10 Years After 'The Neon Demon', Nicolas Winding Refn Released a New Movie – It's Not for Everyone

Nicolas Winding Refn had not directed a feature film in 10 years, since the release of The Neon Demon. During that time, he worked on TV series, short films, commercials, and a music video for Travis Scott.

Therefore, his return to auteur cinema was a significant event. However, even after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Her Private Hell sparked considerable controversy.

While some critics gave Refn a standing ovation, others accused the movie of being pointless and drawn out.

What Is 'Her Private Hell' About?

The action takes place in a strange, futuristic city where actress Elle is filming a new movie. She stars alongside Hunter, a lesser-known actress whose obsessive nature irritates her. Elle has a complicated relationship with her father, who is often away, leaving her with her stepmother.

A fog descends on the city, bringing with it a maniac who attacks young women. Private K, a soldier searching for his daughter, tries to track the maniac down.

'Her Private Hell' Is All About a Hypnotic Atmosphere and Visual Feast

Her Private Hell cranks the aesthetics up to the max. With neon and a constant switch between bright blue and red, the movie is a visual feast – the colorblind director sees only highly contrasting colors.

Refn creates a fetishistic and almost voyeuristic film – perhaps no other filmmaker admires and shows the close-ups of his characters quite like this auteur. The movie features the new scream queen, Sophie Thatcher, Charles Melton from Beef, and Havana Rose Liu from Tuner.

At the same time, Refn doesn't turn the movie into an exploitation flick – he doesn't strip the heroines or revel in the murders. His production clearly references giallo classics like Deep Red and the original Suspiria, adding the iconic black gloves of a maniac.

Plotless films often drag on unbearably, but Her Private Hell is the exact opposite – Refn immerses viewers in his work so thoroughly that time flies by unnoticed.

There's Almost No Coherent Plot in 'Her Private Hell'

However, Her Private Hell has a downside. If you're looking for a coherent plot, you might be disappointed by this new work – Refn doesn't even attempt to use traditional screenwriting techniques.

While it formally has all the necessary components – character introductions, intrigue, development, and a climax – they are all very arbitrary. You won't understand the time or place in which the action unfolds.

The proceedings are best described as a dream: a blend of eroticism, horror, personal fears, and family conflicts. Viewers will likely fall into two categories: those who will be delighted and those who will find it pointless.

At Cannes, Refn said that he decided to make Her Private Hell after a near-death experience, so it's a very personal work for him.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Her Private Hell'?

• Her Private Hell has 44% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 4.8/10.

• On Letterboxd, Her Private Hell scored 2.4/5.0.