Eva Victor, known for her sharp comedic timing and viral videos, is making her feature directorial debut with Sorry, Baby, a film already hailed by critics as a landmark first outing. A24, the acclaimed studio behind Everything Everywhere All at Once and Lady Bird, has released the official trailer for the film, setting the stage for what could become one of the year’s most talked-about releases.
Having premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim, Sorry, Baby received the prestigious Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. A24 quickly acquired the distribution rights in a heated eight-million-dollar bidding war, positioning the film for a theatrical rollout beginning June 27 in select theaters. A nationwide release will follow on July 18. The film will also close the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, further cementing its status as a must-see arthouse event.
A Glimpse Into Grief, Disconnection, and the Pain of Moving Forward When the World Refuses to Pause
At the heart of Sorry, Baby is Agnes, a college professor who recently experienced a traumatic event. While the details are kept ambiguous in the trailer, it’s clear that something devastating has happened. The tagline reads, “Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on… for everyone around her, at least.” This immediately sets the tone for a story that explores personal tragedy in a world that keeps moving forward without sympathy or acknowledgment.
The trailer offers fleeting moments of Agnes attempting to return to normalcy, whether grading papers, enduring social gatherings, or zoning out in silence. The sense of detachment is palpable. What makes Victor’s portrayal so striking is her refusal to dramatize Agnes’s experience with melodrama. Instead, she embraces a quiet, often uncomfortable realism, portraying grief as something alienating, monotonous, and painfully absurd.
A Critically Acclaimed Ensemble Cast Anchors the Film with Depth, Complexity, and Raw Vulnerability
Eva Victor is joined by an impressive supporting cast that includes Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi, and Kelly McCormack. Each actor adds an emotional dimension to the story, often highlighting the dissonance between Agnes and those around her.
Naomi Ackie plays Lydie, a longtime friend caught between concern and confusion. Lucas Hedges brings quiet intensity as an ex who has an unresolved relationship with Agnes, which simmers beneath the surface. John Carroll Lynch is powerful in his role as a paternal figure, offering rare moments of tenderness. The presence of Louis Cancelmi and Kelly McCormack adds complexity and bite, giving the film emotional texture and unpredictability.
A24 Champions Another Visionary Filmmaker as Eva Victor Emerges as a Defining Voice in Independent Cinema
Victor’s triple-threat role as writer, director, and lead actress demonstrates an artistic confidence rare in a debut. Backed by the powerhouse production team of Barry Jenkins and Adele Romanski, best known for Moonlight and Aftersun, Sorry, Baby was filmed in Ipswich, Massachusetts, in March 2024 and showcases a creative team working in complete harmony.
Cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry lends the film a crisp, intimate visual style, while editor Alex O’Flinn shapes the nonlinear structure into something immersive and disorienting, mirroring Agnes’s emotional state. The score, composed by Lia Ouyang Rusli, adds another layer of emotional depth, guiding the audience through moments of stillness, tension, and surreal levity.
The Balance Between Humor and Pain Creates a Distinctive Tone That Is Both Achingly Real and Strikingly Funny
What makes Sorry, Baby stand out is its seamless blend of heartbreak and humor. The trailer teases unexpected moments of comedy, such as awkward encounters, strange conversations, and deeply uncomfortable silences. Victor’s character isn’t always likable, and that’s precisely the point. Agnes is raw, caustic, detached, and often hilarious in her inability to cope.
This emotional contradiction is the film’s greatest strength. The humor doesn’t undercut the grief. It reveals the absurdity of living with it. Much like in Fleabag or The Worst Person in the World, the audience is invited to sit in discomfort, laugh through the pain, and recognize themselves in moments they might rather forget.
Early Reactions Highlight Sorry, Baby as a Top Contender for Awards Season and a Future Cult Classic
The response from Sundance was immediate and passionate. The Playlist called the film “achingly funny and quietly radical,” while IndieWire dubbed it “absolutely major.” With its emotional honesty, sharp writing, and deeply personal perspective, Sorry, Baby is already being discussed as an early Oscar contender in categories such as Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress.
There is also a growing belief among critics that this could become a generational cult classic. It is the kind of film that resonates for years to come among those who have felt lost, alienated, or numb in the face of trauma. Victor’s voice is fresh, fearless, and unafraid to depict vulnerability without compromise.
Watch the Trailer Now and Prepare for One of the Most Honest and Affecting Films of the Year
The newly released trailer offers a taste of what audiences can expect. A quiet storm of emotion, layered performances, and a debut that marks the arrival of a powerful new storyteller. With its unique tone, heartfelt exploration of grief, and unforgettable lead performance, Sorry, Baby is poised to leave a lasting impression.
In Select Theaters on June 27th, Expanding to More Cities Nationwide on July 18th
