Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Elle Fanning Felt Familial Anxiety Watching Sister Dakota See 'Sentimental Value'
Imagine a movie about a family with some tricky feelings between a dad and his two daughters.
Elle Fanning acted in this movie, and her older sister, Dakota, who is also an actress, came to watch it for the first time.
Because the movie showed the sisters having a tough time together, Elle got really nervous and emotional, like she was worried about her own sister.
When the movie ended, she started crying!
She said she wanted to give her sister a big hug because the movie showed how sisters can be, and it made her feel close to her own sister.
Even though Elle was the only American in the movie, she felt very welcomed by the director and the other actors.
They had special rehearsals where they shared personal stories, which helped them make the movie feel very real and emotional for everyone.
Elle Fanning experienced personal familial anxiety and cried when her sister Dakota Fanning first screened the film 'Sentimental Value'.
Fanning admitted to crying during the screening because the film's portrayal of sisterly dynamics between its characters resonated with her own relationship with Dakota.
She described the scene between the two daughters on the bed as particularly beautiful and emotionally charged, making her want to hug her sister.
Despite playing an outsider character, Fanning felt included on set in Oslo due to her admiration for director Joachim Trier and the cast, and the film's collaborative rehearsal process.
Fanning stated that the emotional nature of the film stemmed from the cast and crew sharing personal experiences, contributing to it being her best on-set experience.
- Who
- Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning, Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter, Stellan Skarsgård
- What
- Elle Fanning discussed her emotional reaction and personal connection to the film 'Sentimental Value,' especially its depiction of sisterly dynamics, while her sister Dakota watched it for the first time.
- When
- During Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles panel.
- Where
- Los Angeles
- Why
- Elle Fanning's emotional response stemmed from the film's relatable portrayal of sibling relationships, making her feel anxious while her real-life sister was in the audience.
Elle Fanning's Personal Connection
Film's Emotional Impact
Sisterly Dynamics
Elle Fanning's Personal Connection
Elle Fanning experienced personal familial anxiety and cried when her sister Dakota watched 'Sentimental Value' due to the film's depiction of a sisterly relationship mirroring their own.
Film's Emotional Impact
The film's emotional resonance, particularly a scene between the two daughters, deeply affected Elle Fanning, prompting her to cry and hug her sister after the screening.
Feeling Like an Outsider
Elle Fanning's Personal Connection
Despite playing an outsider character, Elle Fanning did not feel like an outsider on set due to her admiration for director Joachim Trier and the cast, and the inclusive rehearsal process.
Film's Emotional Impact
The film's themes of complex family dynamics and emotional rawness made the experience personal for all involved, contributing to an incredible and special set environment.
- Film Title
- Sentimental Value
- Director
- Joachim Trier
- Elle Fanning's Role
- An American performer playing a character enmeshed in a charged family dynamic.
- Setting
- Oslo, Norway
- Co-stars
- Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter, Stellan Skarsgård
- Film's Status
- Norway's official Oscar hopeful