Another Round Performs a Precarious Dance

I have a particular admiration and appreciation for movies that embody their themes and story within the filmmaking itself, and it's that embodiment that vaults Thomas Vinterberg's Another Round from being a charming, simply memorable film to being one of my favorite films of 2020. Another Round is a delicate dance, twirling toward comedy and feinting toward tragedy without tilting too far toward either. It maintains a precarious balance with wit, heart, and remarkable poise. If there are parts where it seems to be stumbling, uncertain where it will go--well, that's all part of the dance.

Mads Mikkelsen (to no surprise) is magnetic as Martin, even when he's at his most pathetic. There's a lovely moment, foreshadowing the hopeful (though uncertain) climax, where Martin's inebriation at a school meeting slyly reveals his training as a dancer.

The full cast brings depth and distinctiveness to their characters, and the film is generous in its care for each character--extending beyond the central four to their spouses and students. Vinterburg's stylistic direction is often restrained, but often surprising, making for a continually engaging embodiment of subjective filmmaking. And it must be said: the music absolutely kicks.

As a final note, as an avid home bartender, the scene of them making Sazeracs (and unimaginably finding them more potent than the straight vodka they were downing earlier) was one of my favorite scenes of 2020.