Nicolas Winding Refn on 'Her Private Hell,' AI Regulation, and Future Plans with Ryan Gosling
The director details his neon-drenched sci-fi thriller, now in theaters, and calls for government oversight of artificial intelligence.
“She had these eyes that were incredibly seductive, like an old movie star.”
- Director
- Nicolas Winding Refn
- Starring
- Sophie Thatcher, Charles Melton, Havana Rose Liu
- Release
- 2026
- Genre
- Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
- Where to Watch
- Theaters
Director Nicolas Winding Refn discussed his new film and the need for AI regulation in a recent interview with Variety. His new feature, "Her Private Hell," is now in theaters via Neon.
What is 'Her Private Hell' about?
The film is a neon-drenched sci-fi thriller set in a futuristic metropolis shrouded in a mysterious mist. It follows a troubled young actress, Elle, played by Sophie Thatcher, and an American soldier, Private K, played by Charles Melton. Their paths collide during a harrowing odyssey involving a deadly entity known as Leatherman. Refn described the project as an amalgam of everything he has ever done, freed from conventional storytelling.
Why did he cast Sophie Thatcher?
The director said casting for the lead role took about a year. He knew Sophie Thatcher was the perfect Elle the moment he saw her. "She had these eyes that were incredibly seductive, like an old movie star," Refn told Variety. He felt her presence was crucial to carrying the film, and once she was cast, everything else fell into place.
What are his thoughts on AI and cinema?
Refn expressed a strong belief that governments must regulate artificial intelligence. He framed this need within his passion for preserving movie theaters as communal spaces. "I feel like, by law, every village in the world should have a single-screen cinema," he said. The director views cinemas as a vital, low-cost way for people to come together, contrasting it with a digital world he finds potentially unhealthy for the mind and soul.
Are there more projects with Ryan Gosling?
Yes. According to the interview, Nicolas Winding Refn is planning his third film with Ryan Gosling. No specific details about the new project were revealed.
The filmmaker also discussed his unique visual approach for "Her Private Hell," describing a desire for the look to be like "color candy" and "whipped cream with injected color coats." Legendary composer Pino Donaggio created the score, which Refn said helped fulfill his desire to make an opera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch 'Her Private Hell'?
"Her Private Hell" is currently playing in theaters. It is being distributed by Neon.
Who else stars in the film?
The cast includes Havana Rose Liu as Dominique, Dougray Scott as Johnny Thunders, Kristine Froseth as Hunter, Shioli Kutsuna as Ms. T, Aoi Yamada as Ms. S, Diego Calva as Nico, Hidetoshi Nishijima as Hayashi, and Lola Corfixen as Candyfloss Girl.
How does this film compare to Refn's previous work?
Refn describes it as a departure from more grounded films like "Drive" and "Bronson." He calls it a dreamy, neon-drenched sci-fi tale that feels like a companion piece to his 2016 film "The Neon Demon."
What was the inspiration for the film's visual style?
Refn wanted the film to look artificial and dreamlike. He told his cinematographer it needed "a lot of color, almost like color candy" and to feel fluffy, like "whipped cream with injected color coats," aiming for an operatic feel.
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