Triplex Screens 'A Real Pain'

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema announced a special screening of the critically acclaimed film "A Real Pain," which includes a discussion about the film with Hevreh Synagogue Senior Rabbi Jodie Gordon.

The discussion and screening will take place at 7:30 pm on Dec. 12 and tickets can be purchased at thetriplex.org.

Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, "A Real Pain" tells the story of mismatched Jewish cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) who reunite for a guided tour through Poland to honor their beloved and recently deceased grandmother. 

According to a press release:

Released in November 2024 to great critical acclaim, "A Real Pain" has been a hit with audiences everywhere and is predicted to be a leading contender as awards season gets underway. In a starred review in the New York Times, Manohla Dargis wrote: "Jesse Eisenberg races straight into life's stubborn untidiness in ‘A Real Pain,' a finely tuned, melancholic and at times startlingly funny exploration of loss and belonging." Writing in Variety Magazine, Owen Gleiberman wrote: "Culkin, for all his crack timing, is not giving a ‘comedy' performance. He's doing a sensational piece of acting as a compulsive wiseacre addicted to the ways of one-upmanship…. [T]he movie, which Eisenberg has scripted with an ear for the music of ideas and contrasting voices, presents the story of these two cousins – how they interact, what they mean to each other, how their past intersects with the present – in a way that's so supple you can touch their reality."

Senior Rabbi Jodie Gordon came to Hevreh in Great Barrington in 2014. A graduate of The University of Wisconsin and Brandeis University, Rabbi Gordon has long ties to the Berkshires through her time at URJ Eisner Camp.  Rabbi Gordon is an active part of the community as a board member of Construct Inc. and is also involved in other local organizations.

Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, said: "Our community has already had an amazingly enthusiastic response to ‘A Real Pain,' and we cannot wait to hear what Rabbi Gordon says about this moving, beautiful and timely film."

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds. 

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.