Shiva Baby 2021

College senior Danielle has an intimate encounter with her sugar daddy Max before she hurriedly heads to a shiva with her parents, Joel and Debbie. At her aunt Sheila’s house, Danielle faces a stern lesson from her mom on how to handle intrusive inquiries about her seemingly chaotic life. Within the bustling home, her relatives from the local Jewish community can’t help but compare her to her high-achieving ex-girlfriend Maya, who is not only loved by the neighbors but also planning to attend law school. The arrival of Max, a former colleague of Joel’s, becomes a moment of tension as Debbie insists on introducing him to Danielle, hoping to secure her a job through one of Max’s connections. Their interaction takes a turn when Danielle learns from her mom that Max is married, leaving her in shock.

As if that wasn’t enough, the situation escalates further with the arrival of Max’s seemingly idyllic yet non-Jewish wife, Kim, and their adorable baby, Rose. After a wardrobe malfunction where Danielle rips her tights, she seeks refuge in the bathroom, where she impulsively takes a topless photo and sends it to Max. Unfortunately, she accidentally leaves her phone behind. Unable to resist sneaking peeks at Max and his family, she opts to clean up vomit from a nearby room to escape the scrutinizing gazes of the guests. Maya comes to her aid, unwittingly misinterpreting Danielle’s anxious glances at Max as interest in Kim, and presses her about it while Danielle tries to downplay Kim’s appeal.

Danielle faces the awkward task of meeting Kim, who aims to engage her in conversation while also hinting at a job offer. Jealousy simmers beneath the surface as Danielle realizes that Kim is unknowingly funding her relationship with Max. Tensions ramp up when Danielle insults Kim’s profession, further deepening suspicions between the two women—especially when Kim notices the same lavish bracelet Max gifted Danielle. A coffee spill incident leads Danielle to share a moment of vulnerability with her mother, but it is soon interrupted by Maya’s attempts to rekindle their connection, only for Max to intrude, curious about Danielle’s lingering feelings for him.

Later, Danielle steps outside, finding Maya smoking and confessing their mutual feelings of longing, leading to a passionate kiss. However, the moment is soured when Maya discovers Danielle’s phone in the bathroom, reading notifications from a sugar baby app and deciding to taunt her without revealing its location. As the tension mounts, Danielle’s anxiety reaches its peak while dealing with Kim and her parents. A conversation spirals into a reflection of Danielle’s past romantic failures, leaving her feeling infantilized and uneasy, especially as she envisions Kim singing a lullaby—a stark reminder of her struggle to navigate adult relationships.

During a poignant gathering for prayers, baby Rose’s cries create a chaotic atmosphere before Kim takes her away. Later, Max follows Danielle into the kitchen, where they tentatively discuss concluding their arrangement, only for Kim to intervene, insisting they return home. She later finds Danielle to return her phone, pushing her to hold Rose under the pretenses of needing help. What ensues becomes a confrontation—an unsettled argument arises between Max and Kim about parenting, leading to a climactic moment where Danielle accidentally knocks over a vase. As she frantically attempts to clear the mess, an emotional breakdown occurs in front of the party guests, prompting comforting gestures from her mother and Maya.

In a bid to escape, Debbie suggests they assist an elderly guest to her car, and as Danielle and Maya talk while carrying food outside, a newfound connection arises. Ultimately, everyone is persuaded to make their way back in Joel’s van, where the baby shrieks uncontrollably as he fumbles for the keys, leaving the atmosphere laden with both frustration and the tender bond shared between Maya and Danielle as they affectionately hold hands.