Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value arrives with the weight of anticipation, especially following his acclaimed Oslo trilogy. As a fan of “The Worst Person in the World,” I approached this 2025 family drama expecting a similar blend of introspection and emotional resonance. Starring Renate Reinsve as Nora, a stage actress grappling with anxiety, alongside Stellan Skarsgård as her estranged filmmaker father Gustav, and supported by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as her sister Agnes, the film promises an intimate look at inherited trauma and the blurry lines between art and personal history. From the outset, the cinematography and carefully composed frames draw you into the Oslo family home, a symbol laden with memories and unspoken regrets.
The story is about Nora’s hesitant reunion with her father after their mother passes away. At the same time, Gustav introduces a new movie idea that strangely reflects their painful past. Trier skillfully explores ideas of acting and being genuine, asking whether it’s right to turn real-life pain into art. Reinsve gives a subtle performance, showing her unease through quiet moments and looks, which highlights Trier’s signature style of showing inner feelings. Skarsgård portrays Gustav’s mix of pride and vulnerability with calm intensity, making his flaws feel very real and human. The supporting cast, including Fanning as someone who challenges Nora, helps deepen the film’s themes of family history and lingering resentment.
Visually, “Sentimental Value” is quietly beautiful, and the simple, atmospheric music helps the emotional moments feel natural and gentle, instead of overly dramatic. Even in the lighter scenes, there’s a deep feeling of sadness, as the story explores how love and resentment can exist side by side in broken families. Trier avoids cheesy or fake emotions, choosing instead to show real, honest moments that make the viewer wait and reflect. This way of storytelling creates a calm space for thinking about memory and healing.
Yet, for all its craftsmanship, the film keeps its audience at arm’s length. I found myself invested in the characters’ journeys, drawn in by the high-standard acting and interesting setup, but waiting for a deeper emotional pull that never fully materialized.
Despite its flaws, the film really shows kindness toward its imperfect characters. It hints that understanding and compassion can help bring redemption, without trying to tie everything up neatly. The ending is gentle and meaningful for some viewers, but for me, it didn’t have the strong impact I was hoping for—it felt more like a fade-out than a powerful ending. Some parts of the movie are interesting and well-acted, but overall, it feels a bit too long for what it offers, especially when compared to Trier’s earlier, more emotionally impactful films.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful film about family relationships and artistic healing, it’s worth checking out—especially for its beautiful visuals rather than deep emotional moments. Watching it again might reveal more details, but on my first watch, it made me think without leaving a strong, lasting impression I was hoping for.
Screening at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX from December 26.
Screening in the Luna Outdoor Jan 1-4.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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