How to Dive into the Strange World of 'Copenhagen Cowboy' on Netflix
Introduction
If you've ever stumbled through the neon-lit, slow-burning universe of Nicolas Winding Refn, you know his work isn't for everyone. The Danish director's 2023 Netflix series, Copenhagen Cowboy, sits in a curious middle ground between his early crime thrillers (like the Pusher trilogy and Drive) and his more experimental, patience-testing projects (such as the 13-hour Too Old to Die Young). It's a strange, hypnotic crime series that leans into its own weirdness — and that's exactly the point. This guide will walk you through how to watch and appreciate it, from setting the right expectations to soaking in every frame.
What You Need
- Netflix subscription — the show is exclusive to the platform.
- Approximately 6 hours (6 episodes, each around 50–60 minutes) — plan your viewing accordingly.
- An open mind — expect unconventional storytelling, slow pacing, and abstract visuals.
- Good headphones or a quality sound system — the audio design is a key part of the experience.
- Subtitles on — the dialogue is a mix of Danish and occasional English, and the show's quiet moments demand clarity.
How to Watch Copenhagen Cowboy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Reset Your Expectations
This isn't a fast-paced crime thriller. Refn's style here is deliberately languid: shots linger, conversations are sparse, and the plot unfolds like a dream (or a nightmare). Approach the series as you would a piece of art-house cinema, not a binge-worthy mystery. Accept that you may feel confused or impatient — that's part of the design. The show rewards viewers who let go of traditional narrative expectations and instead absorb the mood.
Step 2: Create the Right Viewing Environment
Because Copenhagen Cowboy relies heavily on atmosphere, distractions will break the spell. Dim the lights, turn off your phone, and sit close enough to appreciate the cinematography. The show uses a lot of darkness and vivid colors (neon blues, reds, greens) — a bright room or small screen will wash them out. If possible, watch on a large OLED TV or high-contrast monitor. And definitely use those good headphones: the score by Julian Winding (Refn's son) is a pulsating, hypnotic soundtrack that deserves full attention.
Step 3: Embrace Ambiguity and Symbolism
The plot follows a mysterious woman named Miu, who possesses supernatural abilities and moves through Copenhagen's criminal underworld. But don't try to force a linear explanation. Characters appear and disappear, motives are often opaque, and the show freely mixes reality with fantasy. Instead of asking 'What does this mean?' ask 'How does this make me feel?' Pay attention to recurring motifs: mirrors, doors, animals (especially a pig), and blood. These visual clues build a subconscious language that rewards rewatch.
Step 4: Focus on the Visual and Audio Design
Refn is famous for his style, and Copenhagen Cowboy is no exception. Every shot is meticulously composed — often symmetrical, with characters centered in the frame. The camera moves slowly, sometimes circling characters to create a sense of unease. Listen for how the sound design dips and swells: silence is used as a weapon, and sudden loud noises (like a gunshot or a scream) become jarring. Make note of how the lighting changes to reflect Miu's emotional state or the threat level. This is a show you feel more than you follow.
Step 5: Watch at Your Own Pace — but Consider a Binge
Because the series is slow, some viewers prefer to stretch it out over a week to let each episode sink in. Others find that watching multiple episodes in one sitting helps maintain the hypnotic flow. Try both: start with Episodes 1–2 back-to-back (they set up the world and tone). If you're hooked, continue; if you need a break, stop after Episode 3, which has a natural cliffhanger. The final episode brings the story to a satisfying (though still cryptic) conclusion.
Step 6: Compare and Contrast with Refn's Other Work (Optional)
If you're familiar with Refn's filmography, you'll catch many callbacks and signatures: the cold, detached protagonist reminiscent of the Pusher films; the neon-drenched, synth-heavy aesthetic from Drive; and the slow, almost meditative pacing seen in Only God Forgives and Too Old to Die Young. But Copenhagen Cowboy also stands alone — you don't need to have seen any of his previous work to enjoy it. However, if you want to deepen your appreciation, watch the Pusher trilogy first to see how Refn evolved, then jump into this series.
Step 7: Reflect on the Themes
Underneath its strange surface, Copenhagen Cowboy explores themes of vengeance, power, and the cyclical nature of violence. Miu is both a victim and a predator, and her journey forces the audience to question who deserves punishment. The show also touches on class, immigration, and the failure of institutions? The Copenhagen underworld is a microcosm of society, where everyone is compromised. Consider these layers after each episode: what did Miu's actions reveal about the world she inhabits? How do the side characters (the thugs, the crime families, the corrupt cops) reflect real-world power structures?
Tips for Maximum Enjoyment
- Don't multitask. This is not a show you can watch while scrolling on your phone. Even a brief glance away can cause you to miss a crucial visual cue or a line of whispered dialogue.
- Use subtitles — even if you understand Danish. The show's sound design deliberately obscures some speech, and subtitles help catch every word.
- Watch with someone who appreciates slow cinema. Discussing the show afterwards can help you untangle its mysteries and share the joy of discovery.
- If you get bored, skip ahead — but don't skip entire episodes. Each episode is a self-contained chapter, and the pacing is intentional. If a scene feels too slow, pause and return later.
- Consider a rewatch. Like many Refn works, Copenhagen Cowboy reveals more on a second viewing. You'll notice foreshadowing and connections you missed the first time.
- Check out interviews or analyses online after you finish. Refn rarely explains his work, but fan theories and critical essays can enrich your understanding.
Ultimately, Copenhagen Cowboy is a series that rewards patience and openness. It's not for everyone — and that's the point. If you're willing to surrender to its strange, slow rhythm, you'll find a haunting and unforgettable experience lurking beneath the neon glow.