Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas Shares How She Almost Missed Her Chance in ‘Sentimental Value’
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas Embraces Complexity in ‘Sentimental Value’
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas has a vibrant off-screen life, marked by a close-knit family and a fulfilling personal life. Now, she channels that sentimentality into her latest role as Agnes Borg Pettersen in the Norwegian Oscars submission Sentimental Value. This dramedy, co-written and directed by Joachim Trier, narrates the intricate relationship between sisters Nora (played by Renate Reinsve) and Agnes as they confront their nearly estranged father, Gustav (played by Stellan Skarsgård). As a once-prominent director, Gustav seeks a comeback by casting Nora in his new film, a decision that complicates the sisters’ relationship.
Lilleaas portrays Agnes as the more diplomatic sister, adept at dealing with life’s challenges. “I see myself in [Agnes] in the way that I have a sister and a brother,” Lilleaas notes. “I know what it means to love them and be scared for them if anything were to happen.” She emphasizes that while familial ties often brim with love, they also carry the potential for disappointment and grief.
In a recent interview, Lilleaas shared insights into her acting journey and the creative challenges of portraying Agnes in Sentimental Value. When asked about her relationships with her parents, she reflected, “They’re theater people, but they didn’t go to a performance every night. Growing up with parents who shared my interests was really nice and made me feel close to them.”
Delving into her family background, Lilleaas revealed that creativity runs in her lineage. “My great aunt on my father’s side was an actress, and my grandfather on my mother’s side was artistic. He wrote poetry and was also a teacher and musician,” she said.
Acting, she admits, was always her passion, though she briefly considered a career in teaching or psychology. “I wanted to be a midwife… but I think that’s what’s so great about being an actor. Actors want to be a lot of things,” she added.
Her commitment to acting became clear through her schooling in Norway, where students can choose paths in drama, science, or sports. “I’ve always taken myself very seriously in the acting department,” Lilleaas explained. She faced initial fears about entering the industry, particularly during her teens, but found her footing through perseverance.
Lilleaas noted valuable lessons from her physical theater training, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness in the craft. One of her teachers advised, “Talent is to thrive,” a principle she now considers a personal motto.
Reflecting on her audition experience for Sentimental Value, she explained that juggling a theater production nearly prevented her from securing the role. After several rounds of auditions with director Joachim Trier, she finally got the call that would change her career.
The role of Agnes resonates with Lilleaas due to her familial experiences. “I see myself in her… wanting the family to work,” she said. With her son by her side during filming, she grasped Agnes’ need for safety and love within a family context.
Agnes’ strength lies in her ability to maintain balance amid familial chaos. Lilleaas explained, “She suppresses a lot of things… She knows what she has to give up to have the whole family.” The character’s journey inevitably mirrors her own experiences of exploring familial love and complex relationships.
Discussing her favorite scene, Lilleaas recalled an intense moment when Agnes confronts Nora about a script. “There was a lot that wasn’t evident, but we just worked with the text… It was a mind-blowing moment,” she stated. This scene captured the raw emotions that define the film, underscoring the authenticity Lilleaas strives for in her performances.
As for her future roles, Lilleaas expressed a desire for diversity, stating, “I want to do a lot of different things.” She finds joy in the creative process and the intimacy of filmmaking, confident that she will continue to uncover the intricacies of human relationships through her craft.
With Sentimental Value, Lilleaas not only steps into a challenging role but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and family dynamics, showcasing her talent as an emerging force in cinema.
