Director Magnus von Horn's film "Das Mädchen mit der Nadel" has garnered attention for its stunning visuals and unsettling narrative, making waves at the Cannes Film Festival and achieving recognition on the shortlist for the Oscar nominations. This historical drama, shot predominantly in evocative black-and-white, explores the lives of women during the 1920s who face dire straits, including forced adoption and moral corruption entangled with survival, all through the lens of the character Karoline.
The story follows the unfortunate Karoline, portrayed by Vic Carmen Sonne, as she navigates the treacherous waters of motherhood and poverty. After falling prey to the advances of the owner of the textile factory where she works, Karoline finds herself pregnant, with her husband seemingly lost to the horrors of war. Struggling to cope with her situation and desiring to rid herself of the impending responsibility, she encounters Dagmar Overby, played by the remarkable Trine Dyrholm.
Dagmar operates what appears to be a seemingly benevolent adoption agency but soon reveals itself to be shrouded in horror as she exploits vulnerable women desperate to escape their circumstances. The film beautifully captures this complex and unsettling dynamic, with Karoline initially forming what seems to be a supportive bond with Dagmar, only to later discover the grotesque reality behind her friend’s operations.
According to von Horn, who presented the film at Cannes, “I had the feeling I wanted to make a horror film.” He emphasizes, though, how the story evolved, moving from initial concepts of horror to more humanistic portrayals of the struggles these characters face. He notes, “It’s about taking something incredibly grim and finding the human element within it.” Through his lens, he pulls the audience directly to the heart of their suffering, making it impossible to look away.
The film does not shy away from portraying the horrific choices women like Karoline must make to survive. From the moment she realizes Dagmar’s true manipulations, the narrative escalates, weaving through themes of desperation, friendship, and betrayal. Their relationship evolves as Karoline becomes more deeply entrenched in the dark workings of Dagmar’s agency. These elements are brought vividly to life through the powerful performances of both lead actresses, whose chemistry electrifies the screen.
Indeed, the aesthetic of the film, shaped by the cinematography of Michał Dymek, mirrors Karoline’s own mental and emotional descent. Each scene is composed with stark contrasts, elevates the film’s foreboding atmosphere, and heightens the sense of impending disaster. The shadows play tricks on the viewer’s psyche, enhancing the dread lurking within Karoline’s world. Even seemingly hopeful moments are tinged with peril, as they hint at the vulnerability present throughout the narrative.
Karoline's plight serves as more than just personal tragedy; it mirrors the broader societal issues women faced during this time, exemplifying how the class divides and patriarchal structures left many without agency. The titular “girl with the needle” alludes to the lengths to which desperate women go when society offers little recourse. A pivotal scene presents Karoline almost taking drastic actions against her own child, symbolizing the unbearable pressures of her circumstances.
Adding to the film’s unsettling exploration of motherhood is the historical outlawing and moral condemnation surrounding women’s reproductive rights. It reflects contemporary debates surrounding women’s autonomy as highlighted during Dagmar’s own admissions about her choices and the societal failures prompting such horrors. “The world is a terrible place. But we must believe it isn’t,” Dagmar tells Karoline, echoing the very tensions of despair and survival many women grappling with similar issues still face today.
"Das Mädchen mit der Nadel” not only offers insight about the trials of women of the past but also resonates with contemporary audiences by reminding them of the cyclical nature of such struggles. By tapping deep psychological cores, the film urges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s failings and the bodies of women ensnared within them.
With its nomination as Denmark’s entry for the Academy Awards, "Das Mädchen mit der Nadel" serves both as thrilling cinema and as serious commentary on the societal obligations to support women and safeguard their well-being. Its compelling storytelling alongside breathtaking visual artistry places it squarely among the most important cinematic offerings of the year.