Nicolas Winding Refn, a name synonymous with boundary-pushing cinema, is back after an eight-year hiatus from feature films. Known for his visually striking and often polarizing work, Refn has hinted at what fans can expect from his upcoming project, “The Avenging Silence.” Set to be filmed in Japan, this film promises to be a heady mix of glitter, sex, and violence—elements that have become Refn's cinematic signature.
Refn, whose previous films include “Drive,” “Only God Forgives,” and the controversial “The Neon Demon,” has long been a master of blending style with substance. “The Avenging Silence,” his first feature film since 2016, marks a return to the big screen that many cinephiles have eagerly anticipated. The project was initially slated to begin shooting in September, according to a Production Weekly listing, but it appears that production has been delayed to next year.
While Refn has remained tight-lipped about the plot details, hints suggest that “The Avenging Silence” could revive themes and characters from his previous works. The original script, penned by James Bond writers Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, follows a former European spy tasked with taking down a Yakuza boss in Japan. Refn's decision to shoot the film in both English and Japanese further adds to the cultural and linguistic layers that fans can expect.
“The Avenging Silence” is not just another project for Refn—it's a film he's been passionate about for nearly a decade. For a director with a flair for the audacious, it's thrilling to think about how Refn will infuse his unique style into this story. Will it carry the same divisive energy as “The Neon Demon,” which famously caused walkouts and cheers at Cannes? Or will it resonate more universally, like his critically acclaimed “Drive”?
As Refn currently promotes his short film at the Venice Film Festival and the retro screening of his debut feature “Pusher,” anticipation for “The Avenging Silence” continues to build. For fans of Refn's work, this film promises to be a must-see—a return to the themes of violence, intrigue, and visually stunning storytelling that he does best.
