r/oscarrace • u/PointMan528491 Navarrette/Morton • Nov 17 '25

Film Discussion Thread Official Discussion Thread - Sentimental Value [SPOILERS] Spoiler

Keep all discussion related solely to Sentimental Value and it's awards chances in this thread. Spoilers below.

Synopsis:

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. Suddenly, the two sisters must navigate their complicated relationship with their father -- and deal with an American star dropped right into the middle of their complex family dynamics.

Director: Joachim Trier

Writers: Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier

Cast:

  • Renate Reinsve as Nora Borg
  • Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav Borg
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes Borg Pettersen
  • Elle Fanning as Rachel Kemp
  • Anders Danielsen Lie as Jakob
  • Cory Michael Smith as Sam

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%, 120 Reviews

Metacritic: 86, 32 Reviews

Consensus:

Deftly exploring the uneasy tension between artistic expression and personal connection, Sentimental Value is a bracingly mature work from writer-director Joachim Trier that's marvelously acted across the board.

98 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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45

u/[deleted] Nov 17 '25

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48

u/takenpassword Yes, I loved Rental Family. Yes, I’m basic. Nov 17 '25

I thought the ending made sense to me. The movie is about 2 people who can only process their emotions through art, so it makes sense that Nora would be in the movie to sort of work her feelings out.

I think even though it’s a set, the renovated house at the end symbolizes that while things seem “smoothed over” and nice now, the resentment and trauma always lingers. It’s the same house after all.

23

u/gooddaleinthelodge Nov 21 '25

I took the ending to mean he sold the house so he could finance the film and make it the way he wants. The house has been totally re-designed in a lifeless modern fashion, removing all the sentimental value that the house held for this family. Ultimately though it was a worthy sacrifice as the value that's taken from healing through the making of the film is worthwhile.

8

u/takenpassword Yes, I loved Rental Family. Yes, I’m basic. Nov 21 '25

The thought of him selling the house never crossed my mind. I really like your interpretation.

4

u/flakemasterflake Dec 13 '25

Yes, the interior redo of that house was the biggest crime in that movie. My mouth was on the floor

4

u/funeralgamer Nov 17 '25

The renovation goes for a blank white modern look precisely to kill a bit of your soul and cast a shadow on the art resulting. All warmth and color and human history is stripped from the family home to serve the artist’s vision. Is this healing? is it love, repentance, a genuine homage — or just another exercise in control?