Schmear Hunter's Sundance 2025 Round-Up

"Sorry, Baby," "Predators," "The Perfect Neighbor," "The Things You Kill," and "Seeds"

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The reaction from Sundance was notably muted, bordering on disappointment, though that didn’t stop me from seeing some movies I really admired, especially in the documentary space.

Below, a discussion and review of some of the most notable releases, including A24’s buzzy pick-up Sorry, Baby, and two shocking, urgent true crime documentaries that speak to the American psyche.

Read on for thoughts on:

• Eva Victor’s debut Sorry, Baby

• Predators: an investigation and examination of To Catch a Predator

• Astounding True Crime horror doc The Perfect Neighbor

• The Things You Kill — psychological thriller which evokes Lynch and Kiarostami

• Seeds, a gorgeous, lyrical documentary in the vein of Hale County This Morning, This Evening

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Sorry, Baby (Feature)

What is it: Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on—for everyone around her, at least.

Watch if you like: The Worst Person in the World, Girls, The Chair, Happening

Schmear’s Verdict: A strong debut with sharp writing and well-observed moments, Sorry Baby is acerbic and literary-minded, but its Sundance-y familiarity and restrained ambition keep it from fully distinguishing itself.

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Sorry Baby, the directorial debut from Eva Victor, is the proverbial belle of the Sundance ball—snatched up by A24 and hailed as one of the festival’s best. Is that true?

Want to read on? Consider upgrading your Schmear Hunter subscription for Film Festival coverage. You won’t regret it…