Jeff Baena, Indie Film Director and Aubrey Plaza’s Husband, Dies at 47

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Jan 4

Jeff Baena, celebrated indie filmmaker and frequent Sundance contributor, has died at the age of 47.

Jeff Baena, a prolific indie filmmaker known for his collaborations with wife Aubrey Plaza and projects like Life After Beth and The Little Hours, has tragically passed away at 47. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed Baena’s death occurred on Friday at his Los Angeles home. Law enforcement sources reported to TMZ that Baena died by suicide, though an official cause of death has not been disclosed.

Baena first garnered industry recognition when he co-wrote I Heart Huckabees (2004) alongside acclaimed director David O. Russell. The film’s inventive narrative and philosophical undertones earned it a Gotham Award nomination for Best Feature, solidifying Baena’s reputation as a writer who could blend sharp wit with existential inquiry.

Baena made his directorial debut with Life After Beth (2014), a darkly comedic take on grief and resurrection starring Plaza in the titular role. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received a Grand Jury Prize nomination and later secured a theatrical release through A24. Baena continued to build his indie credentials with Joshy (2016), a comedy-drama led by Thomas Middleditch, which also debuted at Sundance with another Grand Jury nod.

His signature style—a unique blend of dry humor and offbeat storytelling—was evident in The Little Hours (2017). Inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron, the irreverent comedy starred Plaza, Alison Brie, and Dave Franco as residents of a medieval convent rife with scandal. Baena earned further accolades for his 2020 film Horse Girl, a psychological drama co-written with Brie that showcased her in a haunting, deeply personal lead performance.

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In 2022, Baena co-wrote and directed the romantic comedy Spin Me Round, again featuring Plaza and Brie. A testament to his penchant for creative experimentation, the film balanced quirky humor with emotional depth. Baena also ventured into television, creating and directing Showtime’s anthology series Cinema Toast (2021), which reimagined public domain films with a modern twist.

Baena’s artistic vision was fueled by his academic background at NYU Film School and his early career experiences under luminaries like Robert Zemeckis and David O. Russell. His filmmaking journey reflects a dedication to pushing narrative boundaries while remaining grounded in the human condition.

A Partnership in Film and Life

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena at Sundance in 2017. **GEORGE PIMENTEL/GETTY**

Baena and Plaza shared not only a professional synergy but a personal bond that spanned over a decade. The couple tied the knot during the pandemic in 2020, opting for an intimate backyard ceremony. Their creative collaborations resulted in five films, each showcasing their mutual respect and shared commitment to storytelling.

In an Ellen DeGeneres Show appearance, Plaza humorously recounted their unconventional wedding, saying, “We got bored one night. We got married… with a two-hour notice.” Despite their lighthearted approach to marriage, their partnership exemplified profound support and artistic alignment.

Baena’s passing leaves a void in both the independent film community and the lives of those who knew him. Along with Plaza, he is survived by his mother, Barbara Stern, and stepfather, Roger Stern; father Scott and stepmother Michele Baena; brother Brad Baena; stepsister Bianca Gabay; and stepbrother Jed Fluxman.

Jeff Baena’s legacy as an indie film trailblazer lies in his ability to merge humor, humanity, and originality into his work. His projects reflected a fearless commitment to exploring unconventional narratives and characters.

As Hollywood mourns his loss, Baena’s contributions to cinema will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. From his breakout with I Heart Huckabees to his distinctive work with Plaza and Brie, Baena’s voice remains an indelible part of modern indie filmmaking.

Those impacted by Baena’s work and vision can honor his memory by revisiting the stories he brought to life and celebrating the enduring influence of his artistry.

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