Once more, we find ourselves at the fortuitous intersection of film and Tuesday evenings. Tonight’s film is “Shiva Baby”. You can watch it on Netflix or rent it elsewhere.
See what we thought below.
Emma Seligman’s “Shiva Baby” is a masterclass in how to balance tension, heart, and humor in film. It’s short, sweet, tense, and hysterical.
Rachel Sennott stars as Danielle, a recent college graduate attending Shiva for a family friend she barely remembers. It’s a serviceable backdrop to get every nameless relative or family friend in the same room as Danielle, mindlessly darting misguided inquiries about her personal and professional prospects. Sennott’s dry, understated performance provides the perfect contrast for a seemingly endless supporting cast of Jewish archetypes that land every comedic punch they throw.
It’s biggest accomplishment, though, is that “Shiva Baby” feels less of a production than a bagel with cream cheese and lox. That is, it feels simple and true; despite, or more likely because of, clearly exquisite direction and editing work. The characters are comforting in their familiarity. The humor is grounded in truth. And, the anxiety is delightfully relatable.
