Magnus von Horn’s film delves into women’s rights through a gripping narrative
Copenhagen: So, have you heard about this film, The Girl with the Needle? It’s really making waves and even snagged an Oscar nomination for best international feature. It’s set to stream on Mubi starting January 24, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
The movie is based on a true story, specifically the Dagmar Overbye case. It follows Karoline, a factory worker in post-World War I Copenhagen, played by Vic Carmen Sonne. After losing her job and finding out she’s pregnant, she gets involved with Dagmar, who runs a black market operation. As Karoline becomes a wet-nurse for babies in Dagmar’s care, she realizes things are way darker than she thought.
Magnus von Horn, the director, mentioned that he always wanted to make a horror film. He hadn’t heard of this true story until he was invited to join the project. He’s not from Denmark, but it’s a well-known tale there.
He shared that the story scared him, especially as a parent. It made him think about what he would do if something happened to his kids. He uses that fear as inspiration for his creative work.
Von Horn is fascinated by the complexity of the true story. He believes it’s not just about evil acts but also about the societal issues that led to them. It’s a reflection of a time when women had limited choices, and that connection to today’s world is striking.
What’s cool about this film is that it doesn’t just paint Karoline as a victim. It dives deep into her character, showing how she plays a role in her own fate. Von Horn emphasizes that characters should be active participants in their stories, which adds a layer of realism.
Vic Carmen Sonne, who plays Karoline, was a key part of the film’s success. Von Horn felt she brought a unique quality to the role, making her believable as someone from a century ago. He also had his eye on Trine Dyrholm for a while, and after some back and forth, she joined the project, bringing her own insights to the story.
As the film screens in different countries, viewers will connect with various elements based on their own experiences with issues like reproductive rights. Von Horn hopes that people can see the broader societal implications of the story, which resonates in many places around the world.
