Helter Skelter

‘The most fascinating thing about stardom is it’s a kind of deformity,’ remarks professional prosecutor and amateur philosopher Makoto (Nao Omori), when his investigation into illegal plastic surgery leads him to catwalk icon Lilico (real-life Japanese model Erika Sawajiri). Through Makoto’s eyes we tumble into Lilico’s hysterical and oversexed world, where the captivating lure of beauty and success is expressed through opulent set design and cameras that circle the heroine at intoxicating speed. Sawajiri is satisfyingly OTT as the insecure dominatrix mourning her inevitable decline, but the obvious point that good looks can conceal a withered core is made long before the finish line.