The Girl with the needle

The Girl with the Needle, directed by Magnus von Horn, is a haunting, masterful film that delves into the dark reality of Copenhagen after the First World War. This Danish gothic horror drama, shot in black and white by cinematographer Michał Dymek, plunges audiences into a world of despair and hopelessness, telling the story of a young woman, Karoline, played by Vic Carmen Sonne, whose life sinks into darkness and suffering. Set in Copenhagen in 1917, the film opens with Karoline facing eviction from her tiny apartment. Her husband, Peter, played by Besir Zeciri, is presumed dead in the war, leaving her to fend for herself in a society that offers little support to women in her situation. Working as a seamstress in a clothing factory, Karoline struggles to make ends meet. Her life takes a turn when she begins an affair with Jørgen, the factory owner, played by Joachim Fjelstrup, who promises her a better future. 

But this hope is soon shattered by the unexpected return of Peter, disfigured by the war, and Jørgen's abandonment under pressure from his family. Desperate and alone, Karoline tries to have an abortion in a public bath, where she meets Dagmar, played by Trine Dyrholm, owner of a sinister candy store. Dagmar offers to take Karoline's unwanted child and find her a home, a promise that leads Karoline into a web of deceit and horror. As Karoline delves deeper into Dagmar's world, she discovers the true nature of his business as a baby broker, leading to a series of shocking and heartbreaking events.

Magnus von Horn's direction is meticulous, balancing the film's dark narrative with unexpected moments of tenderness. The screenplay, co-written with Line Langebek, weaves a complex tale of survival and moral ambiguity, challenging audiences to empathize with Karoline's plight. The film's visual style, heavily influenced by German Expressionism, creates an atmosphere of unrelenting gloom, enhanced by Michał Dymek's cinematography, which captures the striking contrast between light and shadow. Each frame is carefully composed, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and the oppressive environment they inhabit. This meticulous attention to detail extends to Jagna Dobesz's production design, which authentically recreates the squalid living conditions and bleak urban landscape of post-war Copenhagen. The use of real locations in Poland and Sweden adds to the film's authenticity, grounding the story in a tangible reality that makes the unfolding horror all the more striking.

Vic Carmen Sonne delivers a powerful performance as Karoline, embodying her character's resilience and vulnerability. Her performance is both haunting and compelling, drawing the audience into her emotional turmoil. Ms. Sonne's ability to convey a range of emotions with subtlety and nuance allows Karoline to remain a sympathetic and complex character, even when making morally ambiguous decisions. Trine Dyrholm is equally impressive as Dagmar, bringing to her role an icy calm that makes her character both sympathetic and terrifying. Dyrholm's performance captures the duality of Dagmar's nature, presenting her as a maternal figure with a dark, malevolent side. Supporting actors, including Joachim Fjelstrup and Besir Zeciri, add depth to the film, creating a rich tapestry of characters struggling with their circumstances. Fjelstrup's portrayal of Jørgen highlights the character's contradictory desires and ultimate cowardice, while Zeciri's portrayal of Peter evokes both pity and horror.

The film's music, composed by Frederikke Hoffmeier, is a striking element, adding to the oppressive, disquieting atmosphere. The music, often discordant, underlines the tension and dread that permeate the story. Hoffmeier's score reinforces the film's emotional impact, making the viewer feel the weight of Karoline's despair and the imminence of death. Combined with Agnieszka Glinska's precise editing, the film maintains a steady pace, building to its climax with measured intensity. Agnieszka Glinska's editing ensures the cohesion and interest of the narrative, harmoniously weaving the various plot threads and character arcs.

The Girl with the Needle is a darkly evocative exploration of human suffering and resilience. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its context, depicting the brutal consequences of societal neglect and the desperate measures taken by those who have no other choice. Although its darkness may limit its audience, the film's artistry and emotional depth make it a fascinating and unforgettable experience. Magnus von Horn's ability to blend historical context with psychological horror results in a film that is both a period piece and a timeless commentary on human nature. The story tackles themes of survival, moral compromise and the impact of societal structures on individual lives, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work.

Von Horn's direction and the film's technical prowess are complemented by the outstanding performances of its actors. The performances of Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm anchor the film, giving a human face to the harrowing events of the story. Secondary actors, notably Joachim Fjelstrup and Besir Zeciri, contribute to the film's rich character dynamics, creating a multi-faceted portrait of a society in upheaval. The film's exploration of gender roles, power dynamics and the impact of war adds depth to its storytelling, making it a profound and powerful cinematic experience.

The Girl with the Needle is a testament to cinema's ability to tackle difficult subjects with grace and unflinching honesty. It's a film that prompts its audience to reflect on the harsh realities of the past and their relevance to contemporary issues. Magnus von Horn has crafted a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers. The Girl with the Needle is an important work in Magnus von Horn's filmography and a striking entry in contemporary gothic horror cinema.

The Girl with the Needle (Pigen med nålen)
Directed by Magnus von Horn
Written by Magnus von Horn, Line Langebek
Produced by Malene Blenkov, Mariusz Włodarski
Starring Vic Carmen Sonne, Trine Dyrholm, Besir Zeciri, Joachim Fjelstrup, Tessa Hoder, Avo Knox Martin
Cinematography : Michał Dymek
Edited by Agnieszka Glinska
Music by Frederikke Hoffmeier
Production companies: Nordisk Film Denmark, Lava Films, Nordisk Film Sweden, Film i Väst, EC1 Łódź, Lower Silesia Film Centre
Distributed by Nordisk Film
Release date : 15 May 2024 (Cannes)
Running time : 115 minutes

Seen May 25, 2024 at Gaumont Opéra Premier, room 1

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