The last time Sophie Thatcher graced the big screen was in the 2025 horror film Companion, where she portrayed an AI companion robot. Now, she returns under the direction of writer-director Nicolas Winding Refn in Her Private Hell, an unrestrained and hypnotic psychological thriller that embodies the filmmaker’s signature fascination with surrealism, atmosphere, and visual excess.
When a mysterious mist descends upon the world, an ominous presence begins to emerge, blurring the boundaries between the divine and the supernatural. Whether it is a god, ghost, or goblin, something unknown has been unleashed. Simultaneously, a man’s daughter mysteriously disappears, sending him on a desperate search for answers after claiming, “I saw the leatherman take my daughter.”
Her Private Hell is visually unmistakably a Nicolas Winding Refn production. The film is drenched in vibrant neon lighting, minimalist compositions, and an upscale arthouse aesthetic reminiscent of his previous works, including The Neon Demon, Drive, and Only God Forgives. Refn effortlessly blends 1960s glamour with a futuristic sensibility, creating a world that feels both nostalgic and otherworldly. The costume design and makeup further enhance the film’s distinctive visual identity, delivering a presentation that is undeniably beautiful.
The film’s strong suit lies in its atmosphere; its hypnotic cinematography and ethereal musical score create a dreamlike experience that draws viewers into its surreal world. However, beneath the mesmerizing visuals lies a narrative that feels frustratingly elusive. Despite the film’s ambitious symbolism and abstract storytelling, the plot becomes increasingly difficult to follow, leaving the viewer disconnected from the emotional core of the story.
The talented ensemble cast delivers committed performances, making the most of the material they are given. Yet, even with its impressive craftsmanship and undeniable artistic ambition, Her Private Hell ultimately feels more like an intriguing visual experiment than a fully realized cinematic experience.
It is not that the film lacks merit, there is plenty to admire in its artistry and execution but the final impression is one of fascination mixed with bewilderment, leaving audiences like myself to admire the beauty of the experience while still questioning its meaning.
