Stellan Skarsgård has taken on a challenging role as Gustav Borg in the new film Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier. The film, which is set to open in UK cinemas on December 26, 2025, premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and is already generating buzz as a strong contender for multiple Academy Awards next year.
This family drama explores the strained relationships between a once-celebrated film director and his estranged daughters. Through the character of Gustav, viewers witness the complex dynamics that unfold as he attempts to reconnect with his children while also working on a new film project. Early on, it becomes evident that Gustav is not the most sympathetic of characters, making Skarsgård’s casting crucial to the film’s success.
In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Trier emphasized Skarsgård’s role in shaping the character. “I think he kinda saved us in the writing room,” he stated. “The more we wrote Gustav, and the more interesting an asshole he became, the more we needed a really nice person to actually play him, to create a real character of flesh and blood.”
Trier, who is marking his sixth feature as a director, also expressed his desire to work with Skarsgård, whom he considers one of the top Nordic actors. “Before the screenplay was done, I flew to Stockholm and met him,” Trier recalled. “I kind of ended up begging him almost to play and he accepted. So thank God.”
Skarsgård, for his part, downplayed the need for Trier’s persuasive efforts. He revealed that he was already intrigued by the project upon hearing about it. “Well, he didn’t have to do anything, but I didn’t tell him that,” Skarsgård said with a smile. “I knew I’d take it because I’d seen his films. When I read the script, it was beautiful. It’s remarkably light at the same time as it deals with big problems.”
The film features Skarsgård interacting with his on-screen daughters, played by Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. While the relationships between the characters are fraught with tension, the atmosphere on set was reportedly more relaxed. Reinsve described Skarsgård as “very funny” and noted feeling initially intimidated by him. “I was a little intimidated,” she admitted, recalling their first rehearsal. “But I feel also I could take that fear into the relationship, and the respect.”
Similarly, Lilleaas found Skarsgård to be a “wonderful man” who was both “gentle and calm.” She recounted a challenging first day on set, where her initial rehearsal involved an intense scene where she yells at him. “That just broke the whole… like, any kind of intimidation,” she said. “I just yelled at him and then we were sort of on the same level.”
As Sentimental Value prepares for its release, anticipation builds for its reception among audiences and critics alike. The film promises to address significant familial themes while showcasing the nuanced performances of its cast. With its emotional depth and insightful storytelling, it is poised to make a lasting impact in the cinematic landscape.
