Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Liamhonest — 01 Nov 2016

The Neon Demon has one good feature - the camera footage and the soundtrack. Who loves movies by director Nicolas Winding Refn, may not be disappointed, even though I was. But who seeks for a meaningful movie or a smart story or anything that you can identify with, this movie most likely will be disappointing. I decided to watch the neon demon, because the trailer, the colors and the soundtrack drew my attention. The Neon Demon, is different, but that’s not the part which makes the movie watchable.

After Movies like Drive by Winding Refn, I was expecting something at the same level, but the neon demon cannot live up to it.

The story is quite plain. Inexperienced underage girl wants to become model and leaves to the big city, facing the model business and is on the way to become successful. I don’t want to spoil the movie or go too deep into the story, but what killed my wish to enjoy this movie is the absolute non-existent story line, the overly long pointless scenes, where absolutely nothing happens…. and of course the “twist” in the last part of this movie.

The whole movie is almost a 2 hour long exploitation of Elle Fannings body, her face, her eyes and so on. In multiple scenes I told myself “Ok….. We already got it the other 20 scenes before… -That girl is so special…. But can please something happen?”. I am sorry for everyone who has not seen the movie yet, but nothing will happen… The “twist” is just feeling like a – “Where is this movie going?? – I don’t know – let’s do something gross and “shocking”, but it won’t lead to a conclusion or a point where you as a viewer might feel satisfied….

Open, disturbing and provoking scenes, do not make a good movie. For me it is just wanting to “shock” the audience – but sadly in the most plump and clumsy way.

All in all nothing convinced me that this movie is a must see. No outstanding performances, nothing.

All characters are like stereotypes and feel kind of wooden. The **** the beauty, the slut, the jealous, the criminal, the perfect boyfriend….

If you don’t want to waste your time and ask yourself what did I just watch? Make a bow around this movie. If you are that kind of viewer who wants to find a deeper meaning in a total pointless movie, then go for it and call it a piece of art.