Sentimental Value
Directed by Joachim Trier
- drama
- comedy
The story
Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star.
What it’s like
Soft Norwegian daylight through tall apartment windows, interiors of wood and worn books, and an Oslo that feels grey-green and rain-washed, shot with patient, composed frames that let faces sit in the corners of rooms. The camera mostly holds still or drifts slowly, and the score is sparse, with little piano and long stretches of quiet that let tension gather in silences over the dinner table. The vibe is wry, wistful and quietly aching, a mix of family awkwardness and gentle comedy about art and ego. It suits a rainy Sunday, a late-night watch alone with a glass of wine, or anyone who likes talky, observant films about grief and the strange gravity of home. The emotional register stays measured and humane: a fractured father and his two daughters circling old wounds, slowly and warily making room for one another. Intensity is low: no violence or gore, and the sharpest moments are verbal rather than physical, with some frank talk about pain and the past. It is for viewers who want a character-driven drama with real warmth, dry humour and a thoughtful eye on family and creative life.
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