Weekly Film Spotlight on our site: 'Sorry, Baby' - A skillful portrayal delving into the complexities of post-trauma recovery

In the picturesque New England town where she resides, college professor Agnes (played by Eva Victor) receives a visit from her best friend Lydie. The two women, who first met while completing their English literature PHDs, share a heartfelt reunion.

Victor's directorial debut, 'Sorry, Baby', is a semi-autobiographical film that delves into the complexities of trauma. The movie, now showing in UK and Ireland cinemas, is set for release across Norway, Sweden, and Germany in the coming months.

'Sorry, Baby' is a poignant depiction of Agnes' struggle to navigate her life after a traumatic event. The film masterfully captures the eerie mundanity of trauma, as Agnes is sexually assaulted by her college professor, Decker, at his house.

The film avoids visceral displays of brutality, instead focusing on acceptance and optimism. Humour's succor is present, providing relief from the paranoia and fear that permeate Agnes' life. Fear can be felt in the unnerving calm of the darkened forest settings and the nighttime creaks of Agnes' house.

The film is divided into non-chronological chapters, each covering approximately four years of Agnes' life. This non-linear narrative allows for a deeper exploration of Agnes' evolution, as she grapples with the disconnect between who she was before the trauma and the confused state she has become.

One of the most relatable depictions of trauma seen on screen yet, 'Sorry, Baby' captures the haunting intangible presence of trauma that ebbs and flows through Agnes' body but can't be easily classified or violently expelled.

A moment of connection comes when Agnes shares a sandwich with a stranger after having a panic attack, talking through her thoughts. Another is when she discovers a little grey cat, and its purrs provide her with exhausted relief.

Lydie, now living in New York with her girlfriend and pregnant at the time of the visit, offers Agnes a much-needed support system. Yet, Agnes seems uncomfortable upon hearing the news of Lydie's pregnancy, hinting at the lingering effects of her trauma.

In a poignant scene, Agnes tells Lydie's baby that she's sorry that bad things are going to happen to him, acknowledging human fragility and collective pain.

Eva Victor, who also stars in the film, is an actress, writer, and director. She made her feature film debut with 'Sorry, Baby', and the film is recognized for its nuanced, darkly comedic approach to themes of trauma and loneliness.

As 'Sorry, Baby' continues its journey across cinemas, it serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weekly Film Spotlight on our site: 'Sorry, Baby' - A skillful portrayal delving into the complexities of post-trauma recovery