Vinterberg explores solidarity in new drama series as rising waters force Danes to flee

What happens to solidarity and social cohesion when disaster strikes? This question is explored by Thomas Vinterberg in his new drama series, “Families Like Ours,” where rising waters force Danes to flee.

“Empathy, humanity, solidarity—these things vanish quickly, like dew in the sun, when characters face the threats presented in this series,” the director explains. Vinterberg, who won an Oscar for his 2020 film “Another Round,” mentions an underlying theme of moral decay, drawing inspiration from real-world events.

“I observed that solidarity in Europe disappeared during both the refugee crisis and the pandemic. What we sent to Italy was the worst equipment we could find in our country,” Vinterberg reflects.

Despite this, he holds a special hope for the Danish mindset. “I believe we can assert that we have a unique team spirit in Denmark,” he states. “Whether that holds true when disaster strikes is the question I pose here.”

The full discussion is available on DRTV.