Copenhagen, May 1945. Marie is preparing for her summer wedding to an older, well-respected widower. For several years, she has worked as a maid in his household, caring for his young daughter. At last, a new life seems within reach. But beneath the seemingly idyllic surface lies a secret that could shatter her dreams. And as the truth about her shameful past draws ever closer to being exposed, the higher the price she is willing to pay to protect it. No one must learn the truth.
The film is directed by May el-Toukhy, whose previous feature, Queen of Hearts, won the Audience Award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and received both the Robert and Bodil Awards in Denmark. Since then, el-Toukhy has directed episodes of the Emmy Award-winning series The Crown and was the driving force behind Dogme25, launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
With Woman Unknown, May el-Toukhy returns to the psychological drama. The film shines a light on the many women who, following Denmark's liberation in 1945, were ostracised and condemned to lives marked by shame.
Tine Fischer, CEO of the Danish Film Institute, says:
“The selection of Woman Unknown for the main competition at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, the Venice Film Festival, is not only a recognition of an exceptional film, but also a richly deserved tribute to one of the most significant Danish filmmakers of her generation, May el-Toukhy.
With this selection, she takes her place among the very highest ranks of international cinema, with a film that reaffirms her artistic courage and her unique ability to create ethically complex female characters. Most recently, el-Toukhy has also left a strong mark through the launch of Dogme25, which champions the need to protect the artistic integrity of feature filmmaking.
The selection of Woman Unknown also highlights the remarkable international momentum Danish cinema is enjoying at the moment.”
The screenplay was written by Maren Louise Käehne and May el-Toukhy. The film is produced by Mikael Christian Rieks for Nordisk Film, with Mathilde Arcel and Carsten Bjørnlund starring in the leading roles.
Woman Unknown is supported by the Danish Film Institute and will open in Danish cinemas on 4 February 2027.
