Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Estrangement, suicide themes, language in thoughtful drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Sentimental Value
What's the Story?
SENTIMENTAL VALUE is the story of Nora (Renate Reinsve), a Norwegian actor, who, alongside her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), is coming to terms with the passing of their mother. This brings back their estranged father, the renowned filmmaker Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgard), who presents to them his plan to shoot a movie about his own mother's suicide, and he wants Nora as his leading lady. But Nora's past trauma and the resentment she feels toward her father, pushes her away from the project, leading to the casting of Hollywood star Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning).
Is It Any Good?
This Norwegian drama is another successful exploration of the human psyche from filmmaker Joachim Trier. Sentimental Value is a nuanced film that operates on multiple levels, feeling both vast and intimate. At its core, it's a character study of protagonist Nora, brought to life spectacularly by Reinsve, who reunites with Trier after The Worst Person in the World. But the film uses her story as a springboard to explore profound ideas, such as whether cinema can serve as therapy or whether turning family trauma into art is exploitative. It's a film that asks many questions without claiming to have all the answers. Skarsgard delivers one of his finest performances in years as Nora's estranged father Gustav, playing the role with great subtlety and complexity. The themes of home, family, resentment, and reflection all resonate deeply, creating a thematically ambitious drama that finds its power in quiet, intimate moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about turning personal trauma into art in Sentimental Value. Can making art about painful experiences help with healing, or does it exploit those who suffered? Where should artists draw the line between honest expression and respecting family privacy?
Discuss forgiveness and family estrangement. Why did Nora struggle to forgive her absent father? Were his intentions to reconcile genuine? Is forgiveness always necessary for healing?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were drinking and smoking portrayed? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize them? Why does that matter?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 7, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 23, 2025
- Cast : Renate Reinsve , Stellan Skarsgard , Elle Fanning
- Director : Joachim Trier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Dads , Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 133 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language including a sexual reference, and brief nudity
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : November 3, 2025
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