Denmark has made a significant move by selecting Magnus von Horn’s “The Girl With the Needle” as its entry for the prestigious Oscar for Best International Feature Film. This captivating film, starring the talented Vic Carmen Sonne and Trine Dyrholm, delves into the eerie shadows of one of the nation’s most infamous murder cases, transforming its narrative into a poetic yet haunting fairytale set against the backdrop of post-World War I Copenhagen. As the film navigates the treacherous waters of human emotion and societal neglect, it offers viewers a visceral experience that resonates with the struggles of those marginalized by circumstance.
At the heart of the film is Karoline, played skillfully by Sonne, a young factory worker facing a brutal reality in a city still reeling from the effects of the Great War. The weight of her despair is palpable as she grapples with unemployment, abandonment, and an unexpected pregnancy. The film poignantly highlights her stark choices, particularly when she encounters Dagmar (portrayed by Dyrholm), the magnetic leader of an underground adoption agency. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Karoline’s life, offering a glimpse of hope in her dire circumstances.
The close bond that develops between Karoline and Dagmar adds depth to the narrative. It embodies the essence of solidarity among women in distressing situations. However, as Karoline delves deeper into this world of hidden adoptions and the innermost struggles of motherhood, her discovery of the unsettling truths behind her new role as a wet-nurse turns the story into a harrowing exploration of morality, choice, and the sacrifices made in the name of survival.
Co-written by von Horn and Line Langebek, with production led by Malene Blenkov and Mariusz Włodarski under the banner of Nordisk Film Creative Alliance, “The Girl With the Needle” showcases an impressive collaboration across international film institutions. With funding from the Danish, Swedish, and Polish Film Institutes, as well as support from Euro-centric film bodies, the movie is a testament to the cultural exchange that enriches contemporary cinema.
Scheduled for its theatrical debut in both New York and Los Angeles on December 6 via MUBI, the film is set to captivate audiences in the United States. The Match Factory currently oversees global sales rights, allowing the film a wider reach beyond its Danish roots.
Jacob Neiiendam, the Head of International at The Danish Film Institute, expressed confidence in the selection of “The Girl With the Needle,” asserting that it stands as Denmark’s strongest candidate for an Oscar nomination this year. This film not only encapsulates the struggles of its characters but also reflects the broader historical context of loss and redemption that is often overlooked in cinematic storytelling.
Having premiered at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, the film adds to von Horn’s growing reputation as a thought-provoking filmmaker, following his notable works like “The Here After” and “Sweat.” With a legacy of Danish cinema marked by Oscar wins, including titles like Thomas Vinterberg’s “Another Round,” this film may very well join an illustrious lineage, adding its powerful voice to an essential conversation about human experience in the aftermath of turmoil.
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