In "The Girl With the Needle", masterfully directed by Magnus von Horn, the audience is drawn into a world fraught with desperation, resilience, and calculating opportunists. At the center of this dramatic tapestry is Karoline, convincingly portrayed by Vic Carmen Sonne, a seamstress navigating through life's harsh realities in post-WWI Copenhagen. Abandoned by her wealthy paramour and left to confront an unwanted pregnancy on her own, Karoline is forced to make painfully dire decisions.
The film's aesthetic, shot in black and white with a 3:2 ratio by rising cinematographer Michal Dymek, produces an eerily haunting atmosphere reminiscent of antique photographs. This aesthetic sentiment, combined with the film's unsparing themes expectedly caters to a niche audience. However, the contemporarily relevant themes might expand its outreach and appeal.
Discussion around women's rights relating to unwanted pregnancies makes the film increasingly timely, igniting interest in its story which is based on local Danish folklore. The narrative is skillfully carved by Von Horn and Line Langebek, portraying Karoline as a complex figure, full of contradictions yet evoking sympathy.
Similarly commendable is Agnieszka Glinska’s editing and Von Horn’s story control, creating an atmosphere of suspense that builds up to a horrifying climax. Additionally, strong performances by Trine Dyrholm as Dagmar, a sinister character running a back-alley adoption agency, add another layer of chilling realism in this intense cinematic experience.
Despite a grim narrative, the film concludes on a hopeful note, personifying the very essence of fairy tales where evil is punished, and good is redeemed. Though the film presents a daunting viewing experience, the inherent message of resilience and hope prevailing over adversity provides a much-needed comfort in today's world. Overall, "The Girl With the Needle" is a cinematic piece worth unraveling for its impactful storytelling and well-crafted narrative.