Shiva Baby

The film opens on Danielle, a college student played by Rachel Sennott, navigating the unglamorized realities of her life. Her academic focus is strained, her finances are dwindling, and her romantic relationships are complicated. It's in this chaotic backdrop that Danielle's sugar daddy, Max, reenters her life. In a conversation with her friend Maya, a free-spirited individual, Danielle struggles to maintain a relationship with her high-maintenance ex-girlfriend, Julie, and also to keep her financial arrangements with Max hidden from those around her. As Danielle's world becomes increasingly messy, she starts to prioritize evading her parents' judgment and maintaining a façade. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a call informing her that a close family friend has passed away. The ensuing shiva is where Danielle's two disparate worlds collide. She arrives at the somber gathering, accompanied by her family, including her mother, a no-nonsense woman who constantly criticizes Danielle's life choices, and her father, an amiable but slightly disconnected individual. The setting, replete with Jewish mourning customs, becomes a backdrop for Danielle's inner turmoil. Upon arrival, Danielle discovers that her ex-girlfriend, Julie, as well as Max, are also in attendance. The shiva serves as a minefield for Danielle, where she must delicately handle these complicated relationships, all while keeping her sugar daddy a secret from her family. The pressure from her mother only intensifies the tension, as Danielle is increasingly unable to conceal the truth. As the gathering unfolds, Max finds himself gravitating toward Danielle, creating an awkward dynamic between them, particularly in front of her family and friends. Their interactions become increasingly stilted, further straining the tension at the shiva. Amidst the chaos, Danielle must balance her relationships with those around her, including her mother and Julie. Through a series of uncomfortable conversations and comedic misadventures, Danielle's facade begins to crumble. As her mother grows increasingly suspicious of her daughter's activities and her relationship with Max, the atmosphere at the shiva becomes more strained. Julie, too, starts to become entangled in the web of deceit, further exacerbating the situation. The climax of the film finds Danielle at a breaking point. The pressures of her various relationships and her need to maintain a façade have taken a toll on her mental and emotional well-being. As the shiva reaches its conclusion, Danielle reaches a moment of clarity and decides to come clean about her relationship with Max. In a poignant scene, she delivers an honest confession to her family and friends, revealing a vulnerability that had been hidden beneath her surface. The film concludes with Danielle grappling with the aftermath of her confession. Her family, while initially taken aback, ultimately accepts her truth. The newfound sense of authenticity Danielle experiences also allows her to start re-evaluating other aspects of her life, including her relationships with Julie and her mother. Shiva Baby offers a poignant portrayal of a young woman confronting the complexities of her personal life. The struggles inherent in this narrative serve as a reminder of the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in forming genuine connections with others.