Renate Reinsve, the acclaimed star of "Sentimental Value," recently shared insights into her unconventional journey to becoming a celebrated actress, her early life experiences, and her enduring collaboration with director Joachim Trier. Having garnered a BAFTA nomination and Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in "The Worst Person in the World," Reinsve is now garnering significant buzz for an Academy Award nomination for her compelling performance as Nora in Trier's latest film, "Sentimental Value." In the film, Nora, a stage actress and the estranged daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Gustav Borg (played by Stellan Skarsgård), is offered the lead role in her father's comeback film after a 15-year hiatus. Her refusal leads Gustav to cast Hollywood star Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning) instead, forcing Nora and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) to navigate complex family dynamics.

Reinsve's path to acting was anything but typical, marked by experiences of being "kicked out of a lot of places." She humorously recounted being expelled from Girl Scouts because her creative approach to building birdhouses didn't align with the prescribed methods. This early rejection, however, proved serendipitous, as it led to a suggestion for her to explore theater, a space where she discovered immense joy in embodying characters and exploring complex emotions. This pattern continued when she was also "kicked out of school" due to her singular focus on drama while struggling to balance it with making a living. These instances of being pushed out, rather than hindering her, empowered her to build a life for herself and deepen her commitment to her craft, ultimately leading her to move to Scotland before returning to pursue theater school more seriously.

Despite her passion, Reinsve reached a critical juncture where she nearly abandoned acting. Exhausted by the grueling schedule, low pay, and lack of daylight inherent in constant stage work, and finding it difficult to break into the small Norwegian film community on her own terms, she resolved to quit. However, fate intervened the very next day when Joachim Trier called, offering her the lead role of Julie in "The Worst Person in the World." This unexpected opportunity derailed her plans to quit and launched her into international acclaim.

Her partnership with Joachim Trier, now spanning three films including "Sentimental Value," has proven to be an ideal collaboration. Reinsve values Trier's unique directorial approach, which champions flexibility and exploration in character development. She reflected on her initial stress during rehearsals for "The Worst Person in the World," where she felt unprepared to portray Julie's complexities. Trier's advice to "go with that" taught her to embrace contradictions and allow roles to evolve through the process, a stark contrast to the rigid rules she encountered in Girl Scouts. This environment has fostered a deep creative connection and trust.

Reinsve candidly admits to feeling nervous before every production, but she has learned to channel this fear directly into her characters. She integrates her personal emotions and anxieties into her performances, recognizing that her characters often share similar internal struggles. By accepting and utilizing her fear, rather than trying to suppress it, she finds a powerful source of authentic expression that enriches her roles. Her journey, marked by perseverance and an unwavering dedication to emotional truth, continues to solidify her position as one of the industry's most compelling talents. "Sentimental Value" is currently playing in theaters, offering audiences a chance to witness her latest impactful performance.