Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Alonso A — 29 Oct 2016

Nicolas Winding Refn's latest work maintains his unquestionable prowess for the aesthetic and the visually compelling, aspects that should be taken for granted considering this is a Refn film with Neon on the title.

The film's atmosphere is similar to that of Only God Forgives, in the way that both feel deeply ethereal and dreamlike, but the main difference here lies in that this time the controversial Danish director seems aware of his excesses.

In terms of composition, everything in this movie irradiates with artificiality. With glowing lightning, heavy make-up and an enthralling Cliff Martinez score as the protagonists, the setting feels truly impressionistic and adds to the overall ambiance of the minimal plot (some serious Suspiria vibes here). The acting and the characterization within the film also keep in line with the synthetic nature of it all, and give it a true sense of cohesion.

Like in all Refn films, characters are no more than carriers of concepts or ideas that work for the theme of the movie, but in that, Elle Fanning truly emanates the innocence and grace that is required for us to believe in this world of not-so-subtle satire.

What Refn tries to say with the film is pretty obvious, and really, nothing new, but what makes the film worthwhile is the way in which he says it. Specially in it's schlocky and over the top third act, in which the director pushes the narrative over itself and delivers one of the year's most memorable sequences.

Although far from a perfect film, mainly due to some pacing issues and character development, The Neon Demon shows a Winding Refn that has acknowledged his tropes, and fully embraces them with his tongue on his cheek.