The Last Viking
The brief
Anders Thomas Jensen reunites his frequent collaborators Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas for what feels like a Danish Coen Brothers caper, blending deadpan humor with genuine brotherly tenderness. Mikkelsen plays against type as the more grounded sibling trying to wrangle his scattered brother through a series of increasingly absurd situations, while Kaas delivers a beautifully unhinged performance that never mocks mental illness. The pacing meanders like the characters themselves, building momentum through small character moments rather than big set pieces. Perfect for fans of "In Bruges" or anyone who appreciates Nordic noir's lighter, more humanistic side.
The verdict
If you appreciate character-driven Nordic comedies with deadpan humor and can handle deliberate pacing that prioritizes quiet moments over action, this is a rewarding showcase for Mikkelsen and Kaas's chemistry. If you prefer fast-moving plots or broad comedy over subtle Danish sensibilities, you'll likely find this meandering and too understated for your taste.
Watch with
- 👥 Perfect for fans of offbeat European cinema
- ⚠️ May be slow for action movie fans
Heads up
- Mental illness portrayed sympathetically but central to plot (frequent)
- Criminal activity and prison themes (moderate)
- Some crude humor and language (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Anders Thomas Jensen
- Cast
- Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Sofie Gråbøl, Søren Malling, Bodil Jørgensen, Lars Brygmann, Nicolas Bro
Official synopsis
After serving fourteen years for robbery, Anker is released from prison and reunites with his mentally ill
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Both feature criminal brothers on quests mixing dark comedy with redemption.
Total runtime: 1h 56m + 2h 01m = 3h 57m
