Vic Carmen Sonne’s haunting performance in 'The girl with the needle' willill leave you breathless | WATCH

The Girl with the Needle by Magnus von Horn is a bold artistic choice, using black-and-white cinematography to immediately plunge the viewer into the bleak, smoke-filled alleys and grim corners of World War One-era Copenhagen. Shot by Michał Dymek, the monochromatic palette strips away distraction, allowing the audience to confront the raw realities of a city shaped by war and its aftermath. This is a hauntingly well-written story of Karoline, a woman living in an unrelenting world, trying to find a meaning to her life amidst hopelessness.

A grueling premise

The story starts with Karoline, played by Vic Carmen Sonne, a factory worker whose life unravels after losing her husband Peter, Besir Zeciri, who is presumed dead in the war. She is denied widow's compensation since there is no official proof of his death. Her fleeting hope of a better life, fueled by her infatuation with her factory boss, crumbles when she finds herself pregnant, unemployed, and homeless.

Desperate for stability, Karoline crosses paths with Dagmar Overbye (Trine Dynholm), a local bakery owner who offers to adopt her unborn child. This glimmer of hope, however, is not without its shadows, as Karoline’s choices grow increasingly fraught in a society that offers no respite for women like her.

A vivid and unforgiving narrative

The Girl with the Needle does not idealize the era but rather enters the dark world of collateral damage of war. The film never allows Karoline to become a figure of pity; it is devoid of sentimentality. Vic Carmen Sonne is nearly wordless, yet she dominates the frame with her commanding performance, depicting a woman who is grappling with autonomy in a merciless and unjust society.

The stark visuals and hypnotic score by Frederikke Hoffmeier create a suffocating tension, reminiscent of Mike Leigh's Vera Drake. Von Horn avoids sensationalism, opting instead for a grounded and nuanced portrayal of Karoline's journey. The film's loose inspiration from true events adds an unsettling layer of authenticity, making it as heartbreaking as it is unforgettable.

A Masterpiece of subtlety

The Girl with the Needle has pictures that will capture your heart, as well as a story that weighs hope and despair. Magnus von Horn has promised a story of resilience and humanity, one that is firmly grounded in the stark realities of war-torn Copenhagen. It's a difficult watch, but it is absolutely necessary-you end up going away knowing the haunting beauty of this film.