Golden Globe-nominated “Another Round” (“Druk,” original title) is the latest directorial feature from Thomas Vinterberg (“The Hunt,” “Melancholia”). The 117-minute dramedy follows four high-school teachers who decide to launch a risky experiment: upholding a constant state of low-level intoxication.
Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, and Lars Ranthe star as four mundane high-school teachers who decide to add some excitement to their lives. They start by experimenting with Norwegian psychiatrist Finn Skårderud’s hypothesis that humans are born with a blood alcohol content 0.05% too low. As their investigation begins, the results are instantly noticeable. Martin’s (Mikkelsen) class becomes something his students enjoy, and all four teachers reap the benefits of their new-found enthusiasm. However, the results aren’t just work-benefitting, as Martin finally manages to reconnect with his wife and children. They soon agree that they should increase their daily alcohol intake from 0.05 to 0.10, and after not finding any negative repercussions, they decide to start binge-drinking to see how that will affect their study.
The men’s families soon become worried. Martin’s family is fearful he’s descending into alcoholism after noticing his intoxicated state for weeks. A heated argument between Martin and his wife ensues, and the four decide to abandon the experiment. Months have passed, and all seems well until Vinterberg reveals that Tommy (Larsen) has unfortunately become an alcoholic, a downward spiral that doesn’t always end well. As the film progresses, hope seems to be on the horizon for Martin after he receives a text from his wife. As the film drawers to an end, Mads Mikkelsen is seen to be dancing around his newly-graduated students and diving into the ocean.
Mads Mikkelsen, being the gift to acting he is, gives a superb performance alongside his cast-mates, who also give great performances. The camaraderie between the four leads oozes genuineness and provides an added layer of intimacy. As well as demonstrating genuine friendships, the four all do an incredible job of showing how different their teaching becomes after a drop of alcohol is added to the mix.
Schoolteachers in Europe trie an experiment to stay mildly intoxicated at all times. But can it work? Photo: Zentropa Entertainments, 2020.
“Another Round” is one of those few films that feels mundane, but in a good way. There’s not too much going on at once, and Vinterberg doesn’t bite off more than he can chew, choosing to put more focus on two teacher’s personal lives instead of giving all four unnecessary screen-time. The editing complements the film’s calm, contemporary aesthetic perfectly, and reminds viewers the teachers are still recording the results of trying out this hypothesis. The film has brilliant continuity and casual pacing that reflects the film’s relaxed atmosphere.
Sturla Brandth Grøvlen’s (“Victoria,” “Shirley”) enthralling cinematography is the perfect accompaniment to the handheld camera shots, and also helps to capture the detail in the set design.
The surprising thing about “Another Round” is how accurate some parts seem to be, especially the teenage drinking. Denmark has some of the highest rates of teenage drinking in the world. In 2020, the World Health Organization released a report stating that Danish 15-year-olds consume almost double the European average amount of alcohol, which is partly due to teens being able to purchase alcohol from age 16. The film dives into the relationship humans have with alcohol, and how it can relieve the numbness of everyday life. It raises the question if alcohol can have a positive impact on your daily life, and if the constant consumption of alcohol can be sustained for a while without becoming an issue.
“Another Round” is one of the more underrated films to come out of the chaos of 2020. Fueled by outstanding performances against the monotonous backdrop of everyday life, if you’re looking for a film that provides an insight into European culture, as well as raising thought-provoking questions, “Another Round” is the film for you.
*You can watch “Another Round” on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.
