SHIVA BABY

This is a strange film, a comedy of sorts almost wholly taking place over a few hours at a shiva (the Jewish equivalent of a wake). 

The main character, Danielle is a somewhat directionless young woman, who is only at the shiva at the behest of her parents.  Her mood is not helped by the fact that also at the shiva is Maya, a friend she once was romantically involved with, and Max who she is currently having sexual relations with in return for some much needed money.  

Max is accompanied by his wife Kim and a baby - the existence of whom comes as something of a shock to Danielle.  Although why it should bother Danielle as much as it seems to is a bit puzzling if her relationship with Max is simply transactional.

I'm getting rather tired of the overbearing Jewish parents trope, which may explain why I didn't enjoy this film as much as I had hoped.  Not only are Danielle's parents more irritating than amusing (especially the father) we also get a shedload of other interfering relatives etc who

I could have done without.  

The fact that this all felt a bit clichéd shouldn't matter too much given that the three main characters and their inter-relationships are decidedly modern - Danielle being bisexual after all.

Unfortunately I didn't really believe in Max and Danielle's relationship at all.  And the hostility between Danielle and Kim didn't seem to lead anywhere.

Which leaves us with the best part of the film, the relationship between Danielle and Maya which I did find believable and interesting.

Despite my gripes I did find things to enjoy -  there's some funny lines and observation, and it's well made and performed.  I just wouldn't rate it as highly as most of the critics did - a 98% rating does seem excessive.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do