Time At The Bar. 4.5 / 5
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg.
Four high school teachers launch a drinking experiment: upholding a constant low level of intoxication.
Director Thomas Vinterberg partners up again with on-screen powerhouse Mads Mikkelsen for the sobering experience that is Another Round.
Fun at heart yet serious in execution, Another Round uses alcohol as the tipping point to tell a story about aging, stagnating, and wanting more from life. A genuinely interesting experiment looks into the effect a higher consistent blood-alcohol level has on a person - with depressingly expected results, we follow our four leads as the experiment spirals out of control, taking over their lives and crosses the line into addiction.
Each of the four characters shows a different reason why people can turn to this newfound reliance but the film focuses itself on Mikkelsen and his desire to start enjoying his professional and personal life again.
Though, for a film about alcoholism, there are oddly joyous moments throughout, especially in its closing scene where Mikkelsen suddenly busts out his jazz ballet skills which makes the film worth watching for that scene alone.
Unexpectedly hard-hitting, Thomas Vinterberg has done an amazing job of managing the intoxicating highs and lows that come with the culture, expertly directing and recreating the feel of the night of and the morning after.
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