Nicolas Winding Refn has always been a filmmaker who divides audiences. His hyper-stylized, methodical approach to neo-noir storytelling isn't for everyone, but one thing is certain: his work is never boring. After dipping into television with the divisive Too Old To Die Young on Prime Video, Refn returned to his Danish roots with Copenhagen Cowboy, a six-part Netflix series that has quietly become one of the platform's most underrated hidden gems.
Set in the criminal underworld of Denmark, Copenhagen Cowboy follows Miu (Angela Bundalovic), a young psychic who can alter people's luck. But her gift makes her a target. Shady powerbrokers, including the menacing Rosella (Dragana Milutinović) and her husband Sven (Per Thiim Thim), want to exploit her abilities for their own dark purposes. The series walks a fine line between gritty crime drama and supernatural fairy tale, creating a world where ancient rituals and modern money laundering coexist.
A Fresh Take on the Revenge Genre
What sets Copenhagen Cowboy apart from other revenge stories is its unapologetic embrace of the supernatural. Miu isn't just a victim—she's a force of nature. The show uses her psychic powers to explore how society preys on young women, turning the tables by giving Miu agency over her own fate. It's a dynamic, often unsettling commentary wrapped in neon-drenched visuals and hypnotic pacing.
Refn assembled a cast of mostly unknowns, and the gamble pays off. Andreas Lykke Jørgensen delivers a standout performance as Nicklas, a privileged young man who shares Miu's powers but has become selfish and narcissistic. Meanwhile, Croatian legend Zlatko Burić (recently seen in Wonder Man) brings a deliciously eccentric energy to the shady lawyer Miroslav, a character who seems to exist in his own bizarre orbit. Burić's performance hints that Refn is in on the joke, winking at the show's own self-seriousness.
Auteur Television at Its Finest
In an era where many shows are designed for passive viewing, Copenhagen Cowboy demands your full attention. Every frame is meticulously composed, with Refn's signature use of color and light turning even the ugliest moments into something strangely beautiful. The score by Cliff Martinez—who previously collaborated with Refn on Drive and Only God Forgives—adds another layer of hypnotic atmosphere.
The series is a testament to what streaming platforms can offer: niche, artist-driven projects that don't try to appeal to everyone. For those new to Refn's work, Copenhagen Cowboy serves as a perfect gateway into his filmography, which includes polarizing but brilliant films like Only God Forgives. Refn has spoken openly about the challenges of funding his projects, but Copenhagen Cowboy suggests that television might be his true calling.
If you're looking for something that feels completely unlike anything else on Netflix, Copenhagen Cowboy is a must-watch. It's a show that creates its own language and refuses to compromise—a rare and precious thing in today's content landscape.
