benji has faced since attempting suicide.

The following day, the group visits a former concentration camp, deeply affecting everyone present. Benji's emotional struggle becomes particularly evident as he stands next to David amid the somber atmosphere.

Later that night, David and Benji sneak onto the rooftop of Hotel Victoria to smoke. What begins as a light-hearted moment escalates into a heated argument about Benji's past and his future relationships with David.

Before heading home, David and Benji stop at their grandmother Dory's former home. They reminisce over a story about a lesson Dory taught Benji and leave stones on the porch as a tribute.

While at Dory's home, an elderly neighbor notices their gesture and warns them against leaving stones, explaining that another woman lives there. David and Benji promptly remove the stones before leaving.

David and Benji return to New York and prepare to part ways. As they exit the airport, David invites Benji for dinner, but he declines, saying he prefers meeting interesting people at the airport.

In a moment mirroring their grandmother's lesson, David slaps Benji playfully before they embrace in a heartfelt hug. David returns to his family while Benji is left alone at the airport.

David arrives home to a warm welcome from Priya and their son Abe. The contrast between his loving family and Benji's solitary return illustrates the emotional weight of their journey.