Joachim Trier's 'Sentimental Value' Arrives to U.S. Theaters This November!

Get ready for an emotionally charged family drama as Joachim Trier's highly anticipated "Sentimental Value" hits U.S. cinemas very soon, bringing incredible performances and awards buzz with it!

TL;DR

• Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" is opening in U.S. theaters starting November 7, 2025.
• Stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning in a powerful, meta-filmic family drama.
• Already a major awards contender after winning the Grand Prix at Cannes and earning rave reviews from critics worldwide.

Hey film fanatics! Remember how Joachim Trier totally blew us away with "The Worst Person in the World"? Well, get ready because his latest masterpiece, "Sentimental Value," is about to grace our screens, and it's already making huge waves. This isn't just another movie; it's a deeply personal, brilliantly acted drama that's been racking up awards and critical praise since its debut. If you're looking for a film that truly digs into the complexities of family, art, and memory, you're going to want to mark your calendars for this one!

It feels like ages since "The Worst Person in the World" captivated us with its raw honesty and incredible performances, especially from Renate Reinsve. Now, Trier is back, and he’s not just revisiting old themes but expanding on them with a story that feels both intimately familiar and profoundly new. And yes, Renate Reinsve is back too, alongside a stellar cast that includes legends like Stellan Skarsgård and the always-captivating Elle Fanning. Trust us, this is the kind of movie cinephiles dream about, and it's hitting U.S. theaters faster than you can say "Oscar contender!"

Unpacking the Deeply Moving Story and Emotional Core of "Sentimental Value"

So, what's "Sentimental Value" all about? At its heart, it's a powerful and often fraught family reunion story. We meet sisters Nora (played by the incredible Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), who are trying to navigate their relationship with their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). Now, Gustav isn't just any dad; he's a once-renowned film director who, let's just say, prioritized his career over his family many years ago. After the recent passing of the girls' mother, Gustav swoops back into their lives with a grand plan for his comeback: a new film.

Here's where it gets interesting – and a little meta. Gustav’s new screenplay is super personal, reportedly based on his own mother's difficult experiences, including her past as an anti-Nazi resistance fighter who was tortured and later committed suicide in the very Oslo house where the family’s drama now unfolds. He offers the lead role to Nora, who, like her father, has also become an actress. But when Nora, understandably conflicted and perhaps a bit fed up, turns him down, Gustav quickly re-casts the part to an eager young Hollywood star, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). This move, as you can imagine, just throws a whole new wrench into the already complicated family dynamics, especially with an American star suddenly dropped into their Norwegian world.

The film, co-written by Trier and his long-time collaborator Eskil Vogt, delves into so much more than just a typical family spat. It explores complex themes like intergenerational trauma, the weight of creative ambition versus family loyalty, and how our past continues to shape us. The family’s gorgeous Oslo home isn't just a backdrop; it becomes a character in itself, holding years of unspoken history and silently witnessing their struggles. While Nora struggles with panic attacks and an ill-fated affair with her married co-star (Anders Danielsen Lie), Agnes quietly conducts independent research about their grandmother's harrowing past. David Ehrlich from IndieWire perfectly called the film a "layered masterpiece," where every element, even the house, takes on a delicate sense of personal history.

The Incredible Ensemble Cast Bringing This Family Drama to Life

One of the biggest draws of "Sentimental Value" is its absolutely stellar cast, a mix of familiar Trier collaborators and exciting new additions who deliver truly unforgettable performances.

• Renate Reinsve as Nora: Reuniting with Trier after her Cannes Best Actress win for "The Worst Person in the World," Reinsve once again proves why she's one of the most compelling actresses working today. Critics are already raving about her "complete revelation" of a performance, perfectly portraying a woman on the brink of psychological collapse. You'll recognize her from her recent Hollywood roles like "A Different Man" and Apple's "Presumed Innocent" show.
• Stellan Skarsgård as Gustav: The seasoned veteran delivers an "Oscar-worthy" and "extraordinary" performance as the charismatic, yet deeply flawed, patriarch. Skarsgård truly reminds us why he's considered one of the best actors of his generation, bringing immense depth to a character grappling with his past choices and an attempt at reconciliation.
• Elle Fanning as Rachel Kemp: Fanning steps into the role of the ambitious American star, and she's been described as "extraordinary." Her presence adds a fascinating layer to the family dynamic, acting as both a catalyst and a mirror for the sisters' unresolved issues, especially Nora's.
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as Agnes: As Nora's sister, Agnes, Lilleaas adds another strong performance to the mix, quietly pursuing her own research into their grandmother's past while navigating the intense family chaos.
• Anders Danielsen Lie: A frequent Trier collaborator, Lie returns in "Sentimental Value," playing Nora's married co-star in a stage production. His presence further grounds the film in Trier's signature style of exploring complex human relationships.
• Also Featuring: Cory Michael Smith, Catherine Cohen, Andreas Stoltenberg Granerud, and Øyvind Hesjedal Loven round out this talented ensemble, contributing to the rich tapestry of this story.

Trier, who famously values mise-en-scène over individual performance, seems to have found an ensemble here that has truly "tipped the scales of his filmmaking towards the weight of physical expression," as Robert Wickers notes. The raw chemistry and individual brilliance of this cast are clearly a major reason for the film's glowing reception, making every character feel incredibly real and deeply human.

A Festival Darling That's Generating Significant Oscar Buzz and Acclaim

"Sentimental Value" hasn't just been playing at festivals; it's been absolutely conquering them! Its journey began with a bang at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May, where it premiered to widespread praise and took home the prestigious Grand Prix award – the second-highest honor after the Palme d'Or. It was also a strong nominee for the Palme d'Or itself, indicating its high standing among international cinema.

But the acclaim didn't stop there. The film continued its triumphant festival circuit, captivating audiences and critics alike at:

• Telluride Film Festival
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), featured in Special Presentations
• New York Film Festival (NYFF), where it was recently screened
• Locarno Film Festival, where it was an Audience Award Nominee
• Philadelphia Film Festival, where it had the honor of being the closing film

All this buzz means one thing: Oscar season. Norway has already officially selected "Sentimental Value" as its entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and it's considered a massive frontrunner, currently topping Gold Derby's odds with a 97.5% chance. But the nominations aren't expected to stop there. Industry insiders and critics are predicting potential nods in a host of other major categories, indicating the film's broad appeal beyond the international category:

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

This level of widespread recognition across so many categories truly highlights the film's exceptional quality and broad appeal. It's not just an international film to watch; it's a film, period, that demands attention and is poised to be a major player this awards season.

Critics and Audiences Are Absolutely Loving This Unforgettable Film

The critical response to "Sentimental Value" has been nothing short of rapturous. If you check out Rotten Tomatoes, you'll find a stunning 96% fresh rating, and Metacritic gives it an impressive 89/100. These aren't just good scores; they're indicators of a truly beloved and acclaimed film that critics can't stop talking about. They've called it:

• "a perfect, transcendent film"
• "a deeply beautiful expression that art can heal us"
• "one of the best films of the decade, if not ever"
• "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" (Graeme Guttman, ScreenRant)

"In the first of Trier’s films to operate as a family portrait instead of a more focused individual profile, 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."

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire

The International Cinephile Society praised it as "a simple, profoundly moving drama that finds Trier capturing different aspects of the human condition in vibrant detail, SENTIMENTAL VALUE is a staggering achievement – it is a subtle examination of many different themes, all of which can be traced back to the director’s deep fascination with the lives of others, weaving a quietly compelling tale of family, identity and the unbearable burden of the past. Something that we all carry with us and never can leave behind." Stephen Silver of the Philadelphia Film Festival also declared it "one of the best international films of the festival and of the year," placing it just a "tick below" the beloved "Worst Person in the World" – which, coming from such high praise, is still incredibly high praise indeed!

When and Where You Can Catch "Sentimental Value" in Theaters Soon

Alright, you're convinced, you want to see it! So, here’s the crucial info you need to know about experiencing "Sentimental Value" for yourself:

• U.S. Theatrical Release: NEON is bringing "Sentimental Value" to select U.S. theaters starting on November 7, 2025. Some reports also indicate a November 11th release, which could point to a wider rollout in the following days or simply a slight variation in initial market dates. Either way, get ready for it early next month!
• International Release: For our friends abroad, the film is also slated for release in other territories. For example, it’s part of the EUFF Vietnam 2025 program, with screenings on November 22, 2025 (in Ho Chi Minh City) and November 25, 2025 (in Hanoi). Keep an eye on local listings for other international dates.
• Runtime: The movie runs for approximately 132 to 135 minutes (around 2 hours and 15 minutes), giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the Borg family's story.
• Age Rating: It has been rated T13 in some international markets, which typically translates to a PG-13 equivalent in the U.S., meaning it's generally suitable for audiences 13 and up who can handle mature dramatic themes.

So, clear your schedules and prepare for a film that promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant experience. Joachim Trier and his incredible cast have delivered something truly special with "Sentimental Value," and you won't want to miss it on the big screen!

Frequently Asked Questions About Joachim Trier's Latest Film

When does "Sentimental Value" premiere in U.S. theaters?

"Sentimental Value" is set to begin its U.S. theatrical run on November 7, 2025, distributed by NEON. Be sure to check your local listings for specific showtimes as a wider rollout may follow shortly after this initial date!

What is the runtime and age rating for "Sentimental Value"?

The film runs for approximately 132 to 135 minutes (about 2 hours and 15 minutes). It carries a T13 rating in some international markets, which generally corresponds to a PG-13 rating in the U.S., making it suitable for audiences aged 13 and older, given its dramatic themes.

Who is the director of "Sentimental Value" and what other acclaimed films has he directed?

"Sentimental Value" is directed by acclaimed Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. He is widely known for his previous, critically celebrated works, including "The Worst Person in the World," which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, "Oslo, August 31st," "Louder Than Bombs," and "Thelma."

Is "Sentimental Value" expected to be a major Oscar contender this awards season?

Absolutely! "Sentimental Value" is generating significant Oscar buzz. It won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is Norway's official submission for Best International Feature Film. Critics are also predicting nominations in major categories like Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Renate Reinsve, Best Supporting Actor for Stellan Skarsgård, and Best Original Screenplay, making it one to watch!

Sources

• Dark Horizons
• IndieWire (Kate Erbland, David Ehrlich)
• FirstShowing (Alex Billington)
• Editorial Team
• ScreenRant (Graeme Guttman)
• EUFF Vietnam
• Gold Derby
• Robert Wickers
• Stephen Silver