Elle Fanning’s Underrated Performance In 96% RT Drama Sentimental Value

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Now that awards season is here, it’s a good time to look back at the year’s most popular films and talk about which ones stood out and which ones didn’t quite make the grade. The Golden Globe nominations for 2026 came out two weeks ago, and movie fans have already started lively discussions about which films deserve recognition and which were overlooked.

Predicting who will win Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars is already causing a lot of discussion. As people revisit performances from the year, some less-publicized roles are gaining attention, and everyone seems to have a favorite they think deserves an award.

While many believe Sinners is already a lock for the 2026 Best Picture Oscar, and its campaign is incredibly strong, foreign films still have a real chance of earning nominations and even winning, just like they have since 2020. One potential contender is Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, who was previously nominated for Best Screenplay in 2022.

Elle Fanning Plays An Incompetent Actress In Sentimental Value

The film Sentimental Value centers around Nora, portrayed by Renate Reinsve, and her difficult relationship with her father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). Gustav is a filmmaker who wants to make a movie based on his childhood, set in the family’s old home. However, Nora, an actress herself, declines to star in his film.

This leads Gustav to replace the original actress with Elle Fanning, who plays Rachel Kemp. Gustav feels Rachel is the ideal choice to bring his character—inspired by his own mother—to life, a role he originally intended for Nora. Rachel is a rising star in Hollywood, and Netflix is producing the film, providing her with strong support.

Despite her captivating charm and energy, Kemp finds it difficult to fully embody the character Gustav envisioned. Reviews of Sentimental Value consistently highlight the film’s intensely emotional script, describing it as a dramatic exploration of family conflicts. These conflicts are portrayed as individual struggles for attention, unfolding gradually as the family’s life falls apart.

Rachel Kemp feels out of place in this complex situation. Gustav is determined to push her forward, believing it will somehow make up for his mistakes as a father, and he’s using filmmaking as a way to do so, even though it’s clear she isn’t a good fit.

Despite needing a powerful performance, the director doesn’t seem to realize the actress is struggling. It’s clear to the audience, though, that she’s in over her head and unable to deliver the emotional depth the role requires, leaving the intended heartfelt moments feeling flat and unconvincing.

Elle Fanning’s Performance Is Essential To The Movie’s Emotional Core

It’s surprisingly difficult to play a character who seems carefree, overly confident, and completely unaware of their own lack of skill. Successfully appearing to be a bad actor actually requires a lot of talent, and Elle Fanning pulls it off brilliantly as Kemp. Her performance skillfully shows how Kemp’s poor acting skills coexist with her genuine enthusiasm for the work.

The conclusion of Sentimental Value beautifully shows how art can be healing, and the story wouldn’t feel as impactful without Fanning’s acting. The way Kemp initially seems detached from Gustav’s work actually highlights the powerful emotions that come to the surface in the final act, creating a complex and moving experience centered around trauma, freedom, connection, and acceptance.

Fanning And Reinsve Put On A Rivarly Without Sharing Screenspace

The film Sentimental Value received a remarkably long standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival – 19 minutes long, making it the third longest in the festival’s history since they began measuring applause times. This enthusiastic response is likely due to the film’s heartwarming story and the actors’ convincing portrayals of the complex conflicts in the script.

What makes this story so compelling is the tension between Rachel Kemp and Nora Borg, even though they rarely appear on screen together. Both Renate Reinsve and Dakota Fanning deliver performances that enhance each other, creating a believable rivalry despite limited shared screen time. Fanning’s acting is just as crucial to building this dynamic as Reinsve’s.

Elle Fanning Has Been Nominated For A Golden Globe

Renate Reinsve wasn’t recognized by the Academy Awards in 2022, but she’s now a strong contender for the Best Actress Oscar in 2026. A Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes for her dramatic role has significantly boosted her chances. Her co-star, Stellan Skarsgård, also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.

Honestly, I was so surprised and thrilled to see Elle Fanning get a Golden Globe nomination! Everyone was talking about other performances this year, and she seemed to be overlooked, so it’s amazing she’s being recognized. I know the Academy doesn’t usually nominate a ton of actors from one movie, but I really hope she gets a fair shot alongside her fellow cast members. To me, she gave the most underrated performance of 2025!

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2025-12-27 18:09