TIFF 2024: The Girl with the Needle Movie Trailer
If you’re looking for a film that combines a chilling historical narrative with a strikingly unique visual style, “The Girl with the Needle” should be on your radar at TIFF 2024. Directed by Magnus von Horn, this North American premiere is set to make waves with its audacious mix of true-crime drama and expressionist nightmare.
What’s It About?
Set in the aftermath of World War I, “The Girl with the Needle” plunges into the gritty world of post-war Copenhagen, where a young seamstress named Karoline (played by Vic Carmen Sonne) finds herself in dire straits. Her husband is missing in action, and her life takes a dark turn when she becomes pregnant by a wealthy but indifferent factory owner, Jørgen (Joachim Fjelstrup). As her hopes crumble, Karoline encounters Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), a sinister shopkeeper who offers a disturbing service to women in need.
The film is a harrowing exploration of women’s vulnerability in a harsh, patriarchal society. The central plot revolves around Karoline’s desperate decision to either attempt a risky abortion or place her baby with Dagmar, who runs a dubious adoption service. The unsettling atmosphere is amplified by the stark black-and-white cinematography and a haunting score by Frederikke Hoffmeier.
Why You Should Watch It
- Visually Striking: Von Horn’s film is shot in black and white, giving it a timeless, expressionist feel that’s both eerie and captivating. Cinematographer Michał Dymek’s use of high-contrast imagery and claustrophobic framing creates a visually compelling world that enhances the film’s intense emotional impact.
- Bold Storytelling: “The Girl with the Needle” is far from your typical historical drama. It combines elements of true crime with a dark fairy-tale quality, drawing comparisons to the works of Fritz Lang and Tod Browning. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the grim realities of its time, making for a thought-provoking and disturbing experience.
- Powerful Performances: Vic Carmen Sonne’s portrayal of Karoline is both vulnerable and resilient, capturing the character’s struggle and desperation. Trine Dyrholm as Dagmar adds an additional layer of menace, making their interactions both tense and engrossing.
- Timely Themes: Although set nearly a century ago, the film’s exploration of women’s struggles with unwanted pregnancies and societal neglect resonates powerfully today. Its themes are especially relevant given current debates on reproductive rights and gender inequality.
Screening Details
You can catch “The Girl with the Needle” at TIFF 2024 on the following dates:
- Thursday, September 5
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening – 9:30 AM - Wednesday, September 11
TIFF Lightbox
Public Screening – 9:30 PM - Thursday, September 12
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Public Screening – 8:00 PM - Friday, September 13
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Public Screening – 9:00 AM
Final Thoughts
Magnus von Horn’s “The Girl with the Needle” promises to be a powerful, visually arresting film that delves into the darker aspects of human experience and societal oppression. With its haunting portrayal of a young woman’s struggle against overwhelming odds, this film is set to captivate and disturb in equal measure. Don’t miss the chance to see this bold cinematic statement at TIFF 2024.
