Another Round: Vinterberg’s Intoxicating Exploration of Midlife Crisis and Redemption

 Another Round: Vinterberg’s Intoxicating Exploration of Midlife Crisis and Redemption

By: Lauren Rollins



    Thomas Vinterberg offers viewers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. Vinterberg is well known for blending dark themes with deeply emotional ones without creating a dramatic scene. So, when watching Another Round, his work had many aspects to revel in.

    Another Round, a film released in 2020, is about the lives of four male teachers Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Milang), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), and Peter (Lars Ranthe). It explores the common challenges of balancing family and work while maintaining a fulfilling social life, during a celebration for Nikolaj’s 40th birthday, the group decides to embark on an unusual experiment inspired by research done by Finn Skarderud, a Norwegian psychiatrist.

    The premise of the experiment is to carefully regulate one's drinking to maintain a constant blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%. The four friends embrace this challenge and see it as an opportunity for change. They developed rules that included an 8 pm curfew and no alcohol on weekends.

    As expected, significant changes happen in each of the friends’ lives. It is almost as if they are reliving their younger years. Martin, a history teacher, experiences a newfound success in his interactions with his students and improvement within his family dynamic. Tommy, a PE teacher, once again found his passion for coaching his soccer team and has a drive that hadn't been seen in years. 

    While these initial changes are exciting, the men give into temptation and increase their alcohol consumption. this poor decision is what begins to lead them down a dangerous path of alcoholism, inadvertently putting all of their lives in jeopardy.

    Another Round is somewhat of a chronicle of the dreaded “midlife crisis”. It shines a light on the reasons why these men would want the excitement that alcohol brings them, without weighing the potential consequences. Vinterberg does not offer a clinical opinion of the experiment that the characters follow. Keeping his character naive is what helps the narrative remain believable.

    In his unique style, Thomas Vinterberg’s cinematic history typically includes unconventional stories though, at heart, he is a traditionalist. This can be seen as the theme of redemption plays a big role in Another Round. When the alcohol experiment takes a turn for the worst, he strategically includes moments of embarrassment in the story. examples include Martin’s nose injury and Nikolaj’s bed-wetting. These situations evoke empathy from viewers even though our protagonists are deeply flawed.

    Mads Mikkelsen delivers a very vulnerable performance as Martin. His expressions and physicality effortlessly show us the character’s emotional rollercoaster. Supported by co-stars Magnus Millang, Thomas Bo Larsen, and Lars Ranthe, all in equally interesting roles, Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Martin certainly anchors the film.

    Though the drama is character-driven, alcohol comes to the forefront as a major role, almost becoming a character itself. Its presence throughout the film adds additional layers to the story. It alters character dynamics with each sip, making this film an engaging work that I highly recommend for an exciting and interesting viewing experience.

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