"Eva Victor, Naomi Ackie, and Lucas Hedges discuss reasons for viewers to watch 'Sorry, Baby'"
In theaters now, the independent film Sorry, Baby (2025) offers a unique blend of comedy and drama as it delves into the complex aftermath of a traumatic life event. Lucas Hedges, who plays the protagonist Gavin, hopes that the movie will provide a comforting, "hug-like" feeling to its audience.
At the heart of the story is Agnes, played by Eva Victor, who navigates her nuanced journey of recovery. The film underscores that healing is a continuous, complex process rather than a linear path with a clear destination. Agnes's interactions reveal the intricate dance of emotional intelligence and communication, distinguishing the mode of communication from its content, adding depth to the portrayal of relationships and power dynamics.
Sorry, Baby critiques societal and institutional responses to trauma, portraying them as often inadequate or hollow, such as the stereotypical and superficial sympathy Agnes encounters. It reflects on the alienation survivors face, underscoring the difficulty of navigating a world not built for their comfort, while not wholly villainizing those who fail survivors due to systemic limitations.
The film balances serious and light-hearted tones using black comedy to depict the heavy theme of survival and trauma, making Agnes a relatable, awkward, and raw protagonist whose story resonates emotionally without being didactic.
For audiences who have experienced difficult times, Sorry, Baby provides a feminist, female-led narrative of hope, resilience, and the complexity of emotional recovery. It caters to those familiar with trauma by validating the messiness of healing, the importance of friendship, and the courage it takes to share dark thoughts. The film’s deliberate slow pace and intimate focus create space for viewers to empathize deeply with Agnes’s internal struggles and small moments of joy or vulnerability.
The movie also showcases the importance of friendship and camaraderie, as portrayed by the close circle of friends that Eva Victor keeps. Her comments highlight the importance of networking and supporting each other within the filmmaking community, particularly for directors who identify as women, queer, non-binary, and trans.
Naomi Ackie, who plays Lydie in the movie, believes it can resonate with people who have been through difficult times and are struggling to heal. According to Ackie, Sorry, Baby emphasizes the importance of having the right people around during the healing process.
Sorry, Baby was showcased at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and features a diverse cast and crew, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and representation. The film invites audiences to embrace the complexity of trauma and healing with compassion and honesty, delivering the message that while the world is imperfect and painful experiences are inevitable, survival involves continuous emotional labor, connection, and self-understanding.
Movies-and-TV such as Sorry, Baby (2025) offer a unique form of entertainment, providing viewers with relatable and thought-provoking content that delves into complex and emotional themes. The film serves as a platform for discussions on societal and institutional responses to trauma, entertainment that transcends mere storytelling and serves as a medium for healing.
