Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value gently pulses with a captivating rhythm, weaving a story rooted in memory, art, and the delicate bonds that keep a family united. The film affectionately circles the Borg household, giving each character space to breathe and unfold at their own pace. Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Rachel Kemp injects a vibrant, inquisitive energy into an already emotionally layered narrative.
The film begins with the breaking apart of Gustav Borg and Sissel’s marriage, a pivotal moment that shapes everything to come. Trier approaches this early rupture with transparency, inviting viewers to feel the delicate process of a family reshuffling after a foundational crack. Sissel raises Nora and Agnes in the Oslo home steeped in generations of stories, while Gustav dives into his career with a relentless focus that influences everyone around him.
As the daughters come of age, the film expands its scope to reveal their evolving lives. Agnes, portrayed with gentle warmth by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, crafts a life deeply rooted in her family and heritage. Meanwhile, Nora, brought to life with radiant vulnerability by Renate Reinsve, ventures into acting with a mix of talent and nervous excitement. Her romantic entanglement with Jakob, played by Anders Danielsen Lie, introduces a bittersweet tenderness to her story, a poignant reminder that love and longing often intertwine.
When Sissel passes away, Gustav returns to claim his family’s home, prompting a poignant reflection on the themes of return, healing, and the stories we carry with us. Stellan Skarsgård captures Gustav’s essence with a compelling mix of charm and vulnerability, portraying a man who seeks connection through his most cherished language: cinema. His evolving bond with young Erik, Agnes’ son, deepens through shared movie moments—each one a subtle yet powerful thread woven into the film’s rich tapestry.
Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Rachel injects a vibrant spark into the story. Her arrival breathes new life into Gustav’s waning career, and her star power begins to open doors that had started to close. Fanning embodies Rachel with a graceful blend of confidence and self-awareness, creating a character who fully understands the significance of stepping into another’s story. Their scenes together shimmer with artistic curiosity, highlighting the film’s exploration of art as a powerful bridge between people.
The film draws you in with its lyrical exploration of death, family, friendship, and work. Karin’s history, woven through archives and memories, serves as a powerful window into Gustav’s creative passion. Agnes’ poignant journey into the National Archives of Norway delivers one of the film’s most moving moments, as she reads her grandmother’s testimony and feels the lingering pain echo in her father’s life. Trier handles this scene with tenderness, allowing the past to gently seep into the present.
As Nora finally immerses herself in Gustav’s script, the film reaches an intimate turning point. Her choice to become part of the project sparks a sense of healing, a reminder that art can open a door to understanding. The climactic scene, shot on a soundstage with Peter returning as cinematographer, becomes a poignant moment of connection between father and daughter. Their last exchange of glances carries the weight of years, yet also the hint of something new and hopeful.
Trier’s direction casts a gentle glow over the film’s core themes. He seamlessly blends the art of filmmaking with a sense of communion, illustrating how stories can carry grief, hope, and the yearning to be seen. The film’s focus on the intricate labor of creating art—covering scripts, financing, casting, and collaboration—adds depth and texture, enriching the emotional heart of the story.
Sentimental Value ultimately offers a portrait of a family learning to speak again through the language of film. It celebrates the ways art can gather the pieces of a life and hold them with care. With Elle Fanning’s luminous performance, a deeply felt ensemble, and Trier’s steady hand, the film becomes a meditation on the ties that endure.
LETTER GRADE: A‑
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