Sentimental Value

By Joanna Langfield

Joachim Trier’s (The Worst Person in the World) newest is one of the rare films that not only leaves us happily grounded but also floating on air.

A pungent, often surprisingly funny look at family dynamics, this story of two sisters, their estranged father and the woman thrown in the middle of all of it, reveals itself with grace. We begin as the once celebrated film director Gustav shows up at his former wife’s funeral. He’s there, he says, to support the two daughters he left years ago. But could he also have designs on the house he grew up in? And why is he offering daughter Nora a starring role in a film he hopes will resuscitate his career? The dynamics at play, between the sisters, the father and an actress who tries to step in when Nora refuses are relatable, even when a backstory that informs much of them might not be. But, boy, how it all works together, exposing the vulnerabilities and dependencies that charge the value of it all. And let’s not forget the appreciation of art and the artist that is weaved throughout, reminding us of the importance of that art, both for the creator and audience.

Renate Reinsve makes the cog in this family wheel, Nora, turn, still, it’s the actors around her who won me over. Stellan Skasrsgard, topping an accomplished career, has never been better and Elle Fanning hits the perfect note as a well-meaning outsider. But it is an actress new to me, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, who stabilizes the edgy intimacy brought by everyone else. She is just wonderful as the sister we would all hope to have and I can’t wait to see her other work.

What a masterful joy this one is.