"I believe it's high time you and I settled down for a heartfelt conversation," Neon has unveiled the first official trailer for Joachim Trier's masterpiece, aptly titled 'Sentimental Value,' a film that, in my humble opinion, ought to have secured the Palme d'Or at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Alas, it garnered the Grand Prix—a silver lining, nonetheless, for this cinematic gem merits every accolade under the sun.
Following the passing of their mother, sisters Nora and Agnes Borg are compelled to confront their estranged father, Gustav, a former film director of great repute, now reduced to obscurity. Nora, a dedicated stage actress, has always prioritized her career, whereas Agnes has opted for a steadfast life with a husband, child, and a steady job—a choice that has further frayed the threads of their sibling bond. Gustav, convinced that his autobiographical screenplay will be his ticket back to glory, extends the leading role to Nora, who flatly refuses. In retaliation, he casts Hollywood actress Rachel Kemp, whom he encounters during a retrospective of his work in France.
Starring the esteemed Stellan Skarsgård in the role of Gustav, accompanied by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas who breathe life into the sisterly duo, and with Elle Fanning's captivating portrayal of Rachel Kemp, 'Sentimental Value' stands undeniably as one of my most cherished cinematic experiences of the year. My effusive accolades from the prestigious Cannes review have even been highlighted in its enticing trailer. This film is a veritable visual banquet, an exquisite symphony of unparalleled aesthetics in countless forms—a must-see masterpiece that commands your attention.
Nora and Agnes reconvene with their enigmatic father, the magnetic Gustav, a once-celebrated director who bestows Nora, a stage actress, with a role in what he hopes will be his triumphant return to cinema. When Nora declines, she learns with dismay that her part has been bestowed upon an ambitious young Hollywood star. Now, the two sisters must steer through the labyrinthine corridors of their fraught relationship with their father, while simultaneously grappling with the American actress who has been thrust into the heart of their intricate family dynamics.
Directed by the acclaimed Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier, whose credits include 'Reprise,' 'Oslo, August 31st,' 'Louder Than Bombs,' 'Thelma,' 'The Other Munch,' and 'The Worst Person in the World,' 'Sentimental Value' is penned by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt. Produced by Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, the film made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival mere months ago. Neon will introduce Trier's 'Sentimental Value' to select US theaters from November 7th, 2025, this autumn. Does it intrigue you?
