The Girl with the Needle
Google doesn’t label the Girl with the Needle as a horror film, but it absolutely is one. Some mild spoilers ahead... This has a very similar vibe to the masterpiece that is the Witch, with out the supernatural elements, of course. In the Girl with the Needle, the evil is all of human doing. This was nominated for Best International Film, but it SHOULD have been nominated for cinematography over Maria, and could have easily grabbed Best Actress and Actress in supporting role noms, nay SHOULD have grabbed those noms. Trine Dyrhom, who is apparently the Danish Meryl Streep, absolutely COOKS in this, and makes the weak nomination of Isabella Rossellini for Conclave particularly glaring. If you love cinema, dark films, or psychological horror, then this is a must watch and borderline masterpiece.
-Z
While I always expect the international picture nominees to be depressing, this one felt downright macabre, but I couldn't look away. Something about the style of this film is very inviting and alluring. While it is inspired by true events, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the timelessness (or, maybe, timeliness) of the root of this story. I think I'll leave it at that to avoid any spoilers. This film definitely deserves more attention than it is getting!
-E
