The Neon Demon

In the visually striking and unsettling world of Nicolas Winding Refn's 'The Neon Demon,' a darkly twisted tale of beauty, power, and the exploitation of innocence unfolds. The film revolves around Jesse, a 16-year-old aspiring model who arrives in Los Angeles, a city where youthful beauty is prized above all else. As Jesse navigates the treacherous landscape of the fashion industry, she is lured into a world where her vitality and beauty are coveted by a group of women who will stop at nothing to possess them. Jesse, portrayed by Elle Fanning in a performance that is both captivating and tragic, is initially portrayed as an awkward and naive figure. She is a small-town girl from Idaho, who has made the bold decision to leave her home and family behind in pursuit of stardom. As she begins to model, Jesse quickly gains attention for her striking looks and charisma, and she becomes the object of desire for several influential women in the industry. Sarah Hughes, a stunningly beautiful woman in her mid-twenties, takes Jesse under her wing and introduces her to the world of high-end fashion. Sarah, played by Abbey Lee, is an aspiring supermodel who has lost her own innocence in the cutthroat world of modeling. Through Sarah's guidance, Jesse is introduced to a world of luxury and excess, where the beauty-obsessed individuals surrounding her are willing to do anything to maintain their youth and beauty. As Jesse becomes more entrenched in this world, she is gradually drawn into a complex web of relationships and dependencies. She becomes embroiled in a toxic triangle with two influential women, Sarah and a fellow model, Ruby Wilde. Ruby, played by Jena Malone, is an older, more experienced model who has mastered the art of manipulating men and women to achieve her goals. Through Ruby, Jesse becomes aware of the darker side of the fashion industry, where women are pitted against each other in a struggle for survival. The film takes a sinister turn as the rivalry between Sarah and Ruby intensifies, with both women hell-bent on destroying each other in their pursuit of Jesse's beauty. Jesse, now caught in the midst of this cat-and-mouse game, finds herself losing her sense of self as she becomes increasingly objectified and commodified. As the story spirals out of control, Jesse becomes embroiled in a world of vampiric beauty, where the only way to stay young and beautiful is to consume and exploit others. The film's title, 'The Neon Demon,' is a reference to the seductive and otherworldly allure of this world, where everything is bathed in a surreal, neon glow. Through Jesse's tragic descent into this world, the film delivers a scathing critique of the fashion industry's exploitation of young women. Refn's script, cowritten with Brock Davies and Andrew Dominik, raises important questions about the commodification of beauty and the objectification of women. The film is not afraid to explore the darker aspects of the industry, where women are reduced to mere objects, with their beauty and bodies serving as currency in a twisted game of survival. As Jesse's story reaches its climax, she finds herself trapped in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy are increasingly blurred. The film's use of vivid colors, striking visuals, and a pulsating electronic soundtrack creates a dreamlike atmosphere that immerses the viewer in Jesse's surreal and terrifying world. In the end, 'The Neon Demon' is a harrowing and thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer to examine the darker side of the fashion industry. While it may not be an easy watch, the film is a necessary commentary on the exploitation of young women and the commodification of beauty. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and thought-provoking themes, 'The Neon Demon' is a cinematic experience that will haunt you long after the credits roll.