The late director's 2020 film, "Horse Girl" -- starring Alison Brie -- was inspired by their respective experiences with mental illness.

Aubrey Plaza’s screenwriter-director husband Jeff Baena, who frequently collaborated with the actress, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 47.

In the wake of indie screenwriter and filmmaker Jeff Baena’s untimely passing, fans are recalling his 2020 movie Horse Girl — a film inspired by his family’s mental health struggles. “Alison and I both have had family members who have had mental illness,

Jeff Baena co-wrote a film exploring personal mental health struggles, offering a look into his family's experiences.

Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena's family have released a joint statement about the filmmaker's recent death. "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support," Baena's loved ones said in the statement Monday.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time." The screenwriter and director died Friday at his home in California, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by USA TODAY.