In The Girl With the Needle, we meet Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne), a woman abandoned by both society and her circumstances in postwar Copenhagen. Her life is defined by loss—first her husband, Peter, whom she believed perished in the Great War, only to find him disfigured and turned away from her. Struggling to make ends meet, Karoline rents a rundown room from a demanding landlady after being unable to afford their apartment. An unexpected pregnancy—resulting from a brief encounter—leads to her job loss at a textile factory, and with no clear options left, Karoline resorts to a drastic, dangerous measure in a public bathhouse, attempting to end her pregnancy.
A Lifeline from Dagmar
As Karoline attempts to take control of her fate, a hand reaches out from the darkness. Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), a stranger, pulls Karoline from the water, staunching her bleeding and offering a lifeline. She tells Karoline to visit a doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop and assures her that she will find a family for the baby—lawyers or doctors, good people. As Dagmar and her young daughter Erena (Avo Knox Martin) escort Karoline home, she offers a small bag of candy from her shop, one of the rare acts of kindness Karoline receives. When Karoline questions why Dagmar is helping, the reply is simple: “Who else would?”
The Girl With the Needle–A True Story: The Infamous Dagmar Overbye
The Girl With the Needle is inspired by the real-life case of Dagmar Overbye, Denmark’s infamous serial killer. In 1921, Dagmar was convicted of murdering nine infants, though it’s believed she may have killed as many as 25. She was known for taking in babies born out of wedlock, often abandoned by desperate mothers who couldn’t care for them. Dagmar’s crimes are not the main focus of the film, however; director Magnus von Horn and co-writer Line Langebek are more interested in the social conditions that gave rise to these horrifying actions.
The Harsh Reality of Post-War Denmark
Set in the grim postwar period, the film paints a bleak picture of Danish society, which offers little support to its most vulnerable: workers, veterans, and particularly women. In this new industrialized world, women are forced to make impossible choices with little to no options. The film critiques a society in which women, without access to jobs, healthcare, or childcare, are often left to fend for themselves in harsh, unforgiving circumstances.
Past and Present: A Tale Timeless in Its Tragedy
Despite being set in the 1920s, The Girl With the Needle feels strikingly modern. Von Horn uses the historical backdrop to reflect on current issues of inequality and oppression. The stark portrayal of the past serves as a chilling reminder that the struggles faced by women like Karoline are still relevant today. The blending of past and present is also conveyed through the film’s visual and auditory style, creating an uncanny connection between two seemingly distant eras.
Cinematography and Visual Style: A Dark, Haunting World
Cinematographer Michal Dymek’s black-and-white photography brings the squalor of 1920s Copenhagen to life. The film’s visuals evoke the harshness of the period with images of smoke-filled factories, crumbling streets, and dilapidated rooms. The use of high-contrast lighting and shadow creates a gothic atmosphere that recalls German Expressionism. At the same time, the film’s visual style feels surprisingly modern, enhanced by the score of Frederikke Hoffmeier, a Danish experimental musician known as Puce Mary. Her ambient, electronic music adds a contemporary touch, making the historical setting feel more immediate and unsettling.
Stunning Performances: Sonne and Dyrholm’s Compelling Portrayals
The performances by the two lead actresses, Sonne and Dyrholm, are captivating and unpredictable. Karoline, played by Sonne, conveys deep emotional turmoil, her large eyes constantly shifting between sorrow and numbness. Dyrholm’s portrayal of Dagmar is equally gripping, walking a fine line between sympathy and menace. Known as the “Meryl Streep of Denmark,” Dyrholm captures the complexity of her character, showing both the past trauma that shapes Dagmar and her capacity for horrific actions. Together, their performances elevate the film’s haunting atmosphere.
Thematic Connections: Women in an Oppressive World
The Girl With the Needle can be paired thematically with two other international films this year: The Devil’s Bath from Austria and Italy’s Vermiglio. All three explore the grim realities of women suffering under oppressive patriarchal systems, where pregnancy becomes a trap and choices are limited. These period dramas immerse the audience in a world of despair and harsh social norms, while also resonating emotionally and socially with today’s struggles for women’s rights and freedoms.
A Reflection on Inequality and Injustice
At its core, The Girl With the Needle is a reflection on the devastating consequences of inequality. Through the story of Dagmar Overbye and the women who turned to her, von Horn shows how a divided and unjust society can lead to monstrous actions. The film’s portrayal of a world where women are deprived of basic rights and choices offers a powerful critique of systemic injustice. It reminds us that while times may change, the underlying issues of inequality persist and continue to shape lives.
Conclusion: A Chilling Tale of Survival and Desperation
The Girl With the Needle is an intense and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful exploration of gender, inequality, and survival. Through its evocative performances, dark cinematography, and timely social commentary, the film shines a light on the struggles of women in oppressive systems. While set in the past, its message about the cruelty of a divided society remains as relevant as ever, making it a gripping and haunting experience for modern audiences.