Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Mrneon16 — 19 Oct 2016

In regards to films, 2016 has had its ups and downs. Art, of course, is subjective. One person's garbage is another person's gem.

The Neon Demon is one of the most unique and visually stunning movies I have ever seen. A drama/thriller/horror movie that is full of surprises. This is one of my GEMS for 2016.

I am a fan of the director Nicolas Winding Refn from his other movies I am familiar with, Drive and Only God Forgives. Also two films that were candy for the eyes.

The plot is both simple and, honestly, a bit thin. A young 16-year-old (Jesse) comes to Los Angels to find a career in modeling. She finds a career and so much more that she or anyone could ever expect..

The actual story and the actors in it service their parts well. Keanu Reeves and Abbey Lee are more than effective as the, for lack of a better word, villains in the story. Elle Fanning and Jena Malone are standouts as Jesse and Ruby, respectively..The actual story and the actors in it service their parts well.

The cinematography is some of the best I have ever seen. Natasha Braier fills the screen with rich, stylish, colorful and disturbing images that left me entranced.

The soundtrack by Cliff Martinez is GREAT.

The Neon Demon, honestly, is out there. The imagery carries the weight that the plot and characters have trouble carrying. That being said, there more than a few scenes/images that I was pleasantly surprised by and also shocked by. .

Odd, strange and bit disturbing. But The Neon Demon is well worth a view.