Sentimental Value

This completely left me speechless. It’s easily top one or top two of the year for me, and I’m seriously considering adding it to my overall top four. It’s one of those films that slowly pulls you in until you’re fully absorbed, and hearing both Swedish and Norwegian gave it an incredible atmosphere. The languages even become part of the story, which made it feel even more special. Even though the plot is simple on paper, a father and his two daughters, it touched so many things for me. It made me think, it reminded me of a lot, and it hit in a very personal way. When it ended, I just sat there for a few minutes, still processing everything I had just seen. I loved how the film portrayed relationships, how messy they can be, how much people struggle, and how important it is to show up for the people you care about. The way the story is told is beautiful, from the voiceover narration to those abrupt cuts to black that feel like chapter markers. The performances are on another level. Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are all extraordinary. They feel so real, and every emotion lands with full force. Stellan delivers one of the best performances of his career, right up there with Andor. It was my first time seeing Renate and Inga, and they blew me away, especially Renate, whose character has so many layers and who brings all of them to life with incredible nuance. And Elle is phenomenal as always. Honestly, I think this might be one of her best roles, and I’ve realized my crush on her just got a lot more serious. This was an incredible experience and a film I truly believe everyone should watch. It stays with you and keeps unfolding in your mind long after it ends. It's like her sadness is such an overwhelming part of her. It's a beautiful thing. But I can't tell if that's just the cause of everything, or if it’s a symptom of something deeper.