The #MeToo movement only started six years ago, but over that time, we’ve seen its massive impact on Hollywood. Mostly, this has been for the better, as predators are being named and (sometimes) held accountable for their actions. Even when the justice system fails, there are many times when a person is “canceled” and effectively forced to experience consequences that can result in a loss of power, gigs, and social standing. But for all the good the #MeToo movement has done, it’s also created some debates without clear answers. What happens to these predators who are accused of something horrible, apologize, and are still effectively “canceled?” How long is their penance? Should they ever earn the right to mount a comeback? Filmmakers Caroline Suh and Cara Mones attempt to tackle those tricky questions in their informative but lacking new documentary, “Sorry/Not Sorry.” 
READ MORE: Toronto International Film Festival 2023: 26 Must-See Films To Watch At TIFF
Louis C.K. has become one of the biggest names to face cancellation at the hands of a #MeToo controversy. One of the world’s most famous comedians and Hollywood creators, Louis C.K., saw everything come crashing down after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. At first, Louis C.K. did what people would have hoped—he apologized and commented on the systems in place that allowed for him to take advantage of people. He then went away. But before long, he was back at comedy clubs, rebuilding his audience and writing jokes about the very same transgressions that got him canceled in the first place. Many saw this as distasteful, but enough people have supported his comeback that Louis C.K. has arguably become just as popular as he was before all of the controversy. This is a perfect example to tackle in “Sorry/Not Sorry,” a film that ultimately aims to answer the tough questions outlined above. Unfortunately, the filmmakers do little more than paint the picture of a fall from grace and a controversial rise from the ashes without providing much perspective. 
Produced by the New York Times, “Sorry/Not Sorry” feels like an episode of a dry History Channel docuseries. It’s well-made, and there are talking heads who offer opinions about Louis C.K.’s alleged actions, focusing on the victims who are given a platform to tell their story, but the biggest questions remain unanswered. Often, the film feels like a high school book report where the student is only willing to regurgitate the plot to hit a word count and earn a C grade. Even with C.K.’s story, there are some obvious missed opportunities. The two comedians who spoke out and really led the drive that would see Louis C.K. forced to leave the spotlight are only briefly mentioned and have no appearance in the documentary. Obviously, filmmakers can’t force folks to participate, but did they decline to speak? Why wouldn’t they want to appear? 
Also, while there are some notable figures offering their opinions on the situation, including a couple of the comedian’s peers, there isn’t anyone seemingly close to C.K. or the situation in a way that would help shed light on his mindset for mounting a comeback in the way that he did. What about the folks who participated in C.K.’s unreleased film, “I Love You Daddy?” (Read our review here) While most documentaries shouldn’t be criticized for the people who aren’t in the film, in a movie like “Sorry/Not Sorry,” where public opinion is at the center of the debate, isn’t it telling that no foremost A-list comedians who previously spoke out against Louis C.K. or people associated with his projects chose to participate?
It’s a glaring omission, and the obvious answer leads to some genuinely uncomfortable admissions. People are scared of Louis C.K. again. Maybe not because he will do something to harm them, but definitely because he has regained a position of power. And the #MeToo movement has experienced some serious ups and downs, and it might not be safe for people to speak out against people. Let’s not forget Louis C.K. admitted to taking advantage of women and exposing himself in front of them. And even still, a documentary about the harm he caused feels like it has a serious lack of brave souls willing to speak out. What does that say about society in 2023?
All of that to say—the most interesting aspects of “Sorry/Not Sorry” are the things missing. Instead of just presenting the facts, offering the barest minimum of talking heads, and only giving some of the victims a chance to speak out, there could have been a more thoughtful dive into why no one else participated and why people are now clearly scared to speak out against someone who admitted to causing harm to women and what this means about society today. Did the #MeToo movement fail? Are predators still in power in Hollywood? After all of this, are women still being silenced due to fear of losing work and becoming the targets of harassment? 
Alas, that’s just not what “Sorry/Not Sorry” offers audiences. If you’re only interested in watching a well-made film that restates facts and doesn’t care to establish a clear point of view, this film ticks all the boxes. However, if you’re hoping for the filmmakers to go a step further and really examine the fallout of the #MeToo movement through the lens of Louis C.K.’s situation, “Sorry/Not Sorry” lacks any real bite. It’s like listening to a joke, hearing an intriguing set-up, and waiting for a punchline that never comes. You’re just left wondering what’s the point? [C]
Follow along with all our coverage of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.