‘The Beloved’ Review: Javier Bardem Gets His Own Chaotic Evil Version of ‘Sentimental Value’
Javier Bardem stars in Rodrigo Sorogoyen's 'The Beloved,' a tense family drama set against the backdrop of a film production, exploring the toxic dynamics between a domineering father and his reluctant daughter. The film examines the emotional toll of both familial conflict and the filmmaking process, balancing discomfort with moments of emotional resonance. Though it doesn't fully match the depth of similar works like 'Sentimental Value,' strong performances anchor the narrative.
- ▪Javier Bardem plays Esteban, a controlling filmmaker who casts his daughter Emilia, portrayed by Victoria Luengo, in his new movie.
- ▪The film premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2026.
- ▪The relationship between father and daughter deteriorates as production pressures amplify their unresolved tensions.
- ▪Bardem's performance is described as alternately charismatic and cruel, reflecting the abusive potential in both family and cinematic hierarchies.
- ▪The movie within the film is a 1930s-set historical drama, with a pivotal dinner scene that spirals out of control.
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Home > Creative Content > Movies ‘The Beloved’ Review: Javier Bardem Gets His Own Chaotic Evil Version of ‘Sentimental Value’ Cannes 2026: A father and daughter with a strained relationship making a movie together — what could possibly go wrong? Chase Hutchinson May 16, 2026 @ 1:52 PM Share on Social Media Share on Facebook Share on X (formerly Twitter) Share on LinkedIn Share on Email "The Beloved" (Cannes) Let’s get the somewhat silly, broadly true yet also ultimately surface-level point of comparison out of the way first: if “Sentimental Value” had a chaotic evil twin, it would be Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s fraught family drama and meta film production parable mashup “The Beloved.” Where Joachim Trier’s now-Oscar-winning film ultimately feels like it is generally hopeful about the capacity of…
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