Joachim Trier's 'Sentimental Value' Hits Theaters Soon

Neon is dropping Joachim Trier's latest family drama, "Sentimental Value," featuring a powerhouse cast and tons of festival acclaim, and you absolutely need to know why it's a must-watch.

TL;DR

Joachim Trier's new film "Sentimental Value" is hitting US theaters on November 7, 2025.
It's already a huge awards contender, winning Grand Prix at Cannes and being Norway's official Oscar entry.
Stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning deliver "extraordinary" performances in this "layered masterpiece."

Joachim Trier's Much-Anticipated Follow-Up is Almost Here

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Get ready, cinephiles! Joachim Trier, the brilliant Norwegian filmmaker behind the universally beloved "The Worst Person in the World," is bringing his latest cinematic marvel, "Sentimental Value," to US theaters very soon. After making waves on the festival circuit and racking up some serious accolades, this film is already being hailed as a major player in the upcoming awards season, and it's easy to see why. If you're a fan of profound character dramas and masterful storytelling, clear your schedule because this is one you won't want to miss.

The buzz has been building ever since its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Critics and audiences alike have been captivated by its intricate family dynamics, stunning performances, and Trier's signature blend of humor and heartfelt emotion. From Cannes to Telluride, TIFF, NYFF, and even closing out the Philadelphia Film Festival, "Sentimental Value" has consistently won over everyone who's seen it, cementing its status as one of the year's most essential films.

Unraveling the Fraught Family Dynamics at the Heart of the Story

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At its core, "Sentimental Value" is an intimate, moving exploration of family, memory, and the messy pursuit of artistic legacy. The story centers on sisters Nora (played by Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), who are forced to confront their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), following the death of their mother. Gustav is a once-renowned, charismatic film director, now grappling with fading fame and a desperate desire for a comeback.

His grand plan? To salvage his career and perhaps reconnect with his daughters by casting Nora, a stage actress, in the lead role of his new autobiographical screenplay. However, Nora firmly refuses this offer, leading Gustav to cast a rising American Hollywood star, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning), instead. This decision throws the already complicated family dynamics into even greater disarray, forcing Nora and Agnes to navigate their fraught relationship with their father, all while dealing with the unexpected presence of a glamorous American actress dropped right into their lives. It's a rich setup that promises plenty of emotional fireworks and introspective moments.

The film delves deep into themes of intergenerational trauma, as multiple generations of the Borg family are scarred by past events, including Gustav's mother's own tragic history. As one critic noted, the "Borg house will come to assume the gravity of a dying star that gives meaning to the constellation of people who are pulled ever closer towards its orbit," highlighting how the physical setting itself plays a crucial role in the family's shared history and emotional landscape.

A Star-Studded Ensemble Delivering Career-Defining Performances

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One of the biggest talking points surrounding "Sentimental Value" is its phenomenal cast, which features a reunion of talent from Trier's previous work alongside exciting new additions. Leading the charge is Renate Reinsve, who reunites with Trier after her breakout, Oscar-nominated performance in "The Worst Person in the World." As Nora, Reinsve is said to deliver a performance where "every choice by Renate Reinsve is a complete revelation," showcasing her ability to portray a "beguiling, troubled woman who is going through it."

Joining her is the legendary Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav, the complicated father figure. Critics have raved about his portrayal, calling it "a reminder that Stellan Skarsgård is one of the best actors of his generation." He perfectly embodies the aging artist desperate for relevance and connection. Rounding out the central trio of women is Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes, Nora's sister, and Elle Fanning as the ambitious Hollywood star Rachel Kemp, whose performance is described as "extraordinary." The cast is further bolstered by talents like Anders Danielsen Lie (another Trier regular), Cory Michael Smith, Catherine Cohen, Andreas Stoltenberg Granerud, and Øyvind Hesjedal Loven.

Together, this ensemble creates a powerful and believable family unit, making the film's emotional stakes feel incredibly real and impactful. Their chemistry and individual strengths are a significant reason why the film has garnered such widespread critical acclaim.

Why "Sentimental Value" Is Already an Awards Season Frontrunner

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From the moment it premiered, "Sentimental Value" rocketed to the top of awards season predictions. It impressively won the Grand Prix (the second-most prestigious award) at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it was also a Palme d'Or nominee. This early recognition set the stage for its continued success at other major festivals, including Telluride, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the New York Film Festival (NYFF).

The film's critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, boasting a fantastic 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89/100 on Metacritic. Critics have been practically falling over themselves to praise it, with one calling it "a perfect, transcendent film" and another "one of the best films of the decade, if not ever."

Norway has officially selected "Sentimental Value" as its entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, making it a strong contender in that category. But the Oscar buzz doesn't stop there. Experts are predicting nominations across the board, including:

Best Picture
Best Director (Joachim Trier)
Best Actress (Renate Reinsve)
Best Supporting Actor (Stellan Skarsgård)
Best Supporting Actress (Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas)
Best Original Screenplay (Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt)
Best Casting

This level of widespread acclaim across multiple categories indicates that "Sentimental Value" is more than just a festival darling; it's a meticulously crafted film that resonates deeply with audiences and critics for its emotional depth, nuanced performances, and exceptional screenplay. One review even called it "a brilliant drama" and "an absolutely breathtaking piece of filmmaking, felt on the deepest of levels and beautiful in its portrait of a fractured family."

"Sentimental Value" is "a perfect, transcendent film," and "one of the best films of the decade, if not ever."— Critics quoted in the official trailer

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Experience This Masterpiece

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The wait is almost over for US audiences! Neon will release Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" in select US theaters starting on November 7, 2025. While some reports briefly mentioned November 11th, the November 7th date is consistently cited by the distributor Neon and other official sources for its theatrical debut.

With a runtime of approximately 135 minutes (around 2 hours and 15 minutes), the film offers a substantial and immersive viewing experience. Given its festival success and strong critical reception, catching "Sentimental Value" on the big screen will be the best way to appreciate its visual storytelling and the powerful performances from its acclaimed cast.

As of now, specific streaming or VOD release dates haven't been announced, but typically, highly anticipated films like this will have an exclusive theatrical window before becoming available on digital platforms. So, if you want to be part of the awards conversation and experience a truly memorable film, heading to your local cinema this November is the way to go!

Final Thoughts on This Must-See Family Drama

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"Sentimental Value" isn't just another movie; it's a cinematic event. Joachim Trier, alongside his co-writer Eskil Vogt and this incredible cast, has crafted a film that promises to be both emotionally challenging and profoundly rewarding. It's a reminder of the power of art to explore personal history, confront complex relationships, and ultimately, to heal. The film's critical praise isn't just hype; it's a testament to its quality and emotional resonance.

So, whether you're drawn in by the stellar cast, the intriguing family drama, or the overwhelming Oscar buzz, make sure "Sentimental Value" is on your watch list this fall. Get ready to be moved, entertained, and perhaps even prompted to reflect on your own family dynamics when this "layered masterpiece" arrives in theaters.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Sentimental Value"

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When does "Sentimental Value" release in US theaters? The film is set for a US theatrical release on November 7, 2025, distributed by Neon. Who directed "Sentimental Value"? "Sentimental Value" is directed by the acclaimed Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier, known for "The Worst Person in the World." What major awards has "Sentimental Value" won? It won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is Norway's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. Is "Sentimental Value" good? Yes, it's critically acclaimed with a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89/100 on Metacritic. Critics have called it "a perfect, transcendent film" and a "brilliant drama" with outstanding performances. Sources