The Neon Demon (2016) – Review

One of the few genres I don’t watch much of is horror. I simply don’t enjoy being frightened voluntarily. Jump scares aren’t my thing and the only horror movies I’m willing to watch are horror comedy (Zombieland, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, The Final Girls) or a classic like The Shining. When I received an invitation to watch The Neon Demon my first reaction was: “forget it”.

That changed though when I saw who directed the film: Nicholas Winding Refn, who put himself on the map with Drive, which he followed up with Only God Forgives. The latter one didn’t receive glowing reviews, but I thought it was fantastic. His work is always visually stunning and is a director whose work you’ll recognise. Still, this was a horror movie, so I decided to watch a bit of the trailer.

Without completely finishing it there was one feeling it created with me: Black Swan. A girl who has to prove herself, a shot featuring a mirror, a lesbian moment and a dark undertone. And as Black Swan is my favorite film I ended up deciding to go and see it.

The Neon Demon is about Jesse (Elle Fanning), who has come to Los Angeles in the hope to have a career in modelling. She’s all alone and her parents have passed away. During her first shoot she meets makeup artist Ruby (Jena Malone), who introduces her to two other models, Sarah (Abbey Lee) and Gigi (Bella Heathcote). The modelling world turns out to be a cutthroat business where models are fiercely competing, but Jesse turns out to have something special. Something which immediately makes her a favorite amongst designers and photographers, which frustrates other models immensely.

 The Neon Demon revolves around the dream to make it, to have success and the dangers that brings once you obtain it. How others try to get some of your success and slowly are seen as prey by your competition. This happens in various settings throughout the film. Jesse stays in a motel which is run by a shady manager (Keanu Reeves), who isn´t only unfriendly but also possibly dangerous. The same is the case for the other models who have a hard time dealing with this new kid on the block.

Refn is known for his imagery and here he shows again that he knows how to frame his shots and give something a unique look. Unfortunately the story, which he wrote, can´t reach the same level. What starts out as a thriller slowly turns into a nightmare with bizarre scenes and dark humour. Their only goal seems to be to shock (for example with necrophilia). It is quickly clear which message Refn wants to get across to the viewer, but it could have been more subtle. Although the imagery will haunt you for a couple of days after you’ve seen it, it unfortunately doesn’t leave a lasting impression.