Shiva Baby isn’t quite comedy; it should really be filed under Anxiety, Claustraphobia, and Family Shyte Show. Young Danielle might be of this community, but she doesn’t know how to navigate their world as an adult. Her parents still see her as their baby girl, and they analyze her life and talk about her to other guests without filters or boundaries. Her mother keeps reminding her to not do this and that. When the persistent questioning from older women and nitpicks about her weight and looks become too much, she retreats to the bathroom to do what she does best: stir the drama. Her sugar-daddy has just entered the event, with his “shiksa” wife and kid in tow, and she thinks it most appropriate to undress and take a few topless selfies. Danielle herself is awkward and prone to problems. Of course she’s going to lose her phone. Of course someone is going to pick it up and learn her secrets. When the gang eventually leaves the shiva, you’re just glad you aren’t stuffed in that family van, too.

1/27/2024 JW