ANOTHER ROUND

 Alcohol. Most consume it for a good time however, there are some where it brings out the absolute worst in them. It's ingrained in British culture but Another Round takes us to Denmark for a comedy drama inspired by the drinking culture of a nation but becomes something else entirely when you know the tragic back story of director Thomas Vinterberg's daughter, Ida, who passed away four days into filming.

Four teachers embark on an experiment where they each sustain a certain level of alcohol intoxication during their everyday life, believing that all people in general would benefit from a bit higher Blood Alcohol Content. As a result, their working experiences are turned upside down.

Another Round is an intoxicating look into the pros and cons of alcohol consunmption, both the dark and light side of its fallout depicted so cleverly to the audience. Alcohol can be a dangerous substance however, watching these four men use it to awaken something in their respective lives makes for a fascinating viewing experience. From the first drop of alcohol that hits the lips of Mads Mikkelsen's Martin to the final moments, that has to go down as one of the most joyous scenes you could wish to see in a cinema this year, Vinterberg takes us on a journey with these men that provides a number of laughs but also hits hard emotionally when it needs to.

Alcoholism is a dark path many people around the world succumb to and Thomas Vinterberg's writing, along with Tobias Lindholm, manages to portray it eventually as something that can be so damaging to both individuals and those around them. Those who suffer from it often act as if there is no problem, carrying on as if everything is fine but the realisation from their loved ones that something has to change is what can trigger an acceptance that something is not quite right in the life of that individual. The dynamic amongst the four main characters proves this as one of them descends down such a damaging path.

The four leads really do make Another Round such a rich and rewarding film to engage with; Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Lars Ranthe and Magnus Millang all vibing off each other brilliantly to ensure their friendship feels genuine. Mikkelsen is the beating heart of the film though with a superb central performance as a man whose life is turned on its head as a result of their alcoholic experiment. The small looks he gives as his class take an interest in his teaching methods when under the influence might not be the most notable thing he does but it just signals to the audience how his life has changed.

It all culminates with one of my favourite scenes of the year, which I have mentioned before, where you'll be wishing you had the moves of Mikkelsen and finding it impossible to get Scarlet Pleasure's What A Life out of your head. Skål!!

Verdict: ★★★★★