Sentimental Value ending explained: Here's how this Norwegian film ends

Sentimental Value is a 2025 film that falls under the comedy-drama genre. Joachim Trier directed and wrote this film with Eskil Vogt. It premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it ultimately won the Grand Prix. Nordisk Film released the movie on September 12, 2025. The film's official synopsis, as per IMDb, is as follows:

An intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art.

Let's take a look at its ending and what happens between Gustav and his daughters.

What's the plot of Sentimental Value?

Sentimental Value's plot centers on two sisters, Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) and Nora Borg (Renate Reinsve), who reunite with their estranged father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), after several years. He is a film director and a well-known figure in the industry. Nora is a stage actor, and she gets an acting offer in her father's new film. But she quickly rejects it. Nora realizes that the role's been given to a young actor.

How does Sentimental Value end?

Sentimental Value's ending showcases the film Gustav is making. While making the film, Gustav's intentions become clear as he seeks to draw closer to his daughters. He wrote the movie only for Nora, and it was inspired by his mother's tragic end. Both sisters read the script and realize what it is. Nora eventually agrees to do the film.

Gustav doubles down on convincing Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning) that the role's for her. However, Kemp figures out that it suits Nora more. Towards the end, Nora eventually takes action in the film, and we see her shooting the final scene. It starts a new chapter in the father-daughter's life as both Nora and Gustav begin to bond over the film. He's been growing distant from his daughter, which he eventually realizes.

Nora's life was upended before, as she was going through panic attacks, and her relationship with a co-star also came under media scrutiny. The script's elements resonate with her and have a profound impact on her as a performer. Nora's final scene has her look directly into Gustav's eyes, which brings out a strong emotional connection between the two. By this time, the makers've established that this was his ploy to come closer to his daughters.

We're never informed why Gustav's mother died by suicide when he was a child. He continually makes it clear that the film is not about his late mother. However, he discusses the reason behind it. One possibility is that she was emotionally distraught and depressed after being tortured by the Nazi's during the Second World War. This piece of hidden information raises the stakes and prompts us to seek answers. Overall, the story's intention is also to highlight the importance of art and its ability to benefit people.

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