‘Her Private Hell’ Director Nicolas Winding Refn on Ignoring Critics, Why the Government Must Regulate AI and Planning His Third Film With Ryan Gosling
Nicolas Winding Refn discusses his 11th feature, “Her Private Hell”, a stylised sci-fi drama now released in cinemas by Neon. He presents the film as a deliberate move away from convention and algorithms, despite mixed Cannes reviews, and says he is unconcerned by critical reaction as he pursues a more artificial, operatic style.
The film follows actress Elle, soldier Private K and a killer called Leatherman through a futuristic city, with Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton in leading roles. Refn says its story grew from two initial images—Private K going to hell and a young woman arriving in a nonexistent city—and describes the intended visuals as intensely colourful and dreamlike; he cast Thatcher after a year-long search, largely on instinct.
In short
- Refn’s new sci-fi film embraces artificiality and visual excess.
- “Her Private Hell” received mixed Cannes reviews but targets cult appeal.
- Sophie Thatcher was chosen after a year-long casting search.
Explained simply
Nicolas Winding Refn is a Danish filmmaker known for visually distinctive films that prioritise artistic vision over commercial convention. "Her Private Hell" is his eleventh feature film, a science-fiction drama released in cinemas by distributor Neon.
Set in a futuristic city, the film follows three characters: an actress called Elle, a soldier named Private K, and a killer called Leatherman. Starring Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton, the film is designed to be intensely colourful and dreamlike, developed from two central images Refn conceived—a soldier descending into hell and a young woman arriving in a non-existent city.
Refn is known for speaking openly about his artistic priorities and his lack of concern for conventional expectations. His films regularly generate discussion about what cinema should be and the balance between commercial success and artistic intent, making his perspective and work consistently noteworthy.
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