Kaylah Walton
The film industry is mourning the loss of writer-director Jeff Baena, who tragically passed away at the age of 47 due to suicide. Known for his thought-provoking projects with Alison Brie and Aubrey Plaza, Baena leaves behind a rich body of work that prominently featured the theme of mental health, particularly highlighted in his 2020 film Horse Girl.
Baena co-created Horse Girl with Brie, drawing from their personal experiences with mental illness in their families. The narrative, which starred Brie, poignantly addressed the thin line between reality and illusion, reflecting Baena’s personal insights. In a pre-release online Q&A, he spoke about how his family’s mental health encounters shaped his art.
Baena revealed that his first stepmother dealt with manic depression and was often institutionalized, which gave him a unique perspective on the systemic issues in mental health care. He highlighted in discussions with fans that many mental health facilities release patients without necessary support after mandatory holds, emphasizing the societal responsibilities towards individuals with mental illness. “The themes of how we as a society and individuals treat persons with mental illness was a major focus and impetus for making this,” he expressed.
For Brie, the film also held personal significance, stemming from her grandmother’s struggle with paranoid schizophrenia. She shared that Horse Girl allowed her to confront her own anxieties about mental health. “It’s based on my family’s history with mental illness… and my fear of that existing in my DNA,” she revealed during promotional events.
Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena: A decade of partnership and creativity
Baena, who directed films like Spin Me Round and Life After Beth, enjoyed a close collaboration with Plaza over their ten-year relationship. They privately wed in 2020, marking a deep connection that began in 2010. Plaza often starred in Baena’s films, showcasing their shared love for unconventional storytelling.
Despite the intimate nature of his work, Baena maintained a level of privacy about his personal life. His unexpected passing has left a significant void in Hollywood, as he was a creator unafraid to address topics often overlooked by mainstream films.
Plaza has yet to publicly comment on her husband’s passing but has requested privacy through her representative. Although the couple did not have children, their artistic contributions together remain a powerful testament to their bond.
