Although Eva Victor has won raves for her first film, Sorry, Baby, she already has an impressive resume, including videos (for Comedy Central), acting (performances on Showtime’s Billions and Pumped), and, early on, as a writer for the feminist satire website, Reductress. Sorry, Baby, which Victor wrote, directed, and starred in, will bring this emerging talent to a wider audience, deservedly so. Sorry, Baby is now playing in New York theaters and will open nationwide on July 25. Warning: the film deals with the aftermath of a sexual assault and may be triggering for some viewers.
Naomi Ackie and Eva Victor
Victor stars as Agnes, a graduate student at a New England college. She lives with her best friend, Lydie (Naomi Ackie), in a small cottage in a fairly remote area. When Lydie moves away, Agnes, out of necessity, becomes friendly with her nearest neighbor, Gavin (Lucas Hedges).
Agnes attracts the attention of her faculty sponsor and mentor, the divorced professor Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi), and the ire of a competitive fellow student Natasha (Kelly McCormack). In a one-on-one meeting, Decker praises Agnes’ thesis in glowing, over-the-top observations. They have an easy back and forth conversation and it’s evident that the two have enjoyed a fruitful working relationship and appreciate each other’s intellect and sense of humor. Nothing to raise red flags on the part of Agnes.
When she shows up at his office for a followup discussion, she learns he’s babysitting his son and he asks her to come to his home. Seeing nothing wrong with the change in venue, she lets down her guard with devastating results. Although we never witness the attack, Agnes’ description of what happened, delivered in an emotional, yet restrained account to Lydie, is disturbing.
Agnes will receive little support from those in authority. At the hospital the next morning, a stern male doctor tells Agnes because she took a bath there’s no physical evidence to prove an assault occurred. College officials tell Agnes that Decker has left the college, taking a teaching job in New York. Since he no longer works at the college, he can’t be fired or suspended.
Eva Victor and John Carroll Lynch
Agnes finds coping mechanisms, adopting a kitten, hooking up with Gavin, and focusing on her students at the college. Time passes, but Agnes still has flashbacks and panic attacks. During one, she has trouble catching her breath and pulls off the road. Pete (John Carroll Lynch), who owns the business where she’s parked, comes to her aid, helping her to regulate her breathing. Later they share a sandwich and she tells him she had something bad happen to her a long time ago. When he asks how long, she says, three years. He responds, “that’s not so long.”
Victor has crafted a compelling story about sexual assault that doesn’t rely on worn-out tropes. The narrative unfolds in non-chronological chapters, yet it never becomes confusing or disorienting. Despite the serious tone of the plot, there are moments of levity and humor. Agnes’ conversations with Lydie, Gavin, and Pete are natural and captivating, never feeling forced or contrived.
Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, and Eva Victor
Victor’s performance is pivotal to the film and never falters in believability. We empathize with Agnes, root for her, and find ourselves relating to her in surprising ways. Hedges, arguably the most prominent actor in the cast, delivers a brilliant performance as Gavin. Kudos to the casting director for securing this talented, in-demand actor for this role. Lynch, who is now starring in Amazon Prime’s Ballard, also makes a notable appearance in a cameo.
Sorry, “Baby” is a one woman’s story, but many victims will identify with Agnes’ complicated handling of the traumatic event that occurred. With sexual assault making headlines again, it serves as a reminder that the trauma of a sexual assault has no expiration date and complete recovery is rare.
Top photo: Eva Victor in Sorry, Baby
All photos courtesy of A24
