Screenplay data
Cousins David and Benji travel to Poland for a Holocaust tour following their grandmother's death, with Benji's erratic behavior and David's buttoned-up nature immediately clashing. Benji's antics, including bringing weed and making inappropriate jokes, create tension within their tour group and with David, who struggles to manage his cousin's unpredictable moods and past suicide attempt. The emotional weight of visiting concentration camps deeply affects Benji, leading to a raw argument between the cousins about their strained relationship and differing ways of coping with grief. After leaving the tour, David and Benji visit their grandmother's childhood home, where a misunderstanding with the current residents about placing memorial stones highlights their bittersweet connection to their heritage. Back in New York, David and Benji share a heartfelt goodbye at the airport, acknowledging their complex bond before David returns home to his family, while Benji remains alone, reflecting the film's opening scene.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Cousins David and Benji reunite for a heritage tour of Poland, prompting them to confront family history, personal grief, and their complicated bond.
Open full beat sheetDavid is listed as Protagonist. Benji's cousin, successful, buttoned-up, struggles with his own stress and relationship with Benji. In the parsed data, David is connected to 48 scenes, 313 dialogue lines, 833 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
48 scenes / 313 dialogue linesBenji Kaplan is listed as Protagonist. David's cousin, charismatic, erratic, struggling with mental health and grief. In the parsed data, Benji Kaplan is connected to 43 scenes, 353 dialogue lines, 354 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
43 scenes / 353 dialogue linesJames is listed as Tour Guide. British tour guide, scholar of Eastern European studies. In the parsed data, James is connected to 21 scenes, 78 dialogue lines, 198 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
21 scenes / 78 dialogue linesMarcia Kramer is listed as Tourist. Sharp, wry, recently divorced, mother was a camp survivor. In the parsed data, Marcia Kramer is connected to 9 scenes, 41 dialogue lines, 42 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
9 scenes / 41 dialogue linesEloge is listed as Tourist. 39-year-old Rwandan man, Jewish convert, genocide survivor. In the parsed data, Eloge is connected to 6 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 101 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
6 scenes / 33 dialogue linesDiane Binder is listed as Tourist. Recently retired, from Shaker Heights. In the parsed data, Diane Binder is connected to 6 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
6 scenes / 16 dialogue linesMark Binder is listed as Tourist. Recently retired, Diane's husband. In the parsed data, Mark Binder is connected to 4 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
4 scenes / 12 dialogue linesSON is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, SON is connected to 1 scene, 7 dialogue lines, 18 text mentions, first appearing around scene 117.
1 scenes / 7 dialogue linesABE is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, ABE is connected to 1 scene, 3 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
1 scenes / 3 dialogue linesRECEPTIONIST is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, RECEPTIONIST is connected to 1 scene, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
1 scenes / 3 dialogue linesThis scene block serves as the title page for the screenplay "A Real Pain," crediting Jesse Eisenberg as the writer and indicating it is the final draft.
The scene opens at JFK Airport in the morning, slowly zooming in on a young man named Benji Kaplan sitting alone on a bench with a melancholic expression, as Chopin's Nocturne plays. As the camera closes in, the title "A REAL PAIN" appears over his face.
David walks down a Brooklyn street while leaving a voicemail for Benji, reminding him about an early arrival for an event.
DavidDavid's Uber is stuck in traffic on the BQE.
David, riding in an Uber, leaves a series of voice messages for Benji, updating him on traffic conditions and apologizing for the multiple calls as he anticipates their meeting.
DavidDavid arrives at JFK airport and is surprised by Benji, who has been there for hours and has already checked in; they catch up, and Benji reveals he brought weed for their trip to Poland, much to David's concern.
Benji Kaplan, DavidTwo cousins walk toward security at JFK Airport, and David subtly disposes of a yogurt as they pass a garbage can.
At JFK airport security, Benji flirts with a TSA agent while David observes, impressed by his cousin's charisma. After clearing security, Benji tells David about the TSA agent, Jasmine, whose father works security for the Knicks.
Benji Kaplan, DavidAt an airport gate, David tries to discuss their recent past and their deceased grandmother with Benji, who deflects the conversation while they exchange trail mix and prepare for their tour.
Benji Kaplan, DavidBenji and David board an airplane, discuss their seat assignments, and Benji asks David to take the middle seat.
Benji Kaplan, DavidOn an airplane, David and Benji discuss their jobs, with David attempting to justify his digital ad sales work to a critical Benji, who then embarrasses David by insisting they pay attention to the flight attendant's safety demonstration.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT PA, Benji Kaplan, DavidOn an overnight flight, an exhausted David watches a video of his son, takes a pill, and eventually wakes a sleeping Benji after the plane lands.
ABE, DavidExhausted from a flight, David and Benji walk through Warsaw Airport, where David offers breakfast, but Benji silently declines with a dark look.
DavidDavid and Benji pass through customs at Warsaw Airport; David is visibly nervous as Benji's bag goes through a sensor, while Benji remains calm.
At Warsaw Airport, Benji appears tired after clearing customs, but quickly brightens upon spotting their driver and enthusiastically greets him.
Benji Kaplan, DavidWhile driving, Benji notices David watching a video of his son, Abe, who is fascinated by skyscrapers. Benji asks to see the video and is visibly moved, complimenting David on his son.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe scene opens with a heading indicating an exterior shot in Warsaw in the morning, followed by a description of characters arriving at the Warsaw Central Hotel.
David and Benji check into their Warsaw hotel, where Benji receives a mysterious package that turns out to be mailed weed, much to David's surprise and relief. They discuss David's previous nervousness about carrying it through the airport.
RECEPTIONIST, Benji Kaplan, DavidBenji and David walk down a hotel hallway, where Benji affectionately expresses his happiness to be with David, who returns the sentiment.
Benji Kaplan, DavidIn a Warsaw hotel room, Benji compliments David's feet, which leads to a conversation about their grandmother, before Benji takes a long shower with David's phone, leaving David to reflect on his feet.
Benji Kaplan, DavidBenji and David walk down a hotel hallway, with Benji looking refreshed and David appearing exhausted.
David and Benjamin walk through their hotel lobby in Warsaw and are met by their British tour guide, James, who introduces himself and explains he was waiting for them. David and Benji apologize for being late, stating they wanted to shower first.
Benji Kaplan, David, JamesJames, a British tour guide, introduces himself and the tour's purpose to a small group of tourists in a Warsaw hotel restaurant, after which the group members, including Marcia, Diane and Mark, Eloge, and cousins Benji and David, introduce themselves and share their personal reasons for joining the trip, often related to their Jewish heritage or family history.
Marcia Kramer, Eloge, Diane Binder, David, Mark Binder, JamesThe scene is a montage showing the vibrant daily life of Warsaw, accompanied by Chopin's Etude.
James begins a tour at the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Monument, explaining its significance as a tribute to Jewish heroes who fought back and dispelling the myth of passive victims. He emphasizes that while the tour will cover pain and suffering, it will also celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people.
JamesA group walks along a street in Warsaw, passing a Soviet-era apartment block.
Benji buys water for his group but realizes he has no money to pay, so David provides him with Zlotys to complete the purchase.
While walking through Krasinski Garden, Benji and David discuss their American identity and Benji's observation of Marcia's sadness. Benji then approaches Marcia, who expresses a strong sentiment about people, and Benji comforts her, much to David's bafflement.
Marcia Kramer, Benji Kaplan, DavidA group walks through the ruins of Warsaw, observing the stark contrast between the city's historical destruction and its modern European reconstruction, marked by bullet holes and new architecture.
Benji precariously skips along stones in a pond while a group patiently waits for him to finish his antics.
David and Benji meet at a cafe, where Benji shares details about a mutual acquaintance, Marcia, who is going through a difficult time after her husband left her and is now dating a "douchebag." The conversation becomes uncomfortable when Benji expresses reluctance to gossip, and the scene ends with them discussing their soup and a music cue.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe scene opens with a high-angle shot of a group walking down Kredytowa Street.
On Witojerska Street during the day, a group passes a fragment of the old Ghetto Wall.
The group visits the Warsaw Uprising Monument where James gives a historical overview, after which Benji convinces most of the group to pose comically with the monument's bronze soldiers while David reluctantly takes pictures with everyone's phones.
Marcia Kramer, Eloge, David, Mark Binder, Diane Binder, JamesThe group enters a Warsaw hotel at night, with a pleasant atmosphere, but David feels somewhat excluded.
Benji and David ride a hotel elevator with Eloge, Diane, and Mark, then exit on their floor, bidding the others goodnight.
Benji KaplanThe boys walk down a hotel hallway at night.
David and Benji enter their hotel room, and Benji asks David to join him in the bathroom, which prompts a confused response from David.
Benji Kaplan, DavidBenji pulls David into a cramped hotel bathroom to express his deep gratitude for David joining him on the trip, acknowledging David's social discomfort. Benji then suggests they go back out to "share a J."
Benji Kaplan, DavidIn a Warsaw hotel room, Benji complains about the window not opening wide enough to smoke, while David expresses his exhaustion and desire to sleep. Benji tries to persuade David to stay awake, shower, and smoke weed with him on the roof.
Benji Kaplan, DavidDavid and Benji, in good spirits, ride an elevator in a Warsaw hotel at night.
Benji and David are in a Warsaw hotel hallway, where Benji, despite David's apprehension about an alarm, impulsively opens a door to the roof, finding it unexpectedly safe.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe boys race up a hotel stairwell, and Benji opens the door to the roof.
Benji and David are on a hotel roof in Warsaw, smoking and discussing David's feelings, which leads to Benji reminiscing about their past experiences in New York, taking a slightly sour turn as he recounts David's 'lightweight' behavior.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe boys silently ride the elevator down in a Warsaw hotel at night.
In a Warsaw hotel room, Benji and David reconcile over past comments about David's inability to stay awake during their late-night hangouts, with Benji ultimately expressing gratitude for David's presence.
Benji Kaplan, DavidDavid wakes up in a Warsaw hotel room and observes Benji still sleeping, surrounded by mini vodka bottles.
David is in his hotel bathroom, first on a FaceTime call with Priya, then showering and shaving, and finally taking a pill.
David attempts to wake his sleeping cousin Benji, who seems to be in pain, reminding him they need to leave for the train.
DavidBenji reluctantly follows David through a hotel hallway in Warsaw.
The group waits outside a Warsaw hotel, where David apologizes for being late, and Benji humorously explains that David had just woken him up.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe group walks through the Warsaw train station, and Benji takes in the sights with childlike wonder.
The group arrives at the Warsaw train station, where James announces they have first-class seats. As they board the train, David is happy while Benji appears skeptical.
Marcia Kramer, Diane Binder, JamesThe scene opens with a shot of a train moving through the countryside of Central Poland.
While riding a first-class train in Poland, Benji expresses profound discomfort and guilt, comparing their privileged experience to the historical suffering of Jews, leading to a heated argument with David and other group members before he decides to move to the back of the train.
Marcia Kramer, David, Mark Binder, Diane Binder, James, Benji KaplanDavid walks through a crowded train car, searching for Benji, but is unable to locate him.
David finds Benji sitting alone in a train car and offers him food, prompting Benji to express his frustration about people always wanting to be happy.
Benji Kaplan, DavidA train is shown speeding through the Polish countryside.
David wakes up on a train as it pulls into a station, and after a brief exchange with Benji, they both exit, with Benji appearing guilty.
Benji Kaplan, DavidDavid and Benji realize they've missed their train stop, Lublin, and Benji, who didn't wake David, convinces him to sneak onto a train going the opposite direction to return without buying tickets.
Benji Kaplan, DavidBenji and David attempt to ride a train without tickets, successfully bluffing their way past a conductor, which leaves David both nervous and surprisingly exhilarated.
Benji Kaplan, David, CONDUCTORDavid and Benji enter the front car of a train, excited about their journey. David realizes they are in first class, and Benji proudly states they earned it.
Benji Kaplan, DavidThe train arrives at Lublin Glowny Station, and the boys disembark, searching for the exit.
The boys arrive late at Lublin Station, where James and the group are waiting, visibly irritated, and Benji apologizes, explaining that Dave fell asleep.
Benji KaplanAs a group ascends a massive staircase leading to a castle, James delivers a monologue about Lublin's rich and diverse Jewish history, expressing his desire for an enlightening experience to understand the community's significant contributions.
JamesAs the group walks along a bridge towards the Jewish Gate, David discusses religion with Eloge, while Marcia and Benji bond over the concept of suffering and the pitfalls of wealth. James then instructs the group to imagine the vibrant Jewish Quarter that once stood beyond the gate, encouraging them to reflect on the past as they pass through.
Marcia Kramer, Eloge, David, James, Benji KaplanJames narrates over a montage of shots in Lublin, describing how the city holds hidden memories and emblems of its Jewish past, pointing out former Jewish sites like a Yiddish theater, a Yeshiva, and a Hebrew printing house.
JamesThe group walks along a gravel street at the edge of town, where Benji playfully pinches David's cheek.
At a Jewish cemetery, James provides historical facts about the site and the oldest tombstone, which irritates Benji who feels the tour is too focused on facts and not enough on the human element. After a tense exchange, James suggests the group place stones on the grave, a tradition Benji praises, but Benji later makes a sacrilegious joke while placing his stone, annoying David, Eloge, and James.
Marcia Kramer, Eloge, David, James, Benji KaplanThe scene opens at night, establishing a lively restaurant in the old town of Lublin.
At a restaurant, a group discusses their families' immigrant experiences, but the conversation is punctuated by Benji's crassness and culminates in David revealing Benji's past suicide attempt, only for Benji to later reveal a hidden talent for piano, leaving the group with mixed feelings.
Marcia Kramer, Eloge, Diane Binder, Mark Binder, David, JamesDavid leaves the restaurant alone and is increasingly bothered by Benji's music as he walks back to the hotel.
David enters the Lublin hotel lobby at night, accompanied by a distorted version of Benji's music.
David enters his hotel room, where he struggles to swallow a pill, and later attempts to call Priya, who doesn't answer. He then sits on the bed, lost in thought.
David is woken up in the middle of the night by Benji entering and quickly leaving his hotel room, leaving David confused.
David cautiously peeks out of a room into an empty hallway and utters a frustrated expletive.
DavidDavid quickly dresses in his hotel room, clearly annoyed.
David walks through the hallway in the middle of the night, searching for Benji.
In the middle of the night, David speaks with the front desk staff at the Lublin Lobby, who inform him they have not seen Benji.
David lies in his hotel bed, agitated and concerned about Benji.
JAMES I wan t today to be as vibrant as it is melancholic. Lublin has such a rich Jewish history. It was actually called The Jewish Oxford. It was diverse, intellectually and culturally. It was progressive, open, welcoming. And it's hard to say whether the Jewish community was attracted to Lublin for these reasons or if the Jewish community was responsible for these local virtues. It's probably a little o f both. But I want today to feel enlightening. To understand the scope and importance of Jewish contributions. This is the Lublin of Rebbe Horowitz, the Seer of Lublin, of Isaac Bashevis Singer, of poets, writers, merchants, intellectuals.
DAVID I'm sorry I'm ranting. I'm just so fucking exhausted by him sometimes. I love him and I hate him and I want to kill him and I want to be him and I feel so lame around him because he's so fucking cool and doesn't give a shit and then just being here with him is baffling because like... How did this guy come from the survivors of this place? DAVID (CONT'D) That your uncle had to sell used furniture to rich assholes! Or got rejected from Med School! That you survived the most horrific thing to happen on this planet in the last thirty years! That our grandmother survived when the whole world was trying to kill her! And I look at him and I just wanna ask him! I just wanna ask him and I just can't! How could a person who's th e product of a thousand fucking miracles overdose on a bottle of sleeping pills?!
BENJI Cause I was staring at you sleepin. And you were snoring so weirdly and loudly and everyone was lookin and some people were laughing and I was just thinkin: this is my cousin, Davey. I'm not ashamed of him. This is Davey On The Bench in Chinatown. This is the cousin I used to have all to myself.
MARCIA I'll try. So. My Uncle Sam couldn't go to medical school so he became a pharmacist. The next best thing in his mind. And he ended up owning five pharmacies in and around Chicago -- and we're talking big places, with soda fountains and the whole thing. And he started what we now think of as a modern drug store - with food and electronics.
ELOGE Yes, naturally, Benji. And when I learned about Judaism and the story of the Jewish people, I felt at peace for the first time since the war. And the more I learn about the religion and the more people I meet -- lovely people such as yourselves - the m ore I know I made the right decision.
JAMES So there's a bit of a discrepancy about the founding of the cemetery but most have it pegged at 1541. Think about that. Before the founding of the United States, before Shakespeare, before the locomotive. And, if I may, the oldest tombstone in all of Poland is actually here.
DAVID I'm not. That's the thing! I have shit going on! I do. But I take a pill for my fuckin OCD, I jog, I meditate and I go to work and come home at the end of the day. I move forward. Because I know my pain is unexceptional so I don't feel the need to bur den everybody with it!
BENJI And you meet the craziest people here. I met this guy Kelvin who was from Brunei. Fucking Brunei! I never met anyone from Brunei. Dude was telling me all about his business, I think he's actually an arms dealer but he seemed totally at peace with the whole thing.
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