Before she attempted to win over a girlfriend through an unconventional high school fight club alongside Ayo Edebiri in the film <em>Bottoms</em>, Rachel Sennott enjoyed a significant breakthrough with her role in a hilariously awkward comedy that navigates through the complexities of life, love, and—most importantly—death. Marking her impressive feature-length directorial debut, the talented writer and director Emma Seligman crafted one of the most acclaimed indie films of 2020, Shiva Baby. This film boasts standout performances from a remarkable cast including Molly Gordon (The Bear), Danny Deferrari (Oppenheimer), Dianna Agron (Glee), Jackie Hoffman (Only Murders in the Building), Sondra James (Dating and New York), Rita Gardner (P.S. I Love You), and Deborah Offner (Black Swan). This film resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life’s expectations, making it painfully relatable. For those eager to experience this unique blend of awkwardness and comedy, Netflix will add Shiva Baby to its lineup on December 7, allowing a broader audience to join in on the experience.

As suggested by its title, this dark comedy revolves around a shiva, primarily unfolding within the confines of a small, cramped home where family and friends have gathered to mourn their loved one’s passing. Among the attendees is Sennott’s character, Danielle, a college senior grappling with the chaotic state of her life. She arrives at the somber gathering accompanied by her parents, Joel (Fred Melamed) and Debbie (Polly Draper), only to encounter several familiar faces that stir up a whirlwind of emotions. Among these is her ex-girlfriend Maya (Gordon), who seems to be thriving and is on the fast track to law school—an unsettling reminder of Danielle’s own struggles. As if the situation couldn’t get any more complicated, she unexpectedly runs into her sugar daddy, Max (Deferrari), revealing that he is not only married but also has a child. Throughout the film, the combination of an incessantly crying infant, the claustrophobic environment of the small home, and Danielle’s desperate attempts to evade excruciating conversations culminate in a uniquely uncomfortable coming-of-age narrative that has earned a staggering 96% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Explore the Rising Stardom of Rachel Sennott

Following the remarkable success of Shiva Baby, the opportunities have soared for Sennott, who has skillfully harnessed the momentum from the film’s acclaim to cement her status in the entertainment industry. Viewers who experienced Halina Reijn’s A24 feature, Bodies Bodies Bodies, likely found themselves intrigued by Sennott’s portrayal of Alice, a character who embodies the role of an obnoxious podcaster. Moreover, her multifaceted involvement as a screenwriter, lead actress, and producer in Bottoms not only reunited her with Shiva Baby director Seligman but also expanded her influence within the realm of on-screen LGBTQ+ narratives. Recently, she has added another feather to her cap by joining the talented ensemble cast for Jason Reitman’s upcoming comedy-drama, Saturday Night, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft.

Starting December 7, Netflix users will have the opportunity to witness the moment when Shiva Baby became a pivotal point in Sennott’s burgeoning career, bringing with it a blend of humor and discomfort that is truly unforgettable.

Discover the Film: Shiva Baby

Release Date

April 2, 2021

Director

Emma Seligman

Runtime

77 minutes

Main Genre

Comedy

Watch On Netflix