Watch Another Round

Another Round is a Danish dark comedy directed by Thomas Vinterberg, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2020. it stars Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe. The film follows four high school teachers who are all in a rut in their personal and professional lives. Martin (Mikkelsen) is at the center of the film, a history teacher who's coming off a tough patch, his life filled with malaise and indifference. He and his three colleagues Tommy (Bo Larsen), Peter (Lars Ranthe), and Nikolaj (Magnus Millang), who also happen to teach in the same school, decide to embark on an experiment to see if their lives improve when they maintain a constant level of alcohol in their blood.

Thomas Vinterberg's Another Round is part comedy but also delves into the dark aspects of addiction. It highlights the social culture and practices behind drinking, as well as the consequences of drinking too much; while simultaneously showcasing the lack of pleasure that can occur when you become an alcoholic. Despite the movie’s dark subject, it’s a surprisingly uplifting film, and includes a lot of humor.

Over time, the four men up their drinking game, and the experiment's pace and consequences quickly spiral out of control. However, the friends continue experiencing positive developments in their lives despite their deepening alcohol consumption. For Martin, specifically, alcohol unlocks a newfound passion for life and career, which had dwindled in recent years. He starts rekindling his relationship with his wife, Liv (Maria Bonnevie), comes to terms with his relationship with his sons, and even becomes a better teacher. This notoriety leads to nationwide recognition when the results of their experiment as well as their successes at work go viral.

Meanwhile, the other teachers' experiences with the experiment aren’t as successful. They find themselves struggling to maintain the same level of performance as Martin, with disastrous results. Tommy relapses and loses his marriage, and Peter, whose grueling coursework leads to poor results, cheats on his wife.

The film is a powerful look at the drunk state of mind, as well as the sociological aspects of dependency. Vinterberg's movie focuses on themes such as grief, self-worth, and living every day with a sense of purpose, and the story is an emotional rollercoaster that will tear through the heartstrings of its viewers.

Mikkelsen, who is a veteran Danish actor, gives one of his best performances in this movie. He embodies the character's inner turmoil and conflict with immense depth, making the audience understand his character's struggle with sobriety and his desperate desire to maintain his newfound source of inspiration.

Apart from its exceptional acting, Another Round’s cinematography and soundtrack also play a significant role in pulling the story together. The camera-work is breathtaking and the use of handheld shots invests the viewers into the events unfolding on-screen. Meanwhile, the music, which is mostly classical compositions, heightens every scene to dizzying heights, making it something truly unforgettable.

In a year where social distancing and quarantine measures have become more prevalent than ever, Another Round provides a bittersweet look at the power and beauty of society and companionship. The film reminds us how essential human connection is, and that sometimes it takes a little alcohol to find it.

Overall, Another Round is a poignant and visually stunning movie that’s not just about drinking. It’s an extraordinary masterpiece that explores a range of emotions, including disappointment, anxiety or happiness. Vinterberg's film is, without a doubt, one of the best films of 2020.

Another Round is a 2020 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 79.