Sentimental Value

Following up their beloved The Worst Person in the World director Joachim Trier and star Renate Reinsve concoct a beguiling family drama that plumbs real psychological depth. Nora (Reinsve) is a successful stage actor who is nonetheless in the grips of grief alongside her sister (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) as they sort through their departed mother’s home. Their father – famed director and deadbeat dad Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård) – shows up with questions so he can write an autobiographical film, starring American actress Rachel (Elle Fanning). But he has little appetite for the sharp answers Nora has about her childhood.

Generational shifts, daddy issues and sisterly comfort are in full effect here in this Cannes Grand Prix winner. Comparisons to Ingmar Bergman are earned, full of rich characterisations and hard truths that will linger long after the credits roll.