"The Girl with the Needle" is a 2024 Danish drama directed by Magnus von Horn. Set in post-World War I Copenhagen, the film follows Karoline, a young factory worker whose husband is missing in action. Facing unemployment and an unplanned pregnancy after an affair with her employer, she encounters Dagmar, a candy shop owner running an underground adoption agency. As Karoline becomes entangled in Dagmar's operations, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her morality and survival instincts.
Summary:
"The Girl with the Needle" is a compelling drama that delves into the challenges faced by women in early 20th-century Denmark. Through Karoline's journey, the film explores themes of autonomy, societal constraints, and moral complexities, offering a poignant reflection on historical and contemporary issues.
Themes:
Women's Reproductive Rights: The film delves into the limited options available to women regarding reproductive choices in the early 20th century.
Socioeconomic Struggles: It portrays the hardships faced by working-class women in a patriarchal society.
Moral Ambiguity: The narrative explores the ethical dilemmas encountered when survival is at stake.
Accolades:
"The Girl with the Needle" has garnered significant recognition:
Cannes Film Festival (2024): Nominated for the Palme d'Or.
Camerimage (2024): Won the Golden Frog for Best Cinematography.
European Film Awards (2024): Nominated for European Actress (Trine Dyrholm and Vic Carmen Sonne), European Screenwriter, and won awards for European Production Design and European Original Score.
Golden Globe Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language.
Gdynia Film Festival (2024): Won multiple awards, including Silver Lions and Best Cinematography.
Seville European Film Festival (2024): Won Best Direction, Best Actress, and Best Cinematography.
Critical Reception:
The film has been met with critical acclaim:
The Guardian: Described it as a "horrific drama based on Denmark's 1921 baby-killer case."
Variety: Called it an "Expressionistic Nightmare of Women Abandoned by Society."
Collider: Referred to it as a "Harrowing Psychological Nightmare About Womanhood."
RogerEbert.com: Noted it as a "tough watch" but emphasized the necessity of its unflinching portrayal.
Box Office Performance: $69,427 Worldwide
Production Details:
Production Companies:
Nordisk Film
Zentropa Entertainments
Film i Väst
Distribution:
Theatrical Release:
Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2024.
Released in Danish cinemas on December 6, 2024.
UK release on January 10, 2025.
Streaming/VOD Release:
Available on MUBI starting January 24, 2025.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10236164/
Link Review: https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/girl-with-needle-magnus-von-horns-grand-guignol-nightmare-infanticide
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