From director Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) comes a moving and powerful film that examines an estranged family reuniting for the first time in years and striving to make some semblance of peace despite past traumas. I first watched this trailer at the movies about two months ago, and I knew instantly that this movie would be one of the best films of the year. Trier’s movie did not disappoint. It is one of the more compelling stories about a family struggling with their past differences and their individual issues that I have watched in a while.
Renate Reinsve stars as Nora Borg, a stage and TV actor who must reconnect with her sister, Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), and their estranged father, the acclaimed filmmaker Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), after the death of her mother, Sissel. Though Nora and Agnes have remained in touch regularly, never really addressing their personal issues, the two sisters haven’t talked to their father in some time. Not long after Gustav appears at Sissel’s funeral, he decides to make a new film, following a long break since his last movie.
Inspired by his mother and his life with his wife and daughters, before the divorce, Gustav wishes to cast Nora in the lead role. Still angry with her father, Nora turns down his offer and then casts American actor Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). Gustav and Rachel arrive at the family’s old home, attempting to reconcile with Nora and Agnes, and hope to film the movie in that exact setting.
Written and directed by Trier, who co-wrote with Eskil Vogt, Sentimental Value will definitely connect with audiences who have ever had to make peace with their past, particularly troubled relationships with family members. The movie is so beautifully written, realized, and executed that I was absolutely captivated by its entirety. Trier and Vogt should definitely be considered for their screenplay come awards season, and this movie should also not be ignored when it comes to Best International Film considerations.
The entire cast is at the top of their games with Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas all deserving high regard for their performances in this film. I often become emotional whenever I think about this movie because it touches my heart in so many ways. The film’s actors speak in Norwegian, English, and Swedish, but that should not at all deter audiences from experiencing such an incredible film. It is a movie that is sure to be on my top ten list of best films of the year and should be experienced by everyone.