**Nicolas Winding Refn** (born in Copenhagen, 1970) is a Danish director, screenwriter, and producer.

He gained international recognition with the **Pusher** trilogy (1996-2005), raw and realistic crime films that defined his early works. His distinctive style fully emerged with **Bronson** (2008) and especially with the acclaimed **Drive** (2011), which brought him to mainstream attention.

He is known for his highly stylized visual aesthetic, often characterized by neon lighting, dark cinematography, and an electronic and hypnotic soundtrack. His films, such as **Only God Forgives** (2013) and **The Neon Demon** (2016), explore themes of violence, revenge, and identity, often featuring taciturn and enigmatic protagonists. The narration is often minimal, prioritizing atmosphere and visceral impact.