The partnership between Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier dazzled audiences in the critically acclaimed ‘The Worst Person in the World’ back in 2021, leading to an Oscar nomination for the duo in Best Original Screenplay. After the success, the duo reteamed up for Neon’s upcoming film ‘Sentimental Value.’ This also sees the reunion of Trier and Renate Reinsve, who plays the lead in the film, Julie. Ahead of the film’s release, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elle Fanning and Stellan Skarsgard to talk about their performances in Trier’s incredible movie. 

Trier’s previous work honed in on a single-person narrative along with those around to play small pieces in elevating his story. However, with Sentimental Value, Trier leans heavily into an ensemble piece that truly comes together quite brilliantly. The script is such a complex look at family, love, and attempting to heal old wounds. This truly might be one of the best screenplays of 2025. In the quiet moments of this film is where you find yourself wrestling with the idea of what Trier is saying. The family dynamic in this film gives plenty of self-reflection on your own life and the challenges one faces with not being seen by those who we love. 

As I sat in a puddle of tears as each act unfolded, I was blown away by this remarkable ensemble. Even Gustav (Skarsgård), who is rough around the edges, finds this subtle warm spot in your heart by the end. Reinsve, Skarsgård, Lilleaas, and Fanning truly deliver this beautiful ensemble, enriching Vogt/Trier’s incredible screenplay. I highly recommend checking this out in theaters. 

What is Sentimental Value about?

Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star.

When does Sentimental Value release?

Sentimental Value hits theaters on November 7.

Stellan Skarsgard and Elle Fanning Talk ‘Sentimental Value’

Ricky Valero: Stellan, Joachim said that he wrote the role for you. Talk to me about that and your initial thoughts reading the script?

Stellan Skarsgård: He said he wrote the script for me, which was very flattering, of course, because I would’ve worked with him anyway. I would’ve worked with him if he just had two pieces of notes. It was very obvious we were going to work together, but we were sort of dancing around each other for a period of tim e like two dogs sniffing each other’s butts. Then we both said yes. 

Valero: Elle, you have spoken about how you wanted to work with Trier. How did the role come about for you?

Elle Fanning:  Gosh, that was a great day. Because I’m a huge fan of Joachim’s work. I didn’t know if there would ever be a part for me, you know? Actually, Mike Mills, who directed me in 20th Century Women, I think he orchestrated this because he’s friends with Joachim, and I know that Mike, maybe he had read the script and said, ‘You might want to talk to El for this part.’ So a big shout-out to him for doing that. It happened quite fast.

I was kind of in the middle of working and just finished A Complete Unknown, and my agent said, There’s a part for you. Joachim wants to talk to you on a Zoom call tomorrow, here is the script. I was just dead set; it didn’t even have to be a script. After reading it, it’s an incredible script and character. Then we had an amazing conversation, and pretty much we knew that we were going to do it together. 

Check out the full interview with Stellan and Elle below.