Podcast Summary: All Of It – Eva Victor's Directorial Debut, 'Sorry, Baby'

Podcast Information

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Produced by: WNYC
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. The show seeks to build a diverse community that reflects the richness of New York City’s cultural landscape.

Episode Overview

• Episode Title: Eva Victor's Directorial Debut, 'Sorry, Baby'
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Focus: An in-depth conversation with Ava Victor, the writer, director, and star of her debut film "Sorry, Baby." The episode delves into the film’s themes, Ava’s creative process, casting choices, and the nuanced portrayal of trauma and healing.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Introduction to Ava Victor and "Sorry, Baby"
   Timestamp: [00:08]
   Alison Stewart introduces Ava Victor, highlighting her multifaceted role as actor, writer, and director. "Sorry, Baby" is described as a film that explores the aftermath of a traumatic event in the protagonist Agnes's life, focusing on her journey of healing and stagnation.

2. Writing the Film
   Timestamp: [02:20 - 02:26]
   Ava shares her writing process:

   "I wrote this film in 2021. I kind of sequestered myself in a little cabin in Maine and I knew I wanted to write something about trying to heal from a really bad, bad thing." ([02:26])

3. Choice of Setting: Maine
   Timestamp: [02:58 - 03:01]
   Ava explains the significance of Maine's ambiance:

   "The east coast can skew romantic and cozy and old... and also sort of horrific." ([03:01])
   This duality reflects the film's exploration of safety and underlying trauma.

4. Embarking on Directing
   Timestamp: [04:00 - 04:50]
   Ava discusses her transition from acting to directing, expressing initial fears and the commitment required:

   "I storyboarded the whole film, every image... It took me a little longer to figure out, okay, yeah, I am wanting to direct this." ([04:00 - 04:50])

5. Casting and Chemistry
   Timestamp: [06:30 - 08:31]
   The importance of casting is emphasized, particularly the chemistry with co-stars Naomi Ackie and Lucas Hedges. Ava highlights Naomi's natural warmth and patience:

   "Naomi Ackie is... the warmest, kindest, most patient, beautiful, most vulnerable actor ever." ([06:53])
   Regarding Lucas Hedges:
   "He understood it. And I think he just... the role fit him like a glove." ([08:14])

6. Non-Linear Storytelling and Tone
   Timestamp: [08:31 - 11:11]
   Ava explains the decision to present Agnes's life in a non-linear fashion to mirror her internal experience:

   "I wanted the film to start with this explosion of friendship... to see them as these complicated, like, big people." ([08:41])
   This approach allows the audience to connect deeply with Agnes and Lydia before delving into the traumatic events.

7. Depiction of Sexual Assault
   Timestamp: [14:48 - 17:25]
   The conversation addresses the sensitive portrayal of sexual assault without explicit depiction:

   "I wanted to give Agnes and Liddy this fighting chance at being whole people that you fall in love with." ([14:48])
   Ava emphasizes believing Agnes's experience through dialogue rather than visuals:
   "I wanted to make a film that believes Agnes's words without having to see it." ([16:41])

8. Character Analysis: Natasha
   Timestamp: [21:29 - 23:45]
   Ava discusses Natasha's role as a mirror reflecting broader human emotions and struggles:

   "I think we all have her in us, and she happens to be Agnes's Natasha." ([21:56])
   She draws inspiration from literary and cinematic characters, highlighting Natasha’s complexity and evolution.

9. Music and Soundtrack
   Timestamp: [24:25 - 25:13]
   The significance of Leah’s score is underscored:

   "Leah's score is, in my opinion, transcendent, and it completely made the film whole." ([24:31])
   Ava expresses excitement about the soundtrack’s upcoming vinyl release, which includes insights and temp tracks.

Notable Quotes

• Ava Victor on Writing:

  "I wanted to de center violence and speak to the things that keep you going, like a good friend, a good sandwich, a sweet cat." ([02:26])

• Ava Victor on Directing Fear:

  "The main thing I was worried about is the story means so much to me, and I didn't want to sacrifice anything." ([04:52])

• Ava Victor on Character Development:

  "I wanted Agnes and Liddy this fighting chance at being whole people that you fall in love with." ([14:48])

• Ava Victor on Film's Ethos:

  "We were trying to take care of her through that time." ([17:25])

Conclusions and Final Remarks

Ava Victor's "Sorry, Baby" emerges as a heartfelt exploration of trauma, healing, and the complexities of human relationships. Through meticulous storytelling, non-linear narratives, and deeply developed characters, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of its protagonist's journey. Ava's dedication to creating a safe and authentic representation of Agnes's experience underscores the film's emotional resonance and cultural significance.

Additional Information

• Film Availability: "Sorry, Baby" is currently in theaters.
• Soundtrack Release: The film's music, composed by Leah, is being released on vinyl, featuring exclusive notes and temp tracks by Ava and Leah.
• Support Resources: The episode includes a reminder for listeners dealing with sexual assault to reach out to the national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

Final Note

This episode of All Of It offers a profound dive into Ava Victor’s creative process and the thematic depths of "Sorry, Baby." It serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring filmmakers and a compelling story for audiences seeking meaningful cinema.