Denmark, 1926. Einar Wegener (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Gerda Gottlieb (Alicia Vikander) are regulars on the art scene, largely on Einar’s reputation as an excellent landscape artist. Nonetheless, Einar spends significant time trying to help his wife advance her career as a portrait artist. A truly doting husband, Einar’s love for Gerda is obvious to everyone who knows them; yet Einar is harboring a big secret—a secret that will change both their lives forever.

When Einar stands in as one of Gerda’s female models (donning a dress, stockings, and heels), he finds himself more comfortable dressed as a woman than a man. Initially, the couple embrace this new discovery, creating the persona of Lili Elbe, and reveling in Einar’s new ability to live openly as a woman. Gerda finds her creativity sparked, as she creates a new series of portraits featuring Lilli that result in great acclaim. However, as Lilli disassociates from Einar, she becomes increasingly depressed by her male form—forcing the couple to face some tough questions about the reality of their relationship. At the same time, Lilli considers new, very dangerous medical procedures in a bid to be made whole.

Based on David Ebershoff’s fictionalized telling of Lili Elbe’s journey into transgender self-discovery, The Danish Girl adapted by Lucinda Coxon (Wild Target) packs a lot of story into a two-hour running time, hitting the emotional high points, but taking a decidedly even handed approach to what is a difficult story to tell. Understandably, it was necessary to follow both Elbe’s journey from husband to transgender icon in a way that fit that narrative. That means at times The Danish Girl devolves into a simple telling of what happened—event after event—rather than any real reflection by the characters involved.

With that said, Eddie Redmayne excels in the role of Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe. While his work as Einar is excellent, it’s in playing Lili that he really excels. In less talented hands, under less genuine direction, Lili could simply be seen as an actor in women’s clothing. Instead, director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) and Redmayne were careful to create a fully formed character, distinctly different from Einar. Lili is a prisoner in her own body, desperate to be comfortable in her own skin.

Redmayne’s performance is convincing, but it’s Alicia Vikander’s take on Gerda Gottlieb that rightly took home the Oscar. Her mix of sadness, confusion, and support as her marriage crumbles, and Einar disappears in favor of Lili is fascinating to watch. Vikander and Redmayne have an undeniable chemistry which helps make the story all the more believable.

Hooper isn’t always successful with The Danish Girl—things get a bit clunky when it comes to the relationship between Gerda and an old friend of Einar’s, Hans Axgil (Matthias Schoenaerts). It just takes the focus off the two main characters. Nonetheless, Hooper succeeds where it matters most: presenting a difficult subject matter involving historical figures with humanity and respect.

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Universal’s 1080p transfer looks wonderful. The colors are soft, yet gorgeous. The details are absolutely stunning. Eddie Redmayne’s freckles, strands of Alicia Vikander’s hair, the surrounding scenery, etc. are beautiful. There’s nothing to complain about here.

DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is largely front heavy. The dialogue is clean and clear throughout, even Lili’s soft whispers. Atmospherics and Alexandre Desplat’s score fill in some of the films quieter moments. While it’s not a track that will blow you away, it fits the film nicely.

English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • The Making of The Danish Girl (HD, 11:29) In this look back at the real story, director Tom Hooper discusses his attraction to the project, the script, and casting the actors. The actors discuss working with each other, the costumes, the shoot, and more.
  • UV/iTunes Digital Copy.