Stellan Skarsgård is a bad dad in awards drama ‘Sentimental Value’

The air crackled with tension. Rain lashed against the windows of the Stockholm Film Festival screening as the credits rolled on “Sentimental Value.” The audience, a mix of critics, cinephiles, and industry insiders, sat in stunned silence. No polite applause, just the rhythmic drumming of the storm outside mirroring the tempestuous emotions churning within the film. At the heart of this storm? Stellan Skarsgård, delivering a performance that is both brutally honest and deeply unsettling, portraying a father whose love is twisted, conditional, and often outright damaging. “He’s not just a bad dad, he’s a force of nature,” whispered a critic behind me, scribbling furiously in their notebook. (“I overheard that. It gave me chills.”)

“Sentimental Value” isn’t a comfortable watch, and it’s certainly not a feel-good family drama. It’s a raw, unflinching examination of the scars that fathers can inflict, sometimes unintentionally, on their children. The film centers around Erik (played with a simmering intensity by newcomer Gustaf Hammarsten), who returns to his childhood home to confront his aging father, Gunnar (Stellan Skarsgård). Gunnar, a renowned sculptor, is a man of immense talent but even greater ego, a patriarch who has always prioritized his art above his family’s needs. The awards drama unravels layer by layer, revealing decades of resentment, suppressed anger, and unspoken grief. The setting itself, a sprawling, isolated estate overlooking the Baltic Sea, adds to the feeling of claustrophobia and impending doom. (You could practically taste the salt in the air.)

The film’s power lies not only in Skarsgård’s masterful portrayal of a flawed patriarch but also in its nuanced exploration of the complexities of familial relationships. It begs the question: can we ever truly escape the shadow of our parents? And at what point do we forgive their failings, or accept that forgiveness isn’t always possible? I think anyone who grew up with a complicated relationship with their father will find something to relate to, even if it’s painful. “It’s like looking into a mirror, but one that distorts and magnifies all the flaws,” confessed another audience member as we filed out of the theater, the rain having finally subsided.

The Heart of the Matter: A Dysfunctional Family

“Sentimental Value” excels in depicting a dysfunctional family dynamic. Gunnar’s artistic genius comes at a steep price: emotional unavailability, constant criticism, and a complete lack of empathy for his son’s feelings. He dismisses Erik’s aspirations, belittles his achievements, and consistently compares him unfavorably to himself. We see flashbacks throughout the film, revealing pivotal moments from Erik’s childhood that shaped his current resentment. One scene, in particular, stands out: a young Erik proudly presents his father with a drawing, only for Gunnar to tear it apart, declaring it “lacking in vision.” It’s brutal!

Gunnar’s Reign of Terror

Gunnar’s behavior isn’t limited to emotional abuse. He’s also manipulative and controlling, using guilt and obligation to keep Erik tied to him. He feigns illness to garner sympathy, sabotages Erik’s relationships, and constantly reminds him of the sacrifices he made to raise him. But did he really? It’s a question the film deliberately leaves open to interpretation. Is Gunnar a monster, or simply a man trapped by his own insecurities and unable to express love in a healthy way?

Stellan Skarsgård: A Career-Defining Performance?

Stellan Skarsgård brings a level of depth and complexity to the role of Gunnar that is both captivating and disturbing. He doesn’t shy away from the character’s flaws, portraying him with a raw honesty that is often difficult to watch. But he also manages to inject moments of vulnerability, hinting at the pain and loneliness that lie beneath Gunnar’s gruff exterior.

Is this Skarsgård’s best performance to date? It’s certainly up there. He disappears completely into the role, embodying Gunnar’s physical and emotional presence with a chilling authenticity. He’s known for playing complex characters, and this one feels like a culmination of everything he’s done before. Sources close to the production have whispered about the dedication Skarsgård brought to the role, even spending time with real-life sculptors to better understand their creative process and the pressures they face.

The Art of Manipulation

Skarsgård masterfully portrays Gunnar’s manipulative tendencies. He uses his charm and wit to disarm those around him, while simultaneously wielding his power to control their actions. He’s a master of gaslighting, making Erik question his own sanity and perception of reality. It’s a truly unsettling portrayal, and one that is sure to resonate with audiences who have experienced similar dynamics in their own lives. “He made my skin crawl,” confessed one viewer after the screening. “I knew someone just like that growing up.”

A Family Drama Rooted in Reality

“Sentimental Value” is more than just a Swedish film; it’s a universal story about the complexities of family relationships. It explores themes of forgiveness, resentment, and the enduring power of the past. It doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. Instead, it invites viewers to confront their own experiences and to grapple with the messy realities of human connection.

The Weight of Expectations

The film also delves into the pressure that children often feel to live up to their parents’ expectations. Erik has always struggled to measure up to his father’s artistic achievements, and this sense of inadequacy has haunted him throughout his life. He’s constantly seeking Gunnar’s approval, even though he knows it’s unlikely to ever come. This internal conflict is palpable throughout the film, adding another layer of complexity to Erik’s character. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling, that need to please your parents even when it seems impossible.

Awards Season Buzz

“Sentimental Value” is already generating significant awards drama buzz, with many critics predicting that Skarsgård will receive numerous nominations for his performance. The film itself is also expected to be a contender in several categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Will Skarsgård Finally Win?

Despite his long and illustrious career, Stellan Skarsgård has never won a major acting award. Could “Sentimental Value” be the film that finally earns him the recognition he deserves? It’s certainly possible. His performance is undeniably powerful and memorable, and the film’s themes are both timely and relevant. “If he doesn’t win for this, I don’t know what it will take,” said one awards pundit.

• Potential Awards:
• Best Actor (Stellan Skarsgård)
• Best Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay

A Character Study Worth Watching

“Sentimental Value” is a compelling character study that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a challenging and often uncomfortable film, but it’s also a deeply rewarding one. It’s a reminder that family relationships are rarely simple, and that even the most talented and successful individuals can be deeply flawed.

The Power of Confrontation

Ultimately, “Sentimental Value” is a story about the power of confrontation. It’s about facing our demons, acknowledging our pain, and finding the courage to break free from the patterns of the past. It’s a message that is both timely and timeless, and one that is sure to resonate with audiences around the world. I left the theater feeling drained but also strangely hopeful, like maybe it’s possible to heal even the deepest wounds.

“This film made me think about my own relationship with my father in a completely different light,” admitted a friend after we discussed the film over coffee. “It’s not always easy to confront those issues, but it’s necessary if you want to move forward.” That, I think, is the true power of “Sentimental Value.” It forces us to look inward and to examine the complexities of our own lives.

“Sentimental Value” is not just a film; it’s an experience. It’s a journey into the heart of a dysfunctional family, led by a powerhouse performance from Stellan Skarsgård, who embodies the role of a ‘bad dad’ with unsettling brilliance. The film’s success lies in its raw portrayal of flawed human beings, making it a must-see for those who appreciate complex, character-driven dramas.