For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to reconnect with our loved ones, but for some, it's an exercise in navigating complex family dynamics. Joachim Trier's new film "Sentimental Value" poignantly captures the emotional struggles that can come with being in the same room as an immediate family member yet feeling disconnected from them.
The story revolves around Nora (Renate Reinsve), a respected theater actor who struggles to cope with her stage fright, and Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård), his acclaimed director father. The tension between them is palpable, particularly when Gustav introduces Nora's younger sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) to his long-awaited directorial comeback. As the family comes together for Thanksgiving, old wounds begin to resurface.
Trier's film masterfully conveys the intricacies of familial relationships without shying away from the complexities and pain that can accompany them. Nora's desire to perform is matched only by her fear of being seen as inadequate in Gustav's eyes, while Agnes' relationship with their father is a source of comfort for both her and Nora.
The director trusts his audience to infer the depth of Nora's emotions without spelling it out, allowing the viewer to piece together the tangled web of feelings and unspoken arrangements within the family. The result is an emotionally charged narrative that feels eerily familiar to many families who struggle with similar issues during the holiday season.
One pivotal scene showcases this tension as Rachel (Elle Fanning), a popular American actress, tries to connect with Nora on stage, but her efforts are hindered by Gustav's script and the pressure to perform. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Trier is not just exploring themes of love, guilt, and shame but also the art of communication.
The climax of the film takes place in an intimate dialogue-free sequence where Nora and Gustav reconnect on a profound level, finding a way to converse without speech and share ideas without discussion. This poignant moment allows both characters to acknowledge their faults and apologize for the past and future, paving the way for a new understanding between them.
Ultimately, "Sentimental Value" feels like a film that will resonate with American audiences during the holiday season, providing an impactful and emotionally charged experience that leaves viewers feeling understood more than it makes us feel good. It's a powerful reminder that love and affection run past the margins, brushing up against shame and fear in ways that can lead to greater understanding and connection.
The story revolves around Nora (Renate Reinsve), a respected theater actor who struggles to cope with her stage fright, and Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård), his acclaimed director father. The tension between them is palpable, particularly when Gustav introduces Nora's younger sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) to his long-awaited directorial comeback. As the family comes together for Thanksgiving, old wounds begin to resurface.
Trier's film masterfully conveys the intricacies of familial relationships without shying away from the complexities and pain that can accompany them. Nora's desire to perform is matched only by her fear of being seen as inadequate in Gustav's eyes, while Agnes' relationship with their father is a source of comfort for both her and Nora.
The director trusts his audience to infer the depth of Nora's emotions without spelling it out, allowing the viewer to piece together the tangled web of feelings and unspoken arrangements within the family. The result is an emotionally charged narrative that feels eerily familiar to many families who struggle with similar issues during the holiday season.
One pivotal scene showcases this tension as Rachel (Elle Fanning), a popular American actress, tries to connect with Nora on stage, but her efforts are hindered by Gustav's script and the pressure to perform. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Trier is not just exploring themes of love, guilt, and shame but also the art of communication.
The climax of the film takes place in an intimate dialogue-free sequence where Nora and Gustav reconnect on a profound level, finding a way to converse without speech and share ideas without discussion. This poignant moment allows both characters to acknowledge their faults and apologize for the past and future, paving the way for a new understanding between them.
Ultimately, "Sentimental Value" feels like a film that will resonate with American audiences during the holiday season, providing an impactful and emotionally charged experience that leaves viewers feeling understood more than it makes us feel good. It's a powerful reminder that love and affection run past the margins, brushing up against shame and fear in ways that can lead to greater understanding and connection.
I think this film is gonna be so relatable for people who've struggled with family drama during holidays... it's not just about Nora and Gustav, but also Agnes trying to navigate her own relationship with her dad, and Rachel's character feeling like she's stuck in the shadows. 
The way Trier handles the tension between love and shame is just really beautiful... I mean, who hasn't felt like they're performing for someone else's approval? 
it's so raw and honest about family dynamics!! Renate Reinsve as Nora is giving me LIFE 
she's got stage fright but also the desire to perform, i feel like i've been there too 
what really gets me is when Gustav Borg starts introducing Agnes to his comeback - you can tell he's trying to connect with her and make amends for past mistakes 
I love how the film trusts its audience to piece together Nora's emotions without spelling it out, it makes the tension even more palpable 
. I mean, who hasn't dealt with family drama at some point? The tension between Nora and her dad Gustav feels super relatable, especially when it comes to them trying to connect on stage 
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It's like a breath of fresh air, you know?
. Like, how we can connect with each other without even saying a word 
. It's a powerful message that I think will resonate with people during the holiday season 
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. Just be prepared for some real talk about family, love, and understanding 
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. I mean, it's just an excuse for people to pretend everything is okay when really they're just faking it for the sake of appearances. And don't even get me started on the acting – I've seen high school productions that were more convincing 
. But hey, if you want to torture yourself with a bunch of angst and unrequited love, go ahead and watch this film 
. I loved how the director didn't spell everything out for us, letting us piece together the characters' feelings like a puzzle. It was such a powerful moment when Nora and Gustav finally connected on a deeper level 
. I love how the director doesn't spell everything out for you, you just have to piece it together yourself, it's like life, right?
. I mean, we all know how complicated they can be, but sometimes it feels like movies just gloss over the hard stuff. Not this one tho 
. It's like, Trier gets what's going on under the surface and portrays it in a way that makes you feel seen. Nora's struggles with stage fright and her dad's expectations are so relatable 
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. The way Trier shows Nora struggling with her stage fright and Gustav's expectations is pretty interesting 
. I feel like we've all been in situations where our parents or siblings just don't get us, you know? 
. And that final conversation between Nora and Gustav is super powerful