Magnus von Horn’s The Girl with the Needle takes viewers deep into the harsh, grim reality of Copenhagen during World War I. With its black-and-white cinematography and intense, raw storytelling, the film paints a dark yet beautiful picture of a woman’s struggle to find hope in a world full of pain. The film, Denmark’s nominee for the Best International Feature Oscar, is an emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
A Gritty World of Struggle and Despair
From the very beginning, The Girl with the Needle sets the tone with its choice to be filmed entirely in black and white. This stylistic decision pulls the audience into the grim world of World War I-era Copenhagen, where narrow alleys and smoke-filled factories are seen through the lens of cinematographer Michał Dymek. These images help create an atmosphere that feels both eerie and real, putting the audience in the heart of the film’s harsh setting.
The film focuses on Karoline, a young woman trying to survive in the chaos and pain caused by the war. Her life has already been turned upside down. She’s lost her home and is barely getting by, working in a factory. Karoline’s story is one of survival, but it’s also a journey of finding hope in a world that seems bent on crushing her. The film doesn’t sugarcoat things; it shows a side of the past that’s far from romantic. Life during and after the war was tough, and von Horn’s film is unflinching in its portrayal of that harsh reality.
A Heartbreaking Tale of Loss and Hope
Karoline’s story is one of constant struggle. She has no proof of her husband’s death, so she’s denied widow’s compensation. She dreams of a better future and develops feelings for the factory’s boss, but this hope fades when she ends up pregnant, without a job, and homeless. In her darkest moment, she meets Dagmar Overbye, a bakery owner who offers to take her baby. It’s a small glimmer of hope, but it’s not the fairy-tale ending Karoline might have imagined.
What makes The Girl with the Needle so powerful is the way it balances Karoline’s search for hope with the terrible circumstances she faces. Even as she faces loss and despair, the film refuses to paint her as a helpless victim. Instead, Karoline is a woman trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t seem to care about her. The film is harsh, but it’s also grounded in a deep sense of realism and humanity.
The Power of Performance and Direction
One of the most striking elements of the film is the performance by Vic Carmen Sonne, who plays Karoline. Her portrayal is mostly wordless, yet it speaks volumes. Sonne’s quiet strength conveys a woman who is both vulnerable and determined. She never asks for sympathy, even as she faces unimaginable hardships. The way Karoline deals with her situation—never quite broken, but always pushed to the edge—adds a level of depth and complexity to the film that makes it stand out.
Director Magnus von Horn does an excellent job of keeping the story grounded and focused. The film’s pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing viewers to truly feel the weight of Karoline’s journey. The bleakness of her life is never sensationalized; instead, von Horn allows the raw emotions and struggles of the character to unfold naturally. This creates a deeply immersive experience, one that makes the audience feel as though they are walking alongside Karoline through her trials.
The haunting score by Frederikke Hoffmeier enhances the film’s atmosphere, adding a layer of tension and emotion that perfectly matches the visuals. There are moments of quiet, and stillness, but also a sense of unease that keeps you on edge. The score adds to the feeling of suffocating despair that Karoline faces, drawing you deeper into her world.
A Story That Feels Real and Unforgettable
Despite the dark themes, The Girl with the Needle offers a subtle message of hope. Karoline’s journey may not have a happy ending, but it shows the power of the human spirit to endure, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The film doesn’t give easy answers, but it trusts the audience to understand the complexities of the situation. It asks difficult questions without offering clear solutions.
By the end of the film, you’ll feel emotionally drained but also moved by the strength of the characters and the power of the storytelling. The film doesn’t rely on melodrama or cheap thrills; instead, it tells a hard-hitting, realistic story that leaves a lasting impact.
The Girl with the Needle: A Powerful, Unforgettable Film
The Girl with the Needle is a visually stunning, emotionally intense film that explores the harsh realities of life during and after World War I. Through the eyes of Karoline, we witness the struggle for survival and the fleeting moments of hope in a world that feels indifferent to suffering. It’s a tough watch, but it’s one that rewards those willing to dive deep into its dark, complex story. With its striking visuals, strong performances, and powerful direction, this film is unforgettable and definitely worth watching.
