The Visual Horror of The Girl with the Needle

"Don't give it a name. It's easier that way."

von Horn, Magnus, director. Girl with the Needle. Memento International, 2024. https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00015755/the-girl-with-the-needle

The Girl with the Needle doesn’t rely on gore or cheap jump scares to unsettle its audience. Instead, it builds its horror through shadows, silence, and a creeping sense of dread. Magnus von Horn’s historical drama turns real-life events into something deeply haunting, using visual storytelling to create fear in the subtlest ways. The film’s muted colors, heavy contrasts, and claustrophobic framing pull viewers into Karoline’s world, a place where danger is always lurking just out of sight, and the scariest things are the ones left unsaid.

The film employs high-contrast monochrome visuals, reminiscent of German Expressionist cinema, to accentuate the bleakness of the era. This choice enhances the narrative's somber tone, immersing viewers in the grim realities faced by the characters.

Vic Carmen Sonne as Karoline: Sonne delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young seamstress grappling with poverty and societal constraints. Her performance captures Karoline's vulnerability and resilience, making her journey both heart-wrenching and compelling.

Trine Dyrholm as Dagmar: Dyrholm embodies the enigmatic Dagmar with a chilling presence, balancing maternal warmth with underlying menace. Her interactions with Karoline reveal layers of complexity, adding depth to the narrative.

The film's soundscape, characterized by dissonant tones and ambient noises, creates an unsettling atmosphere that heightens tension. This auditory backdrop complements the visual elements, drawing viewers deeper into the story's psychological horror.

Set against the backdrop of post-WWI Copenhagen, the narrative sheds light on the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. It critiques the limited options available to them, highlighting issues of reproductive rights and societal neglect.

The titular needle serves as a multifaceted symbol throughout the film. Initially representing Karoline's desperation in attempting a self-induced abortion, it later becomes a tool of fate and control, reflecting the characters' attempts to navigate their harsh realities.

The meticulous recreation of 1919 Copenhagen, from the dilapidated tenements to the eerie interiors of Dagmar's sweetshop, provides an immersive setting. This attention to detail grounds the supernatural elements in a tangible world, enhancing the film's impact.

The Girl with the Needle masterfully blends historical drama with psychological horror, using striking visuals and haunting sound design to create an atmosphere of quiet dread. Through its stark cinematography, unsettling performances, and symbolic storytelling, the film immerses viewers in a world where survival comes at a chilling cost. Its exploration of societal oppression and moral ambiguity lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying it as a harrowing yet thought-provoking cinematic experience.

If you have seen or want to see the movie - "You've done the right thing."