Expectations are naturally high whenever a new project emerges from the creative mind of Joachim Trier. The Norwegian auteur, celebrated for The Worst Person in the World, has built a reputation for crafting intimate, melancholic portraits of the human condition. In his latest feature, Sentimental Value, Trier continues this exploration, diving deep into the messy intersections of identity, memory, and grief. It is a film that seeks a soul-level connection with its audience, reinforcing Trier’s status as a master of emotional storytelling.
The Story
Co-written by Trier and long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt (The Innocents), the narrative follows sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). Their lives are upended by the return of their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a charismatic filmmaker attempting to revive his fading career with an autobiographical script. Tension peaks when Nora, a theater actress, refuses the lead role in her father’s project. In a move that disrupts the family’s fragile peace, Gustav casts a young American star, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). What follows is a poignant journey that examines whether art can serve as a bridge to reconciliation.
The Performances
The film’s efficacy rests on its four powerhouse leads. Stellan Skarsgård is magnificent as Gustav, portraying a man using his craft as a desperate “creative penance” for his failures as a father. Renate Reinsve delivers a volcanic yet internal performance; her Nora is a vessel of bottled-up resentment and grief. Agnes, played with subtle grace by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, provides the emotional anchor as the sister who sacrificed her own ambitions for domestic stability. Finally, Elle Fanning shines as Rachel, serving as the unexpected catalyst who forces the Borg family to confront their shared history with startling honesty.
Behind the Lens
Visually, Sentimental Value is both breathtaking and claustrophobic. Cinematographer Kasper Tuxen utilizes tight close-ups and long takes—including a stunning “oner” near the end—to capture the raw vulnerability of the cast. This is complemented by Hania Rani’s haunting score, which amplifies the film’s melancholic atmosphere. However, the film isn’t without technical controversy; the frequent, abrupt cuts to black between scenes occasionally disrupt the contemplative flow, forcing the viewer out of the emotional space Trier so carefully constructs.
Final Verdict
Sentimental Value is a profoundly mature meditation on the “emotional inheritance” passed from parent to child. It questions whether art is a genuine path to forgiveness or merely a tool to externalize guilt. Despite minor editing gripes, the film is a monumental achievement in character-driven drama.
Its excellence has not gone unnoticed by critics. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, it took home Best Supporting Actor for Skarsgård. Also won the Best Film Not in English category in the recently concluded BAFTA awards apart from winning the Best European Film of the Year award at 38th European Film Awards. Furthermore, it dominated the 98th Academy Awards with nine nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for the entire central quartet. It is a haunting reminder that our most painful bonds often hold the greatest value.
For viewers in India, the film Sentimental Value is exclusively streaming on MUBI. It can be accessed via a MUBI subscription or through the MUBI Amazon Channel. For a one-time viewing, it is also available to rent or purchase on BookMyShow Stream.
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“Sentimental Value” Shines at European Film Awards 2026: Full Winners List
