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How Topic Studios Shepherded Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘A Real Pain’ From Rejection to Critical Triumph

Jesse Eisenberg and the Topic Studios team unpack how independent production brought the Oscar-nominated screenplay to life.

As Jesse Eisenberg’s “ A Real Pain ” heads into Oscars weekend with two nominations following a fruitful awards season as a critical darling, it’s hard to believe the film was once turned down by every single distribution company approached (bet they’re kicking themselves now). It’s a thoughtful character study that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, so it’s no wonder that Eisenberg has racked up over a dozen wins on the awards circuit for his screenplay. Topic may not boast a bank of billions like the big guys, but its personal touch saved “A Real Pain” during a difficult production setback.

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