Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Freddie K — 07 Aug 2016

"Beauty isn't everything. It's the only thing.".

I was lucky enough to attend a preview screening of this film at Curzon Soho, London, and I had the great opportunity to thank Nicolas Winding Refn for such a mesmeric experience.

Admittingly, it's no Drive, but The Neon Demon is Refn's second best film I have seen from him (Out of Bronson, Drive, Only God Forgives and this'n). The story follows a young model Jesse (Elle Fanning), who through a strict and quietly narcissistic mindset delves her way further into the fashion industry. What she discovers is foul.

So, the good? The Neon Demon is by far the most intriguing film i've seen this year. A manuscript of beauty, the film skips tired Fashion cliches on the hierarchy of fashion, bulimia etc... And whilst important, we get a fresh and delectable perspective on fashion that is a character piece (similar to Drive). Gorgeous cinematography piled together with a stellar soundtrack adds a rich and glittering atmosphere that Jesse thrives in humbly. The film may 'trigger' many beyond the realms of misogyny as the camera lathers the female body like magic, but personally, it was necessary to display the lust for youth and optimistic soul inside of everyone. The movie is surprisingly comical, making festive pokes at passive aggressive nature. Elle Fanning can act superbly, as does Keanu Reeves playing the douchebaggiest character in the entire movie called Hank, a sleazy and assailant slime-ball who lurches grime at anyone.

The bad? There are a lot of tones going on at once here. Comments on the industry, the character, the women who drive their ego's for power and the self-awareness of snobbishness. It can get very stuffy, very fast. Nicolas Winding Refn can create some white-knuckling sequences, but like Only God Forgives, he enjoys lingering images on important pictures that have no real significance to it's final sentiment on the destruction of opinionated elegance in controversial subjects, whilst making a ironic satire on the disgusting effect of those who speak the very words.

The Neon Demon is a visual treat, dazzlingly the eyes there are rarely any moments of sensual boredom to be seen, Refn makes modelling seem like a horrific NASCAR crash of colour and light that is somewhat erotic. However, more of an artful and commentating picture than a thrilling mystery with some gratuitous speckles, who else but Refn?

B+.

77/100.