The Neon Demon

Nicolas Winding Refn's first foray into the horror genre will obviously split audiences but will it satisfy even his most hardened fans?

 

Set amongst the bustling LA model industry, newcomer Jesse (Elle Fanning) makes waves quickly attracting top contracts and the socialite lifestyle all within her first deal. Making friends with make up artist Ruby (Jena Malone) and seasoned models Gigi (Bella Heathcote) and Sarah (Abbey Lee), her innocent naivity soon becomes the talk of the town and these girls will stop at nothing to get what she has.

 

For fans of Refn's previous work, especially ONLY GOD FORGIVES will adore the cinematography here. Neon rays eclipsed by stark catwalks, there's something hypnotic about watching the events of THE NEON DEMON unfold with a kaleidoscope of neon lights and beautiful framing. Add into this the electric soundtrack and you begin to see an evolution with Refn's work as he transpires from Hollywood staple (BRONSON) and stretching his artistic flair behind the camera with the Ryan Gosling duet of DRIVE and ONLY GOD FORGIVES. If anything, THE NEON DEMON shows the peak of his style and finally shows what he is capable of with full freedom and it's no secret that Refn has a passion for the horror genre quoting SUSPERIA as an inspiration.

 

But a film is much more than a 2 hour art show and behind the layers of gloss paint, Refn loses a concept for a story that favours artistic shots than any depth.

 

Fanning's rise feels unbelievably rushed, covering a few days and yet does not feel earned. The motions of building up to the films climax are focussed more on the relationship between Fanning and the mean girls than building up to any real horror and when the blood does pour, much of it is off camera or portrayed as if it were a photoshoot with a story yet untold.

 

No motive, no anticipation, THE NEON DEMON feels like it wants to be the king of the catwalk but forgets to layer it's models in the layers it needs to be enticing. It all seems somewhat pointless as there are moments in the movies undertones (Paedophilia, Necrophilia, Obsession) that are more shocking than the closing chapter and while the film is not without a (singular) quizy moment, there feels as though there should be a companion piece to explain why.

 

The film will not win over any new fans and will even push many to distaste. THE NEON DEMON is a video nasty for the arthouse generation and proves that the two are worlds apart, much like the naivity of its star and the model industry.
 

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Released: 8th July 2016

Running Time: 118 minutes

Age Rating: 18

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield

RATING



Plot: 2

Fear: 2

Gore: 4



R2/5​