Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby focuses on twentysomething Danielle (Rachel Sennott), a perennial student who’s been lying to her supportive but overbearing parents about her faltering academic career. Then again, she has a lot of secrets she’s keeping, including her relationship with an older man, Max (Danny Deferrari), who also gives her money. Hauled off to a shiva by her parents, she’s mortified to encounter her embittered ex Maya (Molly Gordon), followed by other people who make things increasingly more awkward. Much to her chagrin, she finds out that many of them have secrets of their own.
“Sennott is a revelation, and that matters; she carries much of the picture’s weight on her face, and its ability to express the mounting levels of stress and deadpan reactions.” – New York Times
“Seligman has a deft touch with this zippy material, making “Shiva Baby” a joy to watch as Rachel stumbles from one awkward conversation to the next.” – San Jose Mercury News
