Second Victims
| Second Victims | |
|---|---|
| Danish | Det andet offer |
| Directed by | Zinnini Elkington |
| Written by | Zinnini Elkington |
| Produced by | Johannes Rothaus Nørregaard |
| Starring | Özlem Sağlanmak |
| Cinematography | Mia Mai Dengsø Graabæk |
| Edited by | Ania de Sá |
| Music by | Jenny Rossander |
Production company | Meta Film |
Release date |
|
Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | Denmark |
| Language | Danish |
Second Victims (Danish: Det andet offer) is a 2025 Danish drama film written and directed by Zinnini Elkington in her feature directorial debut. Starring Özlem Sağlanmak, the film follows Alexandra, a young neurologist who navigates an understaffed hospital ward.
The film was released in Denmark on 10 April 2025. It won the Best Danish Film and five other awards at the 43rd Robert Awards.
Premise
A young skilled neurologist confronts the consequences of her medical errors during a high-pressure shift.[1]
Cast
- Özlem Saglanmak as Alexandra
- Trine Dyrholm as Camilla
- Mathilde Arcel Fock as Emilie
- Olaf Johannessen as Esben
- Iman Meskini as Alda
- Anders Matthesen as Karl
- Morten Hee Andersen as Anders
Production
Zinnini Elkington, the film's director and screenwriter, grew up in a family of health professionals. The idea of Second Victims was developed during a conversation between her and her sister, who is also a doctor.[2] The term "second victim" is commonly used to describe the healthcare professionals who experience severe distress after being involved in an unanticipated adverse patient event. It was introduced in an article written by Albert Wu in 2000.[3]
In April 2024, it was reported that REinvent acquired the film's international sales.[4] It was also announced that SF Studios would distribute the film in Nordic countries.[5] In September 2024, the project participated at the Finnish Film Affair.[6] The film was presented at the Nordic Market Screenings during the Nordic Film Market, held at the Gothenburg Film Festival in January 2025.[7]
Principal photography took place on location at the Herlev Hospital in Herlev from January to February 2024.[8]
Release
Second Victims was released in Danish theatres on 10 April 2025.[9] It garnered more than 87,000 admissions during its run.[10] It was selected to screen at the Kaleidoscope section at the Filmfest Hamburg in September 2025.[11] In October 2025, it was screened at the Film Fest Gent.[12]
Accolades
| Award / Film Festival | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filmfest Hamburg | 7 October 2025 | Critics' Choice Award | Zinnini Elkington | Won | [13] |
| Robert Awards | 31 January 2026 | Best Danish Film | Johannes Rothaus Nørregaard and Zinnini Elkington | Won | [14] |
| Best Director | Zinnini Elkington | Won | |||
| Best Original Screenplay | Won | ||||
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Özlem Saglanmak | Won | |||
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Mathilde Arcel | Nominated | |||
| Trine Dyrholm | Nominated | ||||
| Best Cinematography | Mia Mai Dengsø Graabæk | Nominated | |||
| Best Editing | Ania de Sá | Won | |||
| Best Sound Design | Jakob Strandgaard and Catrine Le Dous | Won | |||
| Best Score | Jenny Rossander | Nominated | |||
| Best Song | "All These Wilted Trees" by Lydmor | Nominated |
References
- ^ "Second Victims". Metafilm. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Monggaard, Christian (8 April 2025). "Med sin film 'Det andet offer' spørger Zinnini Elkington, hvordan vi passer på dem, der passer på os". Dagbladet Information (in Danish). Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Albert W Wu (18 March 2000). "Medical error: the second victim. The doctor who makes the mistake needs help too". The BMJ. 320 (7237): 726–7. doi:10.1136/BMJ.320.7237.726. ISSN 0959-8138. PMC 1117748. PMID 10720336. Wikidata Q24524702.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (25 April 2024). "REinvent Picks Up 'Second Victims' With 'Borgen,' 'Queen of Hearts' Stars (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Danish Drama 'Second Victims' Acquired by SF Studios". Nordic Widescreen. 26 April 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Economou, Vassilis (17 September 2024). "The Finnish Film Affair unveils a range of bold projects and showcases "Finnish Weird"". Cineuropa. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (13 January 2025). "Goteborg Film Festival's Nordic Film Market includes new films from Lone Scherfig, Hlynur Palmason, Maria Sodahl". Screen International. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Spillefilmen: Det andet offer/ søger statister/ KBH (Lineup)". Dask Online. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Det andet offer". Kino. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Prakash, Thomas; Kjær, Astrid Simone (15 December 2025). "'Gyldent år' for dansk film handler ikke kun om Ternet Ninja og Den Sidste Viking". DR (in Danish). Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Blaney, Martin (9 September 2025). "Filmfest Hamburg unveils 2025 line-up". Screen International. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ "Programma Film Fest Gent 2025 onthuld". Vertigo (in Dutch). 18 September 2025. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Heidsiek, Birgit (7 October 2025). "Do You Love Me and Love Letters among the winners at Filmfest Hamburg". Cineuropa. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
- ^ Abbatescianni, Davide (2 February 2026). "The Girl with the Needle and Second Victims dominate Denmark's Robert Awards". Cineuropa. Retrieved 14 February 2026.