Indie screenwriter and filmmaker Jeff Baena, known for his work on movies such as Horse Girl, passed away in January 2023. Horse Girl, released in 2020, was inspired by Baena and co-writer Alison Brie’s family struggles with mental health issues. Baena revealed in a 2020 Reddit Q&A that his first stepmother had struggled with manic depression, influencing the themes of mental illness in the film. While not considered an activist film, the movie aimed to shed light on how society treats individuals with mental health issues.
Baena was found deceased in his residence due to suicide, leaving behind his wife, actress Aubrey Plaza. No specific cause of death was provided in medical records, and Plaza has chosen to maintain privacy regarding her husband’s passing. Many celebrities and friends offered public condolences to Plaza on social media, honoring Baena’s work and his impact on the industry. Baena’s filmography also includes Life After Beth and I Heart Huckabees, showcasing his talent as a screenwriter and director.
Horse Girl follows the story of Sarah, played by Alison Brie, who finds solace in supernatural crime shows and horses, but struggles as her lucid dreams start to blur the lines of reality. Brie revealed that the film tapped into her emotions due to her grandmother’s diagnosis of schizophrenia, reflecting her own fears of inheriting the illness. The movie serves as a personal exploration of mental health within Brie’s family history, highlighting the complex and often misunderstood nature of such conditions.
Plaza and Baena maintained a relatively private relationship, only revealing their marriage during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres show in 2021. The couple tied the knot during the COVID-19 lockdown in a private ceremony at their home. Plaza shared the spontaneous decision to get married, emphasizing the unconventional nature of their relationship and the importance of finding joy during challenging times. Their wedding reflected the deep bond and connection they shared, solidified by their commitment to each other in the midst of a global pandemic.
The sudden loss of Baena has brought attention to the importance of mental health awareness and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or in crisis, help is available through helplines like 988 or websites like 988lifeline.org. Baena’s impactful work in films like Horse Girl continues to resonate with audiences, shedding light on the complexities of mental illness and the need for understanding and compassion in society. The legacy of Baena’s dedication to storytelling and exploring emotional themes lives on through his films, inspiring future filmmakers and audiences alike.
