uk release: 26th december 2025
directed by: joachim trier
a few thoughts: joachim trier’s films always leave a mark with how vulnerable and poignant his stories are. his latest film sentimental value is no different. the story revolves around three main protagonists – gustav borg, (portrayed by stellan skarsgård), a film director and absent father to two sisters, and nora borg (portrayed by renate reinsve) and agnes borg (portrayed by inga ibsdotter lilleaas). it is ultimately a film about family and how the decision to leave his family had a profound impact on nora’s character, especially. nora, a theatre actor, suffers from depression, as we see her go through periods of social isolation and deep loneliness. renate’s performance was the standout to me. nora was such a nuanced, complex and interesting character, and one that really captivated me from start to finish. the feeling of disappointment and loss at not having had a father figure in her life growing up pierces through, and i found it relatable as well. agnes’ character was a interesting one. she came across as the more put-together person out of her and her sister, but i felt like she didn’t allow herself to feel, or rather, confront those feelings with her father. the scene between the two sisters at the end was a powerful moment, with both of them acknowledging the impact their estranged father had on them, while reminding each other of the deep and irreplaceable bond they have with each other. it’s a film about sisterhood as much as it is about fatherhood, and the importance of family and the bonds we create as human beings. it was a beautifully shot film, an incredibly well-told story that, to be honest, felt a bit long at times, but i simultaneously think that everything was necessary. the closing scene was also very moving, and captured a feeling of closure between nora and her father. obviously, you can’t rewind the past, but what matters is where we are now, and the choices we can make now for the people that we love. also, a special shoutout to the music used throughout the film. it was was perfect and added to the soul and heartbeat of the film. sentimental value is a touching drama about family dynamics and childhood traumas, with phenomenal performances that really made me completely immersed in their world.
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