Norwegian director Joachim Trier has teamed up once again with acclaimed actress Renate Reinsve for their third collaboration, titled Sentimental Value. This film explores the complex dynamics between two bereaved sisters, Nora, played by Reinsve, and her younger sister Agnes, portrayed by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Their estranged father, Gustav Borg, a once-renowned film director played by Stellan Skarsgård, re-enters their lives, forcing them to confront deep-seated generational trauma.
The family home serves as a crucial character in the narrative, representing the shared experiences and emotional baggage of the sisters. Nora, a stage actor, struggles with her relationship with her father, rejecting his attempts to cast her in a deeply personal comeback film he has written for her. Instead, he secures the involvement of Hollywood star Elle Fanning to fill the role.
In their previous collaboration, The Worst Person in the World, Reinsve garnered the Best Actress award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, enhancing their creative partnership. Trier describes Reinsve as possessing “energy, playfulness, and charisma,” qualities that inspired him to create this pivotal role for her. “I feel like the luckiest actor to get to do this with Joachim,” Reinsve expresses, highlighting the emotional connection they share during their creative process.
Trier recalls the initial meeting with Reinsve, which took place over a decade ago while casting for his film Oslo, August 31st. He was immediately drawn to her talent during auditions, despite her being relatively unknown. “There was something about her… she just broke into a laugh doing some sort of improv thing. And I just said, ‘OK, so let’s bring her in,’” he reflects. This moment marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that has continued to evolve.
Exploring Themes of Trauma and Connection
Their latest film delves into themes of familial bonds and the struggle to communicate within the family unit. “I was kind of in the world of this family trying to figure out how to communicate,” Reinsve explains, noting the subtle complexities that characterize the sisters’ relationship. “There is no apparent big conflict between them, but they see each other’s choices in life.”
Trier emphasizes the emotional depth of the characters, expressing pride in the way the film captures the nuances of human relationships. He notes that Skarsgård, intrigued by working with Reinsve, praised her ability to convey deep emotion in her performance. “It’s extraordinary. Her skin changes color; in her performance, you see what she feels,” Skarsgård remarked during rehearsals.
The dynamic between the sisters is further explored through Nora’s character, who grapples with stage fright, a contrast to Reinsve’s own experiences as an actor. Trier and Reinsve discuss how their shared understanding of the acting profession informs their work. “We recognize something in each other, the playfulness, and to be able to laugh about these things,” Reinsve states, highlighting their unique partnership.
A Unique Creative Process
Trier and his writing partner, Eskil Vogt, began crafting the screenplay for Sentimental Value in late August 2022. By Christmas, they had developed a substantial foundation for the story. During this time, Trier shared the initial concept with Reinsve over coffee, establishing a deep emotional connection as they discussed the narrative.
Reinsve reflects on the significance of the character’s journey, noting that her experiences on stage help shape the emotional weight of Nora’s performance. “You have to access everything inside of you… you kind of have to have a contact with that and let anything come up,” she explains. The film’s climax, which centers on the sisters’ realization of their bond, is a testament to their shared experiences and emotional complexity.
Trier acknowledges the challenge of writing authentic female characters as a male director, emphasizing that his focus is on vulnerability rather than gender. “I think it’s more about identity and characters than gender for me,” he asserts. This approach fosters an environment where Reinsve can explore the depths of her character without the constraints of a conventional narrative.
As they continue their collaboration, both Trier and Reinsve express a strong desire to keep pushing creative boundaries. “I would love to see her age… That’s the magic of cinema,” Trier states, looking forward to their future projects together.
Reinsve echoes this sentiment, expressing her eagerness to remain involved in Trier’s upcoming endeavors. “Never give up on you. Never,” she reassures him, highlighting the trust and camaraderie that have blossomed throughout their partnership.
In a world where storytelling often reflects the complexities of human emotions, Sentimental Value stands out as a poignant exploration of family, trauma, and the healing power of love. As Trier and Reinsve continue to collaborate, audiences can anticipate more compelling narratives that resonate on a deeply personal level.
