‘Sentimental Value’ is a beautiful drama of redemption in a show-biz family - review

‘Sentimental Value,’ a Norwegian film that garnered the Best International Feature Oscar in 2026, is a compelling drama that centers on the intricate dynamics of a dysfunctional show-business family. The movie, which opened Thursday in Israeli theaters, has been lauded as one of the year's best, with the reviewer expressing a desire to see it win in all nine of its nominated categories, including Best Picture.

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Sentimental Value, which won the Oscar for Best International Feature in 2026 and which opens on Thursday at theaters around Israel, was one of my favorite movies this year.

Directed by Joachim Trier and featuring a standout performance from Renate Reinsve, the film delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Nora and Agnes, and their estranged father, Gustav. Nora is a successful actress grappling with stage fright, while Agnes is a historian devoted to her family. Their shared disdain for their father, a once-prominent director, forms a central tension.

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It’s a character-driven, complex story about the drama of an extremely dysfunctional show-business family.

The narrative is further enriched by the film's setting in a beautiful Oslo home, which mirrors the fates of its inhabitants. The story begins with the death of the sisters' mother, prompting their father's return to claim the family house. This setting serves as a poignant backdrop to the exploration of familial bonds, past grievances, and the enduring impact of childhood experiences.

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It is unquestionably the best-acted movie this year, and it also has incredibly funny moments.

Trier's direction, often compared to that of Francois Truffaut and Ingmar Bergman, combined with Reinsve's captivating performance, creates a rich cinematic experience. The film is noted for its exceptional acting, humor, and its ability to craft a deeply engaging, character-driven story that resonates with themes of redemption and family.

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Reinsve is one of the most interesting young actresses and was far more deserving of the Best Actress Oscar this year for her performance in Sentimental Value than the overwrought Jessie Buckley, who won for Hamnet.