Shiva Baby

Shiva Baby

Year: 2021

Runtime: 77 min

Language: English

Director: Emma Seligman

Comedy

A college student finds herself in an incredibly awkward situation when she unexpectedly encounters both her sugar daddy and ex-girlfriend at a Jewish funeral. The already tense atmosphere escalates as she navigates a series of uncomfortable interactions, forcing her to confront complicated relationships and family expectations. This comedic exploration of millennial anxieties highlights the challenges of identity, desire, and modern connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shiva Baby yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Shiva Baby (2021) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Shiva Baby (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 00:25

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Shiva Baby?

Still wondering what the ending of Shiva Baby (2021) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

Danielle, a troubled teenager caught in the chaos of her family’s shiva gathering, is navigating her complicated life—her job as a sugar baby and her own feelings. Throughout the film, she searches for validation, love, and support in the wrong places, especially through her relationship with Max, her sugar daddy. The revelation that Max is married with a baby shocks her, heightening her anxiety and disappointment, especially since she had no idea about his marriage. Danielle’s attempts to attract Max’s attention by flirtation and even sexuality fail as Max remains distant and uninterested. This fuels her frustration and feelings of rejection.

The story takes a turn when Danielle reconnects with her high school crush, Maya. Their conversations and shared tension reveal deeper feelings, and Maya’s acceptance of Danielle’s complicated life offers her a glimmer of hope and genuine connection. The emotional climax occurs in the back of Danielle’s father’s van, where Maya holds Danielle’s hands with affection and acceptance amidst the chaos of the family gathering. Even though Max has left, Danielle finds comfort in her bond with Maya, who remains a source of support and understanding.

Ultimately, the film ends on this note of connection—despite the chaos and dysfunction surrounding her—highlighting Danielle’s growth and the importance of genuine relationships. It underscores that amidst social pressure and personal struggles, sometimes what matters most is finding someone who truly accepts and cares for you. In this moment, Maya’s presence signifies hope and a potential new beginning for Danielle, hinting that she may find the validation and love she’s been craving in her authentic relationships rather than superficial ones.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58

Unlock the Full Story of Shiva Baby

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shiva Baby in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shiva Baby is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shiva Baby Timeline

Track the full timeline of Shiva Baby with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Shiva Baby Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shiva Baby

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shiva Baby. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shiva Baby

Shiva Baby Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Shiva Baby? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Shiva Baby Ending Explained

More About Shiva Baby

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shiva Baby: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Shiva Baby

Similar Movies to Shiva Baby

Discover movies like Shiva Baby that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.