Eva Victor’s directorial debut, Sorry, Baby, released by A24, is a cinematic gem that balances heartache and humor, establishing Victor as a formidable triple-threat talent—writer, director, and star. Victor plays Agnes, a literature student-turned-professor grappling with the aftermath of a sexual assault, an event that is never explicitly shown but profoundly shapes her world. The film’s refusal to sensationalize this “Bad Thing” sets it apart, focusing instead on the messy, human process of living beyond it.
The film unfolds in five nonchronological chapters, a structure that mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and trauma. Opening with “The Year with the Baby,” we meet Agnes years after the assault, hosting her best friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie), who is pregnant. Victor’s script cleverly begins in a place of relative stability, reassuring viewers that Agnes survives before delving into the harrowing past. Victor’s performance as Agnes is brilliant, blending deadpan wit with raw vulnerability. Agnes is awkward, often blurting out unfiltered thoughts, yet her quirks never feel forced. Victor’s ability to convey Agnes’ internal chaos through subtle tics and fleeting expressions makes her a magnetic centerpiece. Naomi Ackie’s Lydie is the perfect counterbalance, her warmth and sharp humor anchoring Agnes through their shared history. Ackie shines in moments of quiet support.
The script is where Sorry, Baby truly excels. Victor infuses dark humor into moments of absurdity—like a tactless doctor or dismissive HR officials—without trivializing Agnes’ pain. The dialogue can feel overly stylized at times, but it largely serves to reflect Agnes’ coping mechanism: wit as a shield. Victor has crafted a debut that is equal parts devastating and uplifting; Sorry, Baby is a reminder that healing is messy, but connection makes it possible.
Sorry, Baby arrive at Luna Palace Cinemas Thursday, Sep 4, 2025, with a special first look screening event on Tuesday, 2 September at Luna Leederville from 6.15pm. Celebrate with a glass of wine and a Krispy Kreme donut included in the ticket price while listening to the tunes of DJ Tash Thomas and browsing Boundless Books pop-up store.
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