The Neon Demon

The Neon Demon, released in 2016, is a genre-blurring horror-thriller from Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. With its centerpiece being Elle Fanning in a powerfully understated role, the movie also stars Christina Hendricks and Keanu Reeves, amongst others, in supporting roles. This cinematic piece boasts an intriguing mix of beauty and horror, unique in its execution and thought-provoking in its premise.

The plot dives into the cutthroat world of fashion, focusing on sixteen-year-old Jesse (Elle Fanning). Jesse's journey from a small-town girl to a novice model aspiring for a high-flying career in Los Angeles forms the backbone of the narrative. Her innocent allure and exquisite beauty make her a favourite amongst photographers and designers, sparking rivalry, envy, and much darker emotions amongst her peers.

Throughout the film, The Neon Demon showcases a biting and intense critique of the fashion industry. It portrays the objectification and commodification of beauty and youth, interweaving a narrative deeply sown with the threads of jealousy, narcissism, and the destructive pursuit of perfection.

Christina Hendricks's character Roberta Hoffman, a casting agent, presents an unfiltered mirror to the brutal fashion industry's reality with her cold and calculating demeanor. Keanu Reeves, in an unusual role far from his action-hero persona, excels as the sinister landlord of the motel where Jesse resides.

With his signature style, Refn orchestrates a symphony of visuals delving into the dichotomous territories of beauty and revulsion. The Neon Demon punctuates its narrative journey with dreamlike sequences, surreal imagery, and moments that underpin the darkness shrouding the glamour world. The dazzling blend of colors, lights, and shadows work in sync with the film's narrative, transforming Los Angeles into a Neon Demon itself, encapsulating and reflecting the superficial glamor and the hidden darkness of the fashion world.

One of the defining elements of The Neon Demon is its striking cinematography, drenched in a neon-soaked palette, paired with the director's penchant for long, silent scenes and reflective moments. The careful framing and composition of each shot add a layer of subtext to the story, making the film a visual spectacle.

Furthermore, the film's uniquely haunting soundscape heightens its eeriness, playing a crucial role in setting the overall ambiance. Cliff Martinez's electronic score permeates the narrative with an unsettling tension that carries throughout the film, adding another layer of suspense to the unfolding drama.

Elle Fanning's masterful performance as the lead drives the film forward. Her portrayal of Jesse as a naive, innocent dreamer thrust into a world of predatory ambition is compelling and disturbing in equal measure. As the story unfolds, Fanning’s character navigates the maze of glamour and greed, showcasing a transformation that reflects the industry's impact on young, impressionable minds.

The supporting performances are equally commendable, with each character playing a key role in developing the plot and deepening the narrative complexities. Jena Malone's portrayal of Ruby, a makeup artist with a nefarious agenda, is particular noteworthy, adding multidimensionality and darkness to the plot.

A deeply symbolic film, The Neon Demon is teeming with metaphors that explore the correlations between beauty, youth, and commodity in the fashion industry. Through a fascinating narrative twist, the film presents its critique of the fashion industry, unravelling themes of obsession, narcissism and the sinister lengths one can go to preserve beauty.

The Neon Demon is definitely not a film for the faint-hearted. Underneath its gorgeous aesthetics and model's glamour, it delves into some dark and gruesome territory, which can be discomforting and disturbing. However, it's a noteworthy exploration of contemporary society's beauty obsession that packs a powerful visual and narrative punch.

In conclusion, The Neon Demon is an intensely haunting experience that uses the medium of film to its utmost potential. From the impressive performances, particularly Fanning's, to the stunning visuals, nerve-racking soundscape and compelling themes, the film presents a cinematic spectacle that is hard to forget. However, its strengths lie not just in its sensory stimulation but also in its philosophical musings on beauty, youth, and how contemporary society commoditises both.