Copenhagen

Similar to Charlie Countryman, at the onset of this movie we meet William (Gethin Anthony), A 28 year-old American who has been travelling through Europe for weeks. He’s an immature and rude, seemingly unlikeable character. His mission for the trip seems to be to get drunk and hook-up, but before you can cast this movie away as some Eurotrip sex-comedy, we learn the true meaning of his adventure, to deliver a posthumous letter from his father, to his grandfather, who lives in Denmark. Through deft writing we can plainly see the reason for his immaturity is the contemptuous relationship he’s had with his father, or at the very least, this is the “excuse” he disguises himself with.

As the title suggests, this movie takes place within the beautiful city of Copenhagen. During the day we see the bikes and canals, and at night we hop from hostel to dive bar, as William struggles to locate his grandfather. Effy(Frederikke Dahl Hansen), a female Copenhagen native, becomes his guide and also the subject of his affection. An affection that starts as lusting but after learning she is half his age, evolves to a mature sense of protection. Mark Raso’s steady direction shows off the charm of the Danish Capital and balances we could be a creepy love story into something heart-filled and genuine. One of A24’s most underappreciated and best films.

Director: Mark Raso

Starring: Gethin Anthony, Frederikke Dahl Hansen

Runtime: 98 minutes Year Released: 2014