Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Jon P — 31 May 2017
The Neon Demon is part psychosexual chiller, part scathing critique on the fashion industry. But the beauty of Nicolas Winding Refn's skilful film is more than just skin deep.
This multi-layered thriller beautifully captures buzzing loneliness, brazen desperation and everything in between. Viewers are dragged eyeballs-first through a familiar rise-to-fame plot distorted by an unfamiliar standpoint and unpredictable games played with unexpected genre conventions on the sidelines.
The film's obvious visual imagery and loud-and-proud commentary on the nature of narcissism are both interesting and artistic, but it's The Neon Demon's secondary, implied meanings and near-misses with grislier genres that really catch our attention. Vampirism, witchcraft, corruption, rape and revenge are all touched upon, then left hanging to keep us on our toes; seldom certain where things are heading next.
The film is a rollercoaster, and it's one hell of a ride.
This review of The Neon Demon (2016) was written by Jon P on 31 May 2017.
The Neon Demon has generally received mixed reviews.
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