The Girl with the Needle

In the film’s haunting conclusion, Karoline chooses to adopt Erena, the girl she once cared for alongside her mother, Dagmar, who was revealed to be a serial killer responsible for murdering infants, including Karoline’s own newborn daughter. After enduring unimaginable trauma—losing her child, confronting the brutal truth of Dagmar’s murders, and her own near-fatal attempt to escape her pain—Karoline finds a fragile sense of hope in creating a new family with Erena. This act of adopting her symbolizes a pursuit of connection and healing, making up for the tragic loss she suffered and perhaps offering Erena the stability and love she desperately needs. Throughout the film, themes of societal repression, women’s suffering, and the horrors hidden behind the facades of care are explored, culminating in Karoline’s decision to give Erena a chance at life, despite all the darkness she has faced. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of quiet resilience, emphasizing that even amid despair, compassion and human connection can offer a faint but vital light. Ultimately, Karoline’s choice to take Erena under her wing signifies her desire to break free from her painful past and foster a future rooted in love and acceptance, in stark contrast to the horrors she has witnessed and endured.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44