The Neon Demon (2016) Review in 2025
The Neon Demon is a dark and twisted coming-of-age story about a young girl who becomes embroiled in the world of modeling and must navigate the dangers of the industry.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
The Neon Demon is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film, but it's not for everyone. If you enjoy dark drama and thrillers, you may find it engaging. However, if you're easily disturbed or prefer more lighthearted fare, you may want to avoid it.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Jesse, a 16-year-old girl who runs away from home and becomes a model in Los Angeles. She quickly becomes embroiled in a world of manipulation and exploitation, and must use her wits to survive.
Review Details
story7.50/10
The story is dark and twisted, exploring themes of exploitation and manipulation in the modeling industry. While it's engaging, it's not particularly original or well-paced.
acting8.50/10
The acting is generally strong, with Elle Fanning delivering a particularly impressive performance. However, some supporting actors feel underwhelming.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Elle Fanning delivering a standout performance as Jesse. However, some characters feel underutilized or one-dimensional.
direction7.00/10
Nicolas Winding Refn's direction is atmospheric and visually stunning, but sometimes feels overly indulgent or self-conscious.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the dark and neon-lit world of Los Angeles. It's a true highlight of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Neon Demon is a visually stunning film with a strong central performance from Elle Fanning. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the themes of exploitation and manipulation are timely and thought-provoking.
Cons
The pacing is sometimes slow, and the characters feel underutilized or one-dimensional at times. The direction can feel overly indulgent or self-conscious.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a model, I'm a monster."
"You're not a person, you're a product."
