The Neon Demon

The Neon Demon has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Darkroom, and in the UK on MUBI and MGM Plus Amazon Channel. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 3,964 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Elle Fanning's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Neon Demon is worth clearing space for. The plotting gives The Neon Demon its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. When aspiring model Jesse moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has. Elle Fanning and Karl Glusman lead a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. It hit screens in 2016. The Neon Demon is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, The Neon Demon delivers. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Elle Fanning anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.