Another Round

Such an amazing and heartfelt film. The performances and plot feel so realistic that it genuinely seems like a true story — I’m amazed it isn’t. At its core, Druk is about picking yourself up from feeling worthless and nonexistent, even lonely, with the help of alcohol. Even though alcohol can help with relationships and socialization, it can just as easily destroy everything you hold dear. Yet this film isn’t about quitting alcohol, not at all. It’s about regulation, and the film greatly portrays that. To have a drink while watching this film is probably the right thing to do, even appropriate.  Watching Druk in Danish with subtitles is no problem; if anything, it feels more authentic that way. The film doesn’t try to be “right”, it tries to be relatable, and it succeeds. Expression is essential to being human. To stop expressing yourself is to not be yourself — to hide away — and when we forget how to express ourselves, moderated alcohol use can help reopen that door. Although the film may seem fun and lighthearted, it’s even more tragic and emotional. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a simple comedy, it’s far deeper than that. In many ways, it reminds me of Demolition (2015), with its overlapping themes of self-expression, loss, and finding yourself again — and the dance scenes, of course. Superb plot, outstanding performances, especially Mikkelsen’s, and deeply expressive and emotional. A true comfort film.