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Sorry, Baby: Eva Victor’s Acclaimed Debut Opens the 2025 Edinburgh Film Festival

"Sorry, Baby" is the indie film sensation taking the Edinburgh Film Festival by storm, starring breakout talent Eva Victor and produced by Moonlight's Adele Romanski.

Surprising, quirky, and driven by undeniable star power, Sorry, Baby has become one of those indie films everyone’s whispering about at the Edinburgh Film Festival—and for once, the hype isn’t overblown. Fresh from the creative hands behind Moonlight and with Eva Victor’s razor-sharp wit at the forefront, this film has instantly made waves among critics and festival-goers alike. If you’re craving the next can’t-miss indie sensation, let’s step inside the story that has cinephiles counting down for wider release.

Overview of Sorry, Baby

Synopsis

Sorry, Baby unfolds as a darkly comedic coming-of-age drama set against the vibrant (and occasionally cringe-worthy) realities of post-grad life. The film follows Ava Mitchell, played by Eva Victor, who’s equal parts earnest, awkward, and unexpectedly resilient. When Ava’s life is upended by a hilariously disastrous job interview, she spirals into a journey of self-discovery—navigating flaky friends, creative dreams, and a secret that threatens to upend everything she thinks she knows about herself.

  • Think: relatable twenty-something malaise, snappy writing, and just enough existential panic to keep it all grounded.
  • The plot stays intentionally light on melodrama, focusing instead on everyday absurdities and the humor found in small failures—and victories—of growing up.

Genre & Tone

Sorry, Baby firmly belongs in that beloved space between dark comedy and sympathetic drama. There are echoes of films like Lady Bird and The Diary of a Teenage Girl, though Sorry, Baby carves its own niche with a sharper bite and a sly, self-aware sense of humor.

  • The tone blends comic timing with emotional honesty—a deft balancing act managed skillfully throughout the film’s brisk runtime.

Director & Creative Team

At the helm is director Marielle Heller, whose gift for intimate, perceptive storytelling (as seen in Can You Ever Forgive Me?) is a natural fit for Sorry, Baby. Writer Gemma Stevens brings dialogue that crackles with authenticity, while the cinematography leans into subtle, lived-in moments rather than sweeping spectacle.

Eva Victor: A Star on the Rise

If you’ve spent any time on film Twitter, the name Eva Victor has probably pinged on your radar. Known for her quirky comedic shorts and stage work, Victor’s leap to feature films has been much anticipated—and Sorry, Baby delivers the breakout performance fans were hoping for.

  • Before her Edinburgh Film Festival turn, Victor was celebrated for her work in web comedies and a memorable recurring role in HBO’s Billions. She’s also trained at top improv schools, which shows in her effortless timing and improvisational spark.
  • Victor’s performance is already drawing praise for its depth and honesty. As one reviewer put it, “She trades wry one-liners for moments of real vulnerability, making Ava both exasperating and impossible not to root for.”
  • Her comedic dexterity—think Phoebe Waller-Bridge-meets-Greta Gerwig—marks her as a rising indie star, with Sorry, Baby touted as her “breakout role” at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

Adele Romanski’s Involvement

When it comes to indie credibility, few names shine like Adele Romanski. The Moonlight and The Underground Railroad producer is known for her ability to spot daring scripts and shepherd them to critical acclaim. Her role as producer on Sorry, Baby was quietly announced, but has stoked expectations ever since.

  • Romanski’s presence signals serious awards potential; she’s built a reputation for championing unique, underrepresented voices in film.
  • With movies like Moonlight (Oscar-winner for Best Picture) and The Underground Railroad (Amazon’s critically acclaimed limited series), Romanski brings taste and tactical know-how to every project she touches.
  • Her involvement serves as a stamp of quality—insiders are already whispering about Sorry, Baby as a dark horse for indie awards and end-of-year “Best Of” lists.

Edinburgh Film Festival Reception

Debuting in the bustling heart of festival season, Sorry, Baby drew a packed house—and more than a few raised eyebrows—at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Early audience reactions have been notably warm, citing both the film’s relatability and Victor’s unique on-screen energy.

  • Critics praised the film’s “quiet confidence” and its sharp sense of humor, with several noting that it “sidesteps cliché for something deeply personal and specific.”
  • One reviewer remarked, “It feels like eavesdropping on someone’s life—often funny, sometimes painful, but always real.”
  • The positive buzz has already led to speculation about a North American premiere at a major festival later this year, with distributors reportedly circling.

Impact on Distribution & Awards

Festival momentum is crucial for indie films seeking wider audiences or awards consideration. The enthusiastic reception at Edinburgh has put Sorry, Baby on industry shortlists, and with Romanski’s strategic touch, further festival appearances and awards campaigns seem likely.

Themes and Why They Matter

At its core, Sorry, Baby is a meditation on female resilience—but it’s smart enough not to signal this virtue from a soapbox. Instead, it captures the messy, nonlinear progress of self-acceptance, filtering universal anxieties through Ava’s comic missteps and emotional honesty.

  • Dark humor works as a shield and a release valve in the face of real-world disappointment and social awkwardness.
  • The film offers biting commentary on twenty-something adulthood, echoing recent indie triumphs like Lady Bird or Heller’s own The Diary of a Teenage Girl, but with a distinctly contemporary edge.
  • Its depiction of found family, creative ambition, and the slipperiness of identity make it both timely and deeply resonant.

What’s Next for the Film?

With festival buzz growing and more critics jumping on board after Edinburgh, Sorry, Baby is primed for a robust festival run. While US distribution hasn’t officially been announced, reports suggest negotiations are underway for both theatrical and streaming releases—likely targeting platforms with a proven appetite for indie film gems.

  • Current rumors hint at screenings at Toronto, Telluride, or Sundance—prime territory for breakout indie discoveries.
  • Awards contender? The combination of Eva Victor’s performance, Romanski’s backing, and Heller’s skillful direction could make Sorry, Baby a sleeper for indie awards and perhaps even stride into next year’s Independent Spirit Awards conversation.

How to Watch Sorry, Baby

As of now, public release plans are still under wraps, but updates are expected to roll out soon. Your best bet? Keep an eye on the Edinburgh Film Festival site for screening announcements and follow the film and its team on social channels for distribution news. For those dying to see it first, festival circuits and select indie theaters will likely be the initial launchpads, followed by a likely streaming debut.

  • Bookmark festival updates—once dates are announced, indie theaters from New York to LA will try to snag early showings.
  • Streaming services with a penchant for offbeat, character-driven stories—think A24, Netflix’s indie branch, or Hulu—are logical homes for a film with this pedigree.

Sorry, Baby is shaping up to be the indie film event that sparks conversations well after the credits roll. Bitingly funny, achingly real, and propelled by a breakout performance from Eva Victor, it’s already cemented its place as a critical and audience favorite at the Edinburgh Film Festival. With Adele Romanski steering from behind the scenes, the film stands poised for even greater recognition as festival season rolls onward.

If you’re even remotely invested in indie film trends, emerging talent, or just want a sneak peek at cinema’s next wave, Sorry, Baby belongs on your radar. Drop your thoughts below—are you excited to see Eva Victor’s rapid ascent? Which indie hits does Sorry, Baby remind you of, and where do you hope it lands for its big release? Let’s talk festival favorites and award season predictions in the comments!

//madurird.com/4/9762637