Brought to the screen by award-winning director, Anders Thomas Jensen – The Last Viking (2026) follows brothers – the nerdy Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen) and the protector ‘tough guy’, Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas). Known for winning an Academy-award in ‘Best Live Action Short Film’ for Election Night (1998), Jensen’s latest film covers his reoccurring signature themes including identity, family, and grief.
The Last Viking sees Anker rob a bank and instructs Manfred to bury the stolen goods in the woods near their family home. But 15 years later the situation has inevitably changed. Anker is released from prison, and Manfred forgets the exact location. What the brothers experience is a journey of discovery as they bring the chaotic and emotional energy.
Manfred and Anker also hide a deeply dark and troubling past. Their childhood is told through flashbacks. It’s a tough watch as their father (Lars Ranthe) violently attacks young Manfred for being different to what he expected of him. Manfred’s obsession with Vikings helps him escape from his harsh reality.
The Last Viking: Something Different
But in turn, later in life he develops Dissociative Identity Disorder meaning he has multiple alter egos. This time he’s John Lennon. Whilst Anker discharges Manfred from the psychiatric hospital, he enlists nurse Lothar (Lars Brygmann) who gathers three other patients. They all believe they are the rest of the Beatles – George, Ringo, and Paul.
Although, in a bizarre plan, Anker gathers the band in the middle of the woods in hope that Manfred will remember where he buried the stolen goods. But hot on their heels is Anker’s ex-associate, Flemming (Nicolas Bro) who’s after his cut in the deal. After he assaults the brothers’ sister, Freja (Bodil Jørgensen) he has more violence coming his way.
Sofie Gråbøl is along for the ride playing tough cookie, Margrethe – the new owner of the brothers’ family home. If you’re looking for something different with a story that constantly throws surprises then it may be just what you’re looking for. It’s so strange it works well with its story but it’s definitely for a niche audience.
Brotherly Bond
This dark comedy holds its absurd moments. Whilst Anker is stoic, serious, and deadpan, Manfred is silly, playful, and somewhat devious. But together they’re a double act comedy duo. They’re complete opposites and live life on very different planes. At times they’re reminiscent of the British comedy act – the Chuckle Brothers. They consistently try to escape trouble that they’ve made themselves.
Both Mikkelsen and Kaas completely excel in their brotherly roles. Straight away on screen you can tell they were perfectly cast to play these characters. Jensen writes their brotherly bonds in such a realistic way with its leads, Mikkelsen and Kaas adding their touches of light-hearted comedy boost.
This Danish film is both offbeat in its tone and unique in its storytelling. With each scene you truly don’t know what to expect next. It’s wild and free. Although this film is more targeted towards an older audience. It certainly homes in on multiple emotions – it brings the laughs with a few singing moments but there’s action scenes and sad backstories too which forces its playful tone back down to earth. Be prepared for a highly unexpected ride with Jensen’s latest film.
The Last Viking (2026) is released across UK cinemas from 26th June.
You can read more reviews like this, including short film, Freestyle (2026) from Filmotomy’s Tribeca Film Festival coverage here.
Rating: 3 Stars
