‘Sentimental Value’ Review: A Beautiful Exploration of Human Connection

The absolute beauty of Sentimental Value lies within its wordless moments. Moments that mean thousands of words, all without uttering a single one of them. From a brief glance to a flurry of different facial expressions, Skarsgård and Reinsve completely capture a disavowed father/daughter relationship that operates through a painful yet hopeful lens.

Gustav is forced to confront his imaginings with his realities through the creation process of his new film, drawing out Nora’s deep-rooted trauma, forcing himself to confront the harsh truths of his daughters’ perspectives of their childhood, and how vastly they differ from his own. These harsh truths are echoed between the walls of his daughter’s childhood home, a physical location that assumes itself as its own supporting character in the story, as its reactions to the human characters in Sentimental Value are personified.

In unison with the father/daughter exploration lies perhaps an even more fundamental relationship of the film, the bond of sisterhood shared by Nora and Agnes. Their journey for “catharsis” (despite having two completely different definitions) culminates in a truly great “daughters and their relationship with their dad” type of movie.

‘Sentimental Value’ Is the Must-See of TIFF 2025

Sentimental Value speaks to people’s storied past and murky futures, while also exploring how relationships to people, as well as places, can hold value or discomfort in our lives. A childhood home, a theatrical stage, or even a country as a whole can all affect an individual and, eventually, a family. It reckons with the (un)fortunate principle that places will always hold a particular memory, thought, or feeling, regardless of how much someone might fight it.

Although there are plenty of spectacular films, Sentimental Value is likely to be one of the very best movies of TIFF 2025. The staying power is unmatched. The deep, emotional excavation is tireless. The filmmaking is confident and prominent. If you check out any movie from the fall festival season, Sentimental Value should be the one.

Sentimental Value releases in movie theaters nationwide on November 27. 

'Sentimental Value' Review | TIFF 2025

4.5/5 Total Score

The Good

• Stellan Skarsgård delivers a career-best performance, ushering in a near-perfect film.
• Complete control of its thematic interests delivers an emotionally resonant journey from start to finish.
• You will cry. Guaranteed.

The Bad

• Trier falls back on an extremely familiar storytelling format used in his previous film (for better or worse).
• You will cry. Guaranteed.