Something unfortunate occurred with Agnes. But life continues on – at least for everyone else around her. The logline doesn’t reveal exactly what that unfortunate event is, and neither does the movie itself. Presented in a non-linear way, the movie is broken up into chapters with titles that begin with ‘The year where [something happened]’, which reminds me of Friends series’ naming conventions for its episodes, i.e., “The One with…” or “The One Where…”.
We first encounter Eva Victor’s Agnes at her New England home, greeting an old friend, Lydie (Naomi Ackie), whom she hasn’t seen in three years. Agnes is now a college professor, still residing in the same house where the two best friends lived during grad school. Meanwhile, Lydie has moved away to NYC and gotten married. What immediately caught my attention was the genuine and humorous portrayal of friendship, as Agnes and Lydie snuggle on the couch under a blanket and have open discussions about sex. Victor’s script cleverly sidesteps heavy-handed explanations, allowing us to learn more about the characters through their casual conversations.
The story then takes us back to grad school, in a chapter called ’The Year When The Bad Thing Happened.’ Agnes and Lydie share a thesis advisor, Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi, with a name like that, I sure hope he’ll always be in his best behavior as the memes would write itself!), and during a meeting with other students, he complimented Agnes’ writing. When Preston texts her to meet at his house rather than on campus, I knew it was a bad idea. I appreciate that Victor avoids showing the sexual assault, which could be triggering for some people. Using the brilliant filmmaking method of depicting day turning into night, we witness the aftermath of the ‘bad thing’ as we see Agnes nervously walking back to her car and driving home quietly. There’s no overbearing score to distract us or sway our feelings, just the actor’s expressions reflecting her distress.
A film that tackles trauma can often feel heavy and gloomy, but Victor takes a different route by infusing humor throughout. She reminds me of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and fans of Fleabag might dig her deadpan, wry humor. She sprinkles in quirky, offbeat dialogue even during difficult scenes. The bit at the doctor’s office is relatable for a lot of people, since medical professionals can come across as detached and overly blunt when discussing delicate subjects. She later shares the traumatic experience in a chilling confession to Lydie.
Even though the poster features Agnes with a cat, it’s not really a cat movie. Still, animals can definitely help folks deal with tough times. I adore the part where Agnes finds a kitten on the street and tries to sneak it into the grocery store. There’s also a sense of tenderness, especially through Lydie and Agnes’ kind neighbor Gavin (Lucas Hedges), who helps her learn to trust again by offering quiet support and respectful boundaries. Their developing relationship is portrayed with an adorable awkwardness and moments of genuine vulnerability. The scene at the bathtub is both heartfelt and hilarious. It’s a delicate balance that’s tough to pull off even for veteran filmmakers, so it’s a major feat for a first-time filmmaker.
Another memorable supporting character is John Carroll Lynch as a sandwich shop owner who helps Agnes overcome a panic attack. It’s a brief but impactful scene as Agnes opens up about the ‘bad thing’ and he acknowledges that time doesn’t automatically heal all wounds. He illustrates the power of being a good listener and how a simple gesture of kindness can change someone’s life.
I read that Victor aimed to create a film about the sense of being stuck while everyone else is progressing, without focusing on the violence. I appreciate this so much, as so many films about trauma often end up glorifying the bad thing itself. Shot from a female lens, this one depicts sexual content without making it gratuitous. In her impressive debut feature, the film’s greatest strength lies in its beautifully developed characters, who come across as incredibly genuine and relatable.
While there are plenty of things Victor got right, the movie isn’t flawless, however. The slow pace can really test your patience. I understand that some arthouse filmmakers intentionally use this slow approach to create a distinct cinematic atmosphere for viewers to reflect on the film’s themes. But it can sometimes feel a bit too self-indulgent. Some of the characters come across like caricatures, most notably Kelly McCormack’s Natasha, who’s jealous of Agnes.
A few other characters seem to be deliberately written to make a point about something, such as the two university female staff displaying faux solidarity. The lack of closure might frustrate some viewers, although it could be a conscious reflection on how trauma unfolds in reality. The ending feels a bit too abrupt for me, but the meaningful moment where Agnes speaks to Lydie’s newborn wraps things up in a hopeful note while creatively highlighting the essence of the title.
I have to say, I didn’t instantly fall head over heels for this movie when I first watched it. But after thinking it over, I really admire its brilliance and how the story lingers with you long after. Big shoutout to Eva Victor for her writing, directing, and acting skills (not necessarily in that order), Mia Cioffi Henry for the fantastic camera work, and the beautiful yet subtle score by Lia Ouyang Rusli (a composer of Indonesian descent!).
Sorry, Baby had won the coveted Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize earlier this year, and has since been picked up by A24 for $8 million. I’m curious if it will follow a similar award path as other Sundance hits like A Real Pain, CODA, Minari, and so on that made it to the Oscars. One thing’s for sure, Victor is a refreshing new voice in indie cinema, and I can’t wait to see what she takes on next.
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I’ve heard good things about this as I do want to see this though not right now as I just want to chill for a bit after having to take of my niece and nephew last weekend.
I hear ya! I almost didn’t go to this as I got really busy, but glad I did. Going to see Fantastic Four tonight as I missed it earlier this week. Have a relaxing weekend, Steven!
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Another excellent review. I do remember seeing the trailer for this one in the theatre and making a mental note to see it. Once again, the main reason why this film attracts me is the great cast. I love all of these actors especially Lucas Hedges. Ever since his stunning role in “Manchester by the Sea”, Hedges has become a fantastic actor. He always chooses his roles wisely. I will definitely keep this one my watchlist. Lucas Hedges never lets me down.
Here’s my favourite Lucas Hedges movies of all-time:
Hey Huilahi! Always happy to hear your comment. Yeah, Lucas Hedges is great here, I think you’ll appreciate him even more. I haven’t seen too many of his movies (though you’ve put together a great list of that), but I remember him in French Exit with Michelle Pfeiffer? Have you seen that one?
Thanks for the feedback. As always I appreciate it. Haven’t seen the French Exit. I love Hedges’ work in Manchester by the Sea the most. The scene where he has a nervous breakdown resonates strongly with me. It’s the role that made him the major movie star he is today. A truly underrated actor.
I still need to see Manchester by the Sea, though the real town Manchester-by-the-Sea is close to where my in-laws live near Boston. In fact, we’re going to Boston to visit later in August, I definitely should play a visit.
Hedges sounds like an underrated actor as he seems to consistently deliver good work.
I wonder too, where this will head… to the Oscars?
I haven’t seen it, but will put it on my list.
Rape, sexual violence, any unwanted sex behaviour is something that needs to be continually tackled in our world.
Its pervasiveness is a blight on humanity. That makes it topical, always.
This comment could easily turn into a ranting essay, so I’ll leave it there, and congratulate the filmmaker et al on the project.
Thank you for reviewing this film, Ruth!
Hey Resa! Yeah, I think the writer/director based this on her own experience, which is too bad that she had to endure that. At the same time, it’s amazing that she was able to turn it into such a terrific film that isn’t dour or depressing. Using humor to tackle a difficult subject isn’t easy, especially for her first feature. I hope she gets to make more films in the future, regardless of where this one would fare during award season.
I like your positive outlook. It sounds like she’s off to a great start!
Uch, I endured “The Diplomat” last night.
Oh so you’re not fond of the Diplomat? I have a good friend who LOVES Rufus Sewell and she highly recommended that show, but I haven’t had much interest in seeing that. Well, I’ll just stick with The Penguin, I do wanna get to that soon!
“The Diplomat” meh.. Well done technically, story line – being aware of what is reallygoing
UCH… accidental send.
Being aware of what is really going on in the world has a place of importance, but this representation is pedestrian at best.
Honestly, I can’t stand the show. Of course people must like it, because it got 3 noms.
PENGUIN GOT 24!
Finally started watching PENGUIN, only 1 episode so far as it was so intense I can only watch one episode at a time, but man, you’re right, it’s fantastic!! Colin Farrell better win Best Leading Actor, and Cristin Milioti too, both are phenomenal!
I could only watch one at a time. Agree, both should win the Emmy.
Just a thought, as you need to watch all 8 episodes… perhaps when I make my Emmy predictions for costumes, we could talk about “The Penguin”… as an overall – sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, actors, all the fab production values. (the mom is up for best supporting)
This is in lieu of having a “Gilded Age” to chat about.
Bridgerton is up for best Period Costumes, and as fanciful and eye candy as they are, they suck for the category. They should be in a different category, like Fantasy or Faux Period, … like The “Bear”, it does not make sense.
Just chucking out thoughts.
Yasss!!! Let’s do a collab on The Penguin!! I can do a brief review of the series and then we do a deep dive of the costumes and production design, which are incredible!! I was saying to my husband as we watched it, the world-building feels authentic and immersive, it’s not just making things period-appropriate that doesn’t feel lived-in (my criticism for The Fantastic Four movie which has a pretty retro aesthetic).
I still haven’t seen the latest Gilded Age, I prioritized The Penguin since you loved it so much. So thanks to you we started watching. I don’t care for Bridgerton which is extremely shallow and silly to be honest. I’m also not sure if I wanna continue watching The Bear, which I think is overrated.
Ok, so when is your Emmy deadline again? Just so we have an idea when to do the post. Woo wee, I’m super excited for this!! XOXO
Gilded Age is not eligible for Emmys this year because season 3 didn’t air until late June.
So good that you are watching Penguin!
Okay, so final voting is Aug. 18 – 25. The show airs Sept. 14. SO we should do our post between. What do you think?
We can start blocking the post at any time! xoxoxo
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