The passing of "Grandma Dory" has left her grandsons an inheritance, enabling them to journey to Poland and explore the land of her youth during the Nazi invasion and the subsequent holocaust. These cousins, “David” (played by Jesse Eisenberg) and “Banji” (Kieran Culkin), couldn’t be more different. David is reserved and somewhat awkward, living in New York with his wife and child, while Banji is outgoing, outspoken, and seemingly unconcerned with the opinions of others. Despite their affection for each other, Banji's behavior frequently unsettles his companion, particularly when they join a tour group in Warsaw. What follows demonstrates both Eisenberg’s skill as a writer/director and the brilliance of casting Culkin. He embodies the kind of travel partner one might be tempted to eliminate with a makeshift weapon. Loud, assertive, opinionated, occasionally insensitive, and prone to swearing, he dominates the group's interactions. However, over time, it becomes apparent that both men have built emotional barriers; each is grappling with significant psychological challenges in their own way, and despite these conflicts, they share a deeper connection than initially appears. The film provides numerous opportunities to view Warsaw’s landmarks, alongside a profoundly moving sequence at the Majdanek camp where piles of shoes—thousands upon thousands—evoke a chilling response. It's both impactful and darkly humorous, fitting within the current trend of dramas exploring younger generations’ engagement with wartime horrors that those who experienced them often wish to move beyond. The film also examines the practice of tourism surrounding these historical sites, suggesting that such trips can sometimes devolve into a superficial exercise, especially for Americans seeking to claim they have "done" it—akin to spotting a “big five” on safari. Ultimately, I found “Benji” to be a vulnerable but essentially selfish and difficult person to like – though I suspect many viewers will strongly disagree. That very fact is evidence of their success, and I would suggest seeing the film in theaters for two compelling and memorable performances.

Source on TMDB