Mads Mikkelsen is an actor who will be familiar to UK audiences. Whilst he’s appeared in a number of huge Hollywood films, including Rogue One and Doctor Strange, it’s on the small screen for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter for which he’s most renowned. However, the Danish actor’s best work is in his domestic cinema. From his breakout role in Pusher back in 1996, to breath-taking performances in The Hunt and After the Wedding. He’s delivers his best yet in Another Round.
Now well into a middle-age malaise, Martin (Mikkelsen) leads a truly unremarkable existence with his wife (Maria Bonnevie) and two kids. The history teacher goes through life on autopilot. That is until a night out with three friends and colleagues (Thomas Bo Larsen, Lars Ranthe and Magnus Millang), when they decide to carry out a little experiment. One involving drinking during working hours. Suddenly, Martin’s life is magically transformed, but is it all too good to be true?
Given the subject matter, there was so much scope for Another Round to fall off the wagon or to be a tad too teetotal for its own good. Thankfully, Thomas Vinterberg is much more than a safe pair of hand, once again collaborating with Mikkelsen to strike gold. We’re drawn in to the quartet’s dangerous game and truly experience their highs and the low. Another Round will leave you a little intoxicated but also slightly punch drunk. It’s a hugely impressive achievement from a director and star on top form.
Another Round screens at London Film Festival.
