Sentimental Value
- Gus Keller
- Jan 3
- 1 min read
Exploring nuanced themes, Sentimental Value focuses on honest drama between its protagonists. Painfully human ideas like aging, attachment, communication, generational trauma, art, and regret are unpacked. However, the script aims to open these conversations, allowing viewers to draw personal conclusions. Meanwhile, its characters are complexly constructed with relatable flaws, internal conflicts, sensitive motivations, and earned growth. The dialogue feels natural while also being incisive. Exemplifying the full spectrum of acting, its performances provide sincere vulnerability, range, intensity, chemistry, and layers. As a result, Sentimental Value strikes a touching nerve.
Sentimental Value is expertly subtle. Finding beauty in sadness, its direction nails a bittersweet tone. The cinematography uses restrained movement, shallow focus, diegetic lighting, oners, and intimate composition. Likewise, its editing supports emotions through immersive pacing, cuts to black, and suggestive match cuts. Sporadic subjectivity punctuates an otherwise grounded soundscape. Very gentle, its music lets drama reverberate. Symbolic colors plus a setting that's a character of its own are offered via the production design. Its cast is talented with excellent fit. The lack of effects reinforces the story. Overall, Sentimental Value embodies mature filmmaking.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.8/10
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