Shiva Baby Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A college student’s life implodes when she attends a Jewish funeral and discovers her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend are also guests, leading to a comedy of errors and existential dread.

🍿 Shiva Baby: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Double Life Unraveling

Danielle, a college senior, juggles a complicated life. She’s financially supported by her parents but also engages in a sugar daddy arrangement with Max. The film opens with Danielle and Max in the midst of a rendezvous, immediately setting the stage for the chaos to come. She then rushes off to a shiva with her parents, completely unprepared for the social minefield that awaits.

The Shiva: A Claustrophobic Confrontation

The shiva, a Jewish mourning gathering, becomes the central stage for Danielle’s unraveling. She’s bombarded with questions about her future and compared to her successful ex-girlfriend, Maya. The arrival of Max, unexpectedly with his wife and baby, throws Danielle into a panic. The close quarters and gossipy atmosphere amplify the tension, making every interaction a potential disaster.

Secrets and Lies: A Web of Deception

As Danielle tries to navigate the shiva, her lies begin to surface. Her attempts to impress her parents and relatives clash with the reality of her situation. The presence of both Max and Maya forces her to confront her choices and the consequences of her deceptions. The film masterfully uses awkward silences and close-up shots to highlight Danielle’s growing anxiety.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danielle (Rachel Sennott): A college student whose carefully constructed lies begin to unravel when she encounters her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend at a Jewish funeral.
• Max (Danny Deferrari): Danielle’s older, married sugar daddy whose presence at the shiva creates a tense and awkward situation.
• Maya (Molly Gordon): Danielle’s ex-girlfriend, who attends law school and challenges Danielle’s life choices and their past relationship.
• Debbie (Polly Draper): Danielle’s overbearing but well-meaning mother who constantly pushes her daughter to succeed and find a suitable job.
• Joel (Fred Melamed): Danielle’s father, who embarrasses her with details about her personal life in front of the other guests.
• Kim (Dianna Agron): Max’s non-Jewish wife, who becomes suspicious of Danielle and her husband’s interactions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danielle: “Oh, you guys are at the Holocaust museum. You look so… happy!” – Danielle says this sarcastically while looking at a photo album, highlighting her discomfort with the forced cheerfulness at the shiva.
• Debbie: “You look like Gwyneth Paltrow on food stamps–and not in a good way.” – Debbie, Danielle’s mother, delivers this line showing her overbearing and critical nature.
• Kim: “It’s just so nice to meet another young person here.” – Kim attempts to bond with Danielle, unaware of their shared connection to Max, highlighting the awkwardness and tension.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $204,435
• Worldwide Gross: $359,247

💥 Shiva Baby Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Shiva Baby! It’s one of those movies that made me feel so anxious and uncomfortable, but in the best way possible. Rachel Sennott is brilliant as Danielle, and I completely related to her struggle to navigate family expectations and personal desires. The scene where she tries to hide from her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend at the same time was pure comedic genius, but also incredibly relatable. The film has the same sense of humour that can be found in shows like Broad City and Pen15. And the baby crying really amped up my anxiety!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark comedies.”
  • “People interested in stories about identity and family.”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong female leads.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexually suggestive content.”
  • “Brief nudity.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Themes of infidelity.”
  • “Discussions of sexuality.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Shiva Baby is a tightly wound, anxiety-inducing comedy that masterfully captures the claustrophobia of family gatherings and the complexities of young adulthood. Rachel Sennott delivers a standout performance as Danielle, navigating a minefield of secrets and expectations. Seligman’s direction is sharp and unflinching, creating a truly unforgettable film experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby is a bold and original take on the coming-of-age story. While its humor may not be for everyone, its exploration of identity, family, and sexuality is both insightful and relatable. The film’s tight pacing and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of indie cinema.
• IndieWire: “Shiva Baby is a remarkable debut from Emma Seligman, showcasing her talent for crafting darkly funny and emotionally resonant stories. Rachel Sennott shines in the lead role, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The film’s claustrophobic setting and tense atmosphere create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.

Audience Reactions

The film’s portrayal of Jewish family dynamics felt authentic and relatable.: Viewers praised the film’s sharp wit, strong performances, and its ability to capture the awkwardness of social gatherings.

Rachel Sennott’s performance was a standout, with many praising her comedic timing and emotional depth.: Many viewers found the film to be both hilarious and anxiety-inducing, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: Shiva Baby is a critically acclaimed indie comedy that offers a fresh and insightful take on coming-of-age stories, praised for its sharp wit, strong performances, and relatable portrayal of Jewish family dynamics. It is sure to make you feel anxious.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a short film of the same name by Emma Seligman.”
• “Dianna Agron, who plays Kim, is Jewish in real life, while Rachel Sennott, who plays the lead, Danielle, was raised Catholic.”
• “The movie was filmed primarily in one location, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors Danielle’s anxiety.”
• “The score by Ariel Marx is intentionally jarring and unsettling, designed to amplify the tension and awkwardness of the situation.”

🖥️ How to Watch Shiva Baby?

Shiva Baby is available to stream on HBO Max. You can also rent or purchase it on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Shiva Baby, you might like these similar films:

• Krisha (2015): Both films feature a character dealing with mounting tension and family drama during a single, claustrophobic event.
• Uncut Gems (2019): Shares a similar sense of anxiety-inducing tension and a protagonist making increasingly bad decisions.
• Frances Ha (2012): Explores the anxieties and uncertainties of a young woman navigating life in New York City, with a focus on relationships and career struggles.

🛒 Shiva Baby Related Products

• Shiva Baby (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed indie film on Blu-ray, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for any fan of the film.
• Shiva Baby: The Complete Screenplay: Dive deeper into the world of Shiva Baby with the complete screenplay, featuring deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and insights into the film’s development. A great resource for aspiring filmmakers and fans alike.
• Shiva Baby – Danielle T-Shirt: Show your love for Shiva Baby with this stylish t-shirt featuring an iconic quote from Danielle (Rachel Sennott). Made from high-quality materials for maximum comfort and durability.
• Shiva Baby Inspired Anxiety Relief Kit: A fun gift box for anxiety relief, includes essential oils, herbal teas, and a calming coloring book to de-stress after the anxiety-inducing moments of Shiva Baby.

🎧 Soundtrack

Shiva Baby features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shiva Baby Suite” – performed by Ariel Marx
• “Bathroom” – performed by Ariel Marx
• “Maya” – performed by Ariel Marx

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

what i watched in march

Hey, have you seen Shiva Baby? This film critic gives his thoughts on it in his March movie round-up, and honestly, his take is pretty spot on. Definitely worth checking out before or after watching the movie!

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