The Guilty 2018

Police officer Asger Holm starts his shift at the police station, where he is assigned to telephone duty, a temporary role he looks forward to leaving behind. The day begins with calls coming in, and after resolving a drug-induced panic situation, Asger receives a report from a man who claims he has been robbed in a red light district. He connects with his boss, Bo, who finds humor in the man’s unfortunate situation involving a prostitute and promises to send patrols for assistance. When Asger inquires about Rashid’s wellbeing, Bo’s puzzlement suggests there may be more to the story.

The plot thickens when an unexpected call from a journalist catches Asger off-guard. He quickly cuts her off, causing disapproval from his superior for mixing personal matters with work. Asger, visibly distressed, soon receives a critical call from a woman named Iben, who feigns mundane conversation while revealing her covert distress. Through a careful series of questions, Asger uncovers the chilling truth that Iben is being abducted by a man who may be armed, and they are driving north in a white van. Urgently, he directs dispatch to search for the vehicle despite not having the license plate information.

Asger attempts to reconnect with Iben, but the call drops. Through her phone records, he tracks down her address, where he speaks to Mathilde, Iben’s young daughter. With panic woven into her voice, Mathilde relays fears for her mother and baby brother, Oliver. In an effort to reassure her, Asger reveals that police are working to bring her mother home safely. His investigation reveals the unstable nature of Iben’s abductor, Michael, who has a violent past.

Frustrated by the limitations of protocol, Asger presses his superiors for action, insisting they must intervene before it’s too late. A well-meaning colleague offers a moment of compassion, reminding him to take care of himself amid his emotional turmoil. Nevertheless, Asger’s resolve remains steadfast as he attempts to reach out to Rashid for help in following up a lead on Iben’s situation.

When Mathilde reports police presence at her home, Asger’s hope rises, but the situation quickly spirals. Upon hearing that Oliver is tragically deceased, Asger is left devastated, grappling with guilt and helplessness. He desperately tries to contact Michael, but the calls disconnect, further shrouding the unfolding tragedy in uncertainty.

Eventually, Iben manages to reach Asger again, this time under dire circumstances in the van. The tension builds as she is instructed to defend herself, and amidst the chaos, Michael’s violent tendencies reveal a dark reality. Asger is given insight into a previous mental health crisis involving Iben; pieces of the puzzle begin to align.

As despair mounts, Asger unravels the tragic truth: Iben accidentally harmed her child during a psychological episode. In a gripping crescendo, Asger tries to draw her away from the edge of a bridge where she contemplates suicide, revealing his own past torment while attempting to connect with her on an emotional level. As the police close in, Asger hears a devastating silence, praying for Iben’s survival.

Ultimately, the tension culminates in a relief as Iben is successfully rescued. Asger’s journey through this harrowing day, marked by his internal battles and professional dilemmas, leads him to a reflective moment, prompting him to make one last phone call as he exits the station, a heart heavy with the weight of the day’s revelations.