Another Round ★★★★★

Thomas Vinterberg

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Lars Ranthe, Magnus Millang, Maria Bonnevie

Thomas Vinterberg's theory that a passionate team behind the camera and riveting cast in front of it can create a triumphant picture has been proved right here.

As a film surrounded by pints of positive buzz and shrouded by tragic backstory, Another Round was sure to hook a European audience as it has done so elegantly across the pond. Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang and Lars Ranthe play four school teachers, testing the waters (or something a little stronger) with a new theory that may just propel their lives into new levels of satisfaction.

The performances are mesmerising from start to finish; whether the actors are falling about drunk together or having heartfelt, often distressing moments with their families, or lack of, they are never a toe out of line.

Mikkelsen has the most to do here and the film gravitates around him, as does its' energy. He transitions between moments with a suave sense of ease and his dance moves leave nothing to the imagination.

Director Thomas Vinterberg perfectly captures the chaotic joy and unrighteous mistakes of alcoholism. And he shows it through no lens but that of someone with past problems. If an excuse is needed to make these four characters drink more, they picked a good one, as the concept behind their theory is genuinely fascinating and the further they take it, the more an audience solidifies its answer.

Another Round makes you giggle drunkenly along with the teachers in one scene, and has you cowering in embarrassment in the next. It encapsulates every intoxicated feeling possible and does so with an expert style, and a magnificent screenplay. Skål!

Another Round available in select cinemas now