Aubrey Plaza's husband Jeff Baena's tragic death shines light on his most personal film

In a heartbreaking turn of events, writer-director Jeff Baena, known for his thought-provoking collaborations with Alison Brie and Aubrey Plaza, has died at the age of 47. Baena, who died by suicide, left behind a legacy of cinematic works that delved deeply into themes of mental health, most notably the 2020 film Horse Girl.

Baena co-wrote Horse Girl alongside Brie, with both creators drawing from personal experiences with mental illness in their families. The film, which starred Brie, explored the fragile boundary between reality and delusion, a theme that was both personal and universal for Baena. In an online Q&A ahead of the film's release, Baena candidly discussed how his family's struggles with mental health influenced his creative process.

Baena shared that his first stepmother had manic depression and was frequently institutionalized under the Baker Act in Miami. These experiences provided a lens through which he examined the systemic challenges surrounding mental health care. In conversations with fans, Baena noted how mental health facilities often release patients after mandatory holds, leaving many without the treatment they need. "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 wrote.

For Brie, the film was equally personal, inspired by her grandmother's battle with paranoid schizophrenia. The actress revealed that Horse Girl allowed her to confront fears about her own mental health. "It's based on my family's history with mental illness... and my fear of that existing in my DNA," she shared during promotional interviews.

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena: A decade of love, collaboration, and quiet legacy

Baena, who also directed Spin Me Round and Life After Beth, worked closely with Plaza throughout their decade-long relationship. The two secretly wed in 2020, solidifying a bond that began in 2010. Their professional and personal lives intertwined, with Plaza frequently starring in Baena's films, showcasing the couple's shared affinity for offbeat storytelling.

Despite his deeply personal artistic explorations, Baena kept much of his private life shielded from the public eye. His sudden death has left Hollywood mourning the loss of a creator who bravely tackled nuanced subjects often avoided by mainstream cinema.

Plaza has not spoken publicly about her husband's death but has asked for privacy through a statement issued by her representative. The couple did not have children, but their collaborative works serve as a testament to their enduring connection.