The Last Viking

A man coming out of prison and trying to locate his buried stolen loot is a plot top-line where you probably imagine you know exactly what comes next.

The Last Viking is very much not that film.

This Danish delight contains multitudes. There’s a flavour of ‘Coen Brothers, missing money crime’ sure, but it’s sprinkled with outright comedy, trauma, violence, heart and a dive into personality disorders.

To say too much would be to spoil the surprises (there are two incredible rug pulls here) as you are just not sure what’s going to come next.

From animated storytelling segments to performed Abba songs, brutal violence and beautifully touching moments.

It comes with some fantastic cinematography and two startling lead performances.

Nikolaj Lie Kaas anchors proceedings but, as he so often does, Mads Mikkelsen steals the film playing very much against type.

The actor can do more with his eyes than others can with their entire bodies and there are moments that will truly move you.

A moment where he tries not to show pain whilst undergoing torture is awards-worthy.

A batshit strange, oddly compelling, thought-provoking and all round delight.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️