Original subtitles

[Ethereal melody; Soothing, bell-like percussion]

[Delicate violin plucking]

[Sustained, warm violin tone joins]

[Music fades]

[Unsettling, drone-like rumble]

[Uneasy, sparse strings]

[Piercing ringing]

[Heavy, unsettling static]

[Rumble, ringing, and static fade; Unsettling strings build]

[Drone-like hum joins]

[Music builds]

[Music fades]

[Intense, unsettling thrum]

- THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE - [Thrum fades]

[Muffled, thick thuds in the distance]

[Knocks on door]

- Who is it? - Jensen.

Just a moment.

Yes?

- Karoline, I have to ask you to move. - [Karoline] What?

I have to ask you to move out. I need the room for somebody else.

- I live here. - [Jensen] But you don't pay.

I'll pay.

Karoline?

Karoline?

[Footsteps approach]

- Let me get dressed! - You have to understand...

I have to show them the room now.

[Indistinct conversation in the distance]

- [Karoline] How much do I owe? - 14 weeks.

You'll get the money tomorrow.

The chimney needs sweeping. Get it done this time.

I know!

You'll get it tomorrow.

What is going on?

Take your hand off my shoulder.

I have lived here for years.

[He sighs]

- I have money. - No, Karoline.

[Thuds in the distance continue]

[Jensen] Sorry for the delay. Please follow me.

There's no room for you to see.

I'm sorry.

Here's for three and a half weeks.

Do you want me to go to the police?

Force me to take you to court to get the outstanding money off you?

I'm not being cruel.

I'm reasonable and patient. Polite, even.

Please follow me.

[Jensen] There is running water between 10 and 12 o'clock.

Here's the kitchen.

Karoline, please.

[Karoline] The oven smokes badly.

[Jensen] The chimney will be swept today.

[Karoline] We have rats.

Big rats.

They come out at night.

When you're asleep, they bite your feet.

[Jensen] Karoline, enough.

There are many of them.

I don't want to live here.

[Karoline screeches softly]

[Girl] I don't want to live here. I want to go home.

[Tram rattles in the distance]

It will do.

I'll arrange for a carriage tomorrow.

You can use it afterwards, if you like.

I'll make sure the price is reasonable.

[Footsteps approach]

Come on.

[Jensen] Do you have a place to stay?

[Silently] Mm.

[Jensen] I can help you find a room you can afford.

[Footsteps recede]

[Sparse, disquieting music]

[Tram rumbles loudly; Music continues]

[Music intensifies]

[Strings join]

[Telephone rings; Music continues]

[Machines clank, paper rustles]

[Music continues]

[Machines clank, whirr]

[Indistinct dialogue]

No talking, get on with it.

- You are holding up the line. - The needle keeps breaking.

Then be careful.

"Then be careful".

[Indistinct chatter]

[Music subsides]

[Deep, horn-like resonance]

[Deep, horn-like resonance]

How much is it?

15 kroner per week.

That's a lot.

What about water?

In the yard.

There is a bucket in the cupboard.

No guests allowed.

Sure.

[Footsteps recede, door closes]

[Urine splashes]

[Jørgen] Yes?

[Door opens, footsteps approach]

[Man] The seamstress you wanted to see.

Please. Come in.

We have received your letter, asking for the widow supplement.

How are you coping?

I have been evicted from my apartment...

Mr Director.

[Jørgen huffs]

[Jørgen] Any news of your husband?

No.

Without your husband's death certificate, I'm unable to grant your request.

But your letter moved me.

Your circumstances are...

[He sighs] Well...

Hum...

May I ask your husband's name?

[Karoline] Peter Nielsen.

[Jørgen] I have connections.

I can ask around.

A man does not simply disappear.

[Wind whistles faintly]

[Birds flutter, coo]

[Bell tolls]

[Karoline grunts]

[Bell toll increases; Bird flutter recedes]

[Seagulls shriek]

[Hoofbeats approach]

[Jørgen] Karoline Nielsen.

I hope you don't mind meeting here?

Fresh air clears the mind.

I haven't been able to find any information about your husband.

He's not on the list of the fallen soldiers, but...

that doesn't mean a lot.

I'm sorry.

Shall we go for a walk?

[Faint birdsong]

I, too, dreamt of signing up.

Of course, my position does not allow for it.

I do what I can from here.

The uniforms we produce, for instance.

- Good day, sir. - [Man] Good day.

Chestnuts.

May I treat you?

[Birdsong]

Do you like it?

If you need a shoulder to lean on,

I'm at your service.

Have a nice day.

[He chuckles]

[Sparse, disquieting music]

[Bell rings; Music continues]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Dog barks]

[Metallic squeal]

[Heavy, rusty grind]

[Seagulls shriek]

[Metallic squeal]

[Music intensifies]

[Dissonant strings]

[Tram rattles faintly]

[Music continues; They pant, moan]

[They laugh]

Extra, extra! On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day!

Buy it here! The war is over! Germany surrenders!

Buy it here! Read all about it!

Thanks.

[Jørgen] Dear workers at the Kitzler Sewing Factory.

The war in Europe is over

and hopefully, a brighter future is ahead of us.

[Music subsides]

Even if we didn't participate in the war

it has caused suffering beyond description.

I'll ask you to join me in a moment of silence.

To say a prayer for the fallen.

Everyone included.

[Clock ticks]

[Uneasy, delicate music]

Thank you.

We'll stop production of uniforms and return to the soft linen

that has been my family's signature for generations.

I expect that fewer needles breaking will make a pleasant change.

Please join me in a toast.

[Crowd claps, hollers]

[Music continues, unsettling dissonance]

[Muffled, indistinct chatter]

[Music fades]

[Bell tolls in the distance]

[Unsettling, drone-like rumble]

- [Man] Merry Christmas. - [Rumble halts]

[She laughs]

[She grunts]

There we are.

You are beautiful.

Thank you.

[They inhale]

I can't believe you are mine.

[Muffled, heavy panting]

[Panting stops; City thrum]

[Hoofbeats pass nearby]

[Man] Karoline!

Wait!

Karoline!

[Heavy, unsettling static]

What do you want?

Who are you? What do you want? Take that off.

[Static intensifies, pulsating resonance]

- Karoline? Who's that? - [Static fades]

My friend.

[Landlady] Have you lost your job, Karoline?

No.

Why do you then have "friends" to visit?

I'm her husband.

[Door closes, locks]

[Muffled] I went to our apartment. Other people live there now.

[Laboured breathing]

Where have you been?

I was wounded.

Hmm...

I wrote you letters.

Did you get them?

Yes.

Why didn't you write me back? It's been a year.

Yes.

I'm sorry.

[Matches rustle]

[Fire crackles]

[She whimpers]

[Wind blows]

[Peter slurps; Exaggerated chewing]

Sorry.

[Slurping, chewing continue]

[Karoline] Peter.

Yes?

I have met someone else.

And I'm pregnant.

I thought you were dead.

You made me believe that.

I have a new life.

[Wet gurgle]

You are my wife.

Go.

[She shouts] You need to go!

Off you go!

[Laboured breathing]

Leave this place now!

Goodbye!

[Machines clank, whirr; Indistinct chatter]

[Indistinct, raised voices]

[Jørgen] What's going on?

I'm sorry, sir, this young lady won't listen.

- I have asked her to leave. - Thank you. I'll see her briefly.

What's going on?

Say you will marry me.

Say it.

Say it.

Yes.

Yes, I'll marry you.

[Delicate, pensive music]

[Machines continue; Music continues]

You are brave.

When I get a house...

I'm taking you with me.

What will I do?

Whatever you want.

You could be in charge of the maids.

- Does that make me a maid? - No, silly.

In charge of the maids. You will have your own maid.

[Tense, scratchy strings]

[Music continues]

[Karoline laughs]

- Good day. - [Maid] Good day, may I take your coats?

Yes, thank you.

[Gentle piano music]

[Music fades]

[Baroness] Is this the young lady?

[Jørgen] Yes.

So good of you to come. I'm pleased to finally meet you.

My honour, Miss... Madame...

Please, come with me.

This is just between us ladies.

[Clock ticks]

Get undressed.

For the doctor to examine you.

Anyone can tell my son that they are pregnant,

don't you agree?

Yes.

[Baroness chuckles]

Undergarments only.

You must know how it works.

- [Karoline whimpers] - Yes.

It'll be over in a minute.

[Karoline whimpers, exhales]

[Doctor] Yes.

You can get dressed now.

Yes. She's pregnant.

- Can it be taken care of? - It's too late, I'm afraid.

- Good day, Madam Baroness. - [Baroness] Good day, Doctor.

[Door opens, closes]

My son shall never marry you.

Can Jørgen join us now?

Thank you.

[Baroness] Get him.

Yes, Mother?

The young lady is of the impression, you two are to be married?

We have discussed it, yes.

Jørgen is free to do as he wishes.

Not with my money, not in this house,

but as he wishes.

Hm.

Perhaps...

Did you say something, son?

Perhaps we have rushed things.

- Please forgive me. - Jørgen?

I didn't mean for it to go this far.

What's going on?

[Jørgen cries]

[Baroness] Give him a handkerchief.

[Jørgen] Thank you.

Would you please leave us now?

Furthermore, your services at the factory are no longer needed.

Please leave now.

[Jørgen, crying] I'm sorry.

[Maid] Your coat.

It's regrettable.

[Shuddering reverberation]

[High-pitched hum]

[Soft squelch]

[Hum intensifies; Indistinct chatter]

- [Knocks on door] - It's occupied.

[Unsettling hum; Low, steady drum beat]

[Water splashes; Chatter continues]

[High-pitched ringing]

[Women laugh]

[Buckets rattle; Water sloshes]

[Music intensifies, tense strings join]

[Unsettling hum, strings build]

[Karoline whimpers]

[Breathes heavily]

[Music fades]

[Karoline groans; Intense, unsettling thrum]

[Music fades]

What are you doing?

- Come on. - [Karoline groans]

Sit down here.

- Erena, hand me your towel. - [Erena] Yes.

Press. Press.

[Karoline grunts]

[Bath mistress] What's going on here?

She just slipped.

- We don't like people slipping in here. - [Dagmar] I'll take care of her.

If the bleeding doesn't stop, you must see a doctor immediately.

We will escort you home.

[Karoline] Thanks, I'm fine.

You don't stick a needle in yourself, if you're fine.

We'll take you home.

I said I'm fine.

[Car horn]

[Dagmar] There is another way.

I can help you find a foster family.

Some women can't have children, others have more than they wished for.

It makes sense that we help each other.

I'm going this way.

Come and visit me when the baby is born.

Don't give it a name. It's easier that way.

- [Karoline] Why would you help me? - Who else would?

- I charge a fee. - [Erena] Can I have one?

Behave yourself.

- You. - [Erena giggles]

- It's all right. - Here.

Keep an eye on the bleeding. It's no joke.

- Goodbye. Come along. - See you.

Mind the hole, jump.

[Unsettling, drone-like rumble]

[Landlady] Karoline?

Have you lost your job?

A man came by with this.

I took what you owed me.

[Door closes, locks]

[Unsettling hum]

Listen up all of you!

I only need 20 today.

I need the strongest ones. Those who can do the job.

[Indistinct chatter]

Stop, that's enough.

Get out.

[Bell tolls; Wind rustles]

[Hoofbeats approach]

- [Coachman] Watch out. - Hey!

[Hum continues]

[People chortle]

Come now.

Come now.

[Flatulence]

[Hum continues]

[Ringmaster] Nancy and Claude!

Honoured guests.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Did anyone here participate in The Great War?

No, no, no... No? Nor you, no?

That's what I thought. While you sat at home, safe and secure,

reading the newspaper with a little beer...

[Audience laughs]

Some unfortunate souls were there,

on the battleground.

[Drum roll]

Ladies and gentlemen.

Allow me to introduce you to a sensation.

This is what the war spat out.

March.

[Marching drum beat; Audience clap in time]

[Hum continues]

[Spectator] Freak!

[Marching drum beat stops]

Ladies and gentlemen.

Take a good look.

Look straight at what the papers did not write about.

Look into the face of pain.

[Audience cry out]

[Spectator 2] Monster!

Ladies and gentlemen. Does anyone of you dare to touch him?

- [Ringmaster laughs] - No one fancies touching the poor freak?

He won't bite.

- [Hum intensifies] - Well.

Right at the back we have a brave young lady.

Come closer.

Come closer. Let us give her a hand.

Well done.

Come up to me.

[Marching beat; Audience clap in time]

Please.

[Drum, clapping halt]

The hole, Peter.

[Audience hums]

[Drum roll]

[Audience holler]

Well, well, well...

A little kiss, perhaps?

[Ringmaster laughs]

This pitiful animal probably can't remember what a kiss feels like.

[Drum roll]

[Drum stops]

[Drum roll resumes; Inaudible clapping]

[Peter whimpers]

[Whimpers intensify]

[She shushes]

[She whispers] It's only a nightmare.

Calm down.

[Peter yelps; Karoline cries out]

- [Karoline] Let go! - [Peter pants]

[Karoline splutters]

[Peter shrieks wildly]

- [Peter wails] - [Knocks on door]

- [Landlady] Karoline? - Just a moment.

- [Landlady] What's going on? - Just a moment.

- [Landlady] Open this door! - [Peter shrieks]

- [Objects crash] - [Bangs on door]

- Karoline! - [Karoline shushes]

- Karoline, open the door! - Shut up!

This is not a madhouse, Karoline.

[Peter sobs]

If he doesn't stop, I'll throw you out.

[Peter cries out]

I'm sorry.

[Crying stops]

What happened?

[Karoline] What is that?

Morphine.

It helps me calm down.

[Unsettling, drone-like thrum]

[Peter exhales deeply]

Go back to sleep, Karoline.

[Pulsating resonance]

[Thrum fades]

I'm sorry.

[Indistinct chatter; Mechanical whirr]

[Karoline cries out]

[She whimpers]

- What's happening? - The bucket...

[Woman] Sit down.

Let me see. Let me see.

We need to get the pants off.

[Foreman] What's going on?

What do you think? She's in labour.

- Get her to the hospital then. - Will you take her yourself?

[Karoline groans]

[Woman] Don't just stand there. Get me some towels and water.

- [Foreman] Find some towels. - [Woman] Idiots!

Yes. Good.

It's almost there. Look at me. Come on. Push, push.

[Karoline yells]

Next time, push hard. You will scream it out.

Use all your strength. There's only one way out.

Do you understand? Look at me!

Now push. Push.

[Door opens]

[Footsteps approach]

[Baby gurgles]

- Boy or girl? - Girl.

Can I hold her?

Yes.

[Baby gurgles]

So beautiful.

You are so beautiful.

You could be called Susie.

But she's not yours.

I don't mind.

We could have another child.

I don't function.

[Karoline] I don't want to keep her.

Come.

Come sit with us.

This is a gift. It's not something you give away.

[Baby gurgles, Peter shushes her]

[Baby whimpers]

[Uneasy hum]

[Sparse, disquieting music]

[Baby cries]

[Uneasy, delicate music]

[Music fades]

[Dagmar] Who is it?

It's for you.

- Who are you? - Karoline.

We met at the baths.

Come inside and close the door.

[Baby whimpers]

- Is that your baby? - [Karoline] Yes.

Can I see?

[Karoline] Yes.

Boy or girl?

It's a girl.

[Erena] She's cute.

[Dagmar] And who is this little darling?

- I didn't name her. - That was wise.

Do you have the money?

Yes.

Here you go.

This is not a charity, dear.

I'll bring the rest tomorrow.

I remember you now.

The girl with the needle.

Yes.

- When did you give birth? - Yesterday.

- Have you fed her today? - No.

Then feed her now.

[Baby cries, gurgles]

- Here is the tea. - Thank you.

Any complications during birth?

I don't think so.

[Dagmar] A baby girl born...

What's today's date?

I don't know.

Erena, will you fetch the paper from Mrs. Andersen?

Do you know who will get my baby?

Some good people.

Doctors, lawyers.

People who can afford to do good for others.

She'll be fine. You're doing the right thing.

- [Door opens] - That's good.

- She had just finished with it. - That's good.

Born 12th of August-- No.

I wrote today. You gave birth yesterday.

Well...

[Dagmar] Arms up. As tight as you can.

Eventually you will stop lactating.

- There. - [Baby crying]

All set.

You owe me money.

Yes.

- Should I say goodbye? - It's easier if you don't.

- [Karoline] Thank you. - Goodbye.

[Uneasy, delicate music]

[Frida] Karoline, where is your baby?

[Karoline] I gave it away.

To whom?

A lady is helping me find a foster family.

[Music continues]

- Didn't you want it? - No.

Of course I didn't want it.

[Baby cries]

I think the little one needs a feed.

Up to mum, little darling.

Would you like something to eat?

[Music builds]

[Music continues; Bell tolls]

What do you want?

Do you have the money?

No.

[Dagmar] Then, what are you doing here?

I thought I could feed her.

- Feed her? - [Karoline] Yes.

- Your baby isn't here anymore. - Where is she?

I passed her on. These matters can't wait.

[Dagmar gasps]

- Do you need anything? - [Dagmar pants]

[Dagmar] There is a blanket under the counter. Get it for me.

- Yes. - [Music fades]

[Dagmar pants]

- Should I get help? - No, no. It will pass.

- We are closed. - The sign says open.

Closed!

Calm down.

[Dagmar sighs]

- Take some sweets home with you. - I would like to work for you.

I have milk. I can feed the babies while they wait for their new families.

[Dagmar, laughing] Right.

It's better than a cow's milk.

Your milk will run short.

Not if I milk myself.

My mother did it, she sold her milk. Then I can pay what I owe you.

It is money you owe me, not milk.

I don't have any money.

[Dagmar sighs]

I have nowhere to go.

- Erena! - [Erena] Yes?

Come here.

[Footsteps approach]

Don't be prudish.

It's healthy for her.

Besides, milking by hand takes forever.

[Erena slurps softly]

[Dagmar sighs]

Mum, she smells.

Well then, let's take a bath.

[Sparse, piano music; Indistinct yells]

[Erena] What about me?

- [Dagmar gasps] - [Erena giggles]

[Music continues]

- [Man] Dagmar? - I'm coming.

- Good night. - [Karoline] Good night.

[Music intensifies]

Mum says it's time.

[Erena slurps softly]

[Dagmar shouts, moans]

Fits you well.

What is that?

Sometimes they get so emotional.

This helps me stay calm.

[Karoline] Is it morphine?

No, it's ether.

Do you want to try?

Thank you.

[Tense, dream-like ringing]

[Muffled voices; Footsteps approach]

[Door opens; Baby cries]

[Footsteps approach]

[Dagmar] Get up.

Come on.

[Ringing intensifies]

[Indistinct, muffled voices]

[Baby cries]

[Ringing pulses]

[Dagmar and woman converse indistinctly]

[Dagmar] You're doing the right thing.

[Door closes]

Should we examine him?

[Dagmar] There's no point with this one.

Why not?

[Dagmar] Nobody will want him.

We'll have to give him to an orphanage.

[Ringing transitions into heavy, unsettling static]

[Door opens; Music halts]

[Man] Hello?

[Door closes, footsteps approach]

Are you done?

I thought you were Dagmar.

[She chuckles]

What're you doing here?

Do you know it's illegal to buy and sell babies?

- But you are here. - [Man] Yes.

I'm just someone who drops by.

But you work here.

[Wind rumbles faintly]

Sometimes I feel so lonely.

[Karoline] I'm here.

Many lives pass through this apartment.

It leaves a trace.

[Karoline] Sometimes I regret what I did.

Dear, now you get emotional.

Let's do something fun today.

[Delicate, uplifting music]

[Performer sings]

[Karoline laughs]

[Audience shushes them]

[Woman] Quiet.

[Singing continues]

[Music stops]

[Karoline] Who's the man you're seeing?

- [Dagmar] Svendsen? - [Karoline] Yes.

- [Karoline] Is he Erena's father? - [Dagmar] No.

He is just a man I have fun with.

I don't like the way he looks at me.

How is that?

I suspect he wants to have fun with me.

[All singing]Today it is Erena's birthday Hurray, hurray, hurray!

She probably recieves a present that she has wished for this year

with lovely chocolate and cakes

You can blow now.

[Svendsen] The last one.

[Delicate melody plays]

It's magic.

You're leaking.

[Melody stops]

[Dagmar] Have you fed Erena today?

I must have forgotten.

Then do it now.

[Footsteps recede]

I don't want you to come anymore.

[Svendsen] Why not?

I don't need you.

You will miss me.

Don't.

[Dagmar breathes heavily]

[They pant]

Get out.

She's not like you.

[Tense, inquisitive music]

[Karoline] Salmi... salt liquorice.

"Kongen af Danmark". No, bergamot drops.

Nougat...

Liquorice...

- Nougat. - [Door opens, bell chimes]

Hello.

- [Baby gurgles] - Can I help you?

[Girl] I was told to come here.

[Baby cries]

[Karoline] Is it about the baby?

[Crying and music continue]

What should I do?

[Karoline] You have to feed it.

- I can't. - [Karoline] Why not?

It's not mine.

[Karoline] Then whose is it?

My mother's.

Please, will you take him?

[Baby cries louder]

Is this right?

Yes. I'll take him.

[Girl] It's locked.

[Door rattles]

Let me help you.

[Rain patters]

You've done the right thing.

[Bell chimes, door closes]

You've done a good deed.

You helped when no one else would.

[Baby gurgles]

You can keep the child.

Until we find a family good enough.

Thank you.

[Karoline shushes the baby]

[Karoline] It's most important to have the right footwear when we go for a walk.

What do you think of these?

Do you like them?

[Karoline laughs]

This one...

This...

is beautiful.

Don't you think?

His mother made her daughter give him to Dagmar and me.

She could not do it herself.

I think that's weak.

[Rain patters]

I'll care for him until we find a family that's good enough.

- Dagmar also helped you? - Yes.

- Who will take him? - Good people.

- Perhaps doctors, lawyers. - [Bell tolls in the distance]

People who can afford to do good.

- Did they also get your baby? - Yes.

[Frida] Hm.

[Baby gurgles]

[Karoline] I think he woke up.

[Baby gurgles]

[Birds chirp]

[Karoline chuckles; Baby squeaks]

- [Erena whispers] Karoline. - [Karoline] Mh?

Can I sleep here with you?

[Karoline] No.

Can I have some milk to make me sleep?

[Karoline] No.

Go to bed.

Why?

[Karoline] I don't do that anymore. Go to bed.

[Muffled breathing]

[Muffled cries]

[Karoline gasps]

[Baby wails]

Why would you do something like that?

[Karoline] What are you doing?

I've found a family.

- [Karoline] Already? - Yes.

Who are they?

[Dagmar] I can't tell you.

- I want to know. - [Dagmar] They don't want you to know.

You can't be here if you are this emotional. This is a business.

Is it because I slapped Erena?

Is it?

[Yelling] Is that why you're taking him?

You told me to take care of him. You said that.

- So why do you just take him? - [Dagmar] Enough!

- You can't just tell me-- - [Dagmar] Shh!

[Unsettling, drone-like hum]

[Pram squeaks]

[Unsettling, drone-like thrum]

[Bell tolls]

Thank you.

[Thrum intensifies]

[Baby cries]

[Baby wails]

[Baby gurgles, stops]

[Muffled, disturbing reverberation]

[Pram squeaks; Reverberation continues]

[Menacing, high-pitched music]

[Music intensifies]

[Water roars]

[Music halts]

[Footsteps approach]

Where were you?

You left the store open. Anyone could have walked in.

- Karoline! - [Karoline startles]

[Karoline whimpers]

Are you not feeling well?

You're shivering.

[She breathes heavily]

Karoline.

Where is my baby?

- Your baby is with her family. - Liar!

- Where is she? - Your baby is with her family.

Murderer! You killed her.

You did kill her?

Why?

[Dagmar] There, there.

I know it hurts.

The world is a horrible place.

But we need to believe it's not so.

Do you understand?

[Karoline] No.

[Karoline sniffles]

Have some drops.

It will take the pain away. Come on.

Let me help you.

Come here. Drink. Drink!

Come on.

Good girl.

Take care of Erena. You're good for her.

I don't want her.

[Sparse, tense music]

[Music intensifies]

[Tense, hypnotic music]

[Thunder rumbles]

[Peter whispers] Karoline.

[Thunder roars]

[Rain patters]

- [Heavy, unsettling reverb] - Karoline, come to me.

[Thunder roars]

[Music fades]

I've made you some soup.

You have to eat something.

Karoline, come on.

[Karoline] Drops.

There's none left. The bottle is empty.

Eat something.

You can have some naphtha.

Come now.

Deep breaths.

[Karoline inhales deeply]

[She coughs]

Again.

Last time.

[Karoline splutters]

[Water burbles]

[Unsettling, drone-like rumble]

You can have a rest, but soon we will have to get back to normal.

[Grating, high-pitched ringing]

[Rumble intensifies]

[Dagmar's voice echoes] You've done the right thing.

[Heavy breathing;

[Muffled screams]

It will take the pain away.

[Fly buzzes; Music halts]

[Dagmar] Tell me something about yourself.

I don't know anything about you.

Are you from the city?

Or from the countryside? That's where I'm from.

I used to milk cows.

[Dagmar chuckles]

I was alone when I gave birth for the first time.

I bit off the umbilical cord with my teeth.

The others were stillborn.

All five of them.

I'm cold.

I think it's cold.

It's cold.

[Bell tolls; Fly buzzes]

[Muffled voices; Baby cries]

- [Dagmar] Do you want some tea? - [Woman] No, thank you.

[Crying increases]

[Dagmar] Would you like to feed her one last time?

No, I would like to leave now.

Frida? I want to leave now.

[Dagmar] Let me follow you out.

[Footsteps recede]

- [She breathes heavily] - [Baby cries]

- [Dagmar] Goodbye. - [Frida] Is Karoline here?

[Dagmar] No.

You've done the right thing.

[Door closes]

[Tense, unsettling music]

Do you want to do it this time?

It's easy. Just squeeze tight.

No.

[Baby wails]

[Dagmar] Just squeeze hard, like you never want to let her go.

- Come on. - [Baby coughs, splutters]

[Karoline, crying] No, I don't want to.

[Baby screams]

[Karoline screams]

[Karoline groans]

[Music fades]

- [Dagmar pants] - [Karoline sobs]

[Intense, unsettling thrum]

[Thrum fades]

[Unsettling, drone-like rumble; Fire crackles]

[Music and crackling stop; Bell tolls]

[Knocks on door]

[Knocks on door]

[Frida] Mrs. Overby?

Please, open the door.

[Bangs on door]

We have changed our minds.

We want the baby back.

[Bangs on door]

[Crying] Karoline!

Are you in there?

Open the door.

I'll get the police, if you don't open the door.

[Shouting] Do you hear me?

[Footsteps recede]

A woman got the child.

We don't know who she is.

[Dagmar sighs]

She's from the countryside and...

we don't know her name.

She has gone back already.

We just need to look our best.

Get dressed.

Get dressed.

[Shouts] Get dressed!

Put this on.

Erena.

[Clatters]

- [Window squeaks] - What are you doing?

What are you doing?

[Distant footsteps]

- Please come down. - [Bangs on door]

Dagmar Overby, this is the police, open up!

- [She whispers] Stay with me. - [Dagmar] Please come down.

You have nowhere to go. Stay.

[Bangs on door]

[Police officer] Open this door or we will break it down.

[Soft thud]

[Door bangs]

Dagmar Overby?

- [Dagmar] Yes. - Grab her.

[Police officer 2] Please come with us.

Yes.

- Erena needs to come with me. - We'll take care of her.

- We'll take care of her. Come. - Erena.

[Hoofbeats pass nearby]

Well done. Great. Balance, balance.

[Footsteps approach, rapidly]

[Bird squawks]

[Foreman sings gently]

[Singing builds]

[All] Cheers!

[Sparse, tense music]

[Music intensifies]

[Music builds]

[Karoline splutters, retches]

[Music subsides]

[Water burbles]

[Tense, uneasy music]

[Inaudible dialogue]

BABY KILLER CAUGHT

- We are travelling south soon. - [Music fades]

And we have agreed you can come, if you want to?

Thank you.

[Horse neighs in the background]

What did you do with your baby?

I gave it away.

It's probably for the best.

Do you have your medicine?

[Rain patters softly]

You'll manage without.

Come.

[Delicate, ambient music]

[Prosecutor] How did you kill Mrs. Andersen's baby?

[Dagmar] I don't remember.

[Prosecutor] What did you do with the body of Mrs. Andersen's baby?

[Dagmar] I don't remember.

Maybe I burnt it. Maybe I put it in the lavatory.

Maybe in November, maybe March. There were so many.

[Audience murmurs]

[Prosecutor] The notebook found in your apartment mentions

35 meetings with women and their babies.

- Did you kill them all? - [Woman, shouting] Where is my baby?

- I want my baby back. You nasty pig! - [Gavel bangs]

- Burn in hell. - [Audience yells]

Let me go.

[Prosecutor] Was anyone else aware of what you did with the babies?

[Dagmar] No.

[Prosecutor] How about...

your so-called daughter, Erena.

Did she know?

No.

Is there any proof that the girl you call your daughter is your daughter?

My word.

[Audience murmurs]

In the opinion of doctors, you are too old to be her mother.

- Your penis is old too. - [Audience gasps, murmurs]

[Shushes; Silence]

Where is she?

I'm sure she is fine at the orphanage.

Let me see her.

Then, I'll give you four more bodies.

[Prosecutor] Four more?

Yes, four more. If not five.

I put one in the lavatory on Prinsgade.

And I...

I took one with me in my bag when I went to...

[Prosecutor] Why, Mrs. Overby?

Why did you kill them?

That's what was needed.

[Prosecutor] What do you mean?

Those children had caused their mothers lots of suffering.

- [Man speaks in disapproval] - I helped them!

[Audience murmurs]

[Prosecutor] I doubt a mother wants her child killed.

What else were they supposed to do?

You promised them a better life. A loving foster family.

Do you believe in that? Just look around.

Nobody believes that their shameful infant

will get a loving doctor as a father or a respectable lady for a mother.

I only did what was necessary.

I only did what you're too scared to do. You're too scared to admit it.

In fact, you should give me a medal.

[Audience yells]

[Man] Killer!

- Burn in hell! - [Woman] Hang her.

[Judge] Guard, take her out.

[Sparse, tense music]

- [Woman 2] Kill her. - [Music obscures yelling]

- [Babies cry] - [Music continues]

[They whisper] Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever. Amen.

You may eat.

[Principal] It is a little unusual to adopt a 7-year-old.

Have you thought this through?

[Karoline] Yes.

[Principal] Are you sure?

[Karoline] Yes.

[Principal] I'm grateful for people like you.

You give a child a second chance.

[Principal] I'll get the girl now.

[Music continues]

Go to the lady.

[Music builds]

[Music fades]

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS

[Pensive, solemn music]

[Music continues]

[Music continues]

[High-pitched resonance joins]

[Music continues]

[Music continues]

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE

[Music concludes]