Written by Sofia Mongillo Bermejo

In Her Private Hell,

Nicolas Winding Refn once again trades conventional storytelling for a surreal exploration of identity, desire, and obsession. Set against a haunting futuristic cityscape, the film blends science fiction, film noir, and psychological horror into an experience that's as visually mesmerizing as it is narratively elusive. While its dreamlike atmosphere and meticulous world-building make it difficult to look away, its deliberately opaque storytelling makes it equally difficult to connect with.

The premise follows Elle Sophie Thatcher

as she rekindles her relationship with her stepmother, Dominique (Havana Rose Liu), who also appears to be her former best friend and perhaps even a past lover. That blurred line extends to nearly every relationship in the film, making it difficult to understand where the story is headed or what emotional stakes we're meant to invest in.

Adding to the mystery are whispers of a figure known as The Leatherman, who haunts a dark, desolate city that mirrors a futuristic Tokyo murdering women. Meanwhile, Private K (Charles Melton) walks the streets in search of his missing daughter, willing to take down anyone who stands in his way. Visually, Her Private Hell feels like a collision between Blade Runner and a David Lynch fever dream, and that's ultimately where the film shines.

Despite its science fiction thriller label,

the film leans more into surreal fantasy with shades of neo-noir, all wrapped in a consistently erotic yet deeply uncomfortable atmosphere. The world Refn creates is immersive, where every environment feels carefully considered and every frame is filled with intention.

The visuals are undeniably stunning and a hallmark of Refn's work. While the storyline often struggles to maintain momentum and clarity, it's evident that the world these characters inhabit has been meticulously crafted through impressive production design, bold makeup, and an eclectic wardrobe.

From the opening shot,

Thatcher appears with dramatic eyeliner and gemstone embellishments that reflect her character's fractured emotional state, a visual motif that continues to evolve throughout the film. While her look is undoubtedly the centerpiece, each character's styling offers subtle insight into their personalities, making costume and makeup feel like an extension of the storytelling rather than simply aesthetic choices.

A central element of the narrative

revolves around a film that Elle and other characters are producing and starring in. Though the project is mentioned a handful of times, we get only brief glimpses of it in action. It's here that the sci-fi elements become more prominent, allowing the production design to become even more imaginative and visually striking.

Ironically,

however, the film-within-the-film ultimately feels unnecessary. Rather than enriching the narrative, it becomes one of the story's more confusing threads, adding another layer of ambiguity without delivering a meaningful payoff. That same issue extends to the broader story, where many of its mysteries remain emotionally distant despite the film's ambition.

Ultimately,

Her Private Hell is a film that asks viewers to surrender to its atmosphere rather than its story. While its narrative often feels fragmented and its mysteries don't always reward the investment, Refn's striking visual language and meticulously crafted world make it an undeniably captivating experience. It may not always be easy to follow, but it's almost always fascinating to look at.