Another Round
Four stagnant high school teachers decide to test out a theory that maintaining a constant level of intoxication will improve their overall lives.
Despite its tight budget of $5.2M, Another Round became a commercial success, earning $21.7M worldwide—a 321% return. The film's bold vision resonated with audiences, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Another Round (2020) demonstrates meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Thomas Vinterberg's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 9-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 57 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.1, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Martin
Tommy
Peter
Nikolaj
Anika
Main Cast & Characters
Martin
Played by Mads Mikkelsen
A disillusioned high school history teacher struggling with a midlife crisis and disconnection from his family
Tommy
Played by Thomas Bo Larsen
A gym teacher and former athlete dealing with unfulfilled dreams and declining physical prowess
Peter
Played by Lars Ranthe
A music teacher wrestling with performance anxiety and creative stagnation
Nikolaj
Played by Magnus Millang
A psychology teacher and family man confronting the mundanity of middle age
Anika
Played by Maria Bonnevie
Martin's wife who becomes increasingly distant as their marriage deteriorates
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Martin watches his students' chaotic canal race celebration from a distance, disconnected and joyless, establishing his depleted, middle-aged malaise.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tommy drives drunk, crashes his boat, and drowns, shattering the group with the ultimate consequence of their experiment and forcing them to confront the deadly reality of their actions., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Martin attends his son's graduation sober, awkwardly reuniting with his family. His students pass their exams successfully, validating his earlier genuine teaching. He chooses to join the celebration as his authentic self., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Another Round's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 9 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Another Round against these established plot points, we can identify how Thomas Vinterberg utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Another Round within the comedy genre.
Thomas Vinterberg's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Thomas Vinterberg films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.2, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Another Round takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Thomas Vinterberg filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Thomas Vinterberg analyses, see Far from the Madding Crowd, The Celebration and The Hunt.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Martin watches his students' chaotic canal race celebration from a distance, disconnected and joyless, establishing his depleted, middle-aged malaise.
Theme
Nikolaj mentions psychiatrist Finn Skårderud's theory that humans are born with a 0.05% blood alcohol deficiency, suggesting alcohol might unlock human potential.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to four middle-aged high school teachers stuck in professional and personal ruts: Martin's failing marriage and uninspired teaching, Tommy's loneliness, Peter's creative drought, and Nikolaj's domestic routine.
Resistance
The teachers debate the ethics and methodology of the alcohol experiment. Martin is initially hesitant but increasingly desperate for change. They establish rules: drink only during work hours, maintain 0.05% BAC, document results scientifically.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The teachers experience renaissance: Martin reconnects with his wife and students, Tommy dates again, Peter performs jazz with passion, Nikolaj becomes energized. They raise the BAC limit, document successes, and bond deeply as friends rediscovering joy.
Opposition
The experiment spirals: Martin's drinking escalates beyond control, his wife discovers the truth and moves out with their sons, students confront him about being drunk, and the group's academic rigor dissolves into excess and denial.
Collapse
Tommy drives drunk, crashes his boat, and drowns, shattering the group with the ultimate consequence of their experiment and forcing them to confront the deadly reality of their actions.
Crisis
The teachers mourn Tommy at his funeral, processing their guilt and loss. Martin sits alone in devastation, confronting the wreckage of his marriage, career, and the death his choices contributed to, stripped of all illusions.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Martin attends his son's graduation sober, awkwardly reuniting with his family. His students pass their exams successfully, validating his earlier genuine teaching. He chooses to join the celebration as his authentic self.