Rachel Lee Goldenberg is one of Hollywood’s versatile and resilient directors, whose career spans low-budget genre films, satirical comedies, and socially conscious dramas. Born around 1984–1985 in Massachusetts, she has evolved from directing VFX-heavy B-movies at The Asylum to helming high-profile streaming features and television pilots. With an Emmy win for producing viral political comedy and a knack for blending humor with heavy topics, Goldenberg has established herself as a director who tackles female-driven stories with wit, empathy, and unflinching honesty. As of 2025, her filmography includes over 40 directing credits, showcasing a trajectory from niche exploitation cinema to mainstream acclaim.
Goldenberg’s journey began far from the glamour of red carpets. Raised in Northborough, Massachusetts, she graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 2003 and then attended Ithaca College in New York, where she earned a B.S. in Cinema and Photography. Armed with a passion for filmmaking, she moved to Los Angeles shortly after graduation, diving headfirst into the industry’s gritty underbelly. Her first major gig was at The Asylum, the infamous production company known for “mockbusters”—low-budget films designed to capitalize on big studio releases, such as shark movies timed to coincide with blockbuster hits.
At The Asylum, Goldenberg cut her teeth on a wildly eclectic mix of projects. She directed everything from steampunk sci-fi adventures featuring giant VFX monsters to Christian musicals and Lifetime-style dramas. Films like Grimm’s Snow White (2012), Escape from Polygamy (2013), and Love at the Christmas Table (2012) honed her skills in fast-paced, resource-limited environments. These early works often flew under the radar, but they taught her the importance of efficiency and creativity under pressure. “I began my career at a B-movie studio directing VFX dragons and Christian musicals,” she has reflected on her official website, underscoring how these odd jobs built her foundational directing chops.
Her big break came through comedy, specifically the irreverent world of Funny or Die. After transitioning from The Asylum, Goldenberg started directing and producing shorts for the platform co-founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Her unusual resume—mixing heartfelt Lifetime movies with comedic flair—caught Ferrell’s eye. In 2015, he and producer Harper Steele tapped her to direct A Deadly Adoption, a meta Lifetime thriller starring Ferrell and Kristen Wiig. The film was a deliberate parody of the network’s melodramatic tropes, secretly produced to subvert expectations. It became a cult hit, proving Goldenberg’s ability to balance satire with genuine tension.
Funny or Die opened more doors. From 2013 to 2014, she served as the site’s White House liaison, overseeing political content during the Obama era. This role led to her Emmy win in 2014 for producing “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis,” featuring President Barack Obama, the viral interview that boosted healthcare.gov sign-ups. She also directed star-studded shorts, including Snackpocalypse with Michelle Obama, Mary Poppins Quits starring Kristen Bell (which advocates for minimum wage), and Modern Office with Christina Hendricks (promoting workplace equality). These projects highlighted her skill in blending humor with social commentary, often amplifying feminist and progressive messages.
By the late 2010s, Goldenberg transitioned to higher-profile features and TV. In 2020, she directed the musical remake of Valley Girl for MGM, a vibrant update of the 1980s classic starring Nicolas Cage, with Jessica Rothe in the lead. That same year brought Unpregnant, her HBO Max breakout—a road-trip comedy-drama about a pregnant teen (Haley Lu Richardson) crossing state lines for an abortion, joined by her estranged friend (Barbie Ferreira). Adapted from the novel by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan, the film earned widespread praise for its bold handling of reproductive rights. Critics lauded its mix of heartfelt emotion and laugh-out-loud moments, with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. Goldenberg co-wrote the screenplay, drawing from personal stories shared with her during production. “I’m the keeper of so many people’s stories,” she said in interviews, emphasizing the trust placed in her to handle sensitive topics authentically.
Television became another stronghold. She directed pilots for acclaimed series like Minx (HBO Max, 2022), the playful 1970s-set comedy about the first erotic magazine for women, and Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu, 2023), based on Cheryl Strayed’s advice column, starring Kathryn Hahn. Other episodic credits include The Mindy Project, Angie Tribeca, Man Seeking Woman, Divorce, and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. Her pilot for “I’m Sorry” and episodes of “Party Over Here” further showcased her comedic timing.
In 2025, Goldenberg released Swiped, a timely biopic exploring the origins of dating apps Tinder and Bumble through the lens of Whitney Wolfe Herd (played by Lily James). Co-written by Goldenberg, Bill Parker, and Kim Caramele, the film explores ambition, sexism in the tech industry, and the cultural impact of swipe-right culture. Streaming on platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, it sparked conversations about modern romance and workplace harassment, earning mixed but engaged reviews (around 40-44% on Rotten Tomatoes). Goldenberg, who also served as a producer, described it as a story she “needed to tell,” highlighting the double standards faced by women in male-dominated industries.
Looking ahead, Goldenberg is attached to direct The Six, a Universal Pictures project produced by Lord Miller (the duo behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). Based on Loren Grush’s book, it chronicles America’s first female astronauts, culminating in Sally Ride’s historic space shuttle flight. Co-adapting with frequent collaborator Bill Parker, the film promises an inspiring and funny take on defying gravity—and gender barriers—in the world of NASA. With Tam O’Shaughnessy (Ride’s partner) consulting, it’s poised to be one of Goldenberg’s most ambitious undertakings yet.
What sets Rachel Lee Goldenberg apart is her genre fluidity and commitment to women’s voices. From dragons and mockbusters to abortions and astronauts, she infuses projects with sharp humor and humanity. In an industry often criticized for sidelining female directors, her rise—from B-movie hustler to Emmy winner and streaming staple—serves as inspiration. As Hollywood continues evolving, Goldenberg remains a director to watch, proving that eclectic beginnings can lead to profoundly impactful storytelling.
