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.