Another Round (2020)

Another Round (original title: Druk) is a 2020 Danish drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg and starring Mads Mikkelsen in one of his most emotionally layered performances. The film explores themes of midlife crisis, identity, friendship, and the blurred line between social drinking and addiction. It’s a poignant, often humorous, and ultimately tragic-yet-hopeful journey that resonated globally—winning the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Detailed Summary

The Experiment Begins: Midlife Malaise

Four middle-aged teachers—Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Millang), and Peter (Lars Ranthe)—are all stuck in personal and professional ruts. Martin, once a passionate history teacher, is disengaged in both his classroom and his marriage. The group stumbles upon a theory by Norwegian psychiatrist Finn Skårderud, which suggests that humans are born with a 0.05% blood alcohol deficiency and perform better when slightly intoxicated.

They decide to test this theory in real life: maintaining a constant BAC of 0.05% during work hours. Initially, the results are positive—Martin becomes more energetic and engaging, his teaching improves, and his family starts to come alive again. The group is revitalized, and their friendship deepens.

Pushing the Limits

Emboldened by their initial success, the friends push the experiment further. They increase their intake, begin drinking outside work hours, and spiral into deeper levels of intoxication. What started as a lighthearted experiment turns dark as their lives begin to unravel.

Martin’s marriage deteriorates when his wife reveals she’s been having an affair. Tommy, the most emotionally vulnerable of the group, begins drinking excessively even when alone, especially around his young students. Their professional lives begin to suffer, and the group’s unity fractures under the weight of their personal demons.

The Consequences

While Martin tries to regain control, Tommy slips further into alcoholism. In the film’s most heartbreaking moment, Tommy—who has been dismissed from his job and is estranged from his friends—sails his boat out to sea alone, removes his watch, and drowns himself. It’s left ambiguous whether it was an accident or suicide, but the implication is grim and devastating.

This tragedy shakes the group and forces them to reflect on their actions. The high of the experiment is gone, replaced by sobering reality.

Movie Ending

The film ends with a mix of grief and celebration. After attending Tommy’s funeral, the three surviving friends gather at a seaside restaurant. Martin receives a text from his wife hinting at reconciliation. At the same time, he receives messages from his students celebrating their graduation.

In a powerful final sequence, Martin, overtaken by a wave of emotion, joins a spontaneous celebration with the students. He dances joyfully and freely—something we haven’t seen him do since the start of the film. His dance, shot in one long, expressive take, is cathartic. It’s ambiguous whether he’s drunk or simply liberated, but the moment is raw, full of pain and release.

There’s no neat resolution—no clear answer about whether he’s changed for good or might relapse—but the ending captures a man, like many of us, caught in the tension between sorrow and joy, past and possibility.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Another Round does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with Martin’s euphoric dance and ends shortly after, letting the final image linger. There’s no mid or post-credits material.

Type of Movie

Another Round is a drama with elements of comedy and philosophical inquiry. It walks a delicate tonal line—starting off as a dark comedy and eventually shifting into an emotional, meditative drama.

Cast

• Mads Mikkelsen as Martin
• Thomas Bo Larsen as Tommy
• Magnus Millang as Nikolaj
• Lars Ranthe as Peter
• Maria Bonnevie as Anika (Martin’s wife)
• Helene Reingaard Neumann as Amalie

Film Music and Composer

The film’s original score was composed by Danish composer Kristian Eidnes Andersen. However, one of the most memorable musical moments is the use of the song “What a Life” by Scarlet Pleasure, which plays during the film’s iconic final scene. The track became synonymous with the film and encapsulates its bittersweet tone—joyful yet melancholic.

Filming Locations

Another Round was shot primarily in Copenhagen, Denmark, and surrounding areas. Key locations include:

• Gentofte High School – where the characters work
• Oresund coastlines – used in the final scenes and Tommy’s boating scenes
• Local bars and homes – reflecting a very grounded, relatable Danish lifestyle

The locations add authenticity and intimacy, making the story feel universally personal despite being very Danish in tone and setting.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (2021) – Winner
• BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language – Winner
• Cannes Film Festival (Official Selection) – Though canceled due to COVID-19
• European Film Awards – Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenwriter – All won

It was also nominated for Best Director at the Oscars—making Vinterberg one of the rare directors nominated for a non-English film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Thomas Vinterberg lost his daughter Ida just before filming began. She was originally cast in the film and had encouraged her father to make it. Her tragic passing reshaped the film’s emotional core, especially in the way grief and life are portrayed.
• The film was adapted slightly during production to reflect Vinterberg’s personal loss, making the ending more hopeful.
• Mads Mikkelsen, known for his physical roles, performed the final dance scene himself with no stunt double.
• The script originally had a darker ending, but it was changed to strike a balance between grief and rebirth.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by a real-life theory proposed by Norwegian psychiatrist Finn Skårderud.
• Vinterberg was influenced by high school drinking culture in Denmark.
• The story is an exploration of existential themes: What does it mean to be fully alive? Can alcohol enhance or destroy our humanity?

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• An early draft of the script had Martin committing suicide in the end, paralleling Tommy’s fate. However, Vinterberg changed it post-tragedy to preserve some hope and life.
• Several scenes showing the teachers’ drinking at home were shortened or cut to keep the pacing tight.
• More backstory on Tommy’s loneliness was filmed but removed for runtime balance.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Another Round is not based on a book, but it is an original screenplay co-written by Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm. However, it’s deeply rooted in Danish literature and philosophy, especially themes of Søren Kierkegaard and existentialism.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The “first sip” scene where the experiment begins with drinks in a jazz bar.
• Martin’s revived history lecture, where he passionately teaches about world leaders and alcohol.
• Tommy taking his dog for a walk—his final scene.
• The graduation party and Martin’s dance.

Iconic Quotes

• Martin: “What a life… what a beautiful, beautiful life.”
• Peter: “We drink to remember, and we drink to forget.”
• Tommy: “You’re not who you were. None of us are. But maybe that’s okay.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The students’ names on the graduation lists match names from Vinterberg’s previous films.
• The bar where they begin the experiment is modeled after real Copenhagen watering holes Vinterberg frequented in his youth.
• The choice of “What a Life” as the final track reflects Ida’s real playlist—she had introduced the song to her father.

Trivia

• Denmark’s submission for the Oscars was unanimous—rare for national film committees.
• Leonardo DiCaprio is set to star in an English-language remake.
• Mads Mikkelsen was once a professional dancer—his performance at the end is not choreographed, but spontaneous.
• The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, with minimal crew and improvisational techniques.

Why Watch?

Because Another Round is both existential and entertaining. It’s a film that dares to ask big questions—about aging, happiness, risk, and meaning—without moralizing. You’ll laugh, you’ll ache, and you might reexamine your own relationship with joy, routine, and maybe even alcohol. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about living.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Hunt (2012)
• The Celebration (1998)
• Dear Wendy (2005)
• Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
• Submarino (2010)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Hunt (2012)
• Sideways (2004)
• Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
• A Separation (2011)
• Blue Valentine (2010)
• The World’s End (2013)
• Lost in Translation (2003)