36/33
David Kaplan: Yeah
Synopsis
Mismatched cousins reunite for a trip across Poland in honor of their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd couple’s old tensions resurface in the context of their family history. When Benji and David visit their grandmother’s home in Poland, it’s the home of Jesse Eisenberg. The real-life ancestors settled in the diaspora. Benji Kaplan: We keep moving, we stay light, we stay nimble.
David Kaplan: Bathroom
Benji Kaplan: The conductor will come by, take the tickets, we’ll tell him we’re going to the bathroom. Benji Kaplan: Gets to the back of the train, starts moving to the front looking for stragglers. David Kaplan: I’m sorry, are we the ones who are lost? Benji Kaplan: Yeah. By the time they get to the front, the train will be in the station and we’ll be home free.
This is our country
David Kaplan: That’s so stupid. The tickets are probably like twelve dollars. Benji Kaplan: That’s the principle of it. We shouldn’t be paying for train tickets in Poland. David Kaplan: No, it’s not, it was our country.
Featured on CBS News Sunday Morning: Episode #4644 (2024)
They kicked us out because they thought we were cheap… I saw this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Previously, Jesse Eisenberg made “When You Finish Saving the World”; which was interesting, but unfortunately kind of boring. Here, Eisenberg’s direction and writing for this film shows that he has improved greatly, as many of the characters are interesting and engaging, good dialogue conversations and great performances, especially from Kieran Culkin, who steals the show throughout the film. The narrative explores family history and complicated connections, as each of the themes and explorations on the subjects were well handled and were funny, moving and compelling to watch.
There were a few soundtrack choices that felt a little out of place
Including beautiful camera work, a good soundtrack and conversations that felt real, authentic and engaging to watch. Eisenberg’s approach to chemistry, structure, and pacing was good, as he created a very good, compelling, and personal story about family history and the true meaning of bonds and relationships. But overall, Eisenberg has improved, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else he can bring to the table today.
