May 18, 2026 3:45pm PT

Shirtless Charles Melton, Brutal Murders and Daddy Issues: Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Her Private Hell’ Slays Cannes Crowd With 7-Minute Ovation

Zack Sharf

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Zack Sharf

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Nicolas Winding Refn returned to Cannes with “Her Private Hell” and continued his festival hot streak of dividing audiences. The provocateur’s latest feature is headlined by “Yellowjackets” and “Companion” star Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton, the “Riverdale” actor who redefined his career at Cannes when Todd Haynes’ “May December” premiered in 2023.

The late-night screening was preceded by a dose of pouring rain as Refn and his stars made their way into the Palais. As the credits rolled and the audience broke out into applause, lead Thatcher burst into tears as Refn paced back and forth, hyping up the crowd for the 7-minute ovation.