Anders Thomas Jensen returns to GFF with a masterful blend of deadpan humour and wholesome undertones throughout his new black-comedy film The Last Viking, which will promise guaranteed laughs and enjoyment from all audiences alike.
It is centred around Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), a bank robber who is on the run with his mentally-ill brother Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen), who he tasked with hiding his stolen goods. Its unpredictable plot sees the two endure a quest back to their childhood home to recover Manfred’s memory to find the loot, where they face numerous challenges and chaos along the way.
Despite its generous dose of dark humour, the movie delicately weaves a heartfelt tenderness underneath, highlighting the family’s unbreakable bond through their difficult situations as well as displaying mental illness in warming manners.
The film also contains some darker and violent elements which emphasise the intensity of their situation beneath the humour, yet they mix into the plot brilliantly and form consistent storylines and excitement from start to finish, whilst all balanced behind its range of visually-appealing and elegant cinematography.
Not only do the top-tier levels of writing make the movie truly engaging throughout, but it is topped with an abundance of jokes and references which will be sure to crack everyone up.
Overall, this unmissable movie from Thomas Jensen’s original and unique craft is filled with numerous elements which exceeded my expectations and had me laughing constantly, and it will definitely leave audiences satisfied.
Catch The Last Viking on Saturday 28th February at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
Featured image credit: European Film Academy