12/6/25 - Sentimental Value (2025) - 7+/10

(lost notes)

Touching even months after I think about it. The interplay of the personification of the house (one of the best encapsulations of a setting I have seen on film) and its history and how that plays into the familial drama and joys of this pained family was marvelous and wonder inspiring. Renate is spectacular, with so much depth and delicay. Their is a naturalism and a haunted joy she brings. Stellan was stellar, as was Fanning in one of her best and most meta roles, but Inga’s portrayal of the sister was truly magical. Wholly lived in, with strength and vulnerability wrapped up but tangible - all without over exertion or obtrusion. She simply welcomes you into the life of this character and it was brilliant and captivating.

This was another winner for Trier - an artist and welcomed magical new voice in film. And though I didn’t love everything he did with this (there is a moment when the faces of the main characters melt and overlap onto each other, which was heavy handed and didn’t fit - along with a couple musical choices that felt off), I adored the whole. Like the house and the struggling not to be broken inhabitants, there are rooms and room to let it all be more than a simple set or framework; rather it is a living breathing piece of ever-changing life. Fantastic film.