In Joachim Trier’s latest film Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi), family becomes both muse and mirror, exposing the tenderness and turmoil of reconciling with one’s past. The film—co-written by Trier and long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt—marks a return to the director’s signature blend of introspection and emotional realism, exploring the fragility of memory, art, and forgiveness. At its heart are two estranged sisters, Nora and Agnes Borg, played with remarkable nuance by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, who reunite following their mother’s death and are forced to confront their distant father, a once-revered filmmaker played by Stellan Skarsgård.
Both actresses deliver performances that feel lived-in and quietly devastating, grounding Trier’s exploration of generational grief with authenticity and grace. In a year filled with loud, attention-grabbing dramas, Sentimental Value stands out for its restraint—and for two actresses who remind us that sometimes the deepest emotions lie in the pauses between words.
Recently, I spoke with both Reinsve and Lilleaas about their roles in the film, which was such a delight. Reinsve stated that, when re-teaming with Trier for this new film after the immensely popular and acclaimed Worst Person in the World, Trier “wanted to challenge me in a different way with this character, with more emotional weight, with someone that was more mature and more set in her life.”
When speaking to Lilleaas regarding the psychology around her character Agnes, she noted that Agnes is an interesting character, saying “she’s like her family’s foundation in a way. She’s the one who keeps everyone together. If it wasn’t for her, they wouldn’t speak, I think ever. She’s the one who’s holding everything, and I think that’s very interesting. How does that affect the person, and how does she live her life in that?”
You can watch the full interview below, and you can check out my review of the film here.
Sentimental Value is scheduled to be released in theatres by NEON on November 14, 2025.
