Jesse Eisenberg reflects on success and struggle with new film A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg's new film, "A Real Pain," has earned him an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay. The film, co-starring Kieran Culkin, follows two cousins visiting their ancestral home in Poland, exploring themes of pain and heritage. Eisenberg expressed difficulty in enjoying his success, feeling a sense of guilt and anxiety despite his achievements. He shared that he often struggles to reconcile his fortunate life with the hardships faced by his ancestors during the Holocaust. Previously, Eisenberg found fulfillment volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as the happiest time of his life. He continues to grapple with feelings of unease, even as his film receives critical acclaim and recognition.