My quick rating – 7.5/10. Coming into the home stretch of my 2026 Best Picture Oscar nominees to check out. I only had two left to go, one is Sentimental Value. Unfortunately, the final two nominees decided my aging eyeballs needed a workout because both required reading subtitles. That also means my normal note-taking routine goes out the window. When you’re busy reading every line of dialogue, stopping to write notes usually means you miss the next five lines. Or I make the movie take 5 hours to watch. So this review may be a little lighter on details than usual, but the overall impression stuck with me.
The film revolves around two estranged sisters, Nora and Agnes, who reconnect with their once-famous filmmaker father Gustav after their mother’s death. Gustav, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård, is trying to revive his flagging career through a very personal film project. Naturally, he wants Nora, played by Renate Reinsve, to be a part of the film. However, she refuses to be a part of it. He goes out and signs a Hollywood star for the film, portrayed by Elle Fanning. This sets off a whole can of issues that have been brewing in the family for years.
Sentimental Value opens with some really nice camera work around an old house that immediately sets the tone. There’s a quiet, reflective feeling. So you know this film is going to be more about emotions than explosions. No surprise. Shortly after that, we see Nora being led onto a stage, and she acts like she’s being escorted to the electric chair. Look, I understand stage fright…but this reaction was next-level.
Visually, the film looks fantastic. The cinematography from Kasper Tuxen is outstanding. Interior scenes have a warm, intimate look, while the outdoor shots feel almost lonely. It’s one of those films where the camera quietly tells part of the story without needing to shout about it.
The performances are strong across the board. Stellan Skarsgård gives Gustav just enough manipulative charm, which made me wonder if he’s a struggling artist or a bit of a conman. Or both. There were actually a few moments where I laughed because you could see him working people like a grifter.
But the standout here is Renate Reinsve. She absolutely carries the emotional weight of the film as Nora. Her performance feels tense and restless, like someone who wants connection but also knows exactly how dangerous it can be when family history gets involved. In most Oscar years, I’d probably be rooting for her to win Best Actress.
The film Gustav is trying to make becomes an emotional fault line, of sorts. It’s a reminder that art can bring personal truths to the surface. But it can also reopen old wounds.
Director Joachim Trier is patient with this movie. Sentimental Value focuses on conversations, awkward pauses…Oh, and those uncomfortable family interactions where people say just enough to hurt each other without actually saying what they mean. It’s definitely a slower-paced movie, so hopefully you weren’t in this for CGI action or big dramatic fireworks. Not gonna happen.
But if you’re willing to stick it out, Sentimental Value ends up being a thoughtful and quietly powerful drama. Be ready to pack some emotional baggage. This flick has it while touching on family and memories, the good and the bad.
