When he was at the top of his comedic and creative form, the New York Times ran an article accusing comedian Louis CK of indecent sexual behaviour involving a number of women who were coerced into his lewd activities. The comic was seemingly paying the consequences for his actions, and his victims finally had a collective voice. However, there wasn’t much longevity for justice. Louis CK reacquainted himself with success through independent endeavours, supported by his loyal fanbase, while the women who spoke out against him either found themselves continuously tied to their past with CK or blackballed by the entertainment industry.

Directed by Cara Mones and frequent doc producer Caroline Suh (Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger), Sorry/Not Sorry takes a while to find it’s footing. Despite being equipped with engaging interviews, the film has the appeal of a trickily edited hit piece on a public figure that people either find irrelevant or have voluntarily chosen to forget. As a former fan of Louis CK, the disturbing nature of the claims, along with the overall hypocrisy that sullied his observant humour, made it easy for me to ignore any of his future endeavours.

Then again, in the end, that dismissive attitude is what Sorry/Not Sorry is all about. The directorial duo provides an extensive recap on Louis CK’s past, and builds on how the comic misinterpreted his own growth and further offended those he hurt. But, the doc elevates itself by acting as a retrospective on how to proactively handle allegations of misconduct – the Louis CK case is a host for this doc’s topic.

Following the #MeToo movement, there have been divisive debates about the legitimacy of sexual assault accusations. As much as we believe victims are treated with respect and support, it’s not as cut and dry in certain social circles. Entertainers are interviewed in Sorry/Not Sorry who admit that they should have known better. Some of them also delve into the complications of publicly calling out CK’s behaviour and hosting discussions about overall rulings, and explain what they have learned from their experience.

Sorry/Not Sorry is careful not to blame victims or people who were genuinely confused by how to act. The film aspires to be a resource by example, and I think Mones and Suh have done a good job of doing so, along with contributing comedians Jen Kirkman, Megan Koester and Abby Schachner.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie