Eva Victor's "Sorry, Baby" Offers Nuanced Exploration of Trauma in Directorial Debut

Eva Victor, known for her role in HBO's 'Billions', makes her directorial debut with 'Sorry, Baby', a drama focusing on the complex themes of trauma and healing after sexual assault. The film, produced by Barry Jenkins, follows Agnes, a college teacher coping with PTSD and anxiety three years after being sexually assaulted by her mentor. Victor not only directs but also wrote and stars in the film, dedicating four years to ensuring meticulous creative control and authenticity in portraying this delicate subject.

The narrative avoids graphic depictions or sensationalism, choosing instead a restrained tone reminiscent of 1990s American indie films, focusing on character development and dialogue. 'Sorry, Baby' presents a sensitive depiction of trauma, refraining from typical revenge or guilt tropes, and raising thoughtful questions about the ethics of art through literary references such as Nabokov's 'Lolita'. The film’s sound design and smart details, including a subtle nod to a cat's behavior, highlight Victor’s keen observation.

Receiving praise from Swedish critics, Moviezine rated 'Sorry, Baby' 4 out of 5 and noted its nomination for the Golden Camera at Cannes, emphasizing its place among a strong autumn lineup of provocative cinema in Sweden. Victor has expressed hopes that the film will foster more nuanced conversations about sexual trauma, acknowledging society's struggle with appropriate language to discuss such experiences.

Currently rated for audiences 11 and above, 'Sorry, Baby' has been recognized for its smart and sensitive storytelling, representing a significant artistic milestone for Victor as she transitions into directing while contributing to an important cultural dialogue in Sweden.