Why Sentimental Value Should Win the Best Picture Oscar
In a year packed with Oscar nominees boasting ambitious ideas and bold swings—from Trump-baiting sagas to alien-invasion conspiracies—Sentimental Value might initially seem like the least essential contender. However, this Danish-Norwegian film, directed by Joachim Trier, proves to be a grand and sprawling masterpiece that deserves the top prize for its grown-up filmmaking and exceptional performances.
A Family Saga with Emotional Depth
At its core, Sentimental Value is a family saga that spirals across decades and generations, interwoven with a narrative about moviemaking. Trier, co-writer and director, crafts a film that churns and roils emotionally, reminiscent of Bergman, yet tackles heavy themes with a springiness and playfulness seen in his previous work, The Worst Person in the World. Unlike other nominees, this film serves as a powerful showcase for performance, featuring four meaty roles for its terrific leads, all of whom have earned Oscar nominations.
Stellar Performances Drive the Story
Renate Reinsve, building a remarkable actor-director relationship with Trier, portrays Nora, a Norwegian stage and TV actress grappling with paralyzing stage fright. Her complex dynamics with her father, Gustav, played with bearish charm by Stellan Skarsgård, add layers of tension and emotion. Gustav, a faded director and absent alcoholic, proposes that Nora star in his final film, based on his mother's life, leading to conflicts when Hollywood starlet Rachel Kemp, played by Elle Fanning, shows interest, bringing crucial Netflix funding.
The Symbolic Family Home
A key element of the film is the magnificent wood-panelled townhouse, which first appeared in Trier's 2011 film Oslo, August 31st. This setting serves as a show-stopping special effect, moving through history from Nazi occupation to modern renovations, symbolizing familial fissures and emotional warmth. The crack in its structure mirrors the deep-seated issues within the family, making it a poignant backdrop for the story's exploration of pain and legacy.
Exploring Art and Personal History
Sentimental Value delves into profound questions about art and personal history, asking whether everything should be copy or if there are limits to drawing from painful experiences. The film also critiques Netflix and the film industry's tendency to shy away from depth, positioning itself as a European film for adults in a market dominated by lighter fare. With as many Oscar nominations as major contenders like Marty Supreme and Frankenstein, it offers a raw, real, and satisfyingly grown-up alternative to flashy concepts.
In summary, Sentimental Value may lack the whizzes and bangs of other nominees, but its emotional richness, stellar cast, and thoughtful storytelling make it a standout candidate for the Best Picture Oscar, championing mature cinema in a competitive field.
