Danish filmmaker Anders Thomas Jensen is poised to deliver another dose of his signature Nordic absurdism with “The Last Viking” (Den sidste viking), a dark comedy starring Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas. The film, which premiered out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, is scheduled for release on March 2, 2026, and promises a riotously funny, yet shockingly violent, cinematic experience.
The story centers on Anker, an ex-con released from a fifteen-year prison sentence for robbery. His freedom hinges on recovering the stolen money, which he entrusted to his brother, Manfred, to bury before his incarceration. However, Manfred has since developed dissociative identity disorder (DID), leaving him unable to recall the money’s location. This sets the stage for an unexpected and often chaotic journey as the brothers attempt to locate the hidden funds and, in the process, rediscover who they are.
A Familiar Collaboration
“The Last Viking” marks the sixth feature film collaboration between Jensen, Mikkelsen, and Lie Kaas, a testament to their successful creative partnership. According to TrustNordisk, both actors have appeared in all of Jensen’s films. The cast also includes Sofie Gråbøl and Søren Malling, adding further star power to the project. Jensen is known for frequently casting Mikkelsen and Lie Kaas, and this film continues that trend, building on their established on-screen chemistry.
Exploring Identity and the Absurd
The film’s premise, as detailed in a review from Next Best Picture, delves into themes of identity and the notion of normalcy. The narrative takes a particularly bizarre turn when Anker encounters a man and concocts a plan to “cure” Manfred by allowing him to fully embody one of his alternate personalities – believing himself to be John Lennon – and interact with other patients portraying the remaining members of The Beatles. This plan, however, is quickly abandoned.
Critical Reception and Production Details
“The Last Viking” has already garnered attention for its unique blend of humor, and darkness. Mia Pflüger of Next Best Picture describes the film as “the kind of film that makes you laugh until you wince, and then wince until you laugh again.” The film’s production involved Zentropa and Zentropa Sweden, with support from Film i Väst. It runs for 116 minutes and is presented in Danish and Swedish.
The film’s theatrical release in Denmark occurred on October 9, 2025, and it has since generated considerable buzz within the industry. As reported by Wikipedia, the film has grossed $560,318 to date.
Avalon Distribution and Upcoming Release
The upcoming release on March 2, 2026, will be handled by AVALON. The film’s genre is categorized as comedy, black comedy, and drama, suggesting a complex and multifaceted narrative. Whereas a rating is currently pending, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking and darkly humorous experience.
As “The Last Viking” prepares for its wider release, audiences are encouraged to anticipate a film that challenges conventional storytelling and offers a unique perspective on brotherhood, identity, and the search for redemption. The film’s exploration of these themes, combined with the talents of its acclaimed cast and director, positions it as a significant release in the dark comedy genre.
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