Released in France on August 20, 2025, Sentimental Value (original title Affeksjonsverdi) is directed by Joachim Trier, who co-wrote the script with Eskil Vogt. The film was in official competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it took home the Grand Prix. Led by Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, with a cameo by Elle Fanning, this critically acclaimed family drama will be broadcast on Canal+ on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:10 p.m.
After their mother's passing, Agnès and Nora are surprised by the return of their father, Gustav, a renowned filmmaker who has been absent for many years. Eager to reignite his career, he offers Nora, now a theater actress, the lead role in his new film. Nora's refusal opens old wounds and exposes a family history filled with silence and unspoken resentments.
Gustav entrusts the role to a rising Hollywood star, sparking a filming adventure in Norway that acts as a catalyst for discovery. Amidst the cycles of family history and efforts at reconciliation, each character faces the legacy they've inherited, whether aware of it or not. The story unfolds through a multi-layered, choral structure, weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines, continuing the collaborative vision of Trier and Vogt.
The project is rooted in a personal experience of the director: putting the family home up for sale. This moment sparks a deeper exploration of emotional inheritance and the subjective nature of memory. The house where most of the story unfolds has been conceived as a fully developed character, embodying both sentimental significance and intergenerational tensions.
Looking to craft an authentic visual tone, director of photography Kasper Tuxen, who previously collaborated on Julie (in 12 Chapters), relies on natural lighting and an expansive outdoor setting that reflects the changing seasons within the narrative. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Terry Callier and Labi Siffre, complements this intimate journey. Internationally, the film has made a strong impact, earning the BAFTA for Best Non-English Language Film, a Golden Globe for Stellan Skarsgård’s supporting role, nine Oscar nominations for 2026, and a César nomination for Best Foreign Film.
Joachim Trier, who previously lit up Cannes with Oslo, August 31st, Back Home, and Julie (in Twelve Chapters), continues to delve into themes of family bonds and artistic expression. The character of Nora, crafted for Renate Reinsve, extends this exploration of female figures grappling with emotional inheritance. The appearance of Elle Fanning, portraying an international actress searching for purpose, adds a dramatic contrast between public recognition and private struggles.
Sentimental Value
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: August 20, 2025
TV Broadcast: Canal+ on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Drama | Duration: 2h13
Directed by Joachim Trier | Starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning
Original title: Affeksjonsverdi
Country: Norway
Blending themes of family drama with reflections on creativity, Pangible Memories explores how a family molds its identity through both its stories and silences. Its journey through festivals and international awards cements its status as one of Europe's standout films of the year.
For more options, check out our curated list of TV programs, movies, and series to watch this week, our guide to new releases across all streaming platforms, and today’s top picks for what to stream today.
