Arcana Cinema

I recently had the pleasure of watching Joachim Trier’s latest film ‘Sentimental Value’ starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning. I am a massive fan of Trier’s last film ‘Worst person in the world’ also starring Reinsve, so as to be expected my expectations were high. 
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‘Sentimental Value’ tells the story between two sisters Nora and Agnes as they reunite with their estranged, filmmaker father Gustav. Gustav expresses that he wants Nora, a theater actress to play the lead in his new film, Nora however denies his request. My first initial thoughts after exiting the cinema was I could not stop thinking about how much I love this movie! As an older sister with an absent parent, this film spoke to me in a way that I think not a lot of people would be able to understand. Each scene, choice of dialogue and the performances and chemistry of the main cast is outstanding as the audience becomes engrossed by the world and lives of these people and the drama within their family.     

The film tackles themes of complex family relationships as Gustav’s absence affects both Agnes and Nora differently. Agnes was one of my favourite characters in the film. She’s quiet, reserved, an intellect and most importantly a peace keeper as she reins in both her father and sister when the two start to argue. She’s a mother and wife, heavily showcasing a caretaker role throughout the film. Nora is the oldest sister, she’s fiery, impulsive and ultimately makes poor decisions regarding the relationships around her, pouring her heart into her work. The film explores the sisters’ relationship and how their childhoods have each affected the two and the women they have become. Gustav is a charismatic filmmaker with parental trauma of his own that is explored throughout the course of the film and although it explains his actions, it doesn’t excuse them. Gustav attempts to come back into these girls’ lives and ultimately fails, resorting not necessarily out of desperation but to fill this void with her searches for parts of his daughters in Rachel Kemp, a famous actress. She decides to take on the role originally meant and written for Nora but is unable to understand and connect with the character. This is because the role was never hers, with no Nora there is no film.          

I quickly, without going into much detail, wanted to touch on the final scene in the film. It’s a beautiful conclusion to the story as we watch Nora act in the final scene of the film Gustav has written. As the camera slowly pulls away to reveal the two looking at each other smiling, we as the audience understand that the cycle of trauma has been broken as the two have ultimately reconnected. As the credits rolled I couldn’t help but sit in quiet disbelief as I reflected on those final moments. It was such a beautiful conclusion to the story and these characters.   

The film deserves nothing less than 5 stars and I beg everyone to give this film a go. It’s incredibly complex and I believe that everyone will find at least one thing, small or large, that they will be able to relate to. If the story doesn’t blow you away, then the performances will. Everyone in this film puts on a beautiful performance that leaves your heart not being able to take anymore. Although the year has just begun, this for sure will be making it into my top 10 films of the year. 

The Hermit xx