Her Private Hell

Screened at Festival Theaters, Palm Springs, California

Everything you may have heard about this, the first film from Nicolas Winding Refn since The Neon Demon in 2016, is absolutely true. Or at least 99% of it. And I can tell you right off the bat, that is why I am right down the middle with my 2.5/5 rating - I agree with everything said, while at the same time I don't find myself able to argue either take.

On one hand, it's a bit of a slog. The running time of 109 minutes isn't too bad on paper, but for a film like this, it should be 80 minutes, WITH credits. There's no need to annoy your audience; the director should be intelligent enough to be aware of that and to be understanding of their audience. While I don't think that warrants the accusation of pretentiousness that has been levied here, I also understand it. But there is a story here, and it does involve an actress who is likely in the fashion world, so the look, setting and various elements all check out. And yet somehow, even by adding a serial killer called The Leatherman didn't exactly add the pop that "NWR" (as he refers himself) was hoping. A sluggish slog in many ways, especially when the mood - and this film is definitely one long MOOD and vibe - can be dour at times. And yet, it's not a painful watch.

On the other hand, the film looks absolutely incredible and its truly a joy to look at something, frankly, so beautiful, and beautifully done. What you see in that trailer is what you get from the first frame to the last. A lush, futuristic, hypnotic, neon-drenched, dystopian dream-state with a lovely and unexpected score from Pino Donaggio (Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Body Double) that ties everything together in a perfectly pleasant way. For some, it doesn't work, but I think it's just the general vibe this film needed, on a few levels.

Maybe in the right setting I would watch this again, but even visually, the images are SO strong and burned into my memory now there almost isn't even a reason to watch this again to regain that aspect. If you're into those liminal vibes, I definitely recommend this, as there's a LOT to see and take in here, and all done with real mastery. But for them and everyone else, just go in understanding patience is required. I think even Nicolas Winding Refn would agree, as it's exactly how he likes it.