The passion behind the scenes at the acclaimed Pastel productions was fervent. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, the Oscar-winning brains behind “Moonlight,” found themselves captivated by the clever and humorous social media snippets of Eva Victor. The allure of her comedic lens, through videos like “when I definitely did not murder my husband” and the “Eva vs. Anxiety” series, led them to contemplate a collaboration. Despite their eagerness, a critical question lingered: Would it be appropriate for Barry Jenkins, their notable colleague, to personally reach out? With much encouragement, Jenkins took the step.
This enchantment with Victor’s distinctive comedic voice soon manifested in the form of “Sorry, Baby,” a film embodying both hilarity and heartfelt narratives about trauma. Written, directed, and starring Victor, the film stands out as an original, quirky beacon in cinema, complete with its feline presence and distinctive comedic flair. It’s set to open in New York and Los Angeles, before reaching a wider audience in the ensuing weeks.
For Victor, whose pronouns are they/she, this journey was as unexpected as thrilling. Raised amidst the arts in San Francisco, they pursued playwriting at Northwestern University as a means of creative expression and control. Post-university, Victor navigated through various artistic avenues, from improvisation to writing sharp satires for Reductress, and even gaining acting credentials on the Showtime series “Billions.” However, Victor yearned for a project of more substantial breadth.
Jenkins’ message arrived at a pivotal moment, suggesting a perhaps previously unconsidered path: directing. According to Jenkins, Victor had inherently been directing through their comedic works—a concept that profoundly influenced Victor. Encouraged by this insight, Victor ventured to a secluded Maine cabin to draft a screenplay inspired by personal experiences. In crafting “Sorry, Baby,” Victor channeled the isolation and perseverance of a New England graduate student tackling immense personal challenges.
The film, rich with themes of healing, addresses the complex journey of recovery and the blessings of friendships amidst mundane realities. Through this cinematic adventure, Victor realized they were the ideal person to direct the film. Focusing less on personal identity and more on narrative potency, Victor gained confidence in bringing their vision to life.
Still, directing encompassed continuous learning. Prior to filming, Victor sought practical insights from Jane Schoenbrun on set, witnessing firsthand how to guide a project with poise and decisiveness. Buoyed by this experience, Victor assembled a proficient team, including cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry and editor Alex O’Flinn. The film’s cast features talents like Lucas Hedges, Louis Cancelmi, and Naomi Ackie, each contributing to its authentic storytelling.
Romanski and the team at Pastel productions, recognizing the film’s uniqueness, presented it at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The reception was overwhelming, with “Sorry, Baby” receiving standing ovations and a screenwriting award that aligned Victor with celebrated names in the industry.
Following in the footsteps of Pastel’s previous successes, “Sorry, Baby” was picked up by A24 for a theatrical release, promising a refreshing divergence amidst broader cinematic spectacles. Victor aspires for their film to be a thoughtful blend of realism and escapism, meeting viewers in moments of personal need. Such hopes underline the essence of “Sorry, Baby” as more than a film—it’s a resonant, sensitive experience.