Jennifer Grey makes her cinematic comeback in the heartfelt comedy A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, where she plays Marcia, a recently divorced woman exploring her family’s Jewish heritage in Poland. The film features a dynamic trio, with Grey as the supportive character, alongside Kieran Culkin and Eisenberg. Reflecting on her career struggles and personal growth, Grey is set to walk the red carpet at the Oscars, while also preparing for a sequel to Dirty Dancing. A Real Pain premieres on February 26.
Jennifer Grey’s Return to the Silver Screen
Describing her latest endeavor as “one of her most beautiful professional experiences to date,” Jennifer Grey is poised to enchant audiences once again. She makes her triumphant return to cinema this Wednesday, February 26, in the heartfelt comedy A Real Pain, directed by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, a two-time Oscar nominee. In this film, Grey portrays Marcia, a recently divorced woman in her sixties who embarks on a memory tourism journey through Poland alongside the film’s two main characters. While the cousins are there to trace their Jewish grandmother’s story, Marcia’s quest is to honor her own mother, who also escaped the horrors of the Holocaust.
A Dynamic Collaboration
Traveling solo to Europe, Marcia quickly forms a bond with Benji, the outgoing cousin played by the talented Kieran Culkin. Eisenberg crafted Marcia’s character with inspiration from his neighbor Martha, emphasizing her cool demeanor and interest in family heritage. He explains, “I thought it would be nice to have someone on the trip that Kieran could immediately recognize by saying: ‘Oh, she’s cool and I’m going to hang out with her.'” In this trio, Grey embodies the supportive cheerleader, while Culkin represents the athlete, and Eisenberg’s character, David, is the intellectual. This dynamic creates a relatable and engaging experience for viewers.
Eisenberg had Grey in mind right from the start, and she was eager to accept the role upon reading the script. Both share a Jewish heritage and familial ties that connect to the historical events of the Holocaust, which adds depth to their collaboration. During an Academy Awards roundtable, Grey expressed her gratitude for working with such “smart and funny people,” highlighting the mutual respect among the cast.
As Grey prepares to walk the red carpet at the prestigious Academy Awards this Sunday, she reflects on her artistic renaissance amidst the buzz surrounding A Real Pain, having participated in numerous award ceremonies leading up to the Oscars. After enjoying significant fame in the late 1980s with iconic films like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Dirty Dancing, Grey faced challenges in her career, grappling with personal and public perceptions.
In her journey, Grey candidly discusses her struggles with self-image and how they affected her career trajectory. She acknowledges the impact of her decision to undergo surgery, which led to her feeling unrecognizable to some fans and industry peers. “I am famous for two things: ‘Nobody puts Baby in a corner’ and ‘Jennifer Grey ruined her career by becoming a slave to plastic surgery,'” she shared in an interview, emphasizing that she never intended to alter her appearance in such a drastic way.
Despite her sporadic appearances in films and television, Grey has lent her voice to several successful projects, including Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises and the animated series Phineas and Ferb. More recently, she made a brief return to the screen in the popular series Grey’s Anatomy, showcasing her enduring talent.
In a personal twist, Grey faced significant challenges when she lost her home in the devastating Los Angeles fires. However, she remains hopeful, stating, “The most painful moments are the ones that have made me grow the most.” Her journey has led her to a place of happiness, as she prepares for what’s next.
With her memoir titled Out of the Corner, Grey reflects on her life and career, and she is ready to revisit a beloved role. Excitingly, a sequel to Dirty Dancing is in development, promising to rekindle nostalgia for fans of the original film. As she steps back into the spotlight, Grey is set to bring a new chapter of her story to life, captivating both old and new audiences alike.
A Real Pain (1h30), directed by and featuring Jesse Eisenberg, hits theaters on February 26.