Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Brett B — 30 Aug 2016

For most viewers, THE NEON DEMON will be a very acquired taste. Though not totally without a narrative, those looking for a dynamite, propulsive plot will have to look elsewhere. This is a mood piece, a film with the chief goal of luxuriating in its imagery and tone.

On that basic level, director Nicolas Winding Refn has crafted an indulgent and impressive work. Cinematically, this is a gorgeously-composed movie (although it's really not much more than that), with precise framing and often-dazzling use of color.

Refn appears to be channeling many influences (the great Dario Argento among them), but he synthesizes these influences into his own unique blend. Thematically, there's not a whole lot new being brought to that table here, nor does the "small town girl hits the big city" storyline offer us much we haven't seen before (plot-wise); the execution of this stuff was clearly the main interest for Refn.

Elle Fanning is quite good in the lead role, though it's actually a bit of a thankless part; even so, she projects an innocence and naivety that is endearing, and she's one of the few characters in the movie to behave like an actual human being.

The most interesting performance in the movie might belong to Jena Malone, who navigates some deeply uncomfortable territory in an extremely convincing way. Despite evidence to the contrary, THE NEON DEMON isn't really a horror movie, nor is it that much of a thriller.

.. at least until the climax, which does finally get into proper genre territory in agreeably grisly fashion, and is tinged with a very dark, absurdist sense of humor. Many people will be frustrated with this movie, and with its digressions and tangents that don't really pay-off, but as a purely visual, sensory experience (Cliff Martinez's electronic score is highly effective), it's worth a look for the more adventurous viewer.