‘Her Private Hell’: Nicolas Winding Refn’s New Thriller With Sophie Thatcher & Charles Melton

Kylie Byers July 21, 2026, 2:27 pm

Nicolas Winding Refn is back with another mind-bending movie full of familial complications, nightmarish realities, and survival.

Having already premiered at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival and earning a seven-minute standing ovation, Her Private Hell has everyone intrigued. Scroll down for everything you need to know about the upcoming film’s release and plot.

**When does Her Private Hell premiere?**

Her Private Hell will be premiere in select theaters on July 24, 2026. It is not set for streaming at this time.

**Who’s starring in Her Private Hell?**

Sophie Thatcher stars as Elle, Havana Rose Liu as Dominique, Charles Melton as Private K, Kristine Froseth as Hunter, Parker Sawyers as Terry, Dougray Scott as Johnny Thunders, Diego Calva as Nico, Mark Goose as Haskell.

**Who’s behind Her Private Hell?**

Refn is the director, cowriter, and producer. Alongside Refn, Esti Giordani penned the film. Executive producers are Takuma Takasaki, Lene Børglum, Christina Erritzøe, and Kimberly Willming.

**What is Her Private Hell about?**

Refn’s latest sci-fi horror tale drenched in neon follows the intertwining missions of a young actress named Elle (Sophie Thatcher), as she searches for her father (Dougray Scott) in a futuristic mist-filled metropolis, and an American GI named Private K (Charles Melton) as he attempts to track down his kidnapped daughter through the Yakuza underworld.

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While Elle is navigating a harrowing love triangle in Hollywood, her father suddenly abandons her as the city is engulfed in a mysterious fog. Left alone, Elle must decide whether to go after him while the urban legend known as The Leatherman comes to life within the mist.

Meanwhile, Private K is going to any lengths necessary to find his daughter, who was kidnapped by the notorious killer, The Leatherman. Prepare to be transported into a dreamlike and euphoric trance as you travel with Elle and Private K through a surreal hellscape.