Another Round, starring Mads Mikkelsen, is a 2020 Danish film that explores the lives of four friends—who are teachers—experimenting with maintaining a constant level of intoxication to improve their daily performance. The movie’s simple yet powerful premise revolves around the idea that alcohol can boost confidence, making the friends more successful and socially vibrant. Released amid the early chaos of the pandemic, this Oscar-winning film remains underappreciated despite its critical acclaim and valuable themes.
The four protagonists start their experiment cautiously, finding that low-level drinking makes them better in various areas of life, from work to personal relationships. This sparks a journey that highlights how their increasing use of alcohol begins to affect their lives in complex ways, revealing the challenges of balancing indulgence, responsibility, and the pressures of adulthood.
Filming Challenges and Mikkelsen’s Resistance to a Key Scene
The production of Another Round was an emotionally intense process for the actors and director Thomas Vinterberg. The actors partially consumed alcohol to shed inhibitions and bring authenticity to their characters, such as in a notable dance scene where Mikkelsen, dressed in a suit, performs a spirited two-minute routine drenched in champagne. Despite the scene’s energetic vibe, Mikkelsen was initially hesitant about filming it.
He told Variety,
I thought the dance was like, if there was a dance, it should be a lifted universe, almost like a drunken fantasy. And [Vinterberg] was like, ‘No, you’re just dancing.’ I hated it, I didn’t wanna do it. I thought it was wrong for the film, and I just, he can’t convince me to do this, this is a realistic film; it’s too pretentious.
This resistance shows Mikkelsen’s commitment to maintaining the film’s grounded and sincere tone, despite the surreal energy of that moment.
The Impact of Tragedy on the Film’s Tone and Purpose
Four days into shooting, the cast and crew faced a real-life tragedy when Thomas Vinterberg’s daughter, who was slated to appear in the film, died in a car accident. This devastating event deeply influenced the entire production, shaping the film’s emotional outlook and adding profound layers of meaning to the final product.
Mikkelsen reflected on this shift, saying,
Everything became a tribute to life all of a sudden, and I went along, and it, yeah, it’s a fantastic ending. It’s something about remembering to live.
The loss brought a new perspective, turning the movie into a heartfelt homage to life itself, and underscored the delicate balance between joy and sorrow that the story portrays.
The Film’s Exploration of Adult Friendships and Life Struggles
Another Round goes beyond its portrayal of alcohol use to depict the complexities of maintaining friendships as adults, navigating family dynamics, and dealing with the pressures of middle age. For Mikkelsen’s character, along with his friends, the film captures the tension between reckless impulses and responsible commitments, especially in the context of securing a life that includes a mortgaged house and family obligations.
The movie’s nuanced approach avoids demonizing drinking, instead presenting a realistic narrative about shifting priorities and the delicate challenges men face in trying to reconcile their youthful tendencies with grown-up realities. It depicts how momentary escapism through alcohol can both liberate and complicate their existence.
Enduring Appeal and Significance of Another Round
Despite being released during a chaotic time, Another Round remains a compelling exploration of human vulnerability and the search for meaning. Its reception as Best International Film at the Academy Awards validated its artistic significance, yet it remains under-seen by many worldwide. The film invites viewers to reflect on the precarious nature of balance in life, friendship, and self-identity.
By sharing his resistance to a major scene and responding to profound personal tragedy during filming, Mads Mikkelsen offers insight into the artistic and emotional challenges behind the movie. Another Round continues to resonate as a thoughtful and honest portrayal of adulthood’s complexities and the ways people attempt to cope with life’s unpredictability.
