Movies have a knack for unearthing the darkest corners of history, and Magnus von Horn’s The Girl with the Needle does just that, except with a bone-chilling intensity that’ll leave you questioning everything. This 2024 psychological drama drags us back to 1919 Copenhagen, where secrets lurk in the shadows, and one woman stumbles upon a truth more horrifying than she could ever imagine. Inspired by the true crimes of Danish serial killer Dagmar Overbye, the film is a gut-punch of morality, survival, and the cruel hand fate sometimes deals.
Dagmar Overbye Crimes: A True Story That Inspired the Film
Reality is often stranger—and scarier—than fiction. The Girl with the Needle takes inspiration from the horrifying case of Dagmar Overbye, Denmark’s own twisted take on a so-called caregiver. Operating an illegal adoption agency, Overbye preyed on desperate mothers and committed unspeakable acts. By weaving this dark history into its narrative, the film forces audiences to confront society’s ugly past and the horrifying lengths some go to for survival.
Meet Karoline (played by the phenomenal Vic Carmen Sonne), a young woman down on her luck and pregnant out of wedlock—bad news in early 20th-century Europe. Just when she thinks she’s caught a break, she lands a gig as a wet nurse at a mysterious adoption agency run by the enigmatic (and downright unsettling) Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm). At first, Karoline is relieved. But soon, the cracks in this seemingly noble operation begin to show, revealing a horrifying underbelly. Will she blow the lid off this chilling scheme, or will the fear of survival keep her silent?
Karoline is no damsel in distress—she’s a fighter, forced to navigate a treacherous game of wits and deception. Sonne delivers a knockout performance, making us feel every ounce of Karoline’s fear and resilience. And then there’s Dagmar, played with eerie precision by Dyrholm. She’s the kind of villain who doesn’t need to raise her voice to send shivers down your spine—her mere presence is enough to unsettle even the bravest viewer.
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How Haunting Black-and-White Cinematography Elevates the Psychological Horror
Magnus von Horn doesn’t just tell a story, he crafts an experience. Shot in haunting black-and-white, the film oozes tension and unease, pulling viewers straight into the bleak, unforgiving world of post-war Copenhagen. The film’s cinematography ( by Michał Dymek), handled with precision, enhances the claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere. The use of long, lingering shots forces the audience to sit with the tension, while sudden close-ups heighten the psychological horror. The editing (Agnieszka Glinska) is equally masterful, seamlessly weaving past and present, dream and reality, to create an unsettling sense of disorientation. Complementing the visual storytelling is the film’s haunting background score (by Frederikke Hoffmeier). The minimalist yet evocative soundtrack builds an atmosphere of dread, using eerie string compositions and subtle, pulsating sounds that creep under your skin. Silence is also used strategically, making every creak, breath, and whisper feel magnified, keeping the audience on edge.
This isn’t just a horror story, it’s a mirror reflecting the harsh realities of a bygone era. The film dives into themes of morality, desperation, and the brutal choices people are forced to make when society turns its back on them. It’s a reminder that history is filled with stories of forgotten women, and sometimes, those stories demand to be told, no matter how unsettling they are.
Why “The Girl with the Needle” Is a Must-Watch Psychological Drama
After premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Girl with the Needle has been racking up praise faster than you can say ‘Oscar buzz.’ Critics have hailed it as a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling, and with Denmark putting it forth as their Academy Award entry, the hype is real. If you love films that stick with you long after the credits roll, this one’s a must-watch.
True crime and cinema collide in The Girl with the Needle, delivering a story that grips you, shakes you, and refuses to let go. It’s not just about one woman’s terrifying discovery—it’s about a world where survival sometimes means looking the other way. With stellar performances, haunting visuals, an immersive soundtrack, and razor-sharp editing, this is one film you won’t soon forget. Just be warned: you might need a minute (or several) to recover after watching.
