Nicolas Winding Refn, the director known for films like Drive and Only God Forgives, is continuing to challenge viewers with his new, visually striking thriller, Her Private Hell. The film’s star, Sophie Thatcher, has addressed some of the reactions, describing it as much stranger than many people anticipated.
This sci-fi horror film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and is now being released in cinemas. It’s been generating buzz, and some viewers at early screenings were reportedly so disturbed they walked out.
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and co-written with Esti Giordani, Her Private Hell features Charles Melton, known for his role in season 2 of Beef. The story follows the intersection of the characters played by David Thatcher and Melton within a futuristic city shrouded in mist, as a serial killer terrorizes the population.
When asked about how people were responding to the movie, Thatcher told Variety she really enjoyed it. She explained that while she doesn’t want it to feel limited to a specific group, it seems particularly rewarding for viewers familiar with 1970s films and the references made within it.
The Yellowjackets actor explained that watching the show felt familiar because they’re a big fan of 1970s horror, especially directors like Brian De Palma and Kenneth Anger. They described it as surprisingly strange, experimental, and not following a traditional, straightforward plot.
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The star explained that sometimes it’s good to just relax and experience life, even if you’re not entirely sure what’s happening. She described it as an amazing experience.
I actually appreciate that this film sparks strong reactions; it shows it’s making an impact. I wasn’t aiming for something safe or predictable. I can see why some people won’t connect with it, and that’s okay. Ultimately, it’s a movie about being open-minded and embracing a different perspective.
The movie Her Private Hell is proving divisive among critics. Its 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 53 reviews, suggests people either strongly love or dislike it. Reviews have been harsh: Variety described it as a chaotic mess, comparing it to a bad trip inspired by David Lynch, and IndieWire called it awful and one of the most unpleasant movies they’ve seen in years.
Okay, so I’ve been hearing some pretty strong opinions about Her Private Hell – good and bad! If you’re curious, it comes out in US theaters tomorrow. For those of us in the UK, we have to be a bit more patient; it won’t be released here until September. But if you’re a Nicolas Winding Refn fan like me, it might still be worth checking out!
Her Private Hell releases on 24 July in the US and 25 September in the UK.
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2026-07-23 22:19