Exploring Resilience in Eva Victor's Film 'Sorry, Baby'
A Deep Dive into 'Sorry, Baby'
Eva Victor’s debut directorial effort, Sorry, Baby, delves into the conversations women share regarding their aspirations, relationships, and the harsh realities of sexual assault.
This distinctive film employs dialogue to navigate the complexities of processing sexual assault. It raises questions about the appropriate language to use, the survivor's mindset, and the reactions of those around her.
In the film, Victor portrays Agnes, a literature student who finds herself drawn to her professor, Decker (played by Louis Cancelmi). Following an assault by Decker, Agnes experiences a state of shock. In the hospital, her interactions with her best friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie) are marked by a flippant insensitivity towards the gravity of the situation.
The true emotional impact surfaces later when Agnes is left alone at home, grappling with her thoughts and a stray kitten she has taken in. She strives to not let her trauma define her while also acknowledging the reality of her experience.
Agnes's trauma is subtly integrated into her daily life, with seemingly innocuous comments triggering her memories. She also considers a budding relationship with her neighbor, Gavin (Lucas Hedges).
Sorry, Baby is available for rent on Prime Video and BookMyShow Stream. The film's strength lies in Victor's adept use of dark humor to address Agnes's struggles. A particularly poignant moment involves a sandwich shop owner.
The relationship between Agnes and Lydie is particularly striking, especially as Lydie prepares for the arrival of a daughter—the titular baby—who will enter a world that often mistreats women. Victor delivers a strong performance as Agnes, while Naomi Ackie shines as the caring and supportive Lydie.
Victor’s film is a tribute to resilience and bravery, bravely tackling challenging themes. The writer-director skillfully balances sensitivity with humor, challenging stereotypes about how survivors of sexual assault are expected to behave. Much of the film's depth is conveyed through its sharp dialogue, articulating both the unspoken truths and the necessary conversations.