It’s almost impossible to depict sexual assault truthfully on screen. Of course, that hasn’t stopped countless people from trying by way of hysterical women with bloodied limbs, monstrous assailants emerging from alleyways, and countless other cartoonish tropes that serve nothing except sensationalism. Most of the time, despite well-meaning intentions, these scenes cause more harm than good, reinforcing the litany of myths and misconceptions around sexual trauma.
Occasionally, though, a piece of art comes along that offers something different. Something that speaks to what it really means to be violated, all the things that takes from you, delving into all the lifelong psychological and physiological ramifications that come with it. The latest in this all-too-limited canon is A24-produced Sorry, Baby — an independent film written and directed by newcomer Eva Victor, who also stars in the project.
