Eva Victor’s Debut Film Sorry, Baby Uses Humor and Heart to Tell a Story of Healing Without Showing Violence

Eva Victor’s directorial debut Sorry, Baby is a deeply personal project inspired by a painful period in her life. The film centers on a grad student-turned-professor dealing with the emotional impact of sexual assault. While it is rewarding for Victor to see the film resonate with others, she also finds it bittersweet, knowing that connection often comes from shared trauma. The film explores this sensitive subject in a thoughtful and human way, without trying to offer easy answers or neat resolutions.

Blending Humor and Gentleness to Tell a Story of Trauma Without Graphic Imagery

What distinguishes Sorry, Baby from many other trauma-focused films is its use of humor. Victor, known for her background in comedy, chose to bring a wry and honest sense of humor to a story that might otherwise feel overwhelmingly heavy. By doing so, she shifts the focus from the event itself to the strange, sometimes absurd experiences that follow. This approach brings warmth and relatability to the film, offering a unique way to engage with a painful topic without being emotionally exhausting.

Victor made a conscious decision not to show the violent act at the center of the story. She believed it was unnecessary to depict the assault for audiences to understand its impact. Instead, she wanted the film to offer comfort, to feel like a “hug” rather than a disturbing reminder. This decision reflects her desire to treat both herself and her viewers with care, allowing the story to speak for itself without relying on graphic imagery.

Creative Support and Personal Empowerment Shape Eva Victor’s Healing Film Journey

Support from acclaimed director Barry Jenkins and his production company, Pastel, played a crucial role in shaping Sorry, Baby. Jenkins saw Victor’s online videos—many of which had gone viral—as evidence of her directorial instincts and creative voice. His encouragement helped Victor move forward with confidence. The film’s cast, including Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, and others, created a strong, trusting environment that reflected the themes of mutual support and care present in the story itself.

For Victor, making Sorry, Baby was more than a professional milestone—it was a way to regain control. Directing herself allowed her to decide how her body and story were represented, offering a sense of agency after a time when that had been taken from her. Small acts like stretching on set or using a back massager became part of her way of taking care of herself during production.

In the end, the film helped Victor feel less alone and allowed her to build a community of people ready to engage with difficult experiences through honesty and shared creativity. Sorry, Baby is currently showing in select theaters, with a wider release coming on July 25.