“Sentimental Value” Movie Review: Joachim Trier’s Simple and Heartfelt Family Story

Sentimental Value is the latest movie by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, known for The Worst Person in the World. This time, he returns with a quiet family drama that talks about emotions, relationships, and how people try to fix things from the past. The movie had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and has already caught the attention of critics and audiences around the world.

This review by Film Daily gives you a full breakdown of the film in a simple way—no hard words, no overcomplicated analysis. Just clear details for Indian viewers who enjoy emotional stories that say something real.

What Is “Sentimental Value” All About?

The movie is mainly about a daughter and her father. Nora, a stage actress, returns to her family home after her mother’s passing. She hasn’t been in touch with her father, Gustav, for many years. Gustav was once a popular film director but is now ageing and looking for one last chance to create something.

He invites Nora to act in his new film, hoping to reconnect with her. But things don’t go as expected. Old arguments and hurt feelings come up. Instead of Nora, Gustav ends up casting a young Hollywood actress named Rachel, which makes things even more uncomfortable.

The rest of the movie shows how these three characters—Nora, Gustav, and Rachel—spend time together, face each other’s truths, and try to understand each other. It’s slow and emotional but feels very honest.

At Film Daily, we think this is the kind of story that many Indian families will relate to, because it talks about things that are often left unsaid.

Performances That Make It Special

The acting in this film is simple but powerful. Renate Reinsve plays Nora and brings a lot of emotion to her role. She’s not loud or dramatic, but you can feel what she’s going through. Her silence often says more than words.

Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav plays an aging father who is both caring and selfish. He wants to fix his bond with Nora but does not know how. He’s the kind of character many viewers will feel confused about—sometimes you support him, and sometimes you don’t.

Elle Fanning as Rachel adds something fresh to the story. She is not just a side character. She brings her own problems into the picture, showing that everyone has something going on in their life, no matter how young or successful they are.

These performances together make the film feel real. At Film Daily, we always highlight acting that feels natural, and this movie has plenty of it.

What Happened at Cannes

At the Cannes Film Festival 2025, Sentimental Value received a 19-minute standing ovation. That’s a big deal and shows how much people connected with the story. Critics praised the film for being emotional without being dramatic. It’s not flashy, but it stays with you.

People liked how it focused on the small things—conversations at a dinner table, an awkward silence between family members, or a shared laugh after a long time. These are the moments that make the film special.

Film Daily followed all the reactions at Cannes and can confirm this movie is getting serious attention as one of the most moving films of the year.

Why Indian Viewers Might Like It?

In India, family is a big part of life. Whether you live with your parents or talk to them once a week, those bonds are strong. But they’re not always easy. Sometimes, people in the same family go years without speaking. Sometimes there are old misunderstandings that are never cleared up.

Sentimental Value shows that it’s never too late to try. It tells us that even if you’ve grown apart, there’s always a chance to talk and make things better. It doesn’t promise a happy ending, but it shows that trying matters.

This is why Film Daily believes the film will connect with Indian families—parents, children, even grandparents. Everyone can find a part of themselves in this story.

The Way It’s Shot and Directed

The movie is mostly set inside one house. This makes it feel close and personal. There are no big scenes or fancy locations. But the camera focuses on the actors, on their faces, and on the small things they do—making tea, folding old letters, looking through photos.

Joachim Trier, the director, uses a soft touch. He lets the story unfold naturally. He doesn’t force the emotions or try to make you cry. That’s what makes it more touching.

We at Film Daily always appreciate when directors trust the story and the actors. That’s what Trier does here, and it works.

Final Thoughts

Sentimental Value is a quiet, emotional movie about a father and daughter trying to reconnect after many years. It talks about past pain, present confusion, and the small chances life gives us to make things better.

It’s not a fast-paced film. It takes its time. But for those who enjoy watching stories that feel real and touch the heart, this one is a great choice.

Indian viewers who enjoy emotional dramas and family stories will find something meaningful here. It reminds us that even though families argue, they can also heal. All it takes is a conversation.

For more reviews like this, in simple and easy-to-understand language, keep checking Film Daily. We bring you honest takes on the movies that matter.