Shiva Baby
Shiva Baby

Movie spotlight

Shiva Baby

2021
Movie
78 min
English

College student Danielle must cover her tracks when she unexpectedly runs into her sugar daddy at a shiva - with her parents, ex-girlfriend and family friends also in attendance.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users89%
Director: Emma SeligmanGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A young bisexual woman juggles her family's expectations and her own secrets at a Jewish funeral service. As she navigates the intense social dynamics and confronts her various partners and ex-girlfriends, the pressure mounts in this claustrophobic and darkly comedic exploration of identity and familial obligation.

Critical Reception

Shiva Baby was highly acclaimed by critics for its sharp writing, unique comedic tone, and stellar performances, particularly from its lead actress. It was praised for its relatable portrayal of anxiety and familial pressure, resonating with audiences for its specific yet universal themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp, anxiety-inducing humor and relatable depiction of familial and social pressures.

  • Rachel Sennott's performance as the overwhelmed protagonist is a standout.

  • Lauded for its fresh perspective on female sexuality and the complexities of modern Jewish identity.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's unique and sharp humor, finding it to be a very relatable and funny portrayal of anxiety and navigating difficult social situations. Many appreciated the film's original premise and the strong performances from the cast.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature at Outfest 2020, nominated for Best First Feature Film at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Fun Fact

The film was inspired by director Emma Seligman's own experiences attending Jewish funerals and feeling overwhelmed by the social dynamics.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

5 reviews
beyondthecineramadome

beyondthecineram...

Full review: <a>https://www.tinakakadelis.com/beyond-the-cinerama-dome/2021/12/28/portrait-of-a-woman-having-a-nervous-breakdown-shiva-baby-review<a> Horror is no longer just slasher movies with men in masks lurking around corners; it is...

r96sk

r96sk

A little light, though <em>'Shiva Baby'</em> is a good watch. It's cool to see the story expanded from the 2018 short, with additional depth added to the main character - as well as seeing a couple of new additions, of course. Rachel Sen...

r96sk

r96sk

A little light, though <em>'Shiva Baby'</em> is a good watch. It's cool to see the story expanded from the 2018 short, with additional depth added to the main character - as well as seeing a couple of new additions, of course. Rachel Sen...

Giovanni

Giovanni

Shiva Baby is not your typical comedy, and we are glad of it because this experiment delivers its purpose. Anxiety, panic attacks, a perfect match of soundtracks and scenes, the awkward moments to meet people you barely know and engage in e...

SWITCH.

SWITCH.

There isn't much we haven't seen before, but Seligman has put together a delightful film that is sure to please. This horror-like, anxiety-inducing, claustrophobic and suffocating comedy is just that - a comedy. While it may play out like a...