Feb 17
What were the Hottest Queer Films at Sundance 2025?
Frank J. Avella READ TIME: 12 MIN.
'Sorry, Baby'
Eva Victor is a true triple threat. Too often when one takes on the big three filmic hats, they show weakness in at least one of those cinematic challenges. Writer-director-lead actor Victor proves keen, comfy, and wildly talented in all three creative positions. The script is witty, charming, engaging, and disarming. Her direction shows a great ease with the camera and framing, as well as pacing. And as the lead, Agnes, a young grad student who has a traumatic experience with a respected professor, Victor delivers a heartfelt, devastating portrait of a woman trying to understand what has happened to her, never feeling too sorry for herself but showing bits of vulnerability and even bafflement.
Victor surrounds herself with a crackerjack ensemble, beginning with Naomi Ackie as Agnes's gay bestie, fab indie prince Lucas Hedges as her fuck buddy neighbor, a wicked Kelly McCormack as her jealous classmate, and a hilarious John Carroll Lynch as a wise, if gruff, sandwich shop owner who has all the best lines.
What makes "Sorry, Baby" such a wonder is how sincerely funny the film is, while also being a truly authentic take on rape and its aftermath. Agnes is healing, on her own terms and in her own time.
"Sorry, Baby" won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: U.S. Dramatic.
Frank J. Avella is a proud EDGE and Awards Daily contributor. He serves as the GALECA Industry Liaison and is a Member of the New York Film Critics Online. His award-winning short film, FIG JAM, has shown in Festivals worldwide (figjamfilm.com). Frank's screenplays have won numerous awards in 17 countries. Recently produced plays include LURED & VATICAL FALLS, both O'Neill semifinalists. He is currently working on a highly personal project, FROCI, about the queer Italian/Italian-American experience. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. https://filmfreeway.com/FrankAvella https://muckrack.com/fjaklute