Hey there, fellow film lovers! 👋 I just had to share my thoughts on a movie that has completely taken over my mind since I first saw the trailer: Sentimental Value. Directed by Joachim Trier, this film is already generating massive Oscar buzz, and after watching the second official trailer, I can totally see why. It's a deeply emotional story about family, art, and reconciliation, and it's easily one of the most anticipated films of the year. Even though it premiered at Cannes back in May 2025 and hit theaters on November 7, 2025, here in 2026, it's still a hot topic—especially with the 98th Academy Awards having just wrapped up. Let me walk you through why this movie is an absolute must-watch.
The Plot: A Family Reunion with Strings Attached
So, here's the deal: Sentimental Value follows two sisters, Nora and Agnes, who reconnect with their estranged father, Gustav. He's charming, once-famous as a director, and played by the incredible Stellan Skarsgård. Gustav offers Nora, a stage actress, the leading role in his new film—a project he hopes will revive his career. But Nora refuses. And then she finds out her father has given the role to an ambitious young Hollywood actress instead. Ouch. Now the sisters have to confront their complicated relationship with Gustav, all while dealing with this American star who's suddenly thrown into their already fraught family dynamic. It's a recipe for emotional fireworks, and the trailer shows exactly that.
The Cast: An Ensemble of Powerhouses
I mean, look at this lineup. It's insane. Trier reunites with Renate Reinsve (who was phenomenal in The Worst Person in the World), and she plays Nora. Elle Fanning steps in as the ambitious American actress, and she's already getting rave reviews. Plus, you've got Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes, Anders Danielsen Lie, Cory Michael Smith, Catherine Cohen, and more. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Stellan Skarsgård | Gustav |
| Renate Reinsve | Nora |
| Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas | Agnes |
| Elle Fanning | American actress |
| Anders Danielsen Lie | (supporting) |
| Cory Michael Smith | (supporting) |
Every single performance is said to be outstanding. The trailer even highlights critics calling Renate Reinsve's work "a complete revelation" and Elle Fanning "extraordinary." And of course, Stellan Skarsgård is described as "one of the best actors of his generation." I couldn't agree more.
Critical Acclaim: 'A Perfect, Transcendent Film'
When Sentimental Value premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, it didn't just get a warm reception—it won the Grand Prix, the second-most prestigious prize after the Palme d'Or. That's huge. The film was praised for balancing artistic expression with personal relationships, resulting in a remarkably mature drama. Critics have called it "a perfect, transcendent film," "a deeply beautiful expression that art can heal us," and "one of the best films of the decade, if not ever." ScreenRant's own review gave it a perfect 10/10, calling it "a brilliant drama" and "an absolutely breathtaking piece of filmmaking." I mean, with quotes like that, how can you not be intrigued?
Awards Season: From Cannes to the Oscars
Norway chose Sentimental Value as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. But that's not all—it was also expected to compete in several other categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Joachim Trier, Best Actress for Renate Reinsve, Best Supporting Actor for Stellan Skarsgård, Best Supporting Actress for Elle Fanning, and Best Original Screenplay for Trier and Eskil Vogt. Now that we're in 2026 and the Oscars have just happened, I can say that this film was a major contender across the board. Even if it didn't sweep, its legacy as a beautifully crafted family drama is secure.
Why You Should Watch It
If you love films that dig deep into human emotions, Sentimental Value is for you. It's not just a movie about a family—it's about art, forgiveness, and the messy ways we try to reconnect. The runtime is 132 minutes, and it's listed as both Drama and Comedy, so you'll get some laughs amid the tears. Plus, with Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt writing together again after their Oscar-nominated script for The Worst Person in the World, you know the dialogue will be sharp and the characters will feel real.
I give it a solid 10/10. 🌟 If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Whether you're a fan of Skarsgård, Reinsve, or just great storytelling, this one will stay with you long after the credits roll. Let me know what you think—I'm always up for a good film chat! 🎬