So Long, Marianne – Season 1 (2024)
The series chronicles the legendary, tumultuous love affair between Canadian poet and singer Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse, Marianne Ihlen. Set in the bohemian community on the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s, it explores their passionate connection, artistic pursuits, and the eventual sacrifices required as Leonard’s career ascended, changing their lives forever.
Length: 6h16m
Genre: Drama, Biography, Music
This Title is: A biographical exploration of finding love, self, and artistic voice
Cast
Alex Wolff, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Jonas Strand Gravli, Anna Torv, Noah Taylor
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: 14+ – Sexual content, drug use, and mature themes of depression and infidelity
FAQ
- Is So Long, Marianne – Season 1 (2024) Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is a biographical drama based on the real-life romance between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen, who inspired several of his famous songs.
- Where was So Long, Marianne – Season 1 (2024) filmed?: The Greek island of Hydra, Oslo, Norway, and Montreal, Canada.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Patrick Watson contributed music, alongside the essential songs of Leonard Cohen used throughout the series.
Filmmaker Profile
Director Øystein Karlsen, known for acclaimed Norwegian series like Exit, co-wrote and directed this production. His approach was character-driven, creating an authentic 1960s bohemian atmosphere and allowing the actors to fully embody the profound emotional complexity of these iconic figures.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production is an artistic triumph, offering stunning cinematography that captures the ethereal beauty of Hydra and the gritty streets of Montreal. It avoids romantic clichés, offering a tender yet clear-eyed view of how profound love intersects with the demands of genius, making it a powerful meditation on the nature of creation and sacrifice. The direction is tight and focused, supporting truly remarkable lead performances.
Main Character Deep Dive
Alex Wolff’s portrayal of Leonard Cohen is exceptional, capturing the poet’s melancholic depth and intense, restless energy before he became a singing icon. We witness his emotional struggle with depression and the pressure of finding his authentic voice. Marianne, played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss, emerges as a fully realized seeker who provides inspiration while navigating her own painful journey of self-discovery beyond being a mere muse.
Unforgettable Quote
“I’m standing on a ledge, and your fine spider web is fastening my ankle to a stone.”
Trivia
- The production received the Cohen family’s blessing and consulted with them throughout its development process.
- Much of the series was filmed on location in Hydra, Greece, where Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen actually lived in the 1960s.
- Actor Alex Wolff, a musician himself, spent a year researching Cohen and learned to mimic his handwriting and Canadian accent for the role.
Trailer
Stream So Long, Marianne – Season 1 (2024) on:
Our Review
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I found myself completely captivated by this exploration of the 1960s bohemian scene and the origins of a musical legend. From the first moments, I was transported to the sun-drenched shores of Hydra, where the cinematography is simply breathtaking. The performances by the central pair are nothing short of masterful; Alex Wolff truly embodies the complexity and struggle of Leonard Cohen’s younger years, making his transition from poet to singer feel earned and emotionally resonant. Thea Sofie Loch Næss gives Marianne a luminous, internal life, ensuring she is always much more than an inspirational figure. I appreciated the script’s sensitive and mature handling of their complex relationship, depicting both the creative ecstasy and the harsh realities of artistic sacrifice. This series achieves a rare feat: it feels intimate, expansive, and deeply personal all at once. The use of Cohen’s actual music weaves through the story perfectly, creating a beautiful and unforgettable viewing experience that is filled with grace and authentic emotion.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you cherish intimate, character-driven dramas and want to understand the beautiful, messy, and sacrificing journey behind the creation of Leonard Cohen’s earliest, most beloved songs.
