Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed the 2024 comedy-drama A Real Pain, which stars Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, and Jennifer Grey.
This film follows two cousins, David and Benji, as they travel to Poland to honor their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor.
Where Was A Real Pain Filmed?
A Real Pain was filmed in various locations in Poland, including Warsaw, Lublin, Radom, and Krasnystaw. Here’s a closer look at the key filming spots that bring this story to life and enhance the storytelling by using some of Poland’s most historic and scenic locations.
Warsaw
Warsaw’s historic Muranów district served as one of the central filming locations for A Real Pain.
Anielewicza, Muranów, and Sródmiescie: These Warsaw neighborhoods provided the backdrop for many of the film’s scenes. The filmmakers captured scenes on Anielewicza Street, near the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: This world-class museum in Muranów likely played a significant role in the film’s narrative. This place holds significant cultural importance as it commemorates the history of Poland’s Jewish community.
Warsaw Uprising Monument: A testament to courage, the Warsaw Uprising Monument stands as a poignant reminder of the 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation. Its bronze figures, frozen in the act of defiance, honor the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.
Warsaw Central Station: Some scenes were filmed near Warsaw’s Śródmieście district and the Warsaw Central Station, creating an authentic backdrop for David and Benji’s journey. Warsaw Central Station, a bustling hub of activity, stands as a testament to modern architecture. Its sleek design and efficient layout make it a gateway to Poland’s capital city.
Lublin
Lublin is another pivotal location in the film. The cast and crew visited Majdanek, a Nazi concentration and extermination camp located on the outskirts of the city.
Majdanek concentration camp: This historical site, a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, was a poignant choice for the filmmakers. As one of the best-preserved sites of its kind, Majdanek stands as a somber reminder of history, which resonates deeply with the themes of the film.
Grodzka street: Filming also took place on Grodzka Street, a historic road within Lublin’s Old Town, adding old-world charm and a sense of authenticity to scenes as the cousins walk through Lublin.
Radom
Radom Airport: In the Mazowieckie province, Radom’s airport was a convenient filming site for scenes depicting the cousins’ arrival in Poland. Radom Airport, a modern facility, serves as a convenient gateway to central Poland. With its strategic location, it connects travelers to both domestic and international destinations, contributing to the region’s growing accessibility.
The airport’s quieter, more personal atmosphere made it an ideal choice for the film’s opening scenes, providing a modest yet meaningful start to David and Benji’s journey.
Krasnystaw
Lubelskie region: The town of Krasnystaw, in the Lubelskie region, also plays a role in the film. This small town’s peaceful ambiance and countryside views offer a striking contrast to the bustling streets of Warsaw and Lublin. Krasnystaw is significant for Eisenberg, as he has family ties to the area, allowing the scenes filmed here to bring a personal connection to the story.
When Did the Filming of A Real Pain Take Place?
Filming for A Real Pain took place in 2023, with most scenes shot across Poland during the spring and early summer.
Jesse Eisenberg and the production team aimed to capture Poland’s historical sites and the cities’ lively atmosphere, adding both depth and a sense of place to the narrative.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where was A Real Pain filmed?
A: A Real Pain was shot in several locations across Poland.
Q: What is the main theme of A Real Pain?
A: A Real Pain explores family, memory, and healing themes. It follows two cousins as they reconnect and confront their shared history during a journey to Poland.
Q: When will A Real Pain be released in theaters?
A: The film will have a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 1, 2024.