ninja doll
In Ninja Doll, a film directed by Yngvild Sve Flikke, the narrative follows a young woman navigating an unplanned pregnancy with a voice that blends wit and pathos. The piece positions itself within early 2020s Scandinavian cinema but speaks to universal questions about bodily autonomy and personal choice. The storytelling leans into a realistic yet candid portrayal of a woman who must decide how to handle a pregnancy she did not anticipate, while the film respectfully examines the social pressures and personal fears that accompany that decision.
The director’s approach is notable for its candid treatment of female sexuality and agency. Rather than delivering tidy moral conclusions, the film invites viewers to consider the spectrum of options and the weight of responsibility that accompanies them. A key stylistic device is the use of animated overlays that mimic the protagonist’s own sketchbook drawings. These drawings reflect her aspiration to become a comics artist and provide intimate access to her inner thoughts and anxieties. A recurring, surreal image shows a frail fetus wearing a dark mask that confesses a fondness for Angelina Jolie as a mother figure, a symbolic touch that juxtaposes vulnerability with cultural iconography.
This narrative technique can seem jarring at first glance, yet it anchors the film’s humor in a thoughtful, human way. The balance between levity and seriousness works to illuminate the emotional complexity of the protagonist’s situation. While the story embraces playful moments, it never trivializes the gravity of the choice she faces. The humor serves as a counterweight to the emotional weight, allowing the audience to empathize with the conflict without losing sight of its seriousness.
Across the film, the central conflict revolves around a tension familiar to many viewers: the impulse to manage or end a pregnancy versus a growing sense of responsibility for another life. The animated creature becomes a foil to official discourse, challenging simplistic narratives about motherhood and autonomy. By presenting the fetus as a character with its own voice, the film foregrounds questions about desire, autonomy, and the social expectations placed on women. The result is a narrative that resonates with audiences who have grappled with similar choices, while also inviting viewers to reflect on how culture shapes our perceptions of right and wrong.