The Substance has made a significant impact on the horror genre with its sharp, hyper-pastel portrayal of Hollywood’s darker side. This film delves into critical themes such as misogyny, aging, and the unrealistic beauty standards that plague society, all while presenting grotesque body horror in a way that captivates audiences. It stands out as a unique piece of cinema that has seamlessly integrated itself into pop culture and even gained recognition from the Academy Awards, which is a rare feat for horror films. Viewers are eager for more content in this vein, and director Coralie Fargeat offers additional works, while fellow French filmmakers like Julia Ducournau, known for Titane and Raw, continue to satisfy the appetite for female-driven body horror narratives.

For audiences seeking a blend of thematic depth and a slower pace within a vibrant, neon-lit Los Angeles backdrop, The Neon Demon delivers a richly layered experience. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, known for Drive, this film immerses viewers in a chilling exploration of the modeling industry intertwined with elements of the occult. Unlike The Substance, which chronicles the demise of a television personality amidst predatory industry men, Refn’s narrative follows a teenage girl who naively believes she is untouched by the industry’s darker forces, leading her down a perilous path.

Discover the Intriguing Plot of ‘The Neon Demon’

The Neon Demon features Elle Fanning as Jesse, a young and strikingly beautiful sixteen-year-old who escapes her small-town life in Georgia, equipped with a fake ID, to pursue her dreams of fame. Jesse feels a magnetic pull towards the world of modeling, convinced that her beauty is her greatest asset. In a poignant moment, she confides in Dean (Karl Glusman), an aspiring photographer and her new friend, revealing her childhood fantasies of stardom: “I can’t sing. I can’t dance. I can’t write. No real talent. But I’m pretty. And I can make money off pretty, so…” Refn’s use of stylized violence critiques Jesse’s role in dehumanizing herself and succumbing to narcissism while unflinchingly portraying the brutal realities of those who seek to exploit her beauty.

In Refn’s vision of Los Angeles, Jesse navigates a treacherous landscape filled with predators lurking at every turn. Genuine friendships are scarce; Jan (Christina Hendricks) seems more interested in exploiting Jesse’s youthful appearance than in her well-being. Fellow models, Gigi (Bella Heathcote) and Sarah (Abbey Lee), oscillate between superficial camaraderie and cold rejection, while only Dean and makeup artist Ruby (Jenna Malone) appear to show any real concern for her. However, their motivations are overshadowed by their obsession with her beauty and innocence. As Jesse ascends the modeling hierarchy, her newfound pay and confidence only expose her to more danger and exploitation. Despite Gigi’s insistence that her own cosmetic surgeries are rites of passage, Jesse finds herself thrust into the limelight almost immediately, as if anointed by the runway gods.

Refn takes a bold approach to exploring the harsh realities of beauty standards and vanity. The film is presented almost entirely through Jesse’s eyes, never allowing the audience to see her full body. As she auditions, viewers witness her delicate features transform into a focused persona, captivating casting agents and fashion designers who become increasingly voracious in their desire to possess her. In stark contrast, fellow models like Sarah, who embody the industry’s standards of beauty and experience, struggle to catch the same attention. During Jesse’s debut runway show, the stage morphs into a surreal, reflective pyramid, and as the audience’s excitement crescendos, Jesse plants a kiss on her own image, symbolizing her complicated relationship with her own beauty.

Nicolas Winding Refn Transforms Hollywood into a Dark Fairy Tale

In this narrative, male figures emerge as the most overt predators, from the fashion designers to the casting agents. The hotel manager Hank, played by Keanu Reeves in a chilling role, is implicated in trafficking and revels in using intimidation to exert control. However, Refn also delves into how women become complicit in this exploitative system. They mirror the predatory behavior of their male counterparts, driven by their own insecurities. Gigi’s attempts to weaponize the jealousy she feels towards Jesse, Sarah’s desperate struggle for relevance as new talent emerges, and even Ruby’s seemingly innocent demeanor demonstrate that danger lurks within the very relationships Jesse relies on for support.

The Neon Demon is an exquisite visual experience, merging styles reminiscent of Dario Argento and David Lynch, serving as both an existential reflection on the emptiness women confront and a modern retelling of the Narcissus myth. Through its blend of blood-soaked beauty and pervasive dread, Refn’s meticulous direction turns the glittering façade of Hollywood into something grotesque and unsettling. Accompanied by a haunting score and a cast that delivers raw, authentic performances, it becomes a parable that lingers in the mind, akin to the residue of cosmetic glitter on the skin.