Copenhagen Cowboy: Nicolas Winding Refn’s Neon-Drenched Dive into Dream Logic
For those who have followed Nicolas Winding Refn over the last three decades, the director has always been an acquired taste. Known for a relentless commitment to style, Refn’s filmography has shifted from the gritty, straightforward crime thrillers of the Pusher trilogy and Drive toward genre-bending projects that embrace a glacial pace. While his 13-hour Prime Video series Too Old to Die Young pushed his experimental tendencies to the limit, his 2023 Netflix series, Copenhagen Cowboy, occupies a satisfying middle ground between his conventional roots and his most avant-garde instincts.
The “Lucky Coin” of the Underworld
Returning to his native Denmark for the first time since the Pusher trilogy, Refn introduces us to Miu (played by Angela Bundalovic), an enigmatic loner who exists as a human “lucky coin.” Miu possesses vaguely defined psychic powers that bring fine fortune to those around her. however, this luck is fickle and those who get on her bad side find their fortunes reversing just as quickly.
Across six episodes, the series follows Miu as she drifts through the criminal underbelly of Copenhagen. Her journey is a surreal odyssey through various fringes of society, including:
- A brothel managed by Albanian gangsters.
- A Chinese restaurant serving as a front for organized crime.
- The orbit of a wealthy family with suspected vampiric origins.
Atmosphere Over Action: The Refn Aesthetic
While the premise of a supernatural drifter in a crime-ridden city might suggest a propulsive, action-heavy narrative similar to the John Wick franchise, Refn prioritizes atmosphere over momentum. Copenhagen Cowboy operates on “dream logic,” where traditional plot and character development take a backseat to sensory experience.
The series is a distillation of the languid pacing Refn has refined since Only God Forgives. Key stylistic hallmarks include:
- Hypnotic Pacing: Characters often speak cryptically at “0.25 speed,” forcing the viewer to dwell on every interaction.
- Cinematic Precision: Agonizingly slow 360-degree camera pans demand that the audience savor every detail of the environment.
- Neon-Noir Visuals: The show utilizes a sumptuous, neon-drenched aesthetic that creates a trance-like viewing experience.
- Sonic Texture: A synth-heavy score by Cliff Martinez anchors the series, evoking the feeling of a late-night nightclub.
The Evolution of a Cult Auteur
Miu represents a “female evolution” of Refn’s typical brooding protagonists. Much like Ryan Gosling’s character in Drive, Miu is a woman of few words, defined more by her effect on the world around her than by her own interior psychology. By leaning fully into his instincts, Refn has created a work that is almost “algorithm-proof” in the current streaming landscape—a series that demands patience, a tolerance for ambiguity, and a willingness to surrender to its trippy wavelength.
Looking Ahead: Her Private Hell
Refn continues to carve out his niche as a cult auteur, seemingly unconcerned with aligning his rhythms with contemporary mainstream expectations. His trajectory suggests further experimentation with his upcoming film, Her Private Hell. Set to premiere out of competition at Cannes, early reports indicate this project could be Refn’s first foray into the slasher genre, centering on a serial killer known as the “Leather Man” who prowls during the production of a Barbarella-like movie.
- Premise: A supernatural crime saga featuring Miu, a psychic “lucky coin” in Copenhagen’s underworld.
- Style: Heavy emphasis on “dream logic,” neon-noir aesthetics, and slow-motion pacing.
- Soundtrack: Features a synth-heavy score by Cliff Martinez.
- Context: Represents a bridge between Refn’s crime thrillers (Drive) and his experimental works (Too Old to Die Young).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Copenhagen Cowboy an action series?
No. While it is set in a criminal underworld, the series focuses on atmosphere and mood rather than propulsive action or traditional plot progression.
Who plays Miu in Copenhagen Cowboy?
Miu is portrayed by Angela Bundalovic.
Where can I watch Copenhagen Cowboy?
The series is a Netflix original.
How does it differ from Refn’s earlier work?
Unlike the more straightforward crime narratives of the Pusher trilogy, Copenhagen Cowboy utilizes supernatural elements and a much slower, more hypnotic pace, aligning more closely with the style of Only God Forgives.