Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Steve C — 23 Jun 2016

Refn just has a way with movies.

Most movies serve as entertainment. Many serve as stories. Others serve as messages. And some serve as works of art. The ones that serve as art sometimes, but not always, receive negative reviews and feedback from critics and audiences alike. These are movies like Only God Forgives (2013) and The Tree of Life (2011). And The Neon Demon (2016) is, without a single doubt, a work of art.

I gave this the same score I gave Only God Forgives (2013), but really, this kicks that movie's ass. I was slightly worried that this was gonna be a knock off of Only God Forgives (2013). The trailers made it look like it could be. But this movie is something else. Something different from anything from Nicolas Winding Refn. Something different from any other movie I've ever seen. And something beautiful.

This review is purposefully short and vague because I think this movie is best experienced when you know nothing about it. This was a one-of-a-kind experience that you absolutely need to experience in theaters. Just don't take mom.