Another Round

Now available on VOD platforms.

Thomas Vinterberg writes and directs this story of four teachers who, worried their lives are drifting and unfulfilled, discover an unproven scientific theory. The theory is based on humans having too low a natural alcohol blood level and by raising the level, rather than impeding, actually enhances performance. The four friends Martin (Mads Mickkelson), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Milling) and Peter (Lars Ranthe) decide to put it to the test. Initially the experiment seems to support the hypothesis, but as it unfolds and inevitably unravels, we see alcohol both masking and exacerbating the friends issues.

Winner of the best international film at the 2021 Oscars, Another Round is a black comedy, set in Denmark (and in Danish). It isn’t a film about “laddish” behaviour or four middle aged men trying to rediscover their care free alcohol fuelled partying younger selves. It is much smarter than that and while it would be wrong to say it’s not about exploring the impact and culture of drinking, it isn’t just about that. It equally spends time exploring the issues each of the men have in their lives, exploring difficult relationships, dealing with parenthood, loneliness and depression.

It is funny when it needs too be and not afraid to explore the darker aspects of the story when it has to, parking the humour effectively when necessary.

Built around four excellent performances that intelligently explore drinking and its impacts, both negative and positive. My only qualm was in the second half, I wanted a clearer take on the directors view of alcohols impacts, but the film chooses not to judge and that’s OK.

Another Round is about drinking culture but if you are looking for a Danish The Hangover, this isn’t that film. It’s an examination of the life of its four main characters, their hopes and ambitions as well as their frustrations and disappointments. Funny and touching throughout, its a smart look at its sometimes difficult subject matter.