Is it like The Neon Demon?

I just saw it and I thought the same thing. Completely different film but some similarities, Firstly some of the external city shots of Los Angeles.

Here are others though

Both set in LA
Both have Jena Malone, who you could say almost plays the same role in both! ;)
Both have a female main character.
Amy Adams character works in a gallery with 'models' in this, Neon Demon is about modelling.

The setting with Amy Adams in the present is very reminiscent of Neon Demon but with a script and actual acting. It's similarly super stylised and frigid.

Loved The Neon Demon, but the bits in this that are most similar to that sort of style were also my least favourite aspects of the film. Strangely enough, Ford seems far more comfortable with his handling of the 'story within story' aspects.

In all honesty, I don't really see any parallels between the two films other than maybe the fact that both are partly set in business worlds (fashion and art respectively) and as a result of that, there is quite an affluent backdrop to them both (lavish houses and settings).

Aside from that, the films were shot in completely different ways and had entirely different moods in my opinion. Both were had atmosphere, sure. But whilst Neon Demon's atmosphere came from its music and setpieces (and lighting), Nocturnal Animals felt more like a modern day noir.

Not just Jena Malone, both has Karl Glusman as well.