Elle Fanning: From Maleficent Star to Arthouse Force in Sentimental Value

Elle Fanning continues to win over critics with the intimate drama “Sentimental
Value” (2025), presented at the Berlin Film Festival and nominated among the main
contenders for major awards in 2026.
In this subtle, psychologically rich film, Elle plays a young woman forced to rebuild her relationship with her famous director father after her mother’s death, earning her particular acclaim on the festival circuit. The movie is often described as a key work in the second chapter of her career, solidifying her status as a serious arthouse actress, not just a “big‑budget star.” It’s worth remembering that Elle first gained worldwide fame with her role as Aurora in Maleficent.