Nicolas Winding Refn, the Danish auteur known for his distinctive style, has crafted a series that epitomizes his experimental approach with Copenhagen Cowboy, a Netflix original that stands as one of the platform's strangest and most overlooked creations. Released in 2023, this six-episode surreal crime saga marks Refn's return to Denmark, blending elements of the paranormal with the country's criminal underbelly.
At the heart of Copenhagen Cowboy is Miu (Angela Bundalovic), an enigmatic loner endowed with vaguely defined psychic powers that bring good fortune to those around her, yet swiftly turn to misfortune for those who cross her. Unlike typical protagonists, Miu's character is defined more by her impact on the world than by any deep interior psychology, speaking minimally throughout the series. Refn describes her as a "female evolution" of his usual brooding, male protagonists, seen in works like Drive. The series meanders through Miu's encounters with various factions of Copenhagen's underworld, including:
- An Albanian gangster-run brothel
- A Chinese restaurant front for organized crime
- A wealthy family with potential vampiric origins
Each setting is a backdrop for Refn's exploration of atmosphere over action.
About the Director's Style
Nicolas Winding Refn's body of work, from the Pusher trilogy to the more experimental Too Old to Die Young, has always been a mix of style and substance, often leaning heavily on the former. Copenhagen Cowboy is no exception, operating on what can only be described as "dream logic." Characters engage in cryptic, slow-paced conversations, accompanied by agonizingly slow 360-degree camera pans that demand the viewer's full attention to detail. The series is also underscored by a synth-heavy score from Cliff Martinez, which complements its neon-drenched, neo-noir aesthetic perfectly.
"Copenhagen Cowboy is a female evolution of my usual brooding, male protagonists."
Nicolas Winding Refn, Director
This approach is not for everyone; the series requires patience, a tolerance for ambiguity, and a willingness to surrender to its unique wavelength. However, for fans of Refn's more self-indulgent works, Copenhagen Cowboy is a treasure trove of the director's refined style, post-Drive. It signifies Refn's comfort in carving out a niche as a cult auteur, unconcerned with aligning his rhythms with contemporary expectations.
The Viewing Experience
The experience of watching Copenhagen Cowboy can be likened to being in a trance, where every detail, from the meticulous color design to the near-silent performances, contributes to a hypnotic viewing experience. The series demands engagement on its own terms, rewarding viewers who immerse themselves in its slow-burning, surreal world. Despite its paranormal elements, the focus remains firmly on atmosphere and style, making it a peculiar yet captivating watch.
Miu's backstory and the origins of her powers are left largely unexplored, reflecting Refn's disinterest in traditional plot progression or character development. Questions about her humanity or the vague similarities to Agnes Varda are left hanging, not as a narrative flaw, but as a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the present, surreal moment.
What This Means for Viewers
Copenhagen Cowboy is not just a series; it's an experience tailored for those who appreciate Refn's unique brand of storytelling. It's a testament to Netflix's willingness to support avant-garde content, even if it doesn't fit the typical algorithmic mold. For viewers able to meet the series on its own terms, Copenhagen Cowboy offers a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic, viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Early glimpses into Refn's future projects, such as Her Private Hell, a potential slasher film set to premiere at Cannes, suggest a continued exploration of his distinctive style. For fans of Copenhagen Cowboy, this is promising news, indicating that Refn will continue to push boundaries in his work.
Conclusion and Looking Forward
In the vast landscape of Netflix originals, Copenhagen Cowboy stands out as a bold, stylistic gamble that pays off for those willing to embrace its surreal, dream-like quality. As Refn ventures into new projects, fans of Copenhagen Cowboy can anticipate more of the same unapologetic, genre-bending storytelling that has come to define the director's career.
For now, Copenhagen Cowboy remains a hidden gem, awaiting discovery by viewers seeking something beyond the conventional crime series. With its blend of the paranormal, striking visuals, and hypnotic atmosphere, it's a series that will either captivate or confuse, leaving no middle ground—a true hallmark of Nicolas Winding Refn's work.