Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby Premieres at Sundance 2025: A Heartfelt Exploration of Trauma and Resilience
The Sundance Film Festival has always been a breeding ground for groundbreaking cinema, and 2025 is no exception. This year, comedian and actress eva Victor made her feature debut as a writer, director, and star wiht Sorry, Baby, a film that has already been hailed as one of the most assured and heartfelt entries in the festival’s history.
Victor, known for her roles in Billions and her stand-up comedy, proves her storytelling prowess with this deeply personal project. Sorry, Baby is not just a film about sexual assault; it’s a nuanced exploration of the loneliness and long-term impact of trauma. The film’s non-linear narrative, bookended by chapters titled “The Year Of The Baby,” keeps the audience invested as they piece together the story alongside the protagonist, Agnes.
“Victor impressively plays this all out in chapters bookended by the first one titled ‘The Year Of The Baby’ and the last one from the same year,” the film’s structure is described as a masterstroke, allowing viewers to experiance Agnes’ journey in a way that mirrors her own fragmented understanding of her trauma.
The story begins with Agnes welcoming her old friend Lydie, played by Naomi Ackie, into her home. Their conversations, initially lighthearted, offer no hint of the darkness in Agnes’ past. Though, subtle clues emerge—awkward moments at a dinner with university colleagues, a tense meeting with her teaching advisor Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi), and Agnes’ fear of noises outside her home.
The longest chapter, “The Year Of Bad Things,” delves into the events surrounding the assault, which took place in Decker’s home. Victor’s decision to avoid depicting the assault itself is a deliberate and powerful choice, shifting the focus to the emotional aftermath.
Victor’s performance as Agnes is both endearingly vulnerable and fearlessly honest. She finds dry humor in the darkest moments,balancing the film’s tone with a skill that belies her inexperience as a director. “Victor manages to find dry humor in a lot of this but keeps the tricky tone balanced in a way far more experienced filmmakers might find difficult.”
The supporting cast, including Ackie as the sharp-witted Lydie and Lucas Hedges as Agnes’ kind but befuddled neighbor, adds depth and warmth to the narrative. Their relationships with Agnes provide a sense of safety and connection, allowing her to grapple with the enormity of her experience.
Sorry, Baby is a testament to Eva Victor’s talent as a filmmaker and storyteller. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, offering a poignant and deeply human exploration of resilience in the face of trauma.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Director/Star | Eva Victor |
| Premiere | Sundance 2025, U.S. Dramatic Competition |
| Cast | Naomi Ackie, lucas Hedges, Louis Cancelmi |
| Themes | Trauma, resilience, loneliness |
| Narrative style | Non-linear, chapter-based |
For those seeking a film that is both emotionally resonant and artistically bold, Sorry, Baby is a must-watch. Its premiere at Sundance marks the arrival of a major new voice in cinema.A Cinematic Triumph: Victor’s “Exceptional” Exploration of Trauma and Resilience
In a world where storytelling often falls into predictable patterns, Victor’s latest film stands as a testament to the power of nuanced, layered narratives. The film, which delves into the life of Agnes, a woman grappling with the aftermath of assault, is a masterclass in emotional depth and authenticity. As one critic aptly put it, “Victor, as an actor or filmmaker, never telegraphs anything.”
The Layers of Agnes: A Journey Through Trauma
Table of Contents
Agnes’ story is one of profound loneliness, quirkiness, and snide humor, all interwoven with her struggle to reclaim a sense of normalcy. The film peels back her layers slowly, revealing the wounds that never truly heal. “There are so many layers to Agnes, each one slowly peeled back and leading to yet another,” the critic notes. This meticulous unraveling culminates in a deeply moving experience, leaving viewers in tears not just for Agnes, but for the societal regression that allows such assaults to be dismissed.
The film’s narrative is divided into distinct chapters, each marking a phase in Agnes’ journey. From “The Year With The Questions,” where she faces jury duty, to “The Year With The good sandwich,” which features a poignant roadside breakdown, the story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. A particularly memorable scene involves Agnes sharing a sandwich with a stranger named Pete, played by the veteran actor John Carroll Lynch, who offers her a moment of unexpected solace.
A Stellar Cast and Crew
The film’s emotional weight is carried by a stellar cast. Naomi Ackie, known for her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the biopic Whitney, shines as Agnes’ steadfast friend.Lucas Hedges,as the kind-hearted neighbor Gavin,helps Agnes rebuild her trust in men. Simultaneously occurring, Lynch’s brief but impactful screen time adds depth to the narrative.
Behind the scenes, Victor is supported by a largely female production team, including Mia Cioffi Henry’s exceptional cinematography and Caity Birmingham’s meticulous production design. Lia Ouyang Rusli’s lilting score and the seamless editing by Alex O’Flinn and Randi Atkins further elevate the film.
A Cinematic Achievement
The film’s success is also a testament to the guidance of Pastel, the production company founded by Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak. their support has resulted in what the critic describes as “a cinematic achievement that gives me as much hope for movies as I can possibly ask.”
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Director | Victor |
| lead Actress | Naomi Ackie |
| Supporting Cast | Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch |
| Cinematography | Mia Cioffi Henry |
| Production Design | Caity Birmingham |
| Score | Lia Ouyang Rusli |
| Editing | Alex O’Flinn, Randi Atkins |
| Production Company | pastel (Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak) |
A Call to Action
Victor’s film is more than just a story; it’s a mirror reflecting the societal issues we often choose to ignore. As the critic poignantly observes, “We are now in a world and country going backwards where the kind of assault Agnes experienced is being tossed aside, the perpetrators denying them and getting big jobs. It’s pathetic.”
This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound, thought-provoking cinematic experience. Let it move you, challenge you, and inspire you to demand better.For more on the film’s production and cast, explore Pastel’s portfolio and Lucas hedges’ filmography.“sorry,Baby”: A Cinematic Gem Seeking Its Place in the world
The indie film world is abuzz with anticipation for Sorry,Baby,a compelling drama that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition.Directed and written by the multi-talented Eva Victor, the film is a testament to her emerging voice in the industry. But its journey is far from over.
“If it doesn’t find a major distributor who nurtures it with the care it deserves, I am going to quit because this movie has to be out there in the world for many reasons, certainly chief among them is the emergence of a filmmaker to savor,” Victor passionately declared. This statement underscores the film’s significance and the urgency for it to reach a wider audience.
sorry, Baby boasts a stellar cast, including Eva victor herself, alongside Naomi Ackie, Louis Cancelmi, Kelly McCormack, and Lucas Hedges. The ensemble brings depth and authenticity to the story, which unfolds over a gripping 1 hour and 43 minutes. The film’s international sales are being handled by Charades,with UTA managing its domestic distribution.
The film’s presence at Sundance has already sparked conversations about its potential impact.As audiences and critics alike await its wider release, the question remains: Will Sorry, Baby find the nurturing home it deserves?
| Key Details | details |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Title | Sorry, Baby |
| Festival | Sundance Film Festival (U.S. Dramatic Competition) |
| Director/Screenplay | eva Victor |
| Cast | eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, Louis Cancelmi, Kelly McCormack, Lucas Hedges, et al. |
| Running Time | 1 hour 43 minutes |
| Sales Agent | UTA (Charades – International sales) |
As the search for a distributor continues, Sorry, Baby stands as a testament to the power of self-reliant cinema and the importance of supporting emerging talent. Keep an eye out for this film—it’s one you won’t want to miss.
A Call to Action
Victor’s film is more than just a story; it’s a mirror reflecting the societal issues we often choose to ignore. As the critic poignantly observes,“We are now in a world and country going backwards where the kind of assault Agnes experienced is being tossed aside,the perpetrators denying them and getting big jobs. It’s pathetic.”
This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a profound, thought-provoking cinematic experience. Let it move you, challenge you, and inspire you to demand better. For more on the film’s production and cast, explore Pastel’s portfolio and Lucas Hedges’ filmography.
“Sorry, Baby”: A Cinematic Gem Seeking Its Place in the World
The indie film world is abuzz with anticipation for Sorry, Baby, a compelling drama that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Directed and written by the multi-talented Eva Victor, the film is a testament to her emerging voice in the industry. But its journey is far from over.
“If it doesn’t find a major distributor who nurtures it with the care it deserves, I am going to quit because this movie has to be out there in the world for many reasons, certainly chief among them is the emergence of a filmmaker to savor,” Victor passionately declared. This statement underscores the film’s importance and the urgency for it to reach a wider audience.
Sorry,Baby boasts a stellar cast,including Eva Victor herself,alongside Naomi Ackie,Louis Cancelmi,Kelly McCormack,and lucas hedges.The ensemble brings depth and authenticity to the story, which unfolds over a gripping 1 hour and 43 minutes. the film’s international sales are being handled by charades, with UTA managing its domestic distribution.
The film’s presence at Sundance has already sparked conversations about its potential impact. As audiences and critics alike await its wider release, the question remains: Will Sorry, Baby find the nurturing home it deserves?
| Key Details | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Sorry, Baby |
| festival | Sundance Film Festival (U.S. Dramatic competition) |
| Director/Screenplay | Eva Victor |
| Cast | Eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, Louis Cancelmi, Kelly McCormack, Lucas Hedges, et al. |
| Running Time | 1 hour 43 minutes |
| Sales Agent | UTA (Charades – International sales) |
As the search for a distributor continues, Sorry, Baby stands as a testament to the power of self-reliant cinema and the importance of supporting emerging talent. Keep an eye out for this film—it’s one you won’t want to miss.
