Oscar-nominated filmmakers Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt are back to disrupt the modern film landscape. After the global phenomenon of “The Worst Person in the World,” the duo returns with “Sentimental Value,” a film that dares to be tender in a rough world. They reunite with star Renate Reinsve for a story that digs deep into family dynamics and the art of performance.
The new film promises to be more than just a drama. It serves as a quiet rebellion against the polarized noise of today’s society. Trier and Vogt open up about their chaotic creative process and the emotional risks they took to bring this intimate story to the big screen.
Crafting Magic Through An Unprofessional Writing Process
Most successful screenwriting teams operate like well-oiled machines. They use strict outlines, beat sheets, and rigid structures. Trier and Vogt do the exact opposite. They embrace a chaotic and almost “unprofessional” approach to keep their work fresh and alive.
The duo treats their writing sessions like a band jamming in a garage. They play music, talk about life, and let ideas flow without judgment. They believe that being too professional kills the soul of a movie.
Joachim Trier Eskil Vogt Sentimental Value Renate Reinsve film set
“We want some personality in our process. We were friends before we started to make films together.”
This friendship allows them to leave their egos at the door. They start with conversations rather than plot points.
Comparison: The Trier/Vogt Method vs. Hollywood Standard
| Feature | Hollywood Standard | Trier & Vogt Style |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | High-concept plot pitch | Casual conversation & music |
| Structure | Beat sheets & treatments | Big document of random scenes |
| Focus | Plot progression | Character moments & “darlings” |
| Final Polish | Locked script before shooting | Rewrites happen during filming |
They write scenes that act like “set pieces of drama.” They might write a breakup scene or a wedding meet-cute without knowing exactly where it fits. Later, they act like editors. They arrange these moments onto a “plot hanger” to create a cohesive story.
Countering Hard Times With Tender Human Moments
The world feels harder today than it did five years ago. Social media fuels anger. Politics divide families. In this climate, “Sentimental Value” acts as a counter-argument.
Trier explains that the film is an attempt to enter a tender space. They wanted to create something sensitive and human to fight the cynical hard energy of the current times. It is a risky move. Sincerity often opens artists up to ridicule.
The film explores several heavy themes through a delicate lens:
- Generational Trauma: How pain travels from parents to children.
- Art vs. Commerce: The struggle of making personal art in a corporate world.
- Intimacy: Finding real connection in a polarized society.
“We feel scared as s**t every time,” Trier admits. This anxiety is their fuel. It proves they are pushing into territory that matters. They are not interested in repeating old successes. They want to capture the specific feeling of being alive right now.
Exploring Generational Trauma and Industry Shifts
The plot of “Sentimental Value” is deceptively simple. Nora, played by Reinsve, is an actress navigating a rocky relationship with her father. He is a filmmaker, played by Stellan Skarsgård, who wants her to star in his comeback movie.
Under the surface, the film grapples with the shadow of World War II. In Norway, the war ended decades ago. Yet, the trauma lingers in families. The older generation adopted a “stiff upper lip” mentality. They refused to look back. This silence caused ripples that affect their children and grandchildren today.
Key Cast Members:
- Renate Reinsve: Returns as Nora, an actress facing inner demons.
- Stellan Skarsgård: Plays the father, a director grappling with his legacy.
- Gustav Skarsgård: Features in a supporting role that highlights family tension.
The movie also touches on the changing movie business. It includes a scene referencing Netflix and Ted Sarandos. This is not just a joke. It highlights the tension between streaming convenience and the magic of the movie theater. Trier dreams of a world where big streamers embrace the theatrical experience again. He believes the shared experience of cinema is vital for humanity.
The Paradox of Performance and Stage Fright
One of the most striking elements of the film is its portrayal of acting. The story opens with an actress paralyzed by fear. She cannot get on stage. This might seem like fiction, but it is based on real struggles.
Vogt notes that stage fright is surprisingly common among top actors. They dedicate their lives to performing yet often find themselves physically ill before the curtain rises.
The duo shared an anecdote about a friend playing Hamlet. This actor would vomit from nerves every Tuesday. He would do voice exercises in the basement while in a state of panic. Then, he would go out and perform for four hours perfectly.
This paradox fascinates the filmmakers. It shows the sheer force of human will. It is a tribute to what artists endure to communicate with an audience. They push through terror to create a moment of connection. That effort is the heart of “Sentimental Value.”
The film does not offer easy answers. It does not fix the world’s problems. Instead, it offers a mirror. It asks us to look at our own families and our own fears. It asks us to value the sentimental things that make us human.
