Copenhagen 1919: The fighting is over but for many the war has only just begun.
In the aftermath of WW1 Karoline finds herself pregnant, unemployed and with a choice to make. Dagmar happens to be in the business of helping women 'make the right choice' and offers a helping hand to Karoline. The two end up developing a seemingly innocent friendship that unbeknownst to them will have a catastrophic effect on both of their lives.
This 2024 Danish Language film directed by Magnus Von Horn is a bleak and disturbing look at the choices people make when they are presented with a metaphorical gun to their head. The film is shot entirely in black and white and uses its lack of colour to the upmost effect. Not only does it help engage the audience with the time period but it also fits well with just how depressing this film is thematically. Compared to when black and white was the only option rather than a choice like it is now this image quality is quite remarkable. Obviously technology has moved on leaps and bounds in the past 20 years alone but the 4k image quality was as crisp and clean as you're likely to find.
Despite being given very little information about the protagonist Karoline I found myself empathising with her right from the start. We the audience are dropped straight into the drama of her life and given no real context. It becomes clear quickly that things aren't exactly peachy for her so when people reach out their hand and offer to help you can understand why she accepts their offer. In times of desperation we often latch on to the things and people closest to us even if those people/person are strangers. There is however a reason why as children we are told not to talk to strangers.
My only minor gripe with the film was that what was supposed to be a big reveal in its final act was quite predictable if you think about the situation for a minute. This isn't a Shyamalan film however, you're not here for a big twist, you're here to be engaged and this film does that both throughly and throughout.
Overall it's a really tough watch and it's intended to be as it deals with a serious subject matter. I'd go as far to say that I would put it up there with the likes of Requiem for a Dream in the category of films that I love but would be hesitant to watch aga. Much like Aronofsky's work (which I'm also a big fan of) Von Horn takes us behind the curtain of some of the darker parts of the human experience. It's a film that is far too human to ever be written by A. I and that gives me hope for the future of the film industry.
