Shiva Baby

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 2, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Rachel Sennott as Danielle
• Molly Gordon as Maya
• Polly Draper as Debbie
• Fred Melamed as Joel
• Dianna Agron as Kim
• Danny Deferrari as Max
• Jackie Hoffman as Sheila

Director
Emma Seligman

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut (feature film)

Producer

• Kieran Altmann
• Lizzie Shapiro
• Katie Schiller
• Emma Seligman

Writer

• Emma Seligman

Budget
Estimated at $200,000

Production Company

• Dimbo Pictures
• Hawkeye Pictures

Running Time
78 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
Unrated (contains mature themes, language, and sexual content)

Content Advisory

• Sexual content
• Strong language
• Mature themes
• Anxiety-inducing scenarios

Movie Story
“Shiva Baby” is a sharp and tightly wound comedy-drama that unfolds almost entirely in the high-pressure setting of a shiva, a Jewish mourning ritual. The film centers on Danielle (Rachel Sennott), a college student navigating the complex and often awkward world of family expectations, sexuality, and self-discovery.

The story begins as Danielle reluctantly attends a shiva with her overbearing parents, Debbie (Polly Draper) and Joel (Fred Melamed). Almost immediately, the gathering turns into a social minefield as she encounters her ex-girlfriend, Maya (Molly Gordon), and her secret sugar daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari), who arrives unexpectedly with his stunning, accomplished wife, Kim (Dianna Agron), and their baby. As the tension mounts, Danielle struggles to keep her secrets hidden while grappling with her own insecurities and the judgments of her relatives.

The film deftly explores the discomfort and claustrophobia that can come from being trapped in a confined space with prying family members, exes, and uncomfortable secrets. Director Emma Seligman uses the limited setting to her advantage, creating an atmosphere of growing tension that mirrors Danielle’s escalating anxiety. As the conversations swirl around her, touching on everything from her uncertain future to her body and love life, Danielle’s carefully constructed façade begins to crack.

“Shiva Baby” is a masterclass in blending comedy and drama, using humor to explore the anxiety-inducing moments of life, particularly those faced by young adults trying to balance the expectations of their parents with their own desires and identities. The film is both hilarious and painfully relatable, capturing the absurdity of familial interactions while also delving into deeper issues of self-worth, independence, and societal pressure.

Special Effects
“Shiva Baby” relies on its strong performances, tight script, and sharp editing rather than special effects. The film’s tension is built through its claustrophobic setting, quick cuts, and close-up shots that highlight Danielle’s growing anxiety. The subtle yet effective use of sound design and music also plays a crucial role in heightening the film’s intensity, making the audience feel the weight of each awkward encounter.

Box Office Performance
“Shiva Baby” had a limited theatrical release and gained significant attention through its availability on streaming platforms. The film was widely praised by critics for its originality, sharp wit, and standout performance by Rachel Sennott. Although it didn’t have a traditional box office run, “Shiva Baby” became a hit on the festival circuit and with indie film audiences.

Filming Locations

• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You look like Gwyneth Paltrow on food stamps, and not in a good way.” – Sheila
• “You can’t sell something that’s actually bad, like poison or laundry detergent.” – Danielle

Behind-the-Scenes
“Shiva Baby” began as a short film created by Emma Seligman during her time at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. The feature version expands on the original concept, retaining its intense focus on a single, anxiety-inducing event. The film was shot in just 16 days, with much of the tension stemming from the cast’s chemistry and the director’s keen eye for the nuances of social interactions.

Awards

• Independent Spirit Awards Nomination: Best First Screenplay (Emma Seligman)
• Toronto International Film Festival: Official Selection
• SXSW Film Festival: Narrative Feature Competition

Final Verdict
“Shiva Baby” is a brilliantly executed blend of comedy and drama, offering a fresh and painfully relatable look at the pressures of family expectations and personal identity. With a breakout performance by Rachel Sennott and a sharp, witty script, the film is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for fans of indie cinema and character-driven stories.

IMDb Rating
7.2/10