“Sorry, Baby” Review | Eva Victor’s Moving Exploration of Grief and Growth

A24, Eva Victor, movie review, Sorry Baby
Eva Victor appears in Sorry, Baby by Eva Victor, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Mia Cioffy Henry.

Introduction

Sorry, Baby, directed and written by Eva Victor, delivers a nuanced exploration of grief, resilience, and personal growth wrapped in an idiosyncratic blend of comedy and drama. Victor, a rising talent with clear storytelling prowess, carefully balances emotional depth with moments of levity, transforming delicate subject matter into an engaging and insightful cinematic experience. Garnering well-deserved praise, Sorry, Baby resonates deeply due to its authenticity, wit, and heart.

Story

At its core, Sorry, Baby follows Agnes (Eva Victor), a young woman grappling with the aftermath of an unspecified trauma. While life around her relentlessly progresses, Agnes remains emotionally paralyzed, navigating daily existence with a mixture of bitter humor and quiet resignation. The film’s narrative is catalyzed by a visit from Agnes’ beloved friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie), whose arrival coincides with a significant milestone in Lydie’s life. Agnes’ subsequent introspection forces her to acknowledge her emotional stagnation, prompting an earnest and complicated journey towards healing.

Victor’s screenplay avoids melodramatic traps often associated with trauma-focused narratives, instead opting for realism grounded in everyday interactions and incremental emotional victories. The film’s charm lies in its recognition that recovery from profound loss involves unexpected comforts, a stray kitten, steadfast friendship, genuine compassion from strangers, and even a notably exceptional sandwich. Such relatable elements imbue the story with warmth and accessibility, making Agnes’ path to healing both believable and compelling.

A24, Eva Victor, movie review, Sorry Baby

Characters

Eva Victor delivers a standout performance as Agnes, capturing a wide spectrum of emotions with precision and authenticity. Victor convincingly portrays Agnes as more than just a victim; she is a multi-dimensional individual whose sardonic wit and vulnerability coexist harmoniously. This nuanced approach allows audiences to empathize deeply with her struggles while appreciating the comedic resilience that underscores her character.

Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of Lydie provides a vital emotional anchor in the film. Ackie brings warmth and sincerity to her role, embodying the quintessential supportive friend whose presence gently urges Agnes toward self-awareness and emotional growth. The palpable chemistry between Victor and Ackie enriches the film’s portrayal of friendship.

Louis Cancelmi as Preston Decker delivers a subtle yet pivotal performance, characterized by a simmering intensity that hints at complexities beneath his seemingly ordinary exterior. Without revealing too much, Cancelmi’s nuanced portrayal effectively adds layers of tension and depth to the narrative.

Kelly McCormack and Lucas Hedges round out the supporting cast with notable contributions, each bringing moments of humor and genuine pathos to their respective roles. John Carroll Lynch, as Pete, provides additional emotional texture, underscoring the communal aspects of healing and recovery.

Direction

Eva Victor demonstrates impressive directorial finesse in her debut feature, adeptly managing a delicate balance between comedy and drama. Sorry, Baby seamlessly blends irreverent gallows humor with profound emotional depth, mirroring the complex reality of processing trauma. Victor’s direction is clear-eyed and disarming, presenting Agnes’ story with raw honesty and sensitivity without veering into exploitation or sentimentality. By maintaining restraint and empathy, Victor ensures that the narrative remains compelling and respectful throughout.

A24, Eva Victor, movie review, Sorry Baby

Technical Details

The cinematography in Sorry, Baby expertly complements its narrative tone, employing a naturalistic visual style that highlights the film’s grounded approach. Cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry utilizes intimate framing and gentle lighting to accentuate Agnes’ internal experiences, effectively conveying her isolation and moments of connection.

Music, composed by Lia Ouyang Rusli, significantly enhances the emotional resonance of the film. Rusli’s subtle and evocative compositions underscore pivotal scenes without overwhelming them, allowing performances and dialogue to remain central. The careful orchestration of musical cues further reinforces the film’s delicate tonal balance, emphasizing both its comedic elements and emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby represents a major artistic accomplishment, signaling the arrival of a distinct and powerful voice in contemporary filmmaking. Its insightful exploration of grief, infused with authentic humor and profound emotional honesty, distinguishes the film from similar narratives. Victor proves adept at crafting stories that are simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, skillfully avoiding melodrama in favor of genuine, relatable storytelling.

Ultimately, Sorry, Baby leaves audiences with a hopeful, smiling-through-tears conclusion that feels both earned and deeply affecting. Victor’s careful handling of sensitive subject matter and her evident talent behind and in front of the camera promise an exciting future. With luck, this film is merely the beginning of a long and noteworthy career.

About “Sorry, Baby”

Synopsis: Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. When a beloved friend visits on the brink of a major milestone, Agnes starts to realize just how stuck she’s been, and begins to work through how to move forward.

Director: Eva Victor

Writer: Eva Victor

Cast: Eva Victor (Agnes), Naomi Ackie (Lydie), Louis Cancelmi (Preston Decker), Kelly McCormack (Natasha), Lucas Hedges (Gavin), John Carroll Lynch (Pete)

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 43m

Releases: Friday June 27, 2025 (Limited), Friday, July, 11, 2025 (Phoenix, AZ) Friday July 25, 2025 (Nationwide)

A24, Eva Victor, movie review, Sorry Baby
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REVIEW OVERVIEW
Sorry, Baby
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sorry-baby-review-eva-victors-moving-exploration-of-grief-and-growth"Sorry, Baby," directed and starring Eva Victor, offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of grief, recovery, and resilience. Victor demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing comedic moments with emotional depth, resulting in a compelling narrative filled with authentic humanity. This powerful debut firmly establishes Victor as a significant new talent in filmmaking.
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