Sentimental Value shows the pros and cons of using art to mend relationships

Sentimental Value stars a pair of sisters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), who simultaneously deal with the death of their mother and the reappearance of their estranged father, Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård). Nora has remained unmarried and pursued a career in live theater while Agnes has become a wife and mother. Gustav, a renowned filmmaker, seeks to reconnect with Nora and Agnes through his latest project. Complicating the matter is the fact that he effectively abandoned them to further his career. Nora and Agnes reunite and deal with the bitterness and resentment toward Gustav that has resurfaced. When Nora rejects Gustav’s invitation to star in his newest film, he instead hires a Hollywood actress, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). Despite Rachel’s initial excitement, she questions whether the project is too specific and personal as she prepares for the role and wonders if she is in over her head because of it. Her reactions to the script and rehearsals reveal that the project is an ode to Gustav’s own family.

On the backs of strong acting performances, Sentimental Value shows how grief and death in the family can both heighten emotions and cause reflection. As Nora and Agnes go through their departed mother’s possessions, their emotions over their father come to the surface, along with questions around why they themselves have not stayed in touch. Also, their differing personalities become evident. Agnes having her own family allows her to process their mother’s death differently than Nora and Gustav, who both use their artistic endeavors to be avoidant. Agnes takes a more patient approach to her grieving, even using the opportunity to learn more about her mother. Nora is more defiant and confrontational with Gustav while Agnes plays moderator.

Despite Gustav’s benevolent intentions for reconnecting with his daughters, his behavior has not changed, revealing part of the rift between them in the first place. He remains a high-functioning alcoholic who speaks with bravado and derisiveness. At one point during a dinner party, he muses about why he would never date an actress as he stereotypes them, even though Nora, a performer herself, is sitting right across from him. His insensitivity plagues their relationship, and the story alludes to its impacts on their relationship even at a much younger age.

Rachel’s presence brings some levity to the situation, as she only knows Gustav from a distance and has the perspective of a fan and eventual colleague. She expresses admiration for his work and wishes to make films of her own that are the same caliber. Her previous attempts at filmmaking did not garner the same critical acclaim, something a reporter alludes to only to be chastised by Gustav. In the exchange, he shows the ability to be empathetic and protective, undoubtedly endearing him to a rattled Rachel. She steps into the role in his film not only to further her career but out of a personal affinity for Gustav. Though she does not have a lot of screen time, Rachel’s perspective on Gustav adds another dimension to him. Though he has failed as a father and family man, he has redeemable qualities and has clearly constructed a story out of love for his family.

Joachim Trier uses technical elements to enhance the themes of the film. He inserts occasional flashbacks that are never very long or pronounced and generally do not have on-screen text to set the scene. They are often led in and out with sharp cuts to black. These abrupt transitions serve to mirror how distant memories tend to be, particularly for those with unprocessed family trauma from adolescence. Often, people subconsciously seek to block out negative moments from their upbringing, which can lead to hazy memories. While Trier’s flashbacks are significant to the story, they never come across as simply dumping exposition to avoid having characters recite it to each other. This makes it that much more effective, as it feels like they are from the point of view of the characters rather than simply being there for the audience.

Conceptually, Sentimental Value feels similar to the 2023 Netflix release His Three Daughters about siblings who converge on an apartment to care for their ailing father. Though Gustav is not technically ailing, he feels conflicted internally and unable to express love or contrition for his misdeeds. Instead, he turns to art as a vehicle for mending fences, as that remains his comfort zone. It takes an outside influence like Rachel to help him, Nora and Agnes experience a breakthrough. While a heavy family drama, Sentimental Value offers hope for reconciliation to many who may have the same conflicting emotions.