In a candid exploration of familial bonds and artistic sacrifice, Joachim Trier's new film 'Sentimental Value' emerges as one of the year's most emotionally resonant dramas. This powerful tale, which follows an ageing director's attempt to reconcile with his estranged daughters, has already generated significant Oscar buzz following its acclaimed premiere at Cannes.
The Heart of the Conflict: Art Versus Family
The film centres on Gustav, portrayed by veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård, whose artistic ambitions have long overshadowed his parental responsibilities. In one particularly revealing scene, Gustav tells his daughters, "You can't write Ulysses driving to soccer practice" – a statement that Skarsgård himself acknowledges contains a kernel of truth. "It would be so boring," the 74-year-old actor admits during our conversation. "I would die."
This tension between creative pursuit and family obligation forms the emotional core of Trier's narrative. Gustav's attempts to reconnect with his adult daughters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) unfold with painful authenticity, while the introduction of an American actress (Elle Fanning) adds further complexity to their decades-long discord.
Building Trust Through Collaboration
What emerges from conversations with the cast is a consistent theme of trust and creative freedom. Trier's approach to filmmaking involves extensive rehearsals not to perfect scenes, but to establish what he describes as "a trust fall exercise." Renate Reinsve, who won the Best Actress award at Cannes for her performance in Trier's previous film 'The Worst Person in the World', emphasises this unique dynamic. "I know so deeply that I'll be taken care of as an actor, so I can be free to mess up," she explains.
This atmosphere of creative safety allows for moments of genuine spontaneity. In one unscripted scene, Agnes visits Nora's apartment and, when asked how she emerged from their childhood less affected, responds simply: "I had you." The emotional embrace that follows was entirely improvised, capturing the raw authenticity that defines the film.
Personal Connections and Character Development
Trier's collaborative approach extends to character development, with each actor bringing personal elements to their roles. Fanning shares that she provided personal stories that Trier incorporated into her character's development, while Lilleaas notes that her initial 90-minute audition conversation about her life and backstory helped shape Agnes's grounded sincerity.
Skarsgård, reflecting on his own parenting experiences, acknowledges parallels with his character while maintaining important distinctions. "I have eight kids – it's impossible to be perfect," he observes. "You can never be a good parent to a kid, because truthfully, they have things to complain about because we're only human."
A Family-Oriented Production
Perhaps surprisingly for a film about artistic sacrifice, Trier runs a notably family-friendly set. "We try to end on time so that people can go home," Lilleaas reveals. "He's very aware of what he's asking people to sacrifice, because he's making the same sacrifice." This sensitivity stems from Trier's own background as a third-generation filmmaker who understands the impact of parental absence.
The production's Oslo location allowed Trier to maintain proximity to his own family, enabling him to return home for bedtime – a practical consideration that reflects the film's thematic concerns.
Awards Recognition and Industry Commentary
Following its premiere, 'Sentimental Value' received a remarkable 19-minute standing ovation at Cannes and has since garnered nine Golden Globe nominations. For Skarsgård, whose extensive career includes roles in 'Mamma Mia!', 'Chernobyl', and 'Dune', this could represent his first Oscar nomination. "I've done pretty well without them," he laughs, "but of course it's exciting and good for the film – and good for cinemas."
The actor uses the opportunity to comment on streaming services' impact on cinema, particularly Netflix's preference for limited theatrical windows. "Netflix has an ambition to kill the cinema," he states bluntly. "It's so scary." He hopes that Oscar recognition might help preserve traditional cinema experiences.
The Joachim Trier Experience
At the Cannes premiere, Fanning wore a T-shirt reading "Joachim Trier summer" – a playful reference to contemporary memes that has since taken on deeper meaning. When asked to define this experience, Trier references a newspaper description: "walking into a party and feeling alone, or being melancholic in the morning, or lonely by the sea."
As Fanning notes, "I guess it's a Joachim Trier autumn, winter, and spring, too" – suggesting that the film's emotional resonance extends far beyond seasonal boundaries.
'Sentimental Value' represents a significant achievement in contemporary cinema, blending personal storytelling with universal themes of family, sacrifice, and artistic integrity. As awards season approaches, this emotionally honest film seems poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
