After a decade-long hiatus from feature films, visionary director Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, The Neon Demon) is back with a chilling new horror, Her Private Hell. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where the cast and crew sat down for an exclusive interview at the Fantastic Pavilion, the genre hotspot of the prestigious event.
Starring Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), Charles Melton, Havana Rose Liu, Kristine Frøseth, Dougray Scott, and Diego Calva, Her Private Hell follows Elle (Thatcher) as she searches for her father after a mysterious fog envelops a futuristic city, unleashing a deadly presence. Melton plays Private K, Liu portrays Dominique, and Frøseth takes on the role of Hunter.
How a Brush with Death Sparked the Film
Refn revealed that the idea for Her Private Hell was born from a profound personal experience. “Suddenly, I was given a gift that I could start over again,” he said, referencing a near-death moment that reignited his creative spark. The film is a collision of two visions, blending Refn’s signature style with a deeply emotional narrative. He explained how the script evolved from page to screen, keeping the ending a mystery even for the cast.
Melton, drawn to the project by Refn’s reputation and the script’s raw energy, discussed how he embodied Private K. He praised Refn’s directing style, which gave him confidence to explore the character’s complexities. “Nothing is everything,” became the guiding philosophy on set, Refn noted, emphasizing the film’s emotional impact on audiences seeking escapism.
The Cast on Their Characters and the Evolving Script
In a separate conversation, Thatcher, Liu, and Frøseth delved into their roles. Thatcher described Elle as a woman trapped in a “private hell” of loss and determination. Liu’s Dominique grapples with control, while Frøseth’s Hunter embodies a haunting resilience. The actors shared how the mist functions as a storytelling device, affecting each character differently.
Working with Refn meant adapting to a fluid, ever-changing script. “The biggest surprises came from letting go of control,” Liu said. The trio also reflected on the visual moments they’d hang on their walls—each choosing a frame that captured the film’s haunting beauty. Their experience at Cannes, they agreed, was surreal and unforgettable.
For fans of Refn’s previous work or those looking for a fresh horror experience, Her Private Hell promises a journey into the unknown. The film opens in theaters on July 24.
