One thing stands out with clarity: Renate Reinsve harbors no desire to collaborate with Stellan Skarsgård. The recently unveiled trailer for Joachim Trier's poignant film, "Sentimental Value," distributed by Neon, vividly portrays Reinsve as Nora Borg, a stage actress whose father, Gustav (played by Skarsgård), was once a renowned film director. Their relationship, strained by Gustav's absenteeism, has left them estranged. When Gustav, following the passing of Nora's mother, extends an invitation for her to star in his upcoming film—a project he hopes will rejuvenate his career—she firmly declines.
Undeterred by her refusal, Gustav offers the role, tailor-made for Nora, to Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning), a rising Hollywood star. This decision thrusts the eager American actress into the intricate web of the Borg family dynamics. Meanwhile, Norwegian actress Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas shines in her breakthrough role as Reinsve's sister, Agnes.
In a poignant scene from the "Sentimental Value" trailer, Kemp, portrayed by Fanning, inquires of Reinsve, "Why didn't you want to take the role? He wanted you for it." Nora responds with resolve, "I can't work with him. We can barely converse. My father is... a deeply complicated person."
"Sentimental Value" premiered at Cannes to an enthusiastic 15-minute standing ovation, distinguishing itself amidst competition. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter's chief film critic, praised the film, stating, "What could have been a conventional family melodrama in lesser hands, 'Sentimental Value' offers an unusually rich emotional tapestry."
"Sentimental Value" marks Trier and Reinsve's collaboration following the 2021 romantic drama "The Worst Person in The World," which garnered Reinsve the Best Actress honor at Cannes and received two Oscar nominations (Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film). As with "Worst Person," Trier co-wrote the script with his frequent collaborator, Eskil Vogt.
The trailer intricately weaves scenes from the Borg family saga against the melodic backdrop of The Faces' "Oh La La" ("I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger"), a nod to Trier's impeccable selection of soundtracks, which also includes deep tracks such as Terry Callier's "Dancing Girl" and Labi Siffre's "Cannock Chase."
Neon will release "Sentimental Value" in select theaters on November 7th, positioning the film for a prominent awards-season run.
