The film was based on a play Thomas Vinterberg had written while working at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Additional inspiration came from Vinterberg's own daughter (Ida), who had told stories of the drinking culture within the Danish youth. Ida had originally pressed Vinterberg to adapt the play into a movie, and was slated to play the daughter of Martin (Mads Mikkelsen). The story was originally "A celebration of alcohol based on the thesis that world history would have been different without alcohol", and according to Vinterberg, it was "a much angrier movie". However, four days into filming, Ida was killed in a car accident. Following the tragedy, Vinterberg stated that he considered to stop making the film, and even considered to "stop living". However, he eventually decided to rework the script to become more life-affirming. "It should not just be about drinking. It was about being awakened to life," stated Vinterberg. Co-writer Tobias Lindholm served as director in the week following the accident. The film was dedicated to Ida, and was partially filmed in her classroom with her classmates.

Film

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