Time: 135 Minutes
Age Rating: M– Offensive language & suicide references
Cast:
Renate Reinsve as Nora Borg
Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav Borg
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes Borg Pettersen
Elle Fanning as Rachel Kemp
Director: Joaquim Trier

My last movie of the NZIFF and the closing film of the festival was Sentimental Value, which was the latest movie from Joaquin Trier, who last directed The Worst Person in the World. I didn’t know anything about the movie outside of that, and the fact that it would star Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard and Elle Fanning. Sentimental Value lived up to all the acclaim.

Sentimental Value is a very human, intimate, emotionally honest, and personal story and vulnerable look at art and family, as well as family’s trauma across generations. It’s largely meditative and quiet, but there’s also some moments of good humour, and there’s a feeling of empathy and warmth. I found myself consistently engaged with the story and characters throughout.

The performances are excellent from everyone. Renate Reinsve delivers another amazing performance collaborating with Joaquim Trier again, really conveying her character’s loneliness. Stellan Skarsgard also delivers one of the very best performances of his career. He is incredible, believable and the depth of his character is felt, especially with his complicated relationship with his daughters, mainly with Reinsve. The rest of the supporting cast are also great, especially Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdaoter Lilleaas.

Joaquin Trier’s direction is stellar. The cinematography is stunning and colourful, the editing is really effective, and the score was beautiful.

Sentimental Value is an intimate, tender, nuanced, beautiful and wonderfully directed dramedy with phenomenal performances. One of my favourite films of the year.