29/33
Copenhagen 1919: A young worker finds herself unemployed and pregnant. She meets Dagmar, who runs an underground adoption agency. A strong connection grows, but her world is shattered when she stumbles upon the shocking truth behind her work. Denmark’s official submission for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. “Girl with a Needle” is a 2024 historical psychological horror film that delves into the chilling true story of Dagmar Overbye, a Danish serial killer who operated in the early 20th century. The film follows Karolinena, a young pregnant woman struggling to survive in post-World War I Copenhagen. . Desperate for financial security, she accepts a job as a caregiver for Dagmar, an elderly woman who runs an underground adoption agency. As Karoline becomes increasingly entangled in Dagmar’s world, she begins to uncover the terrifying truth about the woman and the fate of the children entrusted to her care. "The Needle Girl" is a slow-burning psychological thriller that builds suspense through a chilling atmosphere and the gradual unraveling of Dagmar’s dark secrets. The film masterfully uses historical detail to create a sense of authenticity and immerse the viewer in the social and economic realities of post-war Denmark. The performances are strong, and the lead actress nuances Karoline’s descent into a frightening reality. The film is not for the faint of heart, with its disturbing subject matter and graphic depictions of violence. "The Needle Girl" is a chilling and unsettling exploration of the dark side of human nature, a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the vulnerability of society’s most vulnerable.