OTC Rating: 4.5/5
Introduction
Magnus von Horn’s ,”The Girl with the Needle ” is a stark and unsettling drama that delves into the depths of human despair in post-World War I Copenhagen. Loosely based on the true story of Danish serial killer Dagmar Overbye, the film offers a chilling portrayal of a society grappling with poverty, loss, and moral decay. Currently streaming on MUBI, this black-and-white feature stands out for its meticulous attention to cinematic technicalities, from its evocative production design to its immersive soundscape.
Story & Narrative Structure
Set in 1919, the narrative follows Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne), a young seamstress facing eviction and unemployment after her husband’s disappearance in the war. An ill-fated affair with her employer, Jørgen (Joachim Fjelstrup), leaves her pregnant and destitute. In her desperation, Karoline attempts a self-induced abortion, only to be intercepted by Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), a woman who offers to find adoptive homes for unwanted infants. Accepting Dagmar’s proposition, Karoline becomes entwined in a sinister operation that preys on vulnerable mothers and their children.
Von Horn’s storytelling is deliberately paced, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the bleak realities of the era. The gradual revelation of Dagmar’s true nature and the extent of her deeds adds a layer of suspense, making the unfolding horror all the more impactful.
Image credit : MUBI
Direction & Cinematography
Von Horn’s direction is both precise and evocative, capturing the grim atmosphere of post-war Copenhagen. The decision to shoot in black and white enhances the film’s somber tone, stripping away any romanticism and highlighting the stark realities faced by the characters. Cinematographer Michał Dymek employs a 3:2 aspect ratio, reminiscent of early photographic techniques, which lends an air of authenticity to the period setting.
The visual composition is meticulously crafted, with each frame serving to underscore the narrative’s emotional weight. Lighting plays a crucial role, often casting deep shadows that mirror the characters’ internal turmoils. This chiaroscuro effect not only accentuates the film’s gothic undertones but also serves to isolate characters within the frame, visually reinforcing their solitude and despair.
Performances
Vic Carmen Sonne delivers a compelling performance as Karoline, embodying a woman teetering on the edge of hopelessness. Her portrayal captures the vulnerability and resilience of a character navigating a world that offers little compassion. Sonne’s nuanced expressions convey a depth of emotion, making Karoline’s plight both relatable and heartrending.
Trine Dyrholm’s portrayal of Dagmar is equally noteworthy. She brings a chilling calmness to the role, presenting a facade of benevolence that thinly veils a more sinister nature. Dyrholm’s performance is marked by subtle shifts in demeanor, revealing the complexities of a character who is both a product and perpetrator of the era’s harsh realities.
Production & Art Design
The production design by Jagna Dobesz is exceptional, authentically recreating the squalor and decay of early 20th-century Copenhagen. The meticulous attention to detail—from the dilapidated tenements to the threadbare clothing—immerses viewers in a world where poverty is pervasive. The settings are not merely backdrops but integral components that reflect the characters’ socioeconomic conditions and internal states.
Art direction further enhances the film’s immersive quality. The use of period-accurate props and set pieces, combined with a restrained color palette, reinforces the narrative’s bleakness. The environments feel lived-in and authentic, providing a tangible sense of place that grounds the story in its historical context.
Image credit : MUBI
Sound Design & Music
Sound design plays a pivotal role in amplifying the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The ambient sounds of the city—distant church bells, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, the murmur of crowded markets—create a soundscape that is both immersive and oppressive. These auditory elements serve to heighten tension and underscore the characters’ isolation within the bustling metropolis.
Composer Frederikke Hoffmeier’s score is hauntingly effective, utilizing dissonant tones and minimalist compositions to evoke a sense of dread. The music is sparingly applied, allowing silence to speak volumes in key moments. When present, the background music (BGM) subtly underscores the emotional gravity of scenes without overwhelming the narrative.
Editing & Post-Production
Edited by Agnieszka Glinska, the film’s pacing is deliberate, reflecting the slow unraveling of Karoline’s world. The editing choices allow scenes to breathe, providing space for character development and audience reflection. Transitions are smooth, maintaining a cohesive narrative flow that guides viewers through the story’s escalating tension.
In terms of visual effects (VFX), the film employs practical effects to maintain its grounded realism. The decision to forgo digital enhancements in favor of in-camera techniques contributes to the film’s authentic aesthetic. This approach ensures that the visual elements remain consistent with the period setting and the overall tone of the narrative.
Color Grading
The monochromatic color grading reinforces the film’s somber mood. The grayscale palette accentuates contrasts, with deep blacks and stark whites creating a visual metaphor for the moral ambiguities explored in the story. This choice also serves to strip away any distractions, focusing attention on the characters and their plights.
Final Verdict
“The Girl with the Needle” is a masterfully crafted film that offers a harrowing glimpse into a dark chapter of history. Through its meticulous attention to cinematic technicalities and powerful performances, it immerses viewers in a world of desperation and moral ambiguity.
Why You Should Watch It
- A haunting and emotionally charged narrative with deep historical roots.
- Exceptional performances, particularly from Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm.
- A visually stunning black-and-white aesthetic that enhances the film’s gothic atmosphere.
- Meticulous production design and immersive sound work that transport viewers to 1919 Copenhagen.
For viewers who appreciate period dramas with psychological depth and a stark cinematic style, “The Girl with the Needle” is an unmissable experience.
