Oscar contender Stellan Skarsgård “saved” Sentimental Value by agreeing to play “interesting asshole”

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Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier, known for his acclaimed 2021 film The Worst Person in the World, is back with a new movie called Sentimental Value. It will be released in UK cinemas on Boxing Day.

Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, this family drama is predicted to be a strong contender for next year’s Oscars. The story centers on Gustav Borg (Stellan Skarsgård), a celebrated film director, who attempts to reconnect with his daughters while working on a new movie.

He really helped us out in the writers’ room,” he explained. “As we developed Gustav and made him increasingly unpleasant, we realized we needed an actor who was genuinely kind to bring him to life and make him feel like a real person.

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He also mentioned that, having directed six feature films now, he was eager to collaborate with Skarsgård, as the actor was someone he’d long admired and wanted to include in his projects.

I always thought Stellan was the best Nordic actor of his generation, and one of the best in the world, period. He’s done everything! So, before the script was finished, I went to Stockholm to meet with him and try to convince him to take the role. He acted a little hesitant, like he wasn’t that interested, but I could tell he actually was.

We had a really nice lunch, and I practically had to plead with him to perform, but thankfully he agreed. Gustav Borg perfectly embodies that contrast – a character who’s written as difficult, but portrayed by a truly gifted actor.

You know, I read that Alexander Skarsgård actually didn’t need much convincing to play that role. Apparently, as soon as he heard about the project, he was completely on board! He said Trier didn’t even need to do all the extra things he did to get him to sign on – he was interested from the get-go. It’s always cool to hear when an actor is genuinely excited about a part.

He wasn’t actually required to help, but I didn’t mention that to him,” he said with a smile. “So all his effort was for nothing. Plus, I covered the cost of dinner, meaning I didn’t owe him anything, which I made sure to tell him.

I was eager to accept the role, as I admired his previous work. And the script itself was beautifully written – surprisingly light and engaging, even though it tackled some serious issues.

The movie shows a difficult relationship between Skarsgård’s character and his daughters, Agnes and Nora (played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas). However, the actresses who played his daughters reportedly had a much more relaxed and friendly relationship with Skarsgård, though they were a bit intimidated by him initially.

Describing her co-star, Reinsve said he’s hilarious, doesn’t tolerate nonsense, and is incredibly cool. She admitted to being a little intimidated by him at first, particularly during their first rehearsal of the scene where he gives Nora the script. However, she used that initial fear and respect to enrich their characters’ relationship.

After processing that, the more I got to know Stellan Skarsgård, the more comfortable I became around him – he’s quite a fascinating person!

Lilleaas spoke highly of Skarsgård, calling him a kind, funny, and fatherly person. She also shared that her first day working with him was a bit overwhelming.

I started with the scene where I have to yell at him,” she said. “Looking back, I think that was a really good way to begin, because I was so nervous beforehand. And because [Trier] filmed the rehearsals, I knew it was for real – I had to fully commit to the performance.

I actually did it, and it felt genuine. That completely eliminated any fear I had, and I just started yelling back at him – it felt like we were finally equals.

Sentimental Value is released in UK cinemas on Boxing Day.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about films for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed all kinds of movies.

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2025-12-23 20:06