Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strange modeling industry drama has shocking violence, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Neon Demon
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is visually striking and thought-provoking, with superb cinematography and music, but it is marred by disturbing content and disjointed storytelling, making it not suitable for younger audiences. Despite some viewers enjoying its artistic merits, many found the graphic violence, nudity, and odd plot twists overwhelming or perplexing.
- striking visuals
- graphic violence
- unsuitable for kids
- odd storytelling
- disturbing content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE NEON DEMON, in the modeling world of Los Angeles, small-town, fresh-faced Jesse (Elle Fanning) is a rising star. Surrounded by chiseled women who've undergone surgery to make their bodies and faces more "perfect," Jesse has a natural quality that draws photographers and fashion designers to her. A young shutterbug (Karl Glusman) tries to date her, and makeup artist Ruby (Jena Malone) tries to befriend her, but there are always strings attached. Two of Ruby's model friends (Bella Heathcote and Abbey Lee) are wary of Jesse, mindful that they could begin losing jobs to her. Finally, when the manager (Keanu Reeves) of Jesse's hotel gets out of hand, Jesse calls on Ruby. But everything leads up to an incident of unexpected violence.
Is It Any Good?
This exquisite nonsense from director Nicolas Winding Refn, best known for the excellent Drive, has very little substance -- it's not exactly art -- but it does have plenty of style and tension. Drawing inspiration from David Lynch, David Cronenberg, Brian De Palma, and others, The Neon Demon is a variety of surfaces and reflections, characters looking and being looked at. It purports to explore the nature of beauty while itself trying to be beautiful. But it really doesn't dig much deeper than that.
The movie is filled with crazy, breathtaking moments -- such as a mountain lion suddenly appearing in Jesse's room, a blood-soaked photo session, a lights-out photo session, and a strobe-lit performance at a party. It all leads up to a shocking, giddily disgusting conclusion that doesn't exactly complete the thesis but is at least memorable. The cinematography is always dreamily vivid, and an electronic score by Cliff Martinez frequently sends the images floating off into ecstasy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Neon Demon's graphic violence. What purpose does it serve? Is it thrilling or horrifying? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How are sex and nudity treated in the movie? Is it meant to be titillating, or does it have a different effect? Why? How much sexual content in media is appropriate for kids?
What do you think the movie is trying to say about beauty? Is it something to strive for at any cost? Why or why not?
Does the movie have a positive representation of female body image or a negative one? Why?
What's the allure of the modeling industry? Does this movie make being a model more appealing or less appealing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 24, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : September 27, 2016
- Cast : Elle Fanning , Jena Malone , Keanu Reeves
- Director : Nicolas Winding Refn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Pansexual Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Broad Green Pictures , Amazon Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing violent content, bloody images, graphic nudity, a scene of aberrant sexuality, and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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