Watch Where to Watch: The Girl with the Needle (2024) Streaming

Where to Watch: The Girl with the Needle (2024)

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The Girl with the Needle (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online

Magnus von Horn’s The Girl with the Needle (Pigen med nålen, 2024) is a visceral cinematic experience that plunges the audience into the grim realities of post-World War I Copenhagen. This Danish-Swedish drama is inspired by the harrowing true story of Dagmar Overbye, a notorious serial killer who ran an underground adoption agency in the early 20th century. The film combines a bleak narrative, haunting monochromatic visuals, and a masterful score to deliver one of the most unforgettable movie experiences of the year.

Synopsis

Set in 1919 Copenhagen, the story follows Karoline, a young, pregnant, and unemployed woman struggling to survive in the harsh socio-economic conditions of the post-war era. Desperate, she crosses paths with Dagmar, a charismatic older woman who offers her shelter and a job at her underground adoption agency. What begins as a bond between two women turns into a nightmarish revelation when Karoline uncovers the dark truth about Dagmar’s work.

Magnus von Horn and Line Langebek Knudsen’s screenplay is both chilling and heart-wrenching, balancing the grim narrative with moments of fleeting humanity. The authenticity of the setting is heightened by its black-and-white cinematography, which evokes the oppressive atmosphere of post-war Europe.


A Cinematic Masterpiece

  1. Visuals and Cinematography
    Shot in a stark black-and-white palette, the film’s visual style draws inspiration from German Expressionism and Russian Constructivism, offering a raw portrayal of Copenhagen’s desolate streets and struggling inhabitants. The use of the 4:3 aspect ratio intensifies the claustrophobia of Karoline’s world, emphasizing her isolation and the societal constraints she faces.

The tonal contrast between light and shadow reflects the moral ambiguities of the story. From close-ups of trembling hands to wide shots of grim urban landscapes, every frame is meticulously composed.

  1. Performances
    The cast delivers breathtaking performances, led by a nuanced portrayal of Karoline’s vulnerability and resilience. Dagmar is equally compelling—a character who oscillates between maternal warmth and chilling malevolence. Together, their dynamic forms the emotional core of the movie, making their interactions both captivating and deeply unsettling.
  2. Score and Sound Design
    The haunting score underscores the tension, alternating between eerie silence and crescendos that mirror the protagonist’s growing dread. The music, reminiscent of composers like Jóhann Jóhannsson and experimental artists like Ethel Cain, amplifies the film’s emotional impact.

Thematic Depth: Horror and Humanity

At its core, The Girl with the Needle is a meditation on survival, morality, and the lengths to which people are pushed in desperate times. The film confronts the audience with uncomfortable truths about societal oppression and the systemic failures of the time.

This is not a film for the faint-hearted. Its relentless bleakness is offset by fleeting moments of beauty—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The juxtaposition of horror and humanity forces viewers to grapple with ethical dilemmas, leaving them in awe of its narrative complexity.


Where to Watch Online

  1. Streaming on MUBI
    The film will be available to stream on MUBI starting January 24, 2025. MUBI’s platform is renowned for its curated selection of art-house films, making it the perfect home for The Girl with the Needle.

    👉 Watch on MUBI

  2. Rental and Purchase Options
    To check additional streaming services for rental or purchase, including platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, or Apple TV, keep an eye on JustWatch for the latest availability in the United States.
  3. Official Website
    Learn more about the film, cast, and behind-the-scenes insights by visiting its official page on The Match Factory.

Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely, but proceed with caution. This is not a film you’ll revisit lightly, but it is one that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Its bleak narrative, masterful direction, and captivating performances make it a cinematic achievement. However, the heavy subject matter and unflinching depiction of human suffering make it a challenging watch.

If you appreciate films like Lars von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark or Robert Eggers’ The Witch, you will likely find this movie a deeply rewarding experience.


Final Thoughts

Magnus von Horn has crafted a film that challenges, provokes, and lingers long after the credits roll. The Girl with the Needle is a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the darker corners of human history and morality.

📽️ Don’t miss this cinematic gem! Stream it on MUBI starting January 24, 2025, or find other streaming options on JustWatch. Let this haunting masterpiece remind you of the transformative power of cinema.

Posted on:
Views:231
Year:
Duration: 123 Min
Release:
Language:Dansk
Revenue:$ 47.726,00