The Last Viking ★★★★

Released: 26 June 2026

Director: Anders Thomas Jensen

Starring: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Mads Mikkelsen, Sofie Gråbøl, Søren Malling

Mads Mikkelsen’s career so far has been nothing if not eclectic. For every Casino Royale or Doctor Strange, there is a Danish gem like the Oscar winning Another Round or The Promised Land. His latest film in his native language The Last Viking, is a decidedly odd beast but one anchored by the commitment of its cast. Mikkelsen co-stars in this black comedy with Nikolaj Lie Kaas, which is equal parts absurdist comedy and thriller. The two don’t always quite sync 100% coherently but there is still plenty that works.

Mikkeslen is Manfred, suffering from extreme dissociative identity disorder, is convinced he’s John Lennon and refusing to go by his real name. His brother Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) has been released from prison, keen to reunite with his sibling and struggling with his new state. This lends itself to comedic moments but with a lingering sense of tragedy. It’s a different, more reserved side to Mikkelsen, someone who to English speaking audiences is known for playing charismatic villains in major franchises. While Mikkelsen has been at the front of the film’s promo, Lie Kaas is the real lead as we follow Anker’s release.

Anders Thomas Jensen, cleverly juxtaposes the more surrealist comedy with moments of violence and aggression. These short bursts proving effective if brutal. This tonal blend recalls the work of The Coen Brothers, particularly Fargo. On paper, this is a hard sell but it’s one that for the most part works well, balancing pathos, humour and drama in a winning combo. It’s heart is clearly in the right place and the cast helps to anchor the material, preventing it from ever tipping too heavily to one side.

The odd couple, madcap energy keeps The Last Viking on the rails, resulting in an unpredictable and very funny film that we’re never sure where it is going next. As you’d expect the work of Mads Mikkelsen and the wider cast is first rate. Just like their collaborations on Riders of Justice and The Promised Land as director and writer, Thomas Jensen really showcases his credit and variety as a director. While it might be easy to think of this simply as a Danish Coen Brothers knock off, there is plenty more to it than that, in a moving, rewarding film.