An American filmmaker and screenwriter, she is known for her sharp, character-driven storytelling. She gained acclaim with her debut feature, "Slums of Beverly Hills" (1998), which drew from her own experiences. Her follow-up, "The Savages" (2007), earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. After a hiatus, she returned with "Private Life" (2018), exploring themes of infertility. Her work is noted for its humor and poignant exploration of familial relationships.