The girl with the needle Review : This real-life crime drama is an unvarnished portrayal of grim reality

Story: Karoline, a young woman facing unemployment and an unplanned pregnancy, finds herself at a turning point. She takes a job at an adoption agency run by Dagmar, only to uncover a shocking and disturbing truth.

Review: ‘The Girl with the Needle’ is a bleak and poignant film that demands emotional resilience from its viewers. Based on a true story and set in 1919, after the end of the First World War, the plot follows Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne), a young seamstress working at a garment factory. Peter (Besir Zeciri), her husband, left to fight in the war, and despite sending numerous letters, she never received a response from him. Jorgen (Joachim Fjelstrup), the factory owner, becomes infatuated with Karoline and falls in love with her. The two decide to marry, but when Jorgen takes her home to meet her mother, she learns that the marriage cannot happen. A devastated Karoline, now pregnant and jobless, attempts to end her pregnancy with a needle but is rescued by Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), the owner of an underground adoption agency. While working at the agency, Karoline uncovers horrifying truths about the fate of the adopted babies.

Shot entirely in black and white, this true drama vividly captures the sombre atmosphere of post-World War I Copenhagen, reflecting the broader despair that gripped Europe during this era. At its core is Karoline, a destitute woman struggling to survive after her husband’s departure for the war. While Karoline serves as the film’s central figure, the story’s focus lies on Dagmar, a woman whose actions are tied to the tragic deaths of numerous infants. The cast delivers exceptional performances, complemented by stunning cinematography and a haunting musical score that amplifies the film’s emotional weight. The narrative is punctuated by gut-wrenching moments, including a harrowing scene where, abandoned by Jorgen, Karoline attempts to end her unborn child’s life with a needle in a public bath. The film lays bare the dark underbelly of society, exposing the erosion of human values and morality in the face of despair and survival. It is a poignant and unflinching portrayal of a poor woman’s struggles during one of history’s darkest periods.

The film captivates viewers with outstanding performances by its two protagonists, Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm. Vic Carmen Sonne delivers a powerful portrayal of Karoline, embodying the character with striking authenticity. The weariness etched on her face as she battles life’s relentless hardships is deeply moving. Matching her brilliance is Trine Dyrholm as Dagmar, the enigmatic woman running the adoption agency. Trine steals the spotlight with a performance that is both menacing and, at times, poignant. While she is the 'serial killer’ of the story, the film also explores her humane side, adding depth to her complex character. Director Magnus von Horn crafts an unflinching portrayal of survival and human frailty in a post-war society grappling with loss and trauma.

‘The Girl with the Needle’ is a technically accomplished film and delves into a world where women are relegated to second-class status, their voices silenced in a patriarchal society. Von Horn masterfully builds a sense of pervasive tension, keeping viewers on edge and dreading what might unfold next. Misery permeates every frame of the film, creating an unrelenting bleakness that, while impactful, can feel exhausting as the story progresses. Unflinchingly brutal, the film spares no detail, immersing the audience in its raw and unsettling depiction of suffering and despair. This is a film that gets under your skin with its unvarnished portrayal of a grim reality. This film demands a certain emotional fortitude from its audience, making it a challenging watch.