Another Round

| 2020

Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg

Main Plot

Another Round follows a group of high school teachers who embark on an unconventional experiment based on a theory that maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood can enhance their lives and improve their teaching. The four friends, feeling stagnant and unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives, agree to support each other in this challenge. As they begin to drink regularly throughout the day, they initially experience a boost in confidence and creativity, leading to positive changes in their interactions and teaching methods. However, as the experiment progresses, the effects of alcohol take a darker turn, leading to unforeseen consequences that challenge their relationships and personal well-being. The film explores themes of friendship, the search for meaning, and the fine line between enjoyment and excess, ultimately questioning the impact of alcohol on their lives and the choices they make.

Characters

  • Mads Mikkelsen plays Martin, a high school teacher who participates in an experiment to maintain a constant blood alcohol level to improve his life and teaching.
  • Thomas Bo Larsen plays Tommy, a high school teacher who participates in an experiment involving alcohol consumption to improve their lives, ultimately facing tragic consequences.
  • Magnus Millang plays Nikolaj, a high school teacher who participates in an experiment with his colleagues to maintain a constant blood alcohol level to improve their lives.

Ending Explained

In Another Round, the ending culminates in a poignant reflection on the experiment undertaken by the main characters, who sought to maintain a constant level of alcohol in their systems to enhance their lives. After experiencing both the highs and lows of their drinking journey, the protagonist, Martin, faces a moment of reckoning. The film concludes with a significant event: Martin attends a school event where he is tasked with leading a group of students in a celebratory dance. As he begins to dance, it becomes clear that this moment symbolizes a return to authenticity and joy, free from the constraints of alcohol. The dance serves as a cathartic release, allowing Martin to embrace life with a newfound clarity. The final scene, where he dances with exuberance, signifies a resolution to the internal conflict he faced throughout the film. It suggests that while alcohol provided temporary relief and connection, true fulfillment comes from genuine experiences and relationships. The ending encapsulates the film's exploration of the balance between indulgence and responsibility, ultimately leaving the audience with a sense of hope and the importance of living life fully, albeit soberly.

Thomas Vinterberg Drama Mads Mikkelsen Thomas Bo Larsen Magnus Millang