The Girl with the Needle (2024) – A Haunting Historical Horror Film | Review & Analysis
Introduction
The Girl with the Needle (2024) is one of the most chilling historical horror films of the year, blending true crime, psychological terror, and gothic atmosphere into a disturbing cinematic experience. Directed by Magnus von Horn, this Danish drama-horror movie is inspired by real-life serial killer Dagmar Overbye and has been making waves in the thriller genre.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ Plot summary (no major spoilers)
✔ Cast & characters
✔ Historical inspiration
✔ Critical reception & reviews
✔ Where to watch
The Girl with the Needle (2024) – Movie Summary
Genre & Setting
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Genre: Psychological horror, historical drama
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Setting: Post-WWI Copenhagen (1920s)
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Tone: Dark, eerie, and deeply unsettling
Plot Overview
The film follows Karoline (Sonne), a struggling factory worker who becomes entangled with a mysterious midwife named Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm). What starts as a desperate attempt to survive soon spirals into a nightmare when Karoline discovers Dagmar’s sinister underground baby-trafficking operation.
As secrets unravel, the film explores poverty, desperation, and the horrors of infanticide in post-war Europe.
Cast & Characters
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sonne | Karoline | A poor factory worker seeking help for her unborn child |
| Trine Dyrholm | Dagmar Overbye (based on a real serial killer) | A seemingly kind but deeply evil midwife |
| Besir Zeciri | Peter | Karoline’s troubled lover |
Trine Dyrholm’s performance as Dagmar is particularly terrifying, earning praise for her chilling yet charismatic portrayal of a real-life monster.
Is The Girl with the Needle Based on a True Story?
Yes. The film is loosely inspired by Dagmar Overbye, a Danish serial killer who murdered at least 25 infants in the early 1900s. Known as the “Angelmaker,” she ran an illegal baby farm where desperate mothers paid her to “care” for their unwanted children—only for them to disappear.
The movie takes creative liberties but captures the brutal reality of poverty, women’s struggles, and unchecked evil in post-war Denmark.
Themes & Symbolism
✔ Desperation & Survival – How poverty drives people to unthinkable acts.
✔ Moral Corruption – The line between helper and predator.
✔ Gothic Horror – Shadows, eerie cinematography, and a haunting score.
The needle in the title symbolizes both sewing (women’s labor) and the deadly tools used in infanticide.
Critical Reception & Reviews
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Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics) | 78% (Audience)
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IMDb: 7.1/10
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The Guardian: “A slow-burn nightmare with unforgettable visuals.”
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Variety: “Trine Dyrholm delivers a masterclass in quiet horror.”
Why is it so disturbing?
The film doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead builds dread through psychological tension and historical realism.
Where to Watch The Girl with the Needle (2024)?
As of 2024, the movie is available on:
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Theaters (Limited release in Europe/US)
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VOD (Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play)
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Possible future streaming on Shudder or Netflix
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
✅ Watch if you like:
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Historical horror (The Witch, Hagazussa)
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Slow-burn psychological terror
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True crime adaptations
❌ Avoid if you prefer:
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Fast-paced slashers
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Lighthearted films
This is not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful, visually stunning horror-drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
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