Danielle is stuck at a shiva, surrounded by relatives, friends, and suffocating parents, all of whom are full of questions and advice. Sure, there is plenty of lox and bagels, but also mingling in the crowd is the man who is helping Danielle pay for college in exchange for sex and her ex-girlfriend Maya (Booksmart’s Molly Gordon). While Danielle squeezes through the claustrophobic house, trying to avoid questions about what exactly her major is and what she’s going to do with it, Maya is being praised for getting into law school, and Danielle’s parents are trying to find her a job (with, unbeknownst to them, her sugar daddy).

As this astute comedy of errors plays out almost in real time, we feel Danielle’s anxiety as her ability to improvise lies is challenged further when her sugar daddy’s wife joins the crowd. The tight shots, keeping only Danielle in focus, and near-irritating string score bring us so close to her that you may find yourself also tearing apart your snack and desperately wanting to get out of the room.

An electrifying and fun feature debut from writer/director Emma Seligman and star Rachel Sennott, Shiva Baby brings some of the madcap comedy of 60s classics to the angst of a modern coming-of-age story.

- Tish Chambers

Screening

Friday, March 12 - Saturday, March 13