Right on the heels of the Toronto International Film Festival is The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) which is in full swing right now. What I love about going to these film fests is that you have an opportunity to see movies that you may otherwise never get to see.
My first film was one I missed seeing at TIFF and that won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2025 – the second most prestigious prize. Sentimental Value is cinema (self) – referencing cinema.
Some movies don’t just tell a story; they ask you to feel it from the inside out.
Such as the hauntingly beautiful opening scenes where you hear the voice of one of the main characters as a little girl wondering if the house she grew up in had feelings. It got me in the way she wondered whether the house felt better empty or full, or if it could feel pain. It made the story feel deep, like her house wasn’t just a setting but part of the emotion. I was more moved by the emotional significance the house held for her than the emotional significance the people had for her.
And that’s where the movie lost its charm for me. I think there’s a distinction between movies made primarily for audiences and those crafted with filmmakers or actors in mind. The style and emotional resonance of this one made me think that actors would love it and regular filmgoers would not. I’m neither an actor anymore, or a regular filmgoer – so I left feeling mixed about this movie in general, a movie where the main players are creative emotional wrecks.
Yes, the acting was great. But, the main reason you go to the movies is for the story, right? If you’re okay with the main characters all coming from a dysfunctional place then you’ll probably really like it. If you’re looking for feel-good clarity and entertainment, then this is not the film for you.
A film where parents fight, the father (played by the amazing Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård) packs up and leaves, only to come back years later with a movie script he’s written (oh yeah, he’s a once-revered film director by the name of Gustav who hasn’t made a movie for a number of years) in which he offers his stage actress daughter Nora (Renate Reinsve) who, now has a series of her own, the main part, which she turns down because she’s still hurt over him leaving. He drinks way too much. The part is then offered to a well-known American actress (played by Elle Fanning) who becomes his new muse. She’s adorable and questions his choice of her in the lead and ends up feeling uncomfortable in the part. Did I mention the mother (Gustav’s wife) who worked as a therapist, committed suicide?
Directed by Joachim Trier. The VIFF overview says “Trier mines both humour and heartbreak from these damaged souls’ attempts to mend their frayed family ties.” I didn’t see much humour in it.
Bottom line is this movie is more chaotic than my take on it. But it has a somewhat happier ending, which is nice.
The Festival is on until October 12th. For Tickets:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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