Netflix has officially unveiled the trailer for its upcoming documentary, Becoming Leonard Cohen, a deeply personal exploration of one of the most influential singer-songwriters and poets of the 20th century. With a voice as haunting as his lyrics and a legacy etched in quiet rebellion, Leonard Cohen’s life and career are finally getting the cinematic spotlight they deserve.
Set to premiere globally later this year, the documentary promises to trace Cohen’s journey from his early years as a poet and novelist in Montreal to his rise as a musical icon who reshaped the landscape of folk, rock, and spiritual songwriting. The trailer gives audiences a glimpse into rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that capture the soul of a complex, enigmatic artist.
The title, Becoming Leonard Cohen, is more than just a name—it’s a narrative structure. The film aims to unpack how Cohen continuously reinvented himself over the decades. From the melancholic poetry of “Suzanne” to the spiritual depth of “Hallelujah”, Cohen’s art reflected his constant internal evolution, driven by love, loss, faith, and existential inquiry.
Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Lisa Brookstein, the documentary was created in collaboration with Cohen’s estate and includes contributions from those closest to him—family members, longtime collaborators, and fellow musicians influenced by his work. Names such as Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, and Patti Smith appear in the trailer offering insight into Cohen’s towering presence in the music world.
Cohen’s dual identity as both a poet and a performer is at the core of the film’s approach. Before his musical fame, he published acclaimed books like Let Us Compare Mythologies and Beautiful Losers, showcasing a literary voice that was introspective and razor-sharp. Becoming Leonard Cohen treats his written work not just as a background, but as an essential thread of his artistic identity.
The trailer is laced with Cohen’s unmistakable baritone narration, pulled from interviews over the years. “Poetry is just the evidence of life,” he says in one clip. “If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” It’s the kind of quote only Cohen could deliver with both gravity and humility, underscoring why his words have stayed relevant across generations.
Another highlight of the documentary is its examination of Cohen’s spiritual journey. From his deep Jewish roots to his years spent in a Zen monastery, the film doesn’t shy away from the contradictions and contemplations that shaped his worldview. The trailer teases unseen footage from his monastic years, capturing a side of Cohen rarely discussed publicly.
One striking moment in the trailer features Cohen rehearsing for his famed 2008 comeback tour. After years away from the spotlight, he returned to the stage with grace and fire, enchanting audiences worldwide. The documentary pays special attention to this period, portraying it not as a farewell, but a renaissance of a voice that refused to fade.
Visually, the documentary embraces a muted, poetic tone—black-and-white segments blend with grainy 1970s concert clips, handwritten lyrics scroll across the screen, and cityscapes of Montreal, Hydra (Greece), and Los Angeles form the backdrop to his story. The aesthetic choices reflect Cohen’s own minimalistic yet profound style.
Fans and critics alike are already buzzing with anticipation. “It looks like the Leonard Cohen film we’ve always wanted,” one viewer commented after the trailer dropped. Music forums are lighting up with discussions of what deep cuts and personal stories might be included, especially regarding Cohen’s complicated love life and quiet activism.
Netflix has confirmed that Becoming Leonard Cohen will be released on October 18, 2025, timed to coincide with what would have been Cohen’s 91st birthday. The release date adds an emotional weight to the premiere, positioning the documentary as a tribute as much as a biography.
In a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism, Becoming Leonard Cohen appears to be a reverent, artful meditation on a man who never chased fame, yet found it by remaining true to his voice. As the trailer fades out with Cohen singing the final verse of “Famous Blue Raincoat,” viewers are left with a feeling not of finality, but of continued resonance—proof that true poets never really disappear; they just echo forever.
