Her Private Hell

Auteur favorite Nicholas Winding Refn makes an impressive comeback to filmmaking after ten years. The director known for Pusher and Drive (R&A 2011) has moved to new, dreamlike tracks, undoubtedly pleasing hardcore cinephiles. The score of the film is created by Pino Donaggio, the composer of many of Brian De Palma’s classic films and many cult pieces. His evocative score creates an emotional base to the haunting events shown on screen.

In the Giallo-esque, neon-slathered and dystopian scifi film, actress Elle (Sophie Thatcher) searches for her father in futuristic, sky-high buildings. Does the mythical, murderous “leather man” have something to do with this? And how do the American soldier (Charles Melton) looking for his daughter and meeting with Yakuza years earlier relate?

Instead of the plot, Refn focuses on creating an excellent scenery and soundscape. The film’s visual identity is NWR at his most extreme, and his fans will find lots to grab onto from the film. Her Private Hell rewards those who enjoy strange and unconventional film narratives.

Juho Lipponen (translated by Laura Niittynen)