A new wave of climate drama: ‘Families Like Ours’ debuts in Venice
It’s no coincidence that “Families Like Ours”, a gripping climate change disaster miniseries, is premiering in Venice—a city famously grappling with its own existential crisis over rising sea levels. The series, directed by Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, marks his first foray into television following his Oscar-winning feature, “Another Round.”
A fitting backdrop for a timely tale
“All the water here made it the obvious choice,” says Vinterberg. “Even in my first letter to Alberto [Barbera], I said there was no other place we can show this than in Venice.”
In typical Vinterberg fashion, “Families Like Ours” delves into family and societal dynamics, this time against the backdrop of a national crisis. Danish authorities announce that the country’s citizens must be evacuated and scattered across the globe to whichever country will accept them.
“It was actually conceived of several years ago as a crazy, futuristic idea, and was rejected by some of my friends,” Vinterberg explains from Venice. “And suddenly it has become a normality, which is a little scary.”
A disaster unseen but deeply felt
Interestingly, the actual disaster—the flooding—isn’t shown on screen. Instead, it serves as a looming threat while the drama zeroes in on one family torn apart by life-changing decisions.
“I wanted to make this real, and I think Denmark is a country that would not wait for a flooding; we would be prepared,” Vinterberg says. He believes a “fair way” would be found to rescue as many people as possible. “So I think in reality it would be a catastrophe movie in slow motion as it unrolls.”
Given its global themes and the many other countries for whom the climate crisis represents a very real existential threat, “Families Like Ours” feels ripe for numerous global adaptations.
“From my experience, whenever I make something more general, nobody is interested,” says Vinterberg. “But when I do something super specifically Danish, it travels.”
The global journey of ‘Another Round’
Vinterberg’s specifically Danish “Another Round”, a comedy-drama described as an “ode to alcohol,” is also making waves globally. The film follows four friends as they try to maintain a level of alcohol in their blood to improve their lives. In 2021, it was announced that Leonardo DiCaprio would be producing a U.S. remake, and earlier this year, Chris Rock was unveiled as the writer and director.
Given the very different relationship America has with alcohol compared to Europe, many wondered how the story could be translated for the U.S. Vinterberg admits he “had many of the same questions.” However, he notes that inside the film is “an engine, the story of an experience, which you could place anywhere,” and that the best way to approach the remake would be “putting it in a different context and making it really American.”
That being said, when Rock’s name became attached to the project, Vinterberg offered a comical dig at the star, telling a Danish newspaper that, ”If it’s shit, he’ll get slapped again.”
“I’m afraid I said that,” he notes. “But I sent him an apology as he might not have found it funny.”
A personal reflection for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, “Families Like Ours” offers a unique blend of personal and societal drama, set against the pressing issue of climate change. The series not only highlights the resilience and adaptability of families but also serves as a poignant reminder of the global nature of environmental crises.
For those interested in exploring more about the series, you can watch the trailer here.
Similarly, “Another Round” continues to captivate audiences with its unique premise and heartfelt storytelling. The upcoming U.S. remake promises to bring a fresh perspective to the story, making it accessible to a broader audience. You can watch the trailer for the original film here.
Final thoughts
In a world increasingly aware of the impacts of climate change, “Families Like Ours” and “Another Round” serve as timely reminders of the power of storytelling to reflect and address real-world issues. Vinterberg’s ability to weave deeply personal narratives with broader societal themes makes his work not only compelling but also profoundly relevant. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, these stories offer rich, thought-provoking experiences that resonate on multiple levels.