The applause was deafening. Nineteen minutes, some timers insisted, of unbroken ovation – the longest of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It was the arrival ofSentimental Value, a film that immediately sparked whispers of a Palme d’Or win and captivated everyone who witnessed it.
Though the top prize ultimately went to another film,Sentimental Valueleft an indelible mark. It’s a quietly brilliant work, a deeply affecting exploration of a fractured family in Oslo, and a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
The story unfolds within the walls of a faded, yet characterful home, a repository of generations of unspoken hurts and carefully guarded memories. It’s a film that understands the complexities of human relationships, portraying them with unflinching realism and a surprising vein of dark humor.
At its heart is Gustav, a once-celebrated filmmaker, played with captivating nuance by Stellan Skarsgård. He’s attempting a reconciliation with his estranged daughters, Nora and Agnes, decades after leaving their mother. His method? A film role, specifically written for Nora, a successful actress in her own right.
But the house itself is almost a protagonist, introduced in the film’s opening moments. We learn its history, the lives it has sheltered, and the shadows it holds – secrets that slowly unravel as the story progresses. It’s a testament to director Joachim Trier’s vision that he imbues a physical space with such emotional weight.
Gustav’s film isn’t merely a vehicle for reconciliation; it’s a deeply personal project, an attempt to confront the trauma of his own past. He intends to make a film about his mother, who tragically took her own life within those very walls, haunted by the horrors she endured during the war.
Renate Reinsve, fresh off her acclaimed performance in Trier’s previous film, delivers a powerhouse performance as Nora. She embodies a complex mix of anger, vulnerability, and a desperate need for connection. Her scenes with Skarsgård are electric, charged with years of unresolved pain.
Adding another layer of intrigue is Elle Fanning, who portrays Rachel Kemp, a Hollywood star drawn into Gustav’s orbit. Her presence throws the family dynamics into further disarray, forcing them to confront their own desires and insecurities.
Trier masterfully balances the weighty themes of grief, regret, and forgiveness with moments of unexpected levity. A darkly humorous exchange about an Ikea stool, or a bizarre gift of arthouse DVDs, punctuate the drama, reminding us of the absurdity that often underlies even the most profound human experiences.
The film isn’t without its flaws. It occasionally meanders, and a slightly tighter edit could have sharpened its impact. However, these minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the performances and the film’s emotional resonance.
Sentimental Valueis a film that demands to be felt. It’s a poignant, beautifully crafted drama that explores the enduring power of family, the weight of the past, and the possibility of redemption. It’s a film that deserves to be seen, and one that will undoubtedly be a strong contender as awards season unfolds.
This is a story about the messy, complicated truth of being human, and the enduring search for meaning in a world filled with loss and regret. It’s a film that stays with you, prompting reflection long after the lights come up.
