The Neon Demon

The Neon Demon

Year: 2016

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

DramaThrillerHorror

Sixteen-year-old Jesse arrives in Los Angeles seeking stardom in the modeling world. As she gains recognition for her youthful beauty, she unwittingly enters a dangerous and competitive environment. Surrounded by rivals and predators, Jesse’s innocence is tested as she navigates the dark side of the fashion industry and fights to protect her identity and burgeoning career.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Neon Demon (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Neon Demon (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie captures a contemporary setting within the fashion world, highlighting the current obsessions and intricacies of the modeling industry. It reflects societal values and the extreme lengths to which individuals go for beauty and fame in today's culture.

Location

Pasadena, Los Angeles

Pasadena is a city known for its cultural events and architectural landmarks. Featuring a blend of modern and historical influences, it serves as a backdrop for Jesse's journey into the modeling world, illustrating the superficial allure of beauty. The shabby motel where Jesse stays symbolizes the precariousness of her new life.

🌆 City 🏨 Motel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Main Characters – The Neon Demon (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Neon Demon (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jesse

Jesse, portrayed by Elle Fanning, is a naive yet ambitious young model whose beauty captivates the fashion world. As she rises, her innocence clashes with the brutal realities of the industry, leading to her tragic demise. Jesse's character embodies the vulnerability and darkness that lurk behind societal perceptions of beauty.

🌟 Protagonist 👩‍🎤 Model

Ruby

Ruby, played by Jena Malone, is a makeup artist who initially seems supportive yet gradually reveals a more sinister and possessive side. Her obsession with Jesse highlights the dangers of female friendship within a competitive environment. Ruby's complexities make her a central figure in Jesse's eventual downfall.

💄 Makeup Artist 🤝 Friend

Hank

Hank, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is the unpleasant motel manager representing the darker aspects of the modeling world. His crude behavior and demands highlight the predatory nature of the environment in which Jesse finds herself. Hank’s character underscores the horrors of exploitation in an industry obsessed with youth and beauty.

🏨 Manager 👹 Antagonist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Major Themes – The Neon Demon (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Neon Demon (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👗 Beauty

The pursuit of beauty is central to the narrative, exploring how it can lead to one's downfall. Jesse's journey illustrates the dark side of the modeling industry, where superficiality and envy intertwine, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences. This theme is amplified by the other models’ jealousy and their brutal treatment of Jesse.

🧟‍♀️ Feminine Rivalry

The movie delves into the intense rivalry among women in the fashion industry, showcasing jealousy and obsession. As Jesse ascends to fame, the ominous transformations of Ruby, Gigi, and Sarah into vampiric figures symbolize the predatory nature of beauty standards. Their brutal actions highlight the dangers of competition amongst women.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Unlock the Full Story of The Neon Demon

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Neon Demon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Neon Demon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Neon Demon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Neon Demon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Neon Demon Summary

The Neon Demon Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Neon Demon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Neon Demon Timeline

More About The Neon Demon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Neon Demon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Neon Demon

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