Festivals: Sentimental Value (2025) by Joachim Trier: A Director's Attempt at Reconciliation
- dailyentertainment95
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
A Family Confronts a Fractured Past Sentimental Value is a 2025 drama film directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier, known for his masterful work on The Worst Person in the World. The film follows two estranged sisters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), who must reckon with their absent father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-famous film director. When their mother dies, Gustav returns with a proposition: he wants to make a new film about his own mother, and he wants to shoot it in their childhood home, with Nora in the lead role. The film becomes a vehicle for Gustav's artistic comeback but, more importantly, a way for him to try and mend the deep emotional rifts with his daughters. The story is a raw and complex exploration of inherited trauma, artistry, and the complicated nature of family.
Why to watch this movie: A Masterful Return for the Cast and Crew This film is a must-watch for fans of Joachim Trier and his previous work, as it reunites him with two of his most frequent collaborators, Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie.
Stellar performances across the board: The film is anchored by a phenomenal lead performance from Stellan Skarsgård, who plays the egomaniacal and emotionally stunted father, Gustav. However, the film is also a showcase for Renate Reinsve, who delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as the emotionally wounded Nora. Critics have also praised Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for her equally compelling portrayal of Agnes, the more seemingly "well-adjusted" sister.
A deeply personal and honest story: The film feels like a deeply personal work for Trier, as it explores themes of artistic legacy, family trauma, and the complex relationship between art and life. The script, co-written with his long-time partner Eskil Vogt, is lauded for its witty and natural dialogue, which reveals the characters' inner lives with startling clarity.
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant: Trier's signature visual style, characterized by a mix of intimacy and surrealism, is on full display here. The family home becomes a character in itself, and the beautiful cinematography creates a melancholic and nostalgic atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's emotional core.
Where to watch: Theatrical Release: September 5, 2025 (US, Limited) The film had its theatrical premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2025
About movie: https://mk2films.com/en/film/sentimental-value/
What Trend is followed?: The Artist's Personal Reckoning Sentimental Value fits into a recent trend of films that use an artist's personal struggles to tell a larger story about creative expression and personal legacy.
Meta-narrative filmmaking: The film's use of a "movie within a movie" structure allows it to explore filmmaking itself as a subject. It raises questions about the line between an artist's work and their personal life, and whether art can be a form of healing or just another way to avoid confronting one's past.
Focus on the aging artist: The film also taps into a trend of stories about aging artists grappling with their fading relevance and the legacy they're leaving behind. Gustav is a figure who is both pitiable and infuriating, and the film examines his attempts to stay relevant in an industry that has moved on.
Director's Vision: The Therapeutic Power of Art Joachim Trier's vision for the film is to explore the ways in which art can be a powerful tool for understanding and reconciling with one's past, but also how it can be a barrier to genuine emotional connection.
Art as a form of communication: The film posits that for some, art is the only way to communicate their deepest emotions. Gustav, who is unable to directly apologize to his daughters, uses his script to express his regret and his love for them.
The intersection of art and life: Trier blends reality and fiction throughout the film, blurring the lines between the characters' lives and the film Gustav is making. This approach allows the audience to see how the act of creating art can force people to confront truths about themselves that they'd rather leave buried.
Themes: Legacy, Trauma, and the Family Home The film is rich with a variety of themes that give it a profound emotional weight.
Inherited Trauma: The film explores how trauma can be passed down through generations. Gustav's film about his mother's tragic life is a way of confronting his own past, but in doing so, he forces his daughters to reckon with a family history that they were previously unaware of.
The House as a Living Character: The family home is not just a setting; it is a central part of the story. The house holds the memories of the family's past and acts as a vessel for the emotional turmoil that has unfolded within its walls. The film opens with a montage of the house's history, establishing its importance from the very beginning.
The Duality of a Public and Private Persona: The film explores the difference between how people are perceived publicly and who they are in private. Gustav is a revered auteur, a hero to his fans, but to his daughters, he is just a disappointment. Nora, too, is a successful stage actress who suffers from crippling stage fright and anxiety in her private life.
Key success factors: Critical Acclaim and Festival Buzz The film has been a critical success, earning praise at major film festivals.
A strong critical reception: The film was a major hit at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Grand Prix, and also at TIFF, where it received significant buzz. Critics have lauded it as a worthy follow-up to Trier's previous work, with some calling it his most personal and moving film to date.
An accessible and human story: Despite its artistic and meta-narrative elements, the film's core is a relatable story about family dysfunction and the universal need for love and acceptance. This makes it a film that can connect with a wide audience.
A winning combination of talent: The reunion of Trier, Reinsve, and Vogt has proven to be a winning combination. Their shared creative synergy is palpable on screen, and the film benefits from their deep understanding of character and emotion.
Awards and Nominations: Grand Prix at Cannes Sentimental Value won the Grand Prix at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The film also received a nod for its compelling performances from critics at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Critics Reception: A Profound and Moving Family Drama The critical reception for Sentimental Value has been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics calling it one of the best films of the year.
The Film Stage: Praised the film for its "lived-in" dialogue and fully fleshed-out characters, stating that it feels like "real moments lucky to have been captured."
Live for Films: Highlighted the film's "acutely authentic" feel and its intelligent approach to family drama, noting that it "never becomes saccharine."
The Guardian: Gave the film a more mixed review, describing it as a "baggy comedy" that is "sentimental in ways that are not entirely intentional," but still noted that "there is value, too."
Roger Ebert: Called the film a "breathtaking drama" and stated that it solidifies Trier's status as "one of the working masters."
Overall, critics agree that the film is a beautiful, somber, and deeply affecting family drama, distinguished by its emotional honesty and superb performances.
Reviews: An Emotional and Thought-Provoking Experience General reviews for the film have been largely positive, echoing the sentiments of professional critics.
Audience Reviews (general sentiment): Audiences who saw the film at festivals found it to be a powerful and moving experience. They connected with the characters' emotional journeys and appreciated the film's honest portrayal of family dynamics.
Social Media Commentary: Conversations online have been full of praise for the cast, especially Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård. Many have called it a strong contender for awards season, particularly for acting and screenplay.
What Movie Trend film is following: The 'Legacy Auteur' Drama The film follows the trend of "legacy auteur" dramas, which are films that focus on the personal and professional lives of a great artist. These films often explore the sacrifices made for art and the complex relationship between a creator's work and their personal life. It's a genre that has gained prominence with films like Tár and The Fabelmans, and Sentimental Value fits right in by exploring the psyche of an aging filmmaker.
What Big Social Trend is following: Intergenerational Trauma and Emotional Wellness The film taps into a major social trend of increased awareness and discussion around intergenerational trauma. It reflects a growing cultural understanding of how past family experiences, particularly those related to neglect and emotional distance, can have a lasting impact on a person's life. The film's focus on the characters' journey toward emotional reckoning and healing is a theme that deeply resonates with modern audiences who are more open to discussing mental health.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece of Familial Reckoning Sentimental Value is a stunningly beautiful and profoundly moving film that once again solidifies Joachim Trier's status as a master of the human condition. Anchored by a tour-de-force performance from Stellan Skarsgård and a remarkable turn by Renate Reinsve, the film is a poignant and honest exploration of family dysfunction, inherited trauma, and the complex relationship between art and life. It is a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally devastating, and it deserves to be seen.