By Sophie Albertie
The most integral part of a house is whoever dwells inside of it.
This appears to be Joachim Trier’s message in his new critically acclaimed film, “Sentimental Value.” A silent scream of beauty that currently stands with eight Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
The main four actors have also each been individually nominated for awards such as Best Supporting Actress, Lead Actress and Lead Actor.
From the very first establishing shot, viewers are soaked in the grey and blue Scandinavian scenery that pairs with this intimate recollection of family dynamics, mental illness, generational trauma and how the arts can help breed connection.
The film focuses on Nora Borg, an enigmatic stage actress played by Renate Reinsive. Borg is asked by her father, the washed up film director Gustav Borg, to play the lead role in his new film. The setting is her childhood home.
According to her father, played by Stellan Skarsgard, Nora is the only one who can play it.
Will Nora go with her instincts and let her father cast the American Hollywood star Rachel Kemp to fill her shoes? Or will she accept the most challenging role of her lifetime?
This story is undoubtedly a show within a show. Viewers are subject to the replay of the Borg family’s life and how this has affected them in their lives and careers. “Sentimental Value” perfectly tows the line between the mundane sadness of unresolved conflict and the largeness of an upcoming production that is dependent on the peace each character must find within themselves.
Trier’s attention to detail when it comes to worldbuilding and the character work of this movie allows it to stand out as a singular piece of cinema. Superb writing, and incandescent performances. If you are going to watch one foreign film from the Oscar selections of 2025, let this be it.
