“Beauty isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”

Ahhh, yes. Another movie from DRIVE director Nicolas Winding Refn. This time: a scarier horror pic with an unexpectedly disturbing twist set in none other than Los Angeles, where models’ dreams go to die (literally!).

NEON DEMON is about a naive and narcissistic young girl Jesse (Elle Fanning) who moves to LA to fulfill her modeling career dreams. Freshly 16 and new in the big city, she stays at a small Pasadena motel. Jesse quickly arises to the top catching eyes for her “look” even she can’t get enough of. It seems that everyone befriending her is secretly out to get her for one reason or another, making Jesse’s new experience more chilling than she first thought.

The film’s soundtrack is very “Drive”-esque with the score done entirely by Cliff Martinez (known for drumming for RHCP and composing for Pee Wee’s Playhouse, NBD).

Overall the movie didn’t leave much of an impression of the same old model stereotypes, but more so in its own imaginative and gory way that I won’t bother spoiling. Just know: The Neon Demon is creepy. It makes no sense at times. You will leave the theater in “WTF” mode. You will see  Jena Malone do some crazy shit. There is lots and lots of blood. Even Keanu Reeves makes a special appearance. And it’s all just so much fun!

If you’re in NYC, Nitehawk Cinema is screening THE NEON DEMON along with serving their themed sweet Neon Cocktail “Red Rum”: Smith and Cross Jamaican Rum, Flor de Cana extra seco 4 year rum, hibiscus, fresh lime, and Peychaud’s Bitters.