The Oscar-winning producer of “Moonlight,” Adele Romanski, and her producing partner Mark Ceryak found themselves captivated by the comedic short videos of Eva Victor. Their fascination led them to encourage their associate, famed filmmaker Barry Jenkins, to reach out to her via direct message. They debated whether such a gesture would be inappropriate, especially considering Jenkins' marital status, but ultimately decided it was a worthwhile move.
What began as a curiosity about Victor’s unique voice has evolved into one of the most notable directorial debuts in recent memory. Victor is the writer, director, and star of “Sorry, Baby,” a film that explores themes of trauma while balancing humor and originality. The film is set to open in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles before expanding nationwide.
This journey marks a significant turn for Victor, who identifies with they/she pronouns and had never envisioned themselves in a directorial role. Growing up in San Francisco in a creative family, Victor pursued playwriting at Northwestern University, which allowed them to blend their love for acting with storytelling. Their career trajectory included improvisational theater, writing for the satirical site Reductress, a recurring role on Showtime’s “Billions,” and sharing humorous content on social media platforms, gaining viral attention.
However, Victor longed for a deeper, more sustained project beyond the fleeting rewards of online virality. Jenkins’ outreach coincided with this desire, and during a key meeting at Pastel Productions, he inspired Victor to consider themselves already a director in their own right. His remarks resonated deeply with her, emphasizing that their work in comedy was a form of direction on a different scale.
“Sorry, Baby” stems from a personal narrative that Victor had sought to express. Following an enlightening meeting, they retreated to a cabin in Maine, accompanied by their cat, to focus on writing the screenplay. The story follows a New England graduate student, Agnes, who encounters trauma from an assault by her thesis adviser. Victor aimed for an intimate exploration of healing, depicting the gradual recovery process without centering on violence itself, intending to highlight the supportive nature of friendships through uplifting moments.
As the creative process unfolded, Victor realized that they were the right person to bring this project to life. Concentrating less on their role as the story's creator and more on effectively conveying the narrative enabled them to gain confidence and clarity in their vision for the film.
Despite the excitement of creation, Victor faced challenges in directing. To hone her skills, she asked filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun for the opportunity to observe the set of “I Saw the TV Glow.” This experience proved invaluable as Victor learned about decision-making and maintaining composure during the demanding filming process. Empowered by this mentorship, Victor assembled a talented cast and crew, including cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry and editor Alex O’Flinn. The diverse ensemble features Lucas Hedges as a supportive neighbor, Louis Cancelmi as the thesis adviser, and Naomi Ackie as Agnes' best friend, who plays a crucial role in supporting her after the assault.
The production was designed to encourage genuine friendship interactions among the cast, allowing for natural chemistry to develop on screen. Ackie quickly connected with the script and praised Victor's magnetic and open personality, reflecting the energy that translates into their artistic work.
“Sorry, Baby” resonated well with audiences at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year, emerging as a breakout sensation. The film received standing ovations and secured the prestigious screenwriting award, previously won by notable filmmakers like Kenneth Lonergan and Christopher Nolan. Romanski noted that there was an undeniable sense from the team that they had something exceptional in their hands, akin to their past successes with “Aftersun” and “Moonlight.”
Like its predecessors, “Sorry, Baby” has found its home with A24, which guarantees a theatrical release amidst a summer landscape dominated by blockbusters. Victor expressed their aspirations for the film to exist in a space that balances reality and escape, hoping it will resonate with viewers when they need it most. The film is a delicate exploration of trauma and recovery, offering a fresh perspective in a landscape filled with grand narratives.
