Four friends, all teachers at various stages of middle age, are stuck in a rut. Unable to share their passions either at school or at home, they embark on an audacious experiment: to see if a constant level of alcohol in their blood will help them find greater freedom and happiness. Underscored by delicate and affecting camerawork, director Vinterberg’s spry script, co-written with regular collaborator Tobias Lindholm (The Investigation), uses this bold premise to explore the euphoria and pain of an unbridled life. At its heart is Martin, an unappreciated tutor, husband and father. Playing a once brilliant but now world-weary shell of a man, the ever surprising Mikkelsen delivers a touching, note-perfect performance – surely one of his most lithe and memorable onscreen moments to date.