When aspiring model Jesse (Elle Fanning) moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.
Although classified as a "horror thriller", this categorization might throw potential viewers off. The horror elements are relatively few and far between, and the thrills are rather subtle. This is not to say the film is in any way a bad picture, simply that it defies conventional categories.
The plot is nothing spectacularly new. In the last few years, we have seen films about the dangers of beauty and fame with Debbie Rochon's "Model Hunger" (which has some coincidental parallels) and "Starry Eyes". But "Neon Demon" is very much about a certain look and atmosphere and not so much about any deep, well-crafted plot or character development.
At almost two hours, the film is paced in a more casual way, and this easily fits into what we call the "slow burn". Those seeking action and excitement will be bored, so please enter with the proper mindset. Instead of action, we are sumptuously provided with a feast of color, neon that can only be compared to "Death Spa" or perhaps "Inherent Vice". This rarity of color is even more striking given that the director claims to be color blind.
The overall tone is weird, or as some have termed it "alien". You can never put your finger on it, but something is off, which (for me) makes it all the more appealing. Today the term "Lynchian" is criminally abused and overused, but it may be apt here: I kept thinking this was a perfect companion for "Mulholland Drive", though I would be hard-pressed to actually explain why.
The music is electronic, occasionally atonal. This is a growing trend that I hope continues to grow. Artists like Diasterpiece ("It Follows") have picked up the mantle left behind by John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream and others. In this case, the music is even more jarring than ever before and really takes on a life of its own.
Elle Fanning is incredible, and she is quickly overshadowing her sister. Perhaps it is not fair to compare the two, but it seems inevitable. Keanu Reeves is very reserved, which is quite refreshing. His name may suggest an "over the top" approach, but that is far from the case here. And special mention must be made of Jena Malone, who is perhaps one of the top actresses in the business today (though her scenes seem to keep getting cut from films). Malone delivers what is likely to be the most disturbing love scene of her career, but given her propensity for strange films, you never know.
Broad Green Pictures is releasing the film on blu-ray on September 27. It is a must-see and probably only gains in power upon repeat viewings. The disc includes an audio commentary with Fanning and the director.
