10 Movies and Shows Like Shiva Baby (2021)

Description: Like 'Shiva Baby', this film explores family dynamics and personal crises with a sharp, darkly comedic edge. Both films use tight, dialogue-driven narratives to delve into the complexities of relationships and identity.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing from writer-director Noah Baumbach's own childhood experiences. It was shot in just 23 days. The title refers to an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History that symbolizes the parents' contentious relationship.

Description: This Norwegian film mirrors 'Shiva Baby's' portrayal of a young woman's existential crisis. Both use chapter structures and blend comedy with poignant observations about modern relationships.

Fact: The film was shot over 57 days. Director Joachim Trier considers it the final part of his 'Oslo Trilogy'. Lead actress Renate Reinsve won Best Actress at Cannes.

Description: Noah Baumbach's neurotic character study shares 'Shiva Baby's' uncomfortable humor and examination of social awkwardness. Both films feature protagonists struggling with adulthood in Los Angeles.

Fact: Ben Stiller based his performance on the director's mannerisms. The dog in the film was Baumbach's own pet. Greta Gerwig improvised many of her lines.

Description: This sex comedy shares 'Shiva Baby's' frank approach to female sexuality and coming-of-age awkwardness. Both films use humor to explore the messy process of self-discovery.

Fact: Aubrey Plaza performed her own diving stunts. The film is set in 1993 Boise, Idaho. Writer-director Maggie Carey based it partly on her own experiences.

Description: Another Baumbach-Gerwig collaboration that, like 'Shiva Baby', captures the chaotic energy of young womanhood. Both films feature rapid-fire dialogue and cringe-comedy moments in social situations.

Fact: The screenplay was written in three weeks. The film's second half was inspired by screwball comedies. Lola Kirke learned to play ping pong left-handed for her role.

Description: A frank, feminist comedy about a young woman facing life-altering decisions, similar to 'Shiva Baby's' exploration of female agency. Both films use humor to tackle serious subjects with authenticity and warmth.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days. Jenny Slate performed her stand-up routines live during filming. It was based on Gillian Robespierre's 2009 short film of the same name.

Description: Like 'Shiva Baby', this film examines female experiences through an intimate, character-driven lens. Both feature complex mother-daughter relationships and explore generational differences with wit and empathy.

Fact: Annette Bening learned to skateboard for her role. The soundtrack features punk bands from the late 1970s. Director Mike Mills drew from memories of his own mother.

Description: This coming-of-age story shares 'Shiva Baby's' focus on a young woman navigating personal and familial pressures. Both films blend humor and pathos to explore themes of self-discovery and maternal relationships.

Fact: Greta Gerwig based parts of the script on her own adolescence in Sacramento. Saoirse Ronan learned to drive for her role. The film holds a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Description: While period-set, this shares 'Shiva Baby's' razor-sharp dialogue and exploration of power dynamics in relationships. Both films use dark comedy to reveal uncomfortable truths about human behavior.

Fact: Olivia Colman ate live snails during filming. The film used natural lighting for authenticity. Rachel Weisz did most of her own stunt riding.

Description: Like 'Shiva Baby', this workplace comedy-drama finds humor and pathos in women supporting each other through daily struggles. Both films use confined settings to explore broader social themes.

Fact: Regina Hall won Best Actress from the New York Film Critics Circle. The script was inspired by director Andrew Bujalski's observations at a sports bar. Filming took place in Austin, Texas during summer heat.