Joachim Trier’s sentimental value It arrives with a weight of anticipation, following the particularly acclaimed Oslo trilogy. As a fan of “The Baddest Man in the World,” I went into this 2025 family drama expecting a similar blend of introspection and emotional resonance. Starring Renate Rijnsve as Nora, a stage actress struggling with anxiety, Stellan Skarsgård as her estranged director father Gustav, and Inga Ybsdotter Lileas as her sister Agnes, the film promises an intimate look at inherited trauma and the blurred line between artistic and personal history. From the beginning, the cinematography and carefully constructed frames draw you into the Oslo family home, an icon filled with memories and implicit regrets.
The story follows Nora’s hesitant reunion with her father after her mother dies. At the same time, Gustav introduces an idea for a new film that strangely reflects their painful past. Trier deftly explores the ideas of acting and authenticity, questioning whether it’s right to turn real-life pain into art. Reinsve gives a sensitive performance that expresses her anxiety through quiet moments and facial expressions, highlighting Trier’s signature style of expressing inner emotions. Skarsgard portrays Gustav’s mix of pride and vulnerability with a gentle intensity that makes his flaws feel very real and human. The supporting cast, including Fanning, who takes on Nora, helps deepen the film’s themes of family history and deep-rooted grudges.
Visually, “Sentimental Value” is quietly beautiful, and the simple, atmospheric music helps the emotional moments feel natural and gentle, rather than overly dramatic. Even in the lighter scenes, there is a deep feeling of sadness as the story explores how love and resentment can coexist within a broken family. Trier avoided cheesy or fake sentimentality, choosing instead to show genuine, honest moments that leave viewers waiting and pondering. This method of storytelling creates a gentle space for thinking about memory and healing.
But despite its craftsmanship, the film keeps the audience at arm’s length. I found myself drawn in by the high standard of acting and interesting setting, and invested in the characters’ journey, but I was waiting for a deeper emotional appeal that was never fully realized.
Despite its flaws, the film shows real tenderness for its imperfect characters. Without trying to neatly tie everything together, it hints that understanding and compassion can help bring about salvation. While this ending may be gentle and meaningful for some viewers, for me it didn’t have as much of an impact as I had hoped, and felt more like a fade-out than a strong ending. Some parts of the film are funny and well acted, but overall it feels a little too long for what this film has to offer, especially when compared to Trier’s earlier, more emotionally affecting films.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful film about family relationships and artistic healing, it’s worth checking out, not for any particularly deep emotional moments, but for its beautiful visuals. A second viewing might reveal more details, but the first time I watched it, it was thought-provoking without leaving the strong impression I was hoping for.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
