Nicolas Winding Refn is back, and if the trailer for Her Private Hell is anything to go by, he’s brought his signature neon-soaked aesthetic along for the ride. But here’s the thing: while Refn’s visual style is undeniably striking—think Drive meets Blade Runner with a dash of The Neon Demon—I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve seen this before. Personally, I think Refn’s strength has always been his ability to create immersive, almost dreamlike worlds, but this time, it feels like the style might be overshadowing the substance. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Refn’s work often divides audiences: some see it as genius, while others dismiss it as style over substance. Her Private Hell seems poised to continue that tradition.
The Neon Trap: When Style Becomes a Crutch
The trailer for Her Private Hell is a feast for the eyes. The futuristic Metropolis, bathed in that Wild Berry glow, is undeniably gorgeous. But one thing that immediately stands out is how the film leans heavily into Refn’s established visual language. The glossy sheen, the precise framing, the emotionally distant characters—it’s all there. From my perspective, this raises a deeper question: is Refn evolving as a filmmaker, or is he trapped in his own aesthetic? What many people don’t realize is that repetition can be a double-edged sword. While it solidifies a director’s brand, it can also make their work feel predictable. If you take a step back and think about it, Refn’s last few projects have felt like variations on the same theme. Is Her Private Hell another iteration, or does it offer something genuinely new?
The Story Problem: A Missed Opportunity?
Critic Jason Gorber’s review for The A.V. Club hits the nail on the head when he calls the film’s narrative ‘somewhat lazy.’ In my opinion, this is where Refn often stumbles. His films are visually stunning, but the stories can feel undercooked. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Refn’s characters often seem like placeholders in his larger visual experiments. Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton look great on screen, but do we care about their journeys? What this really suggests is that Refn might be more interested in creating mood than meaning. And while mood can be powerful, it’s not enough to carry a film, especially when the stakes feel so abstract.
The Refn Paradox: Ambition vs. Execution
Here’s the paradox of Refn’s work: it’s undeniably ambitious, yet it often feels like he’s not pushing himself hard enough. On one hand, Her Private Hell is a bold attempt to blend genres—futuristic noir, slasher, and surrealism. On the other hand, it feels like Refn is relying on his tried-and-true formula rather than taking risks. What makes this particularly frustrating is that Refn has the talent to do something truly groundbreaking. Imagine if he combined his visual flair with a tightly written script and fully realized characters. That, in my opinion, would be a game-changer. Instead, we’re left with a film that feels like a missed opportunity.
The Broader Trend: Style Over Substance in Modern Cinema
Her Private Hell isn’t just a Refn problem—it’s part of a larger trend in modern cinema. From Tenet to Dune, there’s been a noticeable shift toward prioritizing visuals over storytelling. Personally, I think this is a reflection of our attention-span culture. Audiences are drawn to spectacle, and studios are happy to oblige. But what gets lost in the process is the emotional depth that makes a film truly memorable. If you take a step back and think about it, some of the most enduring films—The Godfather, Casablanca, Pulp Fiction—are remembered for their stories, not just their visuals. Her Private Hell could have been a contender, but it seems content to stay in the style lane.
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Mirage?
As Her Private Hell prepares to hit theaters on July 24, I’m left with mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m excited to see Refn back on the big screen. His films are always an experience, even if they’re not always successful. On the other hand, I can’t help but wonder if this is the film that finally breaks the mold or just another beautiful mirage. What this really suggests is that Refn is at a crossroads in his career. Will he continue to refine his aesthetic, or will he take the leap into deeper storytelling? Only time will tell. For now, Her Private Hell is a visually stunning but narratively questionable addition to his filmography—a film that’s as frustrating as it is fascinating.
