The Cannes Directors’ Fortnight has announced an ambitious lineup for 2025. A major highlight is Sorry Baby, the debut feature written and directed by Eva Victor. After premiering at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, the indie documentary has made big waves. The general art house darling A24 has already picked up the rights for its distribution. Sorry Baby will serve in that tradition as this year’s closing night film. Its unique prominence is remarkable even within a crowded sea of cinematic entertainment.
Sorry Baby takes us deep inside the life of a woman dealing with trauma, and the ground-shifting highways of her heart. Eva Victor stars and directs in the film. Directing her first feature, she’s guided an incredible ensemble cast of Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi and Kelly McCormack. The film’s story heavily explores what trauma does to a person, creating an unforgettable setup for an important and powerful film.
A Promising Debut
Eva Victor’s debut feature film, an exciting new chapter in her creative journey. Victor has cemented her reputation as an award-winning performer and playwright. Now, her dynamic move to directing has lit an electric fire of excitement and expectation across the film world.
The film went on to premiere at Sundance, where it got rave reviews. Receiving this success only cemented it as an essential can’t-miss mainstay at Cannes. Victor’s vision is to create the most immersive experience possible. Her ability to craft intricate, nuanced themes into a digestible story has turned heads among industry heavyweights.
“First features were very impressive and we were thrilled to receive so many films from female directors that were daring and surprising,” – Julien Rejl
This statement reflects the growing recognition of female directors at major film festivals and underscores the significance of Victor’s work. Sorry Baby is an example of a new cinema that values variety, complexity, and unique perspectives.
Star-Studded Ensemble
The cast of Sorry Baby includes a mix of up-and-coming actors and veterans. Joining Eva Victor is Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges, each of whom, in their own ways, arrives on the film’s set with undeniable impressive resumes. Ackie is no stranger to playing trauma, but her performance provides raw honesty as trauma is woven through the fabric of the film. Hedges, one of the biggest young stars in Hollywood today, anchors this coming-of-age drama with a powerful performance.
John Carroll Lynch, Louis Cancelmi, and Kelly McCormack bring their specific skills to the ensemble. Together, they create a vibrant tapestry of characters. This push and pull between these different actors makes for some emotional fireworks that let the audiences connect in more meaningful ways to the film’s big ideas.
Victor’s direction is on fire and the cast knocks it out of the park. With their talents combined, they guarantee to bring us a meaningful cinematic experience on all fronts. Audiences should prepare for a visceral story that offers keen perspective into the human experience.
Exploring Trauma
Heartbreaking, funny, and undeniably real, Sorry Baby at its core is a deep exploration of trauma and how it continues to impact people today. With a convergence of art and activism, the film’s non-linear story structure is intended as an honest reflection of how trauma affects individual lives and connections.
Victor’s commitment on making sure these themes are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance is reflected throughout the film. By zooming in on personal stories, she encourages audiences to consider their own journeys through trauma to recovery.
“It is told like a sweet children’s tale, but against the backdrop of the politics of the time,” – Julien Rejl
This quote gives a sense of Victor’s warm and engaging approach to storytelling. By contrasting poignant innocence with bitter hard-knock life realities, the film captures personal struggle amidst big-picture hostility in a powerful way.