Film Festival - Sorry, Baby

Dietrich Theater Fall Film Fest - Sorry, Baby

In the Fall Film Festival selection “Sorry, Baby,” something terrible happened to Agnes. But life goes on for everyone else.

When a friend visits on the brink of an important milestone, Agnes realizes how stuck she’s been, in this bittersweet story of finding your way after your world comes crashing down.

Eva Victor’s directorial debut “Sorry, Baby” is a rather unique little drama that has several moments of impactful emotion mixed in with some sardonic humor. The film’s blend of darkness and humor is a major strength of this film, as it uses the sardonic tone reflecting reality and the way that some assault survivors cope with trauma.

This film is also told as a non-linear narrative, which really works for the film. The narrative structure , which has been described as a “shrewdly non-linear narrative” is meant to mirror the “fragmentary nature of recovery” after a deeply unsettling experience. And, by flipping through time and offering glimpses of Agnes’ past and present, the story ultimately reveals the slow, complicated path toward healing that she goes on.

One portion of the film that is both memorable and powerful is its depiction of Agnes’ assault. Rather than showing the assault, the film shows the moment from outside the home where it occurs. We, as the audience, witness the powerful, yet unnerving passage of time as day turns to night before Agnes finally leaves. And, just seeing her after the assault is quite emotional.

Another scene that completely stands out is when a gruff owner of a sandwich shop encounters Agnes during one of her panic attacks. As the owner recognizes her distress and guides her through a calming breathing exercise, they share a quiet meal together as he acknowledges the lingering effects of her past trauma. This highly pivotal scene showcases humanity and tact, offering her compassion and a moment of connection as she processes the aftermath of the assault. It’s also in this moment where Agnes finally begins her healing.

Overall, “Sorry Baby” offers a deeply personal and honest account of surviving an assault and the subsequent process of healing. With blending raw, difficult subject matter with unexpected humor and a distinctive, non-linear structure, this film has been praised for its emotional nuance, empathy and relatable portrayal of adulthood.

Cast: Eva Victor (Agnes); Naomi Ackie (Lydie); Louis Cancelmi (Preston Decker); Kelly McCormack (Natasha); Lucas Hodges (Gavin); John Carrol Lynch (Pete); Hettienne Park (Eleanor Winston); E.R. Fightmaster (Fran); Cody Reiss (Devin).

Writer/director: Eva Victor (directorial debut)

Trivia: “Sorry, Baby” marks the directorial debut of Eva Victor and she also shadowed director Jane Schoenbrun during the production of “I Saw The TV Glow” before filming this feature. 

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. In early February A24 acquired worldwide distribution rights to the film for $8 million after a bidding war with studios including Searchlight Pictures, Neon and Mubi. The film also served as the closing film of the Director’s Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2025.

MPA: Rated R for sexual content and language   (runtime 103 minutes)

If you didn’t get a chance to see “Sorry, Baby” during the Fall Film Festival at the Dietrich Theater, the film will be available to stream on HBO Max at the end of the month!

• Producer Barry Jenkins first met Eva Victor after following her on Instagram. Victor later followed him back, with Jenkins later messaging her saying she can send over scripts to his production company Pastel if she ever writes anything. Victor later said that Jenkins saw her as a director before she even saw herself as one, since he later added that her comedic work on social media is directing, even if she didn't see it as that.

• The director of photography, Mia Cioffi Henry, was actually in the trunk of the car while shooting the entire scene of Agnes driving.

• Eva Victor shadowed Jane Schoenbrun on the set of I Saw the TV Glow (2024) to prepare for directing this film.

• Eva Victor's feature film directorial debut.

• Sorry, Baby premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. In early February, A24 acquired worldwide distribution rights to the film for $8 million after a bidding war with studios including Searchlight Pictures, Neon, and Mubi.