As a fan who cherished Jeff Baena‘s offbeat humor and innovative storytelling, I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing. His films, like “The Little Hours,” “Life After Beth,” and “Horse Girl,” were not just movies, they were unique, thought-provoking experiences that brought a fresh perspective to familiar genres.

Jeff’s journey from being a production assistant for Robert Zemeckis to co-writing “I Heart Huckabees” with David O. Russell, and eventually directing his own films, was nothing short of inspiring. His collaboration with Aubrey Plaza, Allison Brie, and many other talented artists, resulted in some truly memorable and hilarious moments on screen.

In a world where comedies often lack depth and originality, Jeff’s work stood out. His films were more than just laughs; they challenged us to think, to feel, and to appreciate the absurdities of life. I will always remember him for his irreverent wit, his unwavering creativity, and his ability to make us laugh until it hurt.

Rest in peace, Jeff Baena. May your next project be a hilarious script that even the Grim Reaper can’t resist laughing at. I guess now he’s really “Life After Beth”-ing it up in the great beyond!

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m deeply saddened to share the news that Jeff Baena, an extraordinary screenwriter and director, has tragically passed away at just 47 years old. Known for his unique and humorous films like “The Little Hours” and “Life After Beth,” his talent will be greatly missed in the world of cinema. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Baena’s death, which occurred at a residence in Los Angeles on Friday. At this time, we don’t have details regarding the cause of his passing.

Baena was married to Aubrey Plaza, who featured in movies like “The Little Hours” (2017), a black comedy set in a medieval convent, and “Life After Beth,” a comedic zombie satire. The plot of “The Little Hours” drew from “The Decameron,” as well as Baena’s studies in Medieval and Renaissance periods. The film was commended for its contemporary feel and daring humor, while “Life After Beth” received positive reviews for its unique, frequently humorous approach to a commonly used horror theme.

Among Baena’s other directing projects are “Spin Me Round” from 2022, a darkly humorous film where Allison Brie, who co-authored the script, takes center stage, and “Joshy,” a dramedy featuring Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, and Nick Kroll. In addition, Baena and Brie worked together on “Horse Girl,” a 2020 psychological drama.

Apart from “The Lovebirds,” Baena has directed other films such as the dark comedy “Spin Me Round” (2022), starring Allison Brie, who co-wrote the script, and “Joshy,” a dramedy with Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, and Nick Kroll. Collaboratively, they also produced “Horse Girl,” a 2020 psychological drama.

Beyond his directorial roles, Baena also contributed to the scriptwriting of “I Heart Huckabees,” a 2004 movie directed by David O. Russell that delved into the concept of existentialism using humor. Baena’s films have been featured in renowned film festivals like Sundance and South by Southwest, and have been distributed by companies such as Netflix, IFC, and Lionsgate.

For television, Baena created, wrote, directed and produced “Cinema Toast” for Showtime.

As a cinephile, I proudly claim my alma mater as New York University’s film school. My professional journey kicked off as a humble production assistant under the esteemed Robert Zemeckis. Subsequently, I honed my skills working as an assistant editor for Russell. Our shared passion for storytelling eventually led us to form a dynamic writing partnership.

Baena is left behind by his sister Plaza, along with his mother Barbara Stern (who is also his stepfather Roger Stern’s spouse), his biological father Scott Baena, and his stepmother Michele Baena. Additionally, his brother Brad Baena, as well as Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman – who are his stepsiblings – will continue to live on.

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2025-01-04 18:16