This is a portrait that I was mesmerized by. It is a film that leads to curiosity as it explores human nature. Sorry, Baby leaves a trail of questions. Why do things happen? Why do people do what they do? Ultimately, how does the person who has been impacted keep a calm demeanor? Eva Victor is the writer, the director and the lead in Sorry, Baby. She gives everything to this performance. Her mental awareness and her ability to portray disconnect are impressive. Sorry, Baby shines in displaying matters of stress and relief. It is built upon a foundation of the steps it takes to go forward. The result is a landscape of trial and error that paints a clear picture of what it means to go with a gut-feeling.

Victor plays Agnes. She is working through the steps of completing her thesis to become an advisor. She shares a house with her close friend Lydia (Naomi Ackie), who is pregnant. Agnes and Lydia bond over their shared appreciation for hard work. For Agnes, however, her life takes a turn due to her thesisadvisor Preston (Louis Canceimi). Agnes is thriving the best she can her and then her world rotates once she meets Preston. While the audience does not see the tragic events, she has a harsh encounter with Preston involving assault.

Once the assault happens, the mood of Sorry, Baby understandably changes. Victor’s writing reflects the introverted mode caused by embarrassment and shame. Going forward, it begins to create a positive form of movement because Agnes keeps her head high and works through her emotions. She focuses on her thesis and leans on her friends, including Lydia. Then she finds herself at ease hanging around with her neighbor Gavin (Lucas Hedges). Sorry, Baby displays Oscar-worthy characterizations that soar with encouragement from the creative mind of someone who shows how growth from a harsh reality is possible.

The real-world scenario of Sorry, Baby leaves audiences with an influential reminder. Specifically, there is often something helpful to be learned from even a horrible encounter. At the same time though, it also shows how difficult it can be to talk about it. Victor’s writing showcases the sensitive layer of vulnerability that has the audiences hoping for better outcomes for Agnes. Her skills at writing, directing, and acting have led to a masterpiece.

With the harsh encounters creating anxiety in the film, the way Agnes deals with the post-event is thought-provoking. Does it scare her? Yes. Does it impact her? Yes. Does she open up about it? Not entirely. Her introverted personality and lighthearted attitude display that it is not about ruining one’s life, but about how one can move forward positively. Lydia’s pregnancy is one of the distractions for Agnes, and so is a cat she adopts. Slowly, the sweeter aspects of life fill the landscape in Sorry, Baby and light the way for an inspirational path.

There is turmoil, there is sadness, and Sorry, Baby turns despair into hope. Victor’s performance in all three roles (writer, director, actor) is one for the ages. The disconnect from reality is just the beginning and the steps to redemption are one-of-a-kind. Four out of four stars for Sorry, Baby.