The Croisette has a new mantra this season, and it’s being spearheaded by none other than Elle Fanning. Following the world premiere of Joachim Trier’s highly anticipated family drama, Sentimental Value, Fanning enthusiastically dubbed the current cultural moment a “Joachim Trier Summer,” signaling a triumphant return for the Norwegian director to the festival where he previously struck gold.
The film, which reunites Trier with his The Worst Person in the World star Renate Reinsve, is already being hailed as a career high-water mark for the filmmaker. Fanning, who joins the ensemble as an American actress entangled in a complex Norwegian family dynamic, shared her excitement during the festival’s press conferences, noting that Trier’s unique ability to blend “tenderness with a punk-rock spirit” makes his work the definitive vibe for 2026.
The Return of the Trier Touch
Sentimental Value explores the fractured relationship between two sisters, played by Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and their estranged father, a once-famous filmmaker portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård. Fanning’s character serves as the catalyst that forces the family to confront their shared history, delivering a performance that critics are calling some of her most mature and layered work to date.
Early reviews from Cannes suggest the film captures the same “lightning in a bottle” energy of Trier’s previous hits, with several key takeaways emerging:
• The Emotional Standing Ovation: Following its screening at the Palais des Festivals, the film reportedly received a 15-minute standing ovation, leaving much of the cast—including a visibly moved Fanning—in tears.
• Reinsve and Fanning’s Chemistry: Critics are highlighting the fascinating meta-narrative of Reinsve and Fanning playing “rival” actresses within the story, a dynamic that Trier uses to explore the authenticity of art and the weight of legacy.
• Awards Season Speculation: Having already secured the Grand Prix at its initial showing and fresh off a dominant run at the 2026 Academy Awards (where it took home Best International Feature), the film’s return to the spotlight at Cannes feels like a victory lap for a modern masterpiece.
A Summer of “Sentimental Value”
Fanning’s “Joachim Trier Summer” comment has quickly become a viral catchphrase among film enthusiasts. It reflects a broader sentiment at Cannes this year: a desire for movies that prioritize deep human connection over spectacle. As Fanning put it, Trier’s films are “not just watched; they are felt,” making them the perfect centerpiece for a season of cinematic rediscovery.
As the festival progresses, Sentimental Value remains the most talked-about title on the circuit, ensuring that the director’s name will be on everyone’s lips long after the Mediterranean sun sets on Cannes.
