Leonard Cohen: So Long, Marianne the Miniseries on DVD

Canadian poet and novelist Leonard Cohen embarks on a transformative journey to the Greek island of Hydra, where he hopes to revise his career. Surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the island, Cohen soon meets Marianne Ihlen, a remarkable Norwegian woman who becomes the love of his life. With her unwavering support, he finds the courage to merge his poetry with music, ultimately evolving into the iconic singer-songwriter the world celebrates today.

I began “So Long, Marianne” on Aylmer Street in Montreal and finished it a year or so later at the Chelsea Hotel in New York. I didn’t think I was saying goodbye but I guess I was. She gave me many songs, and she has given songs to others too. She is a muse. A lot of people I know think that there is nothing more important than making a song. Fortunately, this belief arises infrequently in their conversation. –Leonard Cohen

So Long, Marianne, an eight-part miniseries, gives the long-mythologized relationship between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen the prestige TV treatment, offering a deeper exploration of their on-again, off-again romance. While the series highlights the passionate bond between the Canadian poet-turned-musician and his Norwegian muse, it also examines the profound influence their relationship had on Cohen’s artistic growth, tracing his evolution from a struggling writer to a world-renowned musical icon.

On the positive side, the miniseries is set against beautifully immersive backdrops, enhancing the emotional depth of their story. The lush, visually captivating settings of Greece, Norway, and Canada serve as an ideal canvas for the intimate and reflective nature of Cohen’s journey. The series explores the complexities of their relationship, moving beyond surface-level romanticism to show the challenges they faced—making it more relatable and authentic to viewers.

The series So Long, Marianne captures this pivotal moment in Cohen’s life, offering a snapshot of the inspiration he found on Hydra as he travelled deep into his artistic soul. It paints an intimate portrait of the legendary love story between Leonard Cohen and Marianne, two young people navigating their personal and creative identities while falling deeply in love. Set against the backdrop of their search for meaning and belonging, the show examines the tender yet complex relationship that would forever shape Cohen’s life and career, culminating in his rise to global fame as one of the most beloved and influential musical artists of all time.

However, while the detailed focus on their personal connection enriches the storytelling, some might feel the series places too much emphasis on their relationship at the expense of exploring Cohen’s broader creative struggles and achievements. Additionally, with much of the story already widely known through popular culture, viewers who are well-versed in Cohen’s life may find certain aspects familiar or predictable.

Set in the 1960s and spanning the picturesque landscapes of Greece, Norway, and Canada, So Long, Marianne is an intimate exploration of two lonely souls who find love during a transformative period of their lives. As they grapple with their identities and search for their place in the world, one of them—Leonard Cohen—is on the cusp of becoming one of the most renowned musicians of all time.

Ultimately, So Long, Marianne succeeds in shedding new light on a key part of Cohen’s life, but it may appeal most to those drawn to both the romance and the artistry behind his iconic legacy.

The series features Alex Wolff (A Quiet Place: Day One, Hereditary, The Naked Brothers Band) as Leonard Cohen and rising star Thea Sofie Loch Næss (The Last Kingdom, Delete Me, A Storm for Christmas) as Marianne Ihlen. The cast is rounded out by Peter Stormare (Fargo, The Big Lebowski), Anna Torv (The Newsreader, The Last of Us, Mindhunter), and Noah Taylor (Preacher, Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones). Notable Canadian talent includes Macha Grenon, portraying Leonard’s mother, along with Éric Bruneau, Kim Lévesque Lizotte, and Robin L’Houmeau. Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson contributes music to the series, adding a special touch to this heartfelt portrayal of love and self-discovery.

Buy So Long, Marianne.