Sentimental Value

I had to gather my thoughts after seeing this film before I could write a review. I’ve been a Joachim Trier fan for a long time. The Worst Person in the World is one of my favorite films ever. So of course, I was looking forward to this one. And it did not disappoint. First, the script is one of the best I’ve seen all year. It was a wonderful return to the world of Trier and Vogt whose collaboration to me is like the magic sauce that exists between Bronstein and the Safdies. What I appreciate about it is that it trusts its audience. So much in the film is left for us to intuit, but thanks to Trier’s expert direction of this script, it’s all there in lingering shots on Stellan Skarsgard’s face as it subtly shifts from love to disappointment, or a long one shot of Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas as she cleans her sister’s apartment, or a double glance from Renate Reinsve. Beat by beat, the film is directed so granularly but somehow never in a way where it feels manipulated or you feel like you’re seeing Trier’s hand in it. And speaking of actors… Skarsgard, Lilleaas, Reinsve, and Fanning… All four of them are firing on all cylinders, anchoring the film with humanity and authenticity. The film isn’t a showy film. The writing doesn’t allow for big screaming matches or giant set piece moments. But it’s a testament to the fact that a simple grounded role can be just as effective with the right actors who understand how to mine the scenes for all they’re worth. These four really did. Also I gotta say, I’ve loved Stellan Skarsgard for a long time, but this may be my favorite performance of his ever. Truly one of the best films of the year.