Shiva Baby

Danielle, a driven college student, is confronted by the man who bankrolls her life when she runs into him at a family Shiva. The event gathers her parents, her ex girlfriend, and a circle of family friends, all watching for any misstep. Instead of slipping away, she improvises on the spot to keep their arrangement quiet without blowing up her carefully built image. The encounter spurs a stream of awkward conversations about money, boundaries, and desire, forcing Danielle to weigh honesty against self protection. What follows is a sharp, tense comedy drama about a young woman balancing romance, secrets, and the pressure to appear in control in a setting that blends grief with humor.

Directed by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is an original indie feature born from the filmmaker's own script. Made on a tiny budget of about 250 thousand dollars, it marks a bold, contemporary voice in comedy drama and earned praise for its brisk storytelling and intimate feel.

Set largely around a Shiva, the film's clash of humor and honesty resonated with audiences seeking fresh takes on sexuality, power, and family dynamics. Its humor about money and family dynamics resonates with viewers beyond its Jewish setting.

Critics praised the film for balancing laughs with uneasy truth about financial dependence and young adulthood. It foregrounds Danielle's anxiety over appearances and integrity, while exposing the pressure to please a crowd that includes parents and exes. The film's balance of awkwardness and warmth invites repeated viewings.

Shiva Baby drew strong notices on the festival circuit and earned nominations in independent awards, underscoring Emma Seligman's precise direction and the sharp ensemble performances of Sennott and Gordon, which critics widely cited as the film's beating heart and promise.