This 77-minute film, written and directed by Emma Seligman, is based on Seligman’s short story of the same name. The vast majority of the film takes place at a post-funeral reception. I haven’t ever seen a film quite like it. There are many funny scenes, as well as tragic ones, although sometimes the movie drags a bit.
In the first scene, Danielle (Rachel Sennott) is having sex with her sugar-daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari). They don’t talk much after the sex is over, and Danielle soon leaves to meet up with her parents, Debbie (Molly Draper) and Joel (Fred Melamed), who are attending a funeral. She will join them for the post-funeral reception.
The deceased is an elderly woman who her parents knew, but Danielle barely remembers her. At the reception are numerous friends and relatives. One person who shows up is her old friend, Maya (Molly Gordon), with whom she had a brief fling in high school. Debbie, either knowing or suspecting that they were lovers, puts pressure on Danielle to avoid her. Many of her parents’ generation, who haven’t seen Danielle for a while, are asking questions about her personal life and future professional plans. Many of their children are stars, attending law school, or have great jobs etc., while Danielle seems to be floundering. These questions are difficult and embarrassing for Danielle to answer.
As if this weren’t challenging and painful enough, Max walks in and Danielle learns that he will soon be joined by his wife, Kim (Dianna Agron), and their baby, Rose – and Danielle didn’t know that Max was married! Danielle tries to negotiate the reception, having conversations she doesn’t want, and occasionally interacting with Molly, Max, and Kim.
Despite the funny and emotionally-moving scenes, what didn’t work for me is that we have no idea why Danielle is whoring herself out, especially since her parents pay for all her expenses. Nevertheless, it’s an entertaining and well-written film. Sennott is terrific as Danielle. She’s an actor who I expect big things from in the future.
This 77-minute film, written and directed by Emma Seligman, is based on Seligman's short story of the same name. The vast majority of the film takes place at a post-funeral reception. I haven't ever seen a film quite like it. There are many funny scenes, as well as tragic ones, although sometimes the movie drags a bit. In the first scene, Danielle (Rachel Sennott) is having sex with her sugar-daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari). They don't talk much after the sex is over, and Danielle soon leaves to meet up with her parents, Debbie (Molly Draper) and Joel (Fred Melamed), who are attending a funeral. She will join them for the post-funeral reception. The deceased is an elderly woman who her parents knew, but Danielle barely remembers her. At the reception are numerous friends and relatives. One person who shows up is her old friend, Maya (Molly Gordon), with whom she had a brief fling in high school. Debbie, either knowing or suspecting that they were lovers, puts pressure on Danielle to avoid her. Many of her parents' generation, who haven't seen Danielle for a while, are asking questions about her personal life and future professional plans. Many of their children are stars, attending law school, or have great jobs etc., while Danielle seems to be floundering. These questions are difficult and embarrassing for Danielle to answer. As if this weren't challenging and painful enough, Max walks in and Danielle learns that he will soon be joined by his wife, Kim (Dianna Agron), and their baby, Rose – and Danielle didn't know that Max was married! Danielle tries to negotiate the reception, having conversations she doesn't want, and occasionally interacting with Molly, Max, and Kim. Despite the funny and emotionally-moving scenes, what didn't work for me is that we have no idea why Danielle is whoring herself out, especially since her parents pay for all her expenses. Nevertheless, it's an entertaining and well-written film. Sennott is terrific as Danielle. She's an actor who I expect big things from in the future.
Shiva Baby: Post-Funeral Reception Comedy Nightmare! (Amazon Prime Rental)
Shiva Baby: Post-Funeral Reception Comedy Nightmare! (Amazon Prime Rental)
2021-04-22
David
75
7.5
Fine Performance By Rachel Sennott!
Tragic and Funny At The Same Time!
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