The Commonwealth Games are not coming to regional Victoria. One year on from its announcement and just three years out from the event, the 2026 games are going to have to find a new host after Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced his government had pulled the plug on hosting the global sporting event. In a press conference on Tuesday, July 18, Andrews announced the decision had been made after the reported cost to host the games had nearly tripled since it was first budgeted for back in 2022. "What's become clear is that the cost of hosting these games in 2026 is not the $2.6 billion that has been budgeted and allocated," said Andrews. "It is, in fact, at least $6 billion and could be as high as $7 billion. "[This] is well and truly too much for a 12-day sporting event. I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to fund an event that is three times the cost as estimated and budgeted for last year." The plan for the 2026 games was to share the event between four regional hubs – Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland – each with their own athletes' village and sports program. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] While the games were set to deliver billions in regional upgrades and tourism, the state government has instead announced a $2 billion+ regional fund. This will invest in sporting facilities, tourism, community sport and social and affordable housing across the state's regional areas. Included in the package is a commitment to deliver the facilities promised to these regional hubs as part of the 2026 games. As well, 13,000 new homes that will be built across regional Victoria. Andrews promised that the Victorian Government had "looked at every option", including moving the games to Melbourne. However, all alternatives far exceeded the original $2.6 billion budget. The premier said talks with Commonwealth Games authorities had been amicable and productive, but no plan for where the games would now be hosted was announced. Neither the Commonwealth Games nor Commonwealth Games Australia have made an announcement yet. Australia only recently held the games, back in 2018 on the Gold Coast and still has a massive sporting event on the horizon, with the 2032 Olympic Games already locked in for Brisbane. Bit of a long one this morning. You might have heard the news this morning that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. And I wanted to tell you about the decision. — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) July 17, 2023 The Commonwealth Games will no longer take place across Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland in 2026. Head to Victorian Premier Dan Andrews' Twitter for a full run-down of why the government has pulled the plug.
What kind of venue in Brisbane has jugs of Passion Pop at the ready (don’t pretend like the adolescent in you doesn’t still love that sweet sweet spumante), Mortal Kombat and Space Invaders arcade machines and amazing bands and DJs playing all night long? None! … Until now. Cobra Kai is a brand new club night in a brand new venue that is determined to stand out above the rest. That polka-dotted building that sits over the Monastery’s grave on Ann Street is Oh Hello!, Cobra Kai’s home, and as well as the aforementioned spumante goodness there’s sangria jugs, Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider on tap and Cobra Kai’s very own Pale Ale, so all tastebuds are catered for. Live music comes in the form of Magic Spells (in their first live show), Keep On Dancin's and Oh Ye Denver Birds (with promises of a Hollaback Girl cover!), and if someone's bagsed the MK machine once the bands finish then you can always play Xbox on the big screen behind the bar. Cobra Kai's got it all and more – find out the goods for yourself this Thursday and every Thursday from here on in.
A character drama about a West Texas woman who wins the lottery, but six years later has nothing to show for it except pain, alcoholism and burned bridges, To Leslie is all about English talent Andrea Riseborough's remarkable performance — famously so thanks to her Best Actress Oscar nomination for an indie film widely underseen until that nod of approval. Nothing can take away the power of the Mandy, Possessor and Amsterdam star's stunning portrayal. A spectacular performance is a spectacular performance regardless of what surrounds it. So, Riseborough's work in the debut feature from seasoned TV director Michael Morris (Better Call Saul, 13 Reasons Why, Brothers & Sisters) remains a gut-punch no matter the controversy around the campaign by high-profile names to help get her the Academy's recognition, with Kate Winslet, Edward Norton and Jennifer Aniston among those advocating for accolades. To Leslie remains Riseborough's movie despite comedian and actor Mark Maron uttering the words that sum it up best, too. In his latest compassionate performance — with a less-gruff edge than he sports in GLOW — he plays Sweeney, the co-proprietor of a roadside motel in Leslie's hometown. That's where she ends up again after the money runs out, plus her luck and everyone she knows' patience with it. As scripted by Ryan Binaco (3022), Sweeney is another of To Leslie's flawed characters. The movie teems with such folks because everyone of us is flawed, and it sees that truth with the clearest of eyes. In a sincere but awkward chat, Sweeney explains how his now ex-wife's drinking helped end his marriage; however, he catches himself afterwards, making a point to say that just because his story turned out like that, that doesn't mean Leslie's will as well, or that he thinks it that'll occur. One person's tale can be everyone's — cinema, and storytelling in general, thrives on the fact that the deeply specific can be profoundly universal — but no one's experiences ever play out exactly as another's have. That's an essential message at the heart of To Leslie, and it's one that asks for understanding but not judgement. While watching the film's very fictional namesake on-screen, it's easy to spy parallels, to relate, and to feel what it is to be in Leslie, Sweeney or the feature's other figures' shoes. Movies are empathy machines, after all. That said, battling assumptions about what the course that Leslie's story has to follow, and what that says about her and other people who've struggled with addiction and poverty, is as important to Morris and Binaco's picture as Risebourgh's awards-worthy performance. There's such weight and soul to the actor's titular portrayal in this tale of redemption — when Leslie is at her best, worst, hovering in-between and splashing between the two extremes alike. In early footage that's repeated later, Riseborough is giddily ecstatic holding a giant cheque for $190,000 and hollering in a local news interview about what an impact it'll make (and promising to spoil her young son). She cuts a still-wiry, still-determined sight, but now fraught rather than euphoric, in the hard jump to after the cash has been drunk away, which is when she's being kicked out of her The Florida Project-style digs for not paying her bill. There's a visible difference between the two Leslies, as her grown-up boy James (Teague, The Stand) notes without saying when she reunites with him next — but much of Riseborough's efforts are about what's churning inside Leslie moment by moment, whether inebriated, desperate for whatever she can sip or stone-cold sober. When she turns up carting a pink suitcase containing all of her worldly belongings, James has one rule for Leslie's attempts to reconnect: no booze. Part of the heartbreak of To Leslie, and of Riseborough's performance, is foreseeing what might happen while witnessing how Leslie endeavours to battle against it. Similarly, part of the film's joys and surprises spring when addiction doesn't win out. With James, though, Leslie can't keep her promise. When she's sent home to Dutch (Stephen Root, Barry) and Nancy (Allison Janney, Breaking News in Yuba County), pals she was once as close as family with, she's met with the spite and bitterness of former friends rather than a son's disappointment and hurt. The bulk of the small town's residents similarly have long memories, largely treating her as a joke. And Sweeney's colleague Royal (Andre Royo, Truth Be Told) is hesitant when the former sees her sleeping outside their motel, initially runs her off, but then generously offers her both a place to stay and a cleaning job. Country music echoes within the film, heard and spoken about, in a telling choice for a movie about second, third, fourth and fifth chances (and more). Notes of Wild Rose, another feature about a woman piecing her life back together, filter in with that in mind; the two pictures have plenty of dissimilarities, too, but share exceptional leads. Indeed, simply watching Riseborough sit at a bar nursing a drink and listening to a twang-filled tune makes for an astonishing scene, with Morris shrewdly holding the moment, and cinematographer Larkin Seiple (Everything Everywhere All At Once) lighting a lengthy closeup like it's extraordinary and ordinary all at once. In what might be her biggest acting feat in a deservedly well-regarded career, Riseborough knows how to be Leslie, not play her — in this scene and from start to finish. This isn't a performance courting attention, but one committed to conveying what's swishing and swirling within a tumultuous character whose strengths and missteps are both always in view. To Leslie's least impressive trait is its fondness for neat and conventional beats, although Riseborough ensures that even the most predictable plot developments never feel like a standard pour (as does Morris' ability to recognise what he has with Riseborough as the narrative's anchor). Stories can turn out like this, traversing the highs as well as the lows, and To Leslie certainly isn't afraid of getting messy through its protagonist and her lifetime's worth of tussles before it starts letting hope loiter. It definitely isn't scared of showing what's worth striving for, either, be it the tenderness of Leslie and Sweeney's blossoming bond, the yearning of a mother who wants to finally be able to do right by her son, or a path to a future that's safe and sustainable. Riseborough is striving, of course, but her every move and expression — alone, and when paired with the also-excellent Teague, Maron and Janney — couldn't be more raw, complex and lived in.
When Christmas rolls around each year, Brisbane gets a little bit brighter. As soon as Halloween passes, houses around the city start setting up their external decorations, giving the suburbs a glow; however, one of the most-dazzling spots in town is Roma Street Parkland. The reason: The Enchanted Garden, which has been popping up annually for festive runs for a few years now, and has locked in its return for 2024. Get ready to get lit: this luminous show lets you see one of the city's favourite green spaces in a completely new light, and is switching on its seasonal brightness for a month leading up to the jolliest day of all again — complete with food trucks and a bar so that you can make a night of it. This year's dates for your diary: Friday, November 22–Saturday, December 21, 2024. TheEnchanted Garden fills 22,000 square metres of Roma Street Parkland with lights flickering in, around and over the top of its lush greenery. As every home renovation-focused TV show has told us time and time again, a splash of colour can make a world of difference — and at this event, it can turn an already picturesque location into a glorious festive wonderland. This year, the setup will feature lasers, LED tubes, fairy lights, festive soundscapes, UV lighting and projections, all designed to immerse attendees. As you wander along the 30–40-minute walk, you'll get merry and celebrate nature at the same time. Unsurprisingly, it's a family-friendly affair — and, as there has been since 2021, there is a fee. You'll pay $9 to head along and stare up at all that dazzling brightness. Once you're in, you can soak up the luminousness for as long as you like. Attendees shouldn't go expecting the kind of setup that features on every street corner in Brissie's suburbs, though. Lights will twinkle and decorations will sparkle; however, this isn't a DIY display at all. That said, a word of warning: people love all things glittery, so prepare to a heap company. Also, tickets usually get snapped up quickly, with this year's going on sale at 9am on Friday, November 8. Sessions run from 6.30pm, letting folks in every 15 minutes until 9.15pm — and, if you're organised enough, you can always pack a picnic, arrive early and enjoy dinner beforehand. Food trucks will also be onsite at the Celebration Lawn from 5–9.30pm daily, as will a licensed bar, if you don't get around to taking care of your own nosh.
Disney didn't need to add a new take on Peter Pan to its 2023 slate to tell audiences what we already know: the huge entertainment company doesn't want anyone to grow up. For further evidence, see its long list of live-action remakes of its animated hits, aka the films that filled our childhoods — a trend that will also see The Little Mermaid swim back into cinemas this year. Come May, the Mouse House's latest actor-led remake (see also: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, Pinocchio) will get Halle Bailey (Grown-ish) slipping into Ariel's scales and tail, and take a dip into the story of a mermaid pining for a different life. And, after dropping two sneak peeks before — one in 2022, one earlier in 2023 — the upcoming flick has finally unveiled its full trailer. Given that viewers already know and adore the original 1989 movie — there's a reason that The Little Mermaid-themed events such as screenings with live orchestral scores and cocktail experiences at aquariums keep proving popular — then we are all well aware how this tale goes. Ariel dreams of being human, and is willing to make a deal with a sea witch to see her wishes come true. That involves a trade, though: giving up her voice to get legs in return, which'll allow her to live above the water. Accordingly, as well as Bailey as Ariel, this new version of The Little Mermaid features Jonah Hauer-King (The Flatshare) as Eric, the human prince that Ariel falls for; Javier Bardem (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile) as King Triton, Ariel's protective and unimpressed father; and Melissa McCarthy (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Ursula, said sea witch. Also among the cast, on voice duties: Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) as Sebastian the crab, Jacob Tremblay (Doctor Sleep) as Flounder and Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as Scuttle. Based on all three trailers so far, this take on The Little Mermaid from filmmaker Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine, Into the Woods and Mary Poppins Returns) — and not Sofia Coppola — promises vivid underwater realms, glowing light shining down from above, mermaid dances, bright coral, friendly fish and floating jellyfish. Also included: the flick's star singing 'Part of Your World'. As for the tunes, they come courtesy of Alan Menken — returning from the original movie, as do all those old songs — and recent Australia visitor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out the full trailer for The Little Mermaid below: The Little Mermaid will release in cinemas Down Under on May 25. Images: Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The first time that filmmaker Justin Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant tackled a recent dark chapter in Australia's history, in 2011's Snowtown, they both earned AACTA awards for their efforts — and their film picked up six gongs in total. Ten years later, they've bettered the feat with Nitram, which explores the lead up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Both Kurzel and Grant again collected trophies, while the feature nabbed eight awards all up. One of those prizes: the AACTA for Best Film, beating out The Dry, The Furnace, High Ground, Penguin Bloom and Rams. Nitram also swept all four acting prizes in the film fields, with its four key cast members — Cannes Film Festival Best Actor-winner Caleb Landry Jones, plus Aussies Judy Davis, Anthony LaPaglia and Essie Davis — emerging victorious. That's the big story from the 2021 AACTA Awards, which announced its nominees back at the beginning of November, then handed out its trophies on Wednesday, December 8. Nitram scooping the pool isn't surprising, given that it's powerful, haunting and the best Aussie movie of the year — and that AACTA has a history of going all on features it loves. Last year's Best Film recipient, Babyteeth, won seven awards, while The Nightingale picked up six the year before, Sweet Country did the same the year before that and Lion nabbed 12 in 2017. (Thanks to the likes of Hacksaw Ridge, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dressmaker, The Great Gatsby and The Sapphires before that, the trend goes on.) The Academy's gongs also span television — so, if you've watched The Newsreader or Fisk this year, then you've seen 2021's Best Drama and Best Narrative Comedy Series. Across both the big and small screens, other winners include Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) for Best Indie Film, My Name Is Gulpilil for Best Documentary, and Fires for Best Telefeature or Miniseries. Here's a rundown of the major nominations — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2021 FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM The Dry The Furnace High Ground Nitram — WINNER Penguin Bloom Rams BEST INDIE FILM Disclosure Ellie and Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt) — WINNER Lone Wolf Moon Rock for Monday My First Summer Under My Skin BEST DIRECTION Rob Connolly, The Dry Roderick MacKay, The Furnace Stephen Maxwell Johnson, High Ground Justin Kurzel, Nitram — WINNER Glendyn Ivin, Penguin Bloom BEST LEAD ACTOR Simon Baker, High Ground Eric Bana, The Dry Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram — WINNER Ahmed Malek, The Furnace Jacob Junior Nayinggul, High Ground BEST LEAD ACTRESS Rose Byrne, Peter Rabbit 2 Judy Davis, Nitram — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, June Again Genevieve O'Reilly, The Dry Naomi Watts, Penguin Bloom BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Michael Caton, Rams Baykali Ganambarr, The Furnace Anthony LaPaglia, Nitram — WINNER Sean Mununggurr, High Ground Jack Thompson, High Ground BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Essie Davis, Nitram — WINNER Claudia Karvan, June Again Esmerelda Marimowa, High Ground Miranda Tapsell, The Dry Jacki Weaver, Penguin Bloom BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Monica Zanetti, Ellie and Abbie (& Abbie's Dead Aunt) Roderick McKay, The Furnace Chris Anastassiades, High Ground JJ Winlove, June Again Shaun Grant, Nitram — WINNER BEST SCREENPLAY Rob Connolly and Harry Cripps, The Dry — WINNER Shaun Grant and Harry Cripps, Penguin Bloom Will Gluck and Patrick Burleigh, Peter Rabbit 2 Jules Duncan, Rams BEST DOCUMENTARY Girls Can't Surf I'm Wanita My Name Is Gulpilil — WINNER Playing with Sharks Strong Female Lead When the Camera Stopped Rolling TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Clickbait Jack Irish Mr Inbetween The Newsreader — WINNER Total Control Wakefield Wentworth BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINISERIES A Sunburnt Christmas The End Fires — WINNER New Gold Mountain The Unusual Suspects BEST NARRATIVE COMEDY SERIES Aftertaste Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Fisk — WINNER Frayed Preppers Rosehaven BEST COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM Dom and Adrian 2020 Hard Quiz — WINNER The Moth Effect Spicks and Specks The Weekly BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Rudi Dharmaligam, Wakefield Guy Pearce, Jack Irish Sam Reid, The Newsreader Richard Roxburgh, Fires Scott Ryan, Mr Inbetween — WINNER BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Deborah Mailman, Total Control Mandy McElhinney, Wakefield Miranda Otto, Fires Pamela Rabe, Wentworth Anna Torv, The Newsreader — WINNER BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Mark Samual Bonanno, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Kitty Flanagan, Fisk — WINNER Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun Sarah Kendall, Frayed Nakkiah Lui, Preppers Luke McGregor, Rosehaven Celia Pacquola, Rosehaven BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Harry Greenwood, Wakefield William McInnes, The Newsreader — WINNER Matt Nable, Mr Inbetween Stephen Peacocke, The Newsreader Justin Rosniak, Mr Inbetween BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Michelle Lim Davidson, The Newsreader Marg Downey, The Newsreader Harriet Dyer, Wakefield Rachel Griffiths, Total Control — WINNER Noni Hazlehurst, The End
If throwing axes and hurling hatchets is your idea of a great time — near the beach, too, and with drinks afterwards — then Maniax has the new venue for you. The chain has launched its eighth venue, and its second in Queensland since setting up shop in Brisbane in 2018, on level one of the Paradise Centre in Surfers Paradise. And yes, the bar comes with ocean views. The Gold Coast venue follows the same setup as Maniax's other locations, including the aforementioned Brisbane joint, two sites in Sydney, two in Melbourne, and one apiece in Adelaide and Perth. No matter which spot you're heading to, patrons get flinging in special axe-throwing lanes, with the Surfers Paradise venue featuring 11 single lanes and four double lanes. And no one lifts a hatchet without being shown the ropes — and taught all the necessary safety essentials, crucially — by one of Maniax's axe-perts first. From there, folks can choose between a range of blade-hurtling activities — think solo or small group sessions, axe-throwing events for larger parties, and also date-night options (because the couple that hurls hatchets together stays together, clearly). And, if this seems like your kind of sport, there's even a competitive league. As for how it all works, it's comparable to darts. Basically, you chuck axes at a board and try to hit a bullseye. Don't even know the first thing about picking up a hatchet? Again, that's completely to be expected, which is why those lessons are included in every session, as well as in the league competition. And, the axe-throwing experts are also on hand to help even when you think you've mastered the basics. The Viking-themed Gold Coast spot is also home to Maniax's new bar concept, Ragnar and Sons, where you can sip Viking cocktails and craft beers. The beer menu skews local, with brews on offer from Burleigh Brewing, Black Hops, Precinct Brewing and Lost Palms Brewing. And if all that blade-chucking works up an appetite, Maniax isn't doing food in-house at Surfers; instead, it's partnering with local businesses on dining packages, which customers can pre-purchase.
Imagine flying through the air on a plane fuelled by mustard seeds. It might sound somewhat futuristic, but it's Qantas' real-life plan for its Los Angeles to Melbourne Dreamliner route and it's set to happen as early as next year. It'll mark the world's first biofuel flight between the USA and Australia, with the aircraft powered by an oil derived from an industrial kind of mustard seed, called Brassica Carinata. Qantas has also teamed up with the seed's developers — Canada-based Agrisoma Biosciences — and will work with local farmers to have Australia's first commercial aviation biofuel seed crop grown by the year 2020. If the Australian program follows in the footsteps of large-scale overseas operations, it could see up to an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions. The plan is to soon be growing 400,000 hectares of carinata locally, which would equate to over 200 million litres of the bio jet fuel each year. Not only would use of this kind of fuel see a hefty reduction in carbon emissions, current field trials in Queensland and South Australia have shown the crushed seed is a viable non-genetically modified food for livestock. It's not the first time Qantas has dabbled in biofuel — back in 2012, the airline conducted trial flights between Sydney and Adelaide, and Melbourne and Hobart, using fuel derived from cooking oil.
As far as boozy beverages go, nothing beats the espresso martini. It gives you a buzz, it's a crowd-pleaser and most venues have one on their menu. In fact, they're so beloved, Brisbane is getting a whole new festival dedicated to them. A separate event from Melbourne and Sydney's own fests, the Espresso Martini Festival will take over Fish Lane between 6pm and 10pm on Tuesday, August 15. In a stroke of savvy planning, that's the night before the Ekka public holiday, meaning that you can get your caffeinated cocktail fix without worrying about the alarm going off the next morning. Of course, there's no prizes for guessing what's on offer — but don't just expect the usual 'tinis combos of coffee and alcohol. With the team from Brooklyn Standard on drinks duty, they'll be whipping up at least five different varieties. Tequila, whisky and vodka will feature, plus some other spirited surprises. If that sounds like enough to make you bounce off of South Brisbane's walls, then that's the point; however crispy chicken ribs, pork belly bao, grilled pork meatballs and chicken coconut salad slaw from Fish Lane Vietnamese eatery Hello Please will help bring you back to street level. Tickets cost $35, and include a free espresso martini and a selection of food on entry — and a lack of sleep that night, obviously. Image: Steven Woodburn.
Whether they riff on fairy bread or come packed with pretzels, plenty of Gelato Messina's popular desserts turn other foods into a frosty sweet treat. For the chain's next endeavour, it's taking that process a step further. This time, it's transforming a heap of its gelato flavours into a variety of different chocolates. Nine different types of blocks, bars and other bites are on the menu thanks to Messina's latest special — which means that they'll only be available to order on a set day, as always happens with the brand's limited-edition wares. And, they're being sold pick 'n' mix-style. So, you can choose as many as you like, with discount codes on offer if you're nabbing three, six or nine. Some of these chocolates will sound familiar, as Messina first broke out a few of them for Father's Day. Back then, it was the first time that Messina had ever made chocolate bars and blocks itself, with the team at its Rosebery headquarters doing the honours. Clearly, it went well. Loved Messina's recent cone-ception cookie pies? That's where one of these choccies takes its cues, combining sable biscuit, waffle cone spread and cone crunch, then covering it all in caramelised white chocolate. There's neapolitan chocolate blocks, too — and yes, they're made with milk chocolate, white chocolate that features Heilala vanilla, and strawberry chocolate infused with freeze dried strawberries. Or, you can opt for fairy bread white chocolate blocks that come mixed with dehydrated toast crumbs and sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, clusters of potato chips and salted peanuts coated in white chocolate, candied pistachios covered in strawberry chocolate, and Messina's own version of chocolate honeycomb. Plus, the range also includes roasted hazelnuts coated in milk chocolate and wafer flakes, pretzel crunch covered in milk chocolate and choc-covered house-made nougat as well. However many of these choccies you now need to add to your snack rotation, you'll want to place your order at 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13. They'll then be shipped within five working days. Gelato Messina's pick 'n' mix chocolate range will be available to order from 9am AEDT on Wednesday, October 13.
Sometimes, Zac Efron earns headlines because he's spending the pandemic in Australia. Sometimes, it's thanks to whichever film he has in cinemas. And, sometimes it's because he's been in the gym preparing for a movie, as has Jeremy Allen White. That flick getting the Gold and The Bear stars bulked up and bringing them together? The Iron Claw. In this wrestling drama, the Von Erich family is rumbling onto the big screen, with help from not just Efron and White but also Harris Dickinson (Scrapper), Maura Tierney (Your Honor), Holt McCallany (Mindhunter) and Lily James (What's Love Got to Do with It?). The IRL brood get the biopic treatment in this 80s-set effort from Martha Marcy May Marlene and The Nest director Sean Durkin — and if you're wondering why, then you've clearly never heard of the "Von Erich curse". As the just-dropped trailer for the A24 film shows, the Von Erich brothers are all keen wrestlers under the guidance of patriarch Fritz (McCallany), who is pushing his inseparable offspring to be the best. The line between encouraging and domineering is thin, however, in a tale that piles on more than its fair share of tragedies along with championships. "Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed," says Kevin (Efron) in the first sneak peek at The Iron Claw, which is named after a wrestling move associated with Fritz and the family. "Mom tried to protect us with god, pop tried to protect us with wrestling," he continues. "He said if we were the toughest, the strongest, nothing would ever hurt us. I believed him. We all did." What happens from there will hit picture palaces in the US on Friday, December 22, and then on Thursday, January 18 Down Under. From the first footage from the film — which comes set to Blue Öyster Cult's '(Don't Fear) the Reaper', cowbell and all — viewers can expect training scenes, pressure, plenty of skin, Fritz issuing his sons rankings regarding his favourites, complicated family bonds, trauma, in-the-ring action and James as Kevin's wife Pam. Check out the trailer for The Iron Claw below: The Iron Claw hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, January 18. Images: Brian Roede / Eric Chakeen.
By the time October hits, 3600 Australian pharmacies will be administering COVID-19 vaccinations with the Moderna jab. It's the third coronavirus vax to be used in Australia after AstraZeneca and Pfizer, with doses of Moderna arriving on our shores in the past few days — and now being rolled out to chemists nationwide. During the week beginning yesterday, Monday, September 20, 1800 pharmacies will receive their batches and start getting Aussies to roll up their sleeves for Moderna. Next week, from Monday, September 27, that number again will join the Moderna rollout. So, if you haven't had your jabs yet, you now have more options — both in terms of which vaccination to receive and where to get it. Exactly how many pharmacies will be stocked with Moderna in each state varies; however, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that 721 chemists across his state will be administering the shots from this week. Obviously, which pharmacists themselves are doing Moderna jabs also varies, but the Australian Government Department of Health's Vaccine Clinic Finder website lets you find where you can get it, or the other COVID-19 vaccines if that's what you'd prefer. Moderna's vax got the nod from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration back in August, with the TGA advising that "the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has shown strong efficacy preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and severe COVID-19 in clinical trials." In early September, it was approved for 12–17-year-olds, too, meaning that it's now approved for all Aussies over the age of 12. The Australian Government has an agreement with Moderna for 25 million doses of the vaccine, which includes 10 million this year and 15 million in 2022. Elsewhere around the world, Moderna's jab has also received approval or authorisation to use in emergency situations in countries such as United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, the United States, Switzerland and Singapore. Partly funded by a donation from the one and only Dolly Parton, Moderna's vaccine is actually the fourth to get the nod in Australia, following AstraZeneca, Pfizer and a jab from Johnson & Johnson — the latter of which hasn't been included in the country's vaccine rollout so far. Like the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna jab is an mRNA-based vaccine. So, it uses a synthetic genetic code called RNA, which tells the cells in our bodies how to make the coronavirus' unique spike protein. Then, once our bodies have done just that, making the protein that's encoded by the mRNA vaccine, we're able to recognise the spike protein as being foreign to our system and launch an immune response against it. Two doses of the Moderna vaccine are required — and while the AstraZeneca jabs are recommended four–12 weeks apart, and the Pfizer jabs three weeks apart, Moderna's should be administered within 28 days of each other. Wondering what that the Moderna approval means in terms of boosting Australia's vaccine ability (because actually getting a jab hasn't been particularly straightforward under the country's slow-moving rollout)? Back when the Moderna vax got the tick, Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised the 25 million doses would join the 125 million doses of Pfizer and 53 million doses of AstraZeneca that are already part of the vaccine campaign. "The first one million doses is on track to arrive next month and will go to pharmacies. Then we will have three million in October, three million in November and three million in December," the PM said. And if you'd like to keep an eye on the country's vaccination rates now that a third vax is in the mix — with those rates tied to easing restrictions nationally, and on a state by state level (as seen in the New South Wales and Victorian roadmaps out of lockdown) — we've rounded up where you can do just that. For more information about the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, head to the TGA website. To find out where you can get vaccinated, check out the Australian Government Department of Health's Vaccine Clinic Finder website.
Whether you're swiping right, casually sliding into your crush's DMs or snuggling up to your long-term sweetheart, spring is dating season. Winter's gloom has lifted, the air is noticeably lighter and the glorious sunshine has both flowers and people blooming. It's a time when it feels like anything is possible — but, if you're not feeling financially stable, that sensation can fade pretty fast. Thankfully, you don't need a big bank balance or a wallet stuffed full of pineapples for a great date in this busy city. To help you out, we've pulled together five date ideas under $50, while our friends at CommBank have rounded up some top tips for living 'money smart' while you're dating or coupled up. Now you can stay well and truly in the green. Split the bill easily on your next date in under a minute using a PayID (which uses the Osko payment service). Find out more here. LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF GIN Meeting in a bar is a tried-and-true date favourite and one of the easiest options. It also couldn't be more predictable, which is a word that no one wants to hear when it comes to romance. Learning the ins and outs of a particular spirit together, on the other hand, is far from ordinary. One part tasting session, one part masterclass, Gin Club will teach you everything you never knew about the botanical tipple — and, as you're enjoying it with your date, everything you always wanted to know about them. Taking place at Welcome to Bowen Hills' onsite gin bar Swill each month, sessions cost $15 per person and include multiple samples and nibbles. BOND OVER BRUSHSTROKES Nothing brings people together like nostalgia. Well, nostalgia and mucking around with paint — but the nostalgia does most of the heavy lifting. Bond over childhood stories of art class antics as you roll up your sleeves, get a bit messy and make some art. It's a classic rom-com trope — who doesn't look adorable when they're covered in flecks of plaster and paint. A date idea that is completely acceptable to dress down for (within reason, obviously), the Plaster Fun House pops up regularly at Southside. Aimed firmly at adults, it's your chance to paint a unicorn, puppy or skull statue for your significant other and bond over each brushstroke. Tickets cost $20 each and bookings are essential. [caption id="attachment_692367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Flying Cock.[/caption] STRETCH IT OUT TOGETHER AT BEER YOGA Bend, stretch, sip — it's a yoga devotee's mantra, even if it's not exactly what's going through your head during the class. Sure, usually you're thinking about drinking water — but savouring a beer while you exercise is much more fun. And if you're feeling comfortable enough with that special someone, could lend itself for some good laughs. Beer yoga is a relatively new fitness trend which all kinds of people can enjoy — whether you're a wellness devotee who likes the occasional tipple, a beer lover keen to get active or you happen to fall into one category while your date sits in the other. It's also an event that keeps popping up all over town, with The Flying Cock and Ballistic Beer Co. among the drinking spots getting in on the action. Even better, as long as you bring your own yoga mat, you can find a class from $15 per person. Just leave any self-doubt or reservations at the door. [caption id="attachment_625105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sunnybank Food Trail.[/caption] PLAN YOUR OWN FOOD CRAWL THROUGH SUNNYBANK Thanks to Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Richard Linklater and the romantic classic Before Sunrise, everyone loves a walk-and-talk date. It's the option that literally costs nothing but time, however, if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket and you feel like a bite to eat, you can always turn it into a food crawl. There are two secrets to a good food crawl: keep things moving and have plenty of options. That's what makes Sunnybank the ideal place to stroll, chat and feast. There's even a $2 Food Trail that takes place each year. No matter what type of Asian cuisine you and your partner feel like, you'll find it here — and you can choose the number of dishes you eat, the number of restaurants you visit and the number of steps you take while you're caught up in conversation. VISIT A DEER SANCTUARY We've found it. When it comes to completely, utterly, overwhelmingly cute dates, it doesn't get more adorable than Lyell Deer Sanctuary. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like — an entire space filled with gentle, friendly creatures who are just waiting for you and your date to visit them. Located on Mt Samson, you'll need to take a half-hour drive from Brisbane to get there, however, other than petrol money, you'll just need $10 for group admission and $1 per bag of pellets. Then, the day is yours to roam around seven acres and get up close to the critters that everyone became obsessed with when they watched Bambi as a kid. Open every weekend (and on weekdays and public holidays only by appointment), there's also a cafe on site — or you can bring your own picnic. What's even better than paying $50 or less on a date? Getting us to pick up the bill. Enter our comp for a chance to win $250 so you can try every idea on the list.
The single greatest cult film this side of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is coming back to Brisbane for a timely Friday night engagement. With The Disaster Artist taking audiences behind the scenes not that long ago, and Greg Sestero hitting up our fair town a couple of years back, The Room never gets old — and it's back once again. Described by critics as "the Citizen Kane of bad movies", with one critic comparing the film to "being stabbed in the head", Tommy Wiseau's The Room is an indescribable mess of plot holes, non-sequiturs, blurry camerawork and soft-core sex scenes, topped off by some of worst performances ever put to film. So naturally, we're recommending you go and see it. Of course, the truth is that no one really sees this movie. Rather, they experience it. Screenings of The Room are fully interactive, with audience members screaming lines of dialogue, dressing up like their favourite characters and hurling plastic spoons at the screen. This behaviour is actively encouraged by venues — although, at New Farm Cinemas's next session, you will need to bring your own cutlery with you. The cinema bar will be open ahead of the screening, something you should probably take full advantage of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRAUPqK9Y7I The Room screens at New Farm Cinemas Friday, July 31 at 9pm, with tickets costing $12–17.
Cacti lovers, take note: Madrid is now on your must-visit list. While there's no shortage of reasons to head to the Spanish locale, those fond of spiky succulents will want to flock to Desert City, a massive biotechnology nursery dedicated to cultivating, researching and showcasing cacti and other xerophytic plants. Located 20 minutes out of the city at San Sebastián de los Reyes, and transforming a highway-adjacent spot that was once an industrial wasteland, the educational ecological complex features everything a site devoted to cacti should. That includes a huge greenhouse, a nursery for those keen to take some greenery home with them, exhibition space and a restaurant. And, yes, it also boasts plenty of the plant life in the spotlight — more than 400 xerophytic species across 16,000 square metres, with 5,000 square metres taken up by an experimental botanic garden. While many of the cacti within its garden are native to the area, Desert City also includes dedicated spaces for species from other continents, aka the equivalent of globe-hopping one succulent at a time. The entire place is also designed to put the principles of 'zerolandscaping' — low water, low maintenance gardening — into practice, creating sustainable gardens that optimise natural resources. Images: Desert City / ImagenSubliminal
If heading to or from Aotearoa is on your to-do list for 2023, booking a flight with Air New Zealand means travelling with the newly crowned best airline of the year. In excellent news for NZ just a week after the country's Hawke's Bay region was named the 12th Great Wine Capital of the world, the carrier has earned some global love from the Airline Excellence Awards. The gongs are decided by AirlineRatings.com, with Air NZ nabbing the number-one position for a number of reasons, including its operational safety, motivated staff, moves in the environmental space and upcoming SkyNest economy beds. The latter, which let passengers lie flat during their trips for four-hour stints, won't be available until 2024, but that hasn't stopped the airline topping the 2023 rankings. Does it also bode well for next year's list? Probably. "In our objective analysis, Air New Zealand came out number one in many key areas, although it was a very close scoring for the top five," said AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas. This marks the seventh year since 2013 that Air NZ took out the top slot, although Qatar Airways did the honours in 2021 and 2022. Air New Zealand also won Best Economy Class and Excellence in Long Haul Travel from the Australia and Pacific region, while Qatar Airways — which came in second in the Top 25 premium airlines — was named Best Business Class for the fourth year in a row, as well as Best Catering and Excellence in Long Haul Travel in the Middle East. In the main list, the two carriers were joined by Etihad Airways, Korean Air and Singapore Airlines in the top five, with Qantas, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific Airways and Emirate rounding out the top ten. Then came Lufthansa / Swiss, SAS, TAP Portugal, All Nippon Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, British Airways, Jet Blue, JAL and Vietnam Airlines in the top 20, followed by Turkish Airlines, Hawaiian, KLM, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Best First Class went to Singapore Airlines; Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic earned the Best Cabin Crew gong; and Emirates was anointed Best In-Flight Entertainment and Best Premium Economy. Qantas also scored an accolade, receiving the Best Lounges award. For travellers on a budget, AirlineRatings.com gave out Best Low-Cost Airlines awards, too, with Jetstar getting the nod for Australia/Pacific, Southwest in the Americas, Fly Dubai in the Middle East, AirAsia in Asia and Ryanair in Europe. For the full AirlineRatings.com list, visit the airline safety and product rating review outfit's website.
With pubs, restaurants and cafes closing around the country forced to close comes the loss of many hospitality jobs — and it's all happened very, very quickly. According to website I Lost My Hospo Shift, at last count, 2294 Aussie hospo workers had lost their jobs and 11,709 shifts had been cut, which equates to around $2 million in lost wages this week alone. To help those impacted by the sudden changes, Pernod Ricard is offering $100,00 worth of free meals via Deliveroo to out-of-work hospo workers, including bar staff, waiters, managers, suppliers, cleaners, owners and chefs. From 12pm today, the new initiative called Meals for Mates will see thousands of free meals delivered across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. There'll be a total of 4000 $25 meal voucher codes available via Deliveroo for hospo workers now out of a job or just getting by on reduced hours. As an added benefit, when the hospo workers use the vouchers, they'll also be helping those venues still open for takeaway and delivery. Basically, it's a small win-win situation in what is an incredibly tough time for the industry. While there's a whole host of eateries where workers can spend their vouchers, some of them include cult-favourite burger joint Mary's (Sydney), Italian restaurant Salt Meats Cheese (Sydney, Brisbane), Sydney's retro-Aussie pub The Unicorn and St Kilda's PB's Bar & Eatery. Out-of-work hospitality workers can snag their voucher by emailing a copy of their RSA and the venue they last worked at to MealsForMates@pernod-ricard.com. Then, you'll receive a Deliveroo code, which can be redeemed anytime over the next three months. [caption id="attachment_766230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's Newtown by Maclay Heriot[/caption]
Christopher Nolan has never made a Bond film. He certainly didn't helm The Matrix franchise, either. But combine the two — picking and twisting elements of each, including narrative tropes, sci-fi trickery and special effects wizardry — and the writer/director's latest slick, bold, mind-bending action-thriller Tenet is the end result. The movie's spy flick credentials are established at the outset, thanks to a tense, taut, supremely well-executed opening attack on the jam-packed Kiev Opera House. In a sequence that feels especially unnerving in today's crowd-phobic world, Tenet's nods to late 90s and early 00s sci-fi are evident here, too. Guns fire frequently, but when one in particular discharges, a bullet returns to the weapon rather than shooting out from it. It doesn't occur slowly, yet it still happens noticeably; if you wanted to dub it 'reverse bullet time', that wouldn't feel out of place. Soon afterwards, in case viewers weren't already thinking about Bond or The Matrix, Tenet's CIA operative protagonist — who is literally called 'the Protagonist' (John David Washington) — navigates his way through a familiar exposition dump-style sequence. A scientist (Clémence Poésy) talks him through some of the nuts and bolts of the shadowy situation he finds himself in, including explaining the inverse trajectory of the bullets. She has gadgets to mention as well. Actually, she has a lot more to say, specifically about inverted objects being sent back through time from the future. They're "the detritus of a coming war," she advises, which the Protagonist needs to prevent or life as everyone knows it will cease to be. Tenet wants you to pay very close attention at this point, with the film laying out oh-so many of the details, tidbits and stakes its plot balances upon. But it's the sight of the Protagonist learning how to fire a reverse bullet, then exclaiming a Keanu-esque "whoa!", that's extra memorable. If Tenet's premise so far sounds a little vague and convoluted, well, that's its wavelength. As obsessed with time, space, existence and consciousness as many of Nolan's movies, the cerebral film doesn't get any less tangled or labyrinthine from there, and it doesn't ever try to. Teaming up with suave English handler Neil (Robert Pattinson), the Protagonist hops around the globe from India and Estonia to Oslo and the Bay of Naples, with the pair wearing immaculate suits and endeavouring to stop the impending battle. Getting to know an arms dealer, Priya (Bollywood veteran Dimple Kapadia), is a key part of the plan. So is becoming entangled in the strained marriage between art expert Kat (Elizabeth Debicki) and her thick Russian-accented, clearly up-to-no-good husband Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh) and, at Neil's suggestion, also crashing a large freight plane into an airport. There's more to Tenet — much, much, much more, including twists upon twists that are best experienced while watching. But, as it charts the Protagonist's quest, the film boasts the kind of plot that is actually quite straightforward, yet is told in an overly complicated fashion (and in a lengthy way as well, with the feature's 150-minute duration felt). Keeping viewers puzzling for as long as possible is the main aim, and that sometimes comes at the expense of telling a great story in the clearest possible manner. It's a tale that, as a result, can occasionally feel cumbersome instead of thrilling. Nolan likes messing with audiences' heads, as Following, Memento and Insomnia established early, the Dark Knight trilogy continued, and even Dunkirk's structural approach demonstrated, so none of this should come as a surprise. Here, however, he jumps even beyond Inception's leaps, The Prestige's magic tricks and Interstellar's temporal dilations. When Poésy's character tells the Protagonist "don't try to understand it; just feel it," she's obviously speaking to Tenet's viewers as well — and, regardless of who is in the director's chair, that's a lazy cop-out. Tenet is entertaining, though. When it's at its best, it's downright spectacular. Some of its big setpieces — the aforementioned opera house scene, a breathtaking fight that stretches, sprawls and weaves through narrow corridors, and a narratively superfluous but enthrallingly shot catamaran race, for example — are simply stunning. In fact, like The Matrix's bullet time, fellow action films will be trying to ape Tenet's standout moments for decades to come. Nolan's feature is also impeccably cast, with Washington as charismatic as he was in BlacKkKlansman, Pattinson continuing to choose excellent roles and Kapadia a shrewd delight. Debicki and a forceful Branagh play characters with one-note functions and arcs, but they still have a sizeable impact. Throw in the percussive, suspenseful score by Ludwig Göransson (The Mandalorian) doing his best Hans Zimmer impression, as well as evocative production design by Nolan regular Nathan Crowley and glossy visuals lensed by Hoyte Van Hoytema (an Oscar nominee for Dunkirk), as there's plenty here to love. That said, there's also a sense that Tenet is bounding forward in some ways, while also needlessly looping back on itself in others. This a film with a palindromic name, and that inverts and reverts time again and again, so that's apt — although, given how meticulous Nolan's work always is, including this movie, the end sensation is unlikely to be intentional. Tenet is stirring, but also laborious. It's designed to not just immerse viewers in an inventive head trip, but to overwhelm; however it makes the audience work hard and feel like they're working. It's intricate and exacting, and also messy and repetitive. Right down to its penchant for frustratingly drowning out some of the dialogue with its thrumming score, it's a Nolan film through and through, in other words — usually to a mesmerising degree, but too indulgently as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3zIWteWCMY
When it comes to street art, names don't get any bigger than Banksy. And when it comes to street art exhibitions, a new showcase of the artist's work that's making its way to Brisbane is going huge. The first major display of the enigmatic talent's pieces in the River City will feature more than 150 artworks — including infinity rooms and simulations that play with some of Banksy's most famous creations. Mark Thursday, May 4 in your diary, because that's when The Art of Banksy: Without Limits is hitting the lower ground floor at Queens Plaza in the CBD. If you're already excited, you can also mark 10am on Wednesday, March 15 in your calendar as well, as that's when tickets will go on sale. A massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an infamous icon — The Art of Banksy: Without Limits' 150 artworks will include Banksy's certified art, prints on a heap of different materials, plus photos and sculptures as well. For an immersive experience, there'll be installations — physical and digital — as well as murals and mapping shows. One such installation: a simulation of Dismaland Bemusement Park. Another: that mirrored infinity room. Banksy's recent murals in Ukraine will also get a nod, and one space is devoted to the MV Louise Michel, the 30-metre-long high-speed lifeboat funded by Banksy that patrols the Mediterranean to rescue refugees. There will be reproductions of Banksy's works, too, made exclusively for this exhibition. They'll recreate some of the artist's pieces as made with — of course — stencils. The full list of exactly which works will feature hasn't yet been officially revealed, if you're looking forward to potentially seeing the well-known likes of Flower Thrower, Rude Copper and Girl with Balloon (a version of which was shredded after sale in a highly publicised prank in 2018) — but images of the show's recent stop in Bangkok provide plenty of clues. When it sets up shop in Brisbane, The Art of Banksy: Without Limits will run daily and take between 45–60 minutes to wander through. And yes, you can snap away for the 'gram while you're there. You can probably exit through the gift shop, or a simulation of one, as well. The Art of Banksy: Without Limits will hit the lower ground floor at Queens Plaza, 226 Queen Street, Brisbane from Thursday, May 4. You can also join the waitlist now, with tickets on sale from 10am on Wednesday, March 15.
Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures will do that, and so will plenty of people staying home because they aren't well — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Perhaps you've been under the weather. Given the hefty amount of titles now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are 11 that you can watch right now at home. SALTBURN Sharp, savage and skewering, plus twisted in narrative and the incisive use of genre tropes alike: as a filmmaker, Emerald Fennell certainly has a type. With the Oscar-winning Promising Young Woman and now Saltburn, the Barbie and The Crown actor-turned-writer/director takes aim, blazes away giddily and blasts apart everything that she can. When she made a blisteringly memorable feature debut behind the lens — giving audiences one of 2021's's best Down Under releases, in fact, and deservingly earning a place among the Academy Awards' rare female Best Director nominees in the process — she honed in on the absolute worst that a patriarchal society affords women. Now, after also pointing out the protection provided to the wealthy in that first effort as a helmer, Fennell has class warfare so firmly in her gaze that Saltburn is named after a sprawling English manor. With both flicks, the end result is daringly unforgettable. This pair of pictures would make a killer double, too, although they enjoy neighbouring estates rather than frolic across the same exact turf. On her leaps from one side of the camera to the other, Fennell also keeps filling her features with such spectacular casts that other filmmakers might hope to fall into her good graces to bask in their glow — a fate that sits at the heart of Saltburn, albeit beyond the movie world. Fresh from nabbing his own Oscar nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin, Barry Keoghan adds yet another beguiling and astonishing performance to a resume that's virtually collecting them (see also: The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Dunkirk, American Animals, The Green Knight and Calm with Horses), proving mesmerisingly slippery as scholarship student Oliver Quick. Usually standing in his sights, Euphoria's Jacob Elordi perfects the part of Felix Catton, aka that effortlessly charismatic friend that everyone wishes they could spend all of their time with. And as Felix's mother Elspeth, father Sir James and "poor dear" family pal Pamela, Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time), Richard E Grant (Persuasion) and Carey Mulligan (Fennell's Promising Young Woman star, also an Academy Award nominee for her work) couldn't give more delicious line readings or portraits of the insular but shambolic well-to-do. Saltburn streams via Prime Video. Read our full review. KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON Death comes to Killers of the Flower Moon quickly. Death comes to Killers of the Flower Moon often. While Martin Scorsese will later briefly fill the film's frames with a fiery orange vision — with what almost appears to be a lake of flames deep in oil country, as dotted with silhouettes of men — death blazes through his 26th feature from the moment that the picture starts rolling. Adapted from journalist David Grann's 2017 non-fiction novel Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, with the filmmaker himself and Dune's Eric Roth penning the screenplay, this is a masterpiece of a movie about a heartbreakingly horrible spate of deaths sparked by pure and unapologetic greed and persecution a century back. Scorsese's two favourite actors in Leonardo DiCaprio (Don't Look Up) and Robert De Niro (Amsterdam) are its stars, alongside hopefully his next go-to in Lily Gladstone (Reservation Dogs), but murder and genocide are as much at this bold and brilliant, epic yet intimate, ambitious and absorbing film's centre — all in a tale that's devastatingly true. As Mollie Kyle, a member of the Osage Nation in Grey Horse, Oklahoma, incomparable Certain Women standout Gladstone talks through some of the movie's homicides early. Before her character meets DiCaprio's World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart — nephew to De Niro's cattle rancher and self-proclaimed 'king of the Osage' William King Hale — she notes that several Indigenous Americans that have been killed, with Mollie mentioning a mere few to meet untimely ends. There's nothing easy about this list, nor is there meant to be. Some are found dead, others seen laid out for their eternal rest, and each one delivers a difficult image. But a gun fired at a young mother pushing a pram inspires a shock befitting a horror film. The genre fits here, in its way, as do many others as Killers of the Flower Moon follows Burkhart's arrival in town, his deeds under his uncle's guidance, his romance with Mollie and the tragedies that keep springing: American crime saga, aka the realm that Scorsese has virtually made his own, as well as romance, relationship drama, western, true crime and crime procedural. Killers of the Flower Moon streams via Google Play, YouTube Movies and Prime Video. Read our full review, and our interview with Martin Scorsese. THE ROYAL HOTEL Anyone who has spent time in an outback Australian pub will recognise The Royal Hotel's namesake watering hole, even if they've never seen this particular bar before. The filming location itself doesn't matter. Neither do the IRL details of the actual establishment that stands in for the movie's fictional boozer. What scorches itself into memory like the blistering sun beating down on the middle-of-nowhere saloon's surroundings, then, is the look and the feel of this quintessentially Aussie beer haven. From the dim lighting inside and weather-beaten facade outside to the almost exclusively male swarm of barflies that can't wait to getting sipping come quittin' time, this feature's setting could be any tavern. It could be all of them. That fact is meant to linger as filmmaker Kitty Green crafts another masterclass in tension, microagressions and the ever-looming threats that women live with daily — swapping The Assistant's Hollywood backdrop and Harvey Weinstein shadow for a remote mining town and toxic testosterone-fuelled treatment of female bartenders. Making her second fictional feature after that 2019 standout, and her fourth film overall thanks to 2013 documentary Ukraine Is Not a Brothel and 2017's Casting JonBenet before that, Green has kept as much as she's substituted between her two most recent movies. Julia Garner stars in both, albeit without breaking out an Inventing Anna-style drawl in either — although comically parroting the Aussie accent does earn a brief workout. Green's focus remains living while female. Her preferred tone is still as unsettling as any scary movie. The Royal Hotel is another of her horror films, but an inescapable villain here, as it was in The Assistant, is a world that makes existing as a woman this innately unnerving. This taut and deeply intelligent picture's sources of anxiety and danger aren't simply society; however, what it means to weather the constant possibility of peril for nothing more than your sex chromosomes is this flick's far-as-the-eye-can-see burnt earth. The Royal Hotel streams via Binge. Read our full review, and our interview with Kitty Green. MAESTRO When a composer pens music, it's the tune that they want the world to enjoy, not the marks on a page scribbling it into existence. When a conductor oversees an orchestra, the performance echoing rather than their own with baton in hand and arms waving is their gift. In Maestro, Bradley Cooper (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) is seen as Leonard Bernstein in both modes. His portrayal, especially in an unbroken take as the American great conducts Mahler's Resurrection Symphony at England's Ely Cathedral in 1973, is so richly textured and deeply complex that it's the career-best kind of astonishing. But Cooper as this movie's helmer, co-writer and one of its producers wants Maestro's audience to revel in the end result, not just in his exceptional on-screen contribution to bringing this virtuoso feature to fruition. And if he wants the love showered anyone's way first, it's towards Carey Mulligan (Saltburn), who the second-time director (and second-time director of a music-fuelled film, since his debut behind the lens was A Star Is Born) gives top billing for stepping so astoundingly into Felicia Montealegre Bernstein's shoes. Symphonies should erupt for Mulligan's awards-worthy turn, which deserves to claim her third Oscar nomination (after 2010's for An Education and 2021's for Promising Young Woman) at a minimum. As the Costa Rican actor — a talent herself, of the stage and small screen — hers is similarly a never-better performance. It's a chalk-and-cheese partner to Cooper's, too; his is all about playing someone whose entire reason for earning a biopic is his effort and what it wrought, while she makes everything from the screwball-esque early sparks of connection to soul-aching pain feel natural. When she says "you don't even know how much you need me, do you?", the words melt, and the moment with it. When she beams by Cooper's side during a TV interview about Leonard's achievements, the practicalities of spending your life with someone have rarely felt as giddying. When Maestro's main pair quarrel on Thanksgiving, away from their family and as the parade trots along outside the window, each word is a cut. Every scene with Mulligan lays its emotions bare so thoroughly, yet never forcefully or showily, that she virtually spirits the audience into Felicia's footwear with her. Maestro streams via Netflix. Read our full review. LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND Call it the one with Julia Roberts playing the mother of a Friends-obsessed 13-year-old girl who hasn't clocked that someone closely resembling her mum pops up in the sitcom's second season. Call it writer/director Sam Esmail still ruing humanity's technological reliance and seeing only dystopian outcomes after Mr Robot became such a small-screen success. Call Leave the World Behind an effectively unnerving psychological thriller about a mysterious communications blackout striking while one New York family holidays at another's palatial Long Island vacation home, too. Down Under, badging it the horror version of Australia's November 2023 Optus outage also fits — just with a home-invasion angle that can be read two ways; Hitchcockian suspense, sharp writing and baked-in bleakness; Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers; and Roberts (Ticket to Paradise) starring alongside Ethan Hawke (Reservation Dogs), Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), Myha'la Herrold (Dumb Money) and Kevin Bacon (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special). In her second chaotic getaway in two successive movies, Roberts plays Amanda Sandford, an advertising executive who prides herself on being able to read people and situations. But her professor husband Clay (Hawke) is surprised to awaken one morning to news that their brood is going away for a few days, thanks to a humanity-escaping misanthropic urge and a last-minute online booking. He and the couple's kids — the older Archie (Charlie Evans, Everything's Gonna Be Okay) and younger Rose (Farrah Mackenzie, United States of Al) — aren't complaining about the break, though. Then problems after eerie problems occur. First, an oil tanker runs ashore on the beach. Next comes the late-night knock at the door from their holiday home's owner GH Scott (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Herrold), who've driven in all dressed up from a night at the symphony. In a movie that isn't afraid of M Night Shyamalan-esque setups on its route to potential societal collapse, a power, phone and internet outage follows, plus oddly behaving wildlife and disquieting developments from above. Leave the World Behind streams via Netflix. Read our full review. TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR Just like a great music documentary, an excellent concert film isn't solely about existing fans. That's still true when a movie arrives in a sea of friendship bracelets, focuses on one of the biggest current singers in the world, and perhaps the largest and most devoted fandom there is can be seen screaming, dancing and crying joyfully in its frames in a 70,000-plus drove. As the shows that it lenses were, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour was a financial success before any Swifties experienced their version of heaven. Swift's onstage journey through 17 years of tunes sparked ticketing mayhem both as a concert and a cinema release that captures close to every moment. The Eras tour is a billion-dollar entity, with the self-produced film that's spreading it further than packed stadiums a box-office bonanza since it was announced. The 169-minute-long movie is also a dazzling spectacle that neither dedicated Swifties nor casual viewers will be able to easily shake off. When Swift told the world that she never misses a beat and she's lightning on her feet in possibly her best-known pop song, everyone should've believed her. Long before 2014 earworm 'Shake It Off' gets a spin in the 1989 segment of The Eras Tour, she's proven those words true in an indefatigable onstage effort. "Can't stop, won't stop moving" describes her efforts and the film, which is as energetically directed by Sam Wrench (Billie Eilish Live at the O2) and edited by a six-person team (with Max Richter's Sleep's Dom Whitworth as its lead) as it is performed. And, for anyone that's sat through Valentine's Day and Cats and found them hardly purring, it gives Swift the screen presence that she's been trying to amass here and there — The Giver and Amsterdam are also on her resume — for over than a decade. Watching The Eras Tour doesn't just feel like watching a concert, but a musical spectacular in its vast grandeur, complete with the lead to match. Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour streams via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. DUMB MONEY It couldn't have been hard to cast Pete Davidson as a stoner in Dumb Money, but getting the Bupkis star playing a part that barely feels like a part on paper is perfect in this ripped-from-the-headlines film. He doesn't give the movie's top performance, which goes to lead Paul Dano (The Fabelmans), but he's satisfyingly great as the DoorDash driver who's often trolling his brother online and in-person. He's also an example in Cruella and I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie's entertaining feature of one of the ideas that this true tale heartily disproves. Viewers know what they're going to get from Davidson, and he delivers. Wall Street thought it knew what it was in for when small-time investors splashed their cash on stock for US video-game store chain GameStop, too, but the frenzy that resulted demonstrated otherwise. It was in 2019 IRL when DeepFuckingValue aka Roaring Kitty aka Keith Gill first posted on subreddit r/wallstreetbets that he'd bought stock in GameStop, the Texas-born brand that had been struggling but he thought was undervalued. Dumb Money tells this story from Keith's digital enthusiasm through to the impact upon the financial markets, plus the worldwide attention that followed. In 2021, the GameStop situation wasn't just news. It was a phenomenon, and one of the great modern-day David-versus-Goliath scenarios. There's a reason that this recent chapter of history been turned into a movie, and not just because it's an easy candidate to try to emulate The Big Short: the big end of town kept pulling its usual strings, the 99 percent played their own game instead and the status quo was upended — temporarily. Dumb Money streams via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. THEATER CAMP If you've ever wanted to turn your childhood into a movie, Theater Camp is the latest film that understands. It's also happy to laugh. Unlike Minari, Belfast, The Fabelmans, Aftersun and Past Lives, this isn't a drama, with Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin and Nick Lieberman making a sidesplittingly funny mockumentary about a place that's near and dear to them. What happens when four friends reflect upon their formative years, when they all fell in love with putting on a show? Theater Camp is the pitch-perfect answer. Looking backwards can be earnest and nostalgic, as Gordon and company know and embrace. Going for Wet Hot American Summer meets Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, they're just as aware that it can be utterly hilarious. Watching Theater Camp means stepping into Gordon, Platt, Galvin and Lieberman's reality. None are currently camp counsellors, but the realm that they parody genuinely is personal. The film's core quartet initially came into each other's lives via youth theatre. With Gordon and Platt, the picture even boasts the receipts — aka IRL footage of the pair performing as kids — from a time when they were appearing together in Fiddler on the Roof at age four and in How to Succeed in Business at five. This team was first driven to bring their shared experiences to the screen in an improvised 2020 short also called Theater Camp. Now, they flesh out that bite-sized flick to full length as enthusiastically as any wannabe actor has ever monologued. All four co-write, while Booksmart and The Bear star Gordon directs with fellow first-time feature helmer Lieberman. Gordon, Dear Evan Hansen stage and screen lead Platt, plus Galvin — who similarly portrayed that Broadway hit's title role — act as well, playing three of the adults at AdirondACTS. Theater Camp streams via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES When children from Panem's first 12 districts are chosen to fight to the death, each year's unlucky kids conscripted into the bloodthirsty fray that gives The Hunger Games franchise its title, they aren't simply battling for survival. In this dystopian saga stemming from Suzanne Collins' novels, they're brawling to entertain the wealthy residents of the ruling Capitol — they're forced to submit to a display of power and control, too, and to demonstrate humanity's innate cruelty — all while waging war against perishing into nothingness. Arriving eight years after the series' last page-to-screen adaptation, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is a swung sword, flung spear, hurled hatchet and jabbed knife in the same type of skirmish. This is a blockbuster franchise, but 2012's The Hunger Games, 2013's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, 2014's The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 and 2015's The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2 have long faded from the big screen, which virtually means no longer existing to Tinseltown, other than as fuel to relight the flame. So kicks in the "sequels, prequels, spinoffs, continuations, TV shows, remakes, reboots, reimaginings or perish" motto that may as well be etched onto the Hollywood sign. Why The Hunger Games' battle royales exist, and what their purpose and substance are, prove topics of conversation more than once in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. A tale that features the person who created the games and the mind overseeing them — that'd be Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage, Cyrano) and Dr Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis, Air) — ought to ponder such notions. A jump back in time in a now five-entry franchise, and a chapter that runs for 157 minutes at that, couldn't leave it out. But a sense of nothingness still swirls around this Tom Blyth (Billy the Kid)- and Rachel Zegler (Shazam! Fury of the Gods)-led picture about Coriolanus Snow's origin story, even if Collins did actually write a novel with a plot that justifies the movie's existence (unlike comparable shenanigans over in the Wizarding World, aka the Fantastic Beasts films). There's an insignificant air to this return trip to YA bleakness, as smacking of chasing cash and keeping IP bubbling in the popular consciousness was bound to inspire; this doesn't feel like a return or a bonus, but an optional extra. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes streams via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S Nicolas Cage is sorely missed in Five Nights at Freddy's, not that he was ever on the film's cast list. He starred in 2021's Willy's Wonderland, however, which clearly took its cues from the video-game franchise that this attempt to start a corresponding movie series now officially adapts. Willy's Wonderland wasn't great, but a near-silent Cage battling demonic animatronics was always going to be worth seeing. Unsurprisingly, he's mesmerising. In comparison, the actual Five Nights at Freddy's feature stars Josh Hutcherson (Futureman) deep in his older brother phase, bringing weary charm to a by-the-numbers horror flick that's as routine as they come no matter whether you've ever mashed buttons along with its inspiration — which first dropped in 2014 and now spans nine main games, a tenth on the way and five spinoffs — or seen everyone's favourite Renfield, Pig and Color Out of Space actor give an unlicensed take a go. Writer/director Emma Tammi (The Wind), the game's creator Scott Cawthon (Scooby Doo, Where Are You? In... SPRINGTRAPPED!) and co-screenwriter Seth Cuddeback's (Mateo) movie iteration of Five Nights at Freddy's doesn't just arrive after a Cage film got there first; it hits after season 16 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia wreaked havoc on a comparable setting already in 2023. If you're looking for a pitch-black comedic skewering of eateries in the style of Chuck E Cheese, the IRL pizzeria-meets-arcade chain that Freddy Fazbear's Pizza is patently based on, that's the best of the year. So, the Five Nights at Freddy film lingers in multiple shadows. There's symmetry on- and off-screen as result: shining a torchlight around in the movie uncovers sights that its characters would rather not see, and peering even just slightly through recent pop culture shows that this picture isn't alone, either. Five Nights at Freddy's streams via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. THANKSGIVING Edgar Wright's Don't and Rob Zombie's Werewolf Women of the SS must be on their way to the big screen soon. With Thanksgiving's arrival, three of the five films teased as trailers in 2007's Grindhouse — and at the time only conceived to exist as those faux trailers — have come to full-length feature fruition. So, the double of Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror and Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof didn't just give the world biochemical zombies and a murdering stuntman, but Machete, Hobo with a Shotgun and now Eli Roth's turkey-holiday slasher horror. In this first stint behind the lens since 2021 documentary Fin, plus 2018's vastly dissimilar Death Wish and The House with a Clock in Its Walls before that, the Cabin Fever and Hostel filmmaker knows the right mood: when you're plating up a film that began as a gag ad, leaning into both tropes and a knowing vibe is the best choice for carving a path forward. There's a downside to the joke beginning and happy winking now, though: Thanksgiving sure does love sticking to a tried-and-tested recipe. Roth and screenwriter Jeff Rendell, both returning from 16 years back and sharing a story credit, have taken to the whole "Halloween but Thanksgiving" approach with the utmost dedication — because it's as plain as a roasted bird centrepiece that that's what they've purposely cooked up. The mood, the nods, the derivation: they don't add up to a new masterpiece, however, genre-defining, cult or otherwise. But there's something to be said for a film that commits to its bit with this much relish, so bluntly and openly, and with the tongue-in-cheek attitude that was baked into the Grindhouse package slathered on thick. And yes, the image that no one has forgotten for almost two decades returns, alongside other signature shots from Thanksgiving's proof-of-concept sneak peek. Thanksgiving streams via Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and fast-tracked highlights from January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November, too. We've kept a running list of must-stream TV from across the year, complete with full reviews. We also rounded up 2023's 15 best films, 15 best straight-to-streaming movies, 15 top flicks hardly anyone saw, 15 best new TV series of 2023, another 15 excellent new TV shows that you might've missed and 15 best returning shows as well.
It might've only opened back in 2015, but Junky Comics quickly became a West End favourite — a comic book store that eschewed all of the usual stereotypes about comic book stores. Sadly, the Vulture Street shop is closing the doors on its current chapter, and location, so it's marking the occasion with a shindig. Between 5–8pm on Friday, February 22, Junky will be selling its wares, as well as some merch, all over a drink or several. Entry is free, but bring your wallet to help send off the shop in style. It hasn't been a great time for Brissie institutions run by local musos. Junky was a labour of love for Major Leagues' Vlada Edirippulige, and the store's closure comes not that long after Southside Tea Room, as run by The Grates' John Patterson and Patience Hodgson said farewell. That said, in a bad news, good news situation, Edirippulige will be continuing the Junky brand within a new creative collective — and continuing to put on events, and to boost local artists. To support the new iteration, you can also contribute to Junky's GoFundMe campaign.
While the country is in lockdown, there are still animals that need caring for. RSPCA NSW currently has more than 2000 dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs and even goats that it's feeding, playing with and providing medical care for. And to help raise funds for these animals in need, it's hosting a trivia night fundraiser — virtually, of course. Running from 7.30–8.30pm on Thursday, May 21, the fundraiser will feature 50 questions covering topics such as creates of the deep blue, animals in the spotlight and insects and reptiles, as well as some general knowledge. It'll set you back just $10 to partake, which all goes straight to looking after the furry (or not-so-furry) boys and girls. If your life is missing a furry friends — and you're ready to make a lifelong commitment, of course — RSPCA centres across the country are still open for adoptions. The process now, though, is mostly online. The charity is also looking for foster parents, if you're able to have a temporary friend in your home.
If you're not fond of cooking every night of the week, chances are you've relied upon food delivery services a little more than usual in 2020. With heading out to eat off the cards during Australia's nationwide lockdown earlier in the year — and throughout Melbourne's current strict stay-at-home restrictions as well — being able to get meals brought to your door has been a key coping tool. You might not be able to physically go to your favourite eatery, but you can still tuck into its dishes. For three days next week — from 12.01am Tuesday, September 29–11.59pm Thursday, October 1 — you'll also be able to get those bites to eat without paying for delivery. Across that 72-hour period, Menulog is hosting its first Menulog Free Delivery Fest. And yes, it's all there in the name. You'll still have to pay for your food, obviously, but you won't have to fork out a single cent to get it delivered. And, the deal applies to every Menulog-delivered order except KFC, so you'll have plenty of dishes to choose from. To nab free delivery, you'll need to order between the above dates and times via the Menulog app and the Menulog website. Restaurants taking part will have a free delivery icon on their Menulog listing, too — with the Menulog Free Delivery Fest running in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The Menulog Free Delivery Fest runs from 12.01am Tuesday, September 29–11.59pm Thursday, October 1 via the Menulog app and the Menulog website.
By now, it's pretty common knowledge that businesses around Australia have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on what state the business is in, it's weathered multiple lockdowns, seating restrictions and ongoing financial uncertainty. And, through the hardest times, we've also seen resilience and adaptability from small business owners to meet these newfound challenges. Many businesses across the nation have changed the way they operate in order to stay afloat. And, so, in partnership with Square, we've spoken with five business owners across the country to find out how they adapted, what they changed, and what new elements they'll keep in the future. All these small businesses rely on business tools provided by Square, which helps the businesses with contactless payment systems, online stores and delivery services. So you can continue supporting your local with all the convenience you've come to expect from online shopping. THE BLOW DRY BAR THAT TURNED TO ONLINE COMMUNITY BUILDING The hair salon that keeps Melburnians looking photo-ready with exquisite blow drys and dry styles has seen its doors temporarily shut twice this year due to lockdown. The BLOW first closed its doors for seven weeks from March 17, and then again in July, which has meant Founder Phoebe Simmonds has looked to other opportunities to keep going. "We're focusing our efforts on community building activities, as well as expanding a new concept — The BLOW On-The-Go at Sephora Sydney," says Simmonds. For the hair salon, this time has been an opportunity to really connect with its customers online by sharing customers' stories via Facebook. Its Sydney pop-up offers a speedy dry styling service, which has an online booking system supported by Square. "Though we can't currently provide hair styling services or events in Melbourne, we can lean into our network of femme and fierce leaders to share stories of how they're conquering isolation with confidence," she says. "Our community has responded really well, and we love being able to maintain a connection with them. I've learnt a whole new level of resilience, creativity and flexibility. Owning a successful business now comes down to being able to manage ambiguity with grace, grit and a tonne of openness and positivity." THE COFFEE ROASTER AND CAFE THAT TURNED TO GROCERY BOXES AND TAKEAWAY MEALS Melbourne's beloved cafe and coffee roaster in the heart of Collingwood is usually known for its hustle and bustle, so when restrictions set in, Proud Mary had to pivot straight away. "We've completely changed our focus from bustling, noisy and vibrant dining in, to developing the best convenient and fast takeaway offering we can," says General Manager Tom Gunn. "We've pivoted to three different operational styles. Never let a good crisis go to waste, as they say. When we closed the cafe, we started doing delivery of grocery boxes and pre-prepared meals. The community has been fantastic; we've got to know so many more people who are more of the grab-and-go crowd, which we might've missed out on if things had remained normal this year." Gunn and his team has used the lockdown as a chance to develop the cafe's menus, ideas and processes. He says Proud Mary will continue its digital offering into the future, too. THE SPAGHETTI RESTAURANT THAT PIVOTED TO ONLINE STORE During Sydney's lockdown, Mark and Vinny's — the restaurant and bar in Surry Hills known for its spaghetti and spritzes — had to immediately adjust to manage the new dine-in restrictions. "We decided to try our hand at takeout as a matter of survival," says co-owner Vince Pizzinga. "One of the most successful initiatives was creating our own online store using Square, which was hugely helpful in allowing our customers to order directly with us." This was a game-changer for the business as it avoided the crippling fees of popular delivery services, which could exceed 30 percent. Now, post-lockdown, the venue is keeping up the online takeout service to complement the in-house dining, which helps the bottom line given its reduced seating restrictions. "This experience has forced me to take a closer look at how we operate and find ways to be more resourceful and pragmatic," he says. [caption id="attachment_780766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaelah Ariotti[/caption] THE PLANT NURSERY THAT CHANGED ITS STOCK TO SUIT THE MARKET Bespoke plant store The Borrowed Nursery, in the sunny Gold Coast, saw a shift in customer behaviour as soon as lockdown hit. "We lost our venue and plant hire aspects of the business straight away," says owner Lauren Lance. "But we also saw immediate growth in the retail element, so we focused on stocking more items and different item lines, for example home entertaining items and serving ware. "There has been a huge growth in indoor plants with people spending more time inside; they're wanting to make their interiors into an oasis." Being in the lucky state of Queensland, the business hasn't seen a huge downturn during lockdown or endured a second, however, Lance say she's continuing to be adaptable: "Move quickly, read the situation and focus on what works," she says. THE FRIED CHICKEN BAR THAT TEMPORARILY CUT ITS HOURS AND MENU In Fortitude Valley, shipping container-turned-eatery The Lucky Egg had to plan its survival strategy early, as lockdown meant it wouldn't be seeing its usual late-night fried chicken-loving customers. "At the beginning of the lockdown, we closed Lucky Egg for a few weeks while we came to grips with the situation and developed a plan," says Founder Jesse Barbera. "We reopened offering delivery and pick-up with reduced trading hours, and cut back our menu to focus on our most popular products," she says. "Being in the Valley, a good share of our revenue comes from late-night trade on weekends, which we knew we wouldn't get, so we had to slim down as much as possible." Luckily, it did, and now, post-lockdown, the venue has reopened with limited capacity — and making use of its outdoor space — as it slowly returns to normal trading hours. The business has its full menu back, and is even looking to expand its offering. "We've learnt not to take anything for granted," says Barbera. "We've also learnt that our hard work has paid off, and the loyal customers we have are worth their weight in gold." Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. Top image: Vince Pizzinga, co-owner of Mark and Vinny's.
Pitting Will Smith against himself, Gemini Man is designed to boggle the mind. Viewers are supposed to stare at the big screen in awe as the former Fresh Prince not only plays a supremely skilled 51-year-old assassin, but — through the wonders of seamless de-ageing CGI — also plays his 23-year-old clone. We're also meant to marvel at the 3D visuals that surround the two Smiths as they go head-to-head, with the movie shot on digital in 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. Technical jargon aside, that means Gemini Man is super-crisp thanks to its vastly increased number of pixels, and it boasts five times the usual images each second, with the camera picking up five times the visible detail as a result. Sadly, while Ang Lee loves to keep pushing the filmmaking boundaries, especially in a technical sense, he completely misses his target with Gemini Man. It doesn't come close to eliciting the same wonder that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's astonishing martial arts choreography inspired, or the dropped jaws sparked by his immersive adaptation of Life of Pi either. Instead, in Lee's second successive attempt to make a watchable high frame-rate flick (after 2016's Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk), this espionage thriller has the bland appearance of a TV soap opera. At its worst, it resembles absolutely anything screening on television with the motion-smoothing settings left on (aka the default viewing mode on modern screens that Tom Cruise famously asked viewers to switch off when watching Mission: Impossible - Fallout at home). Stacks of cash have been splashed on the most advanced special effects available — techniques that are being hailed as the future of cinema — but the end product really couldn't look cheaper or uglier. In a movie that basically only exists to showcase its apparently cutting-edge hyper-realistic imagery, Gemini Man's visual blah factor has an enormous impact. Lee clearly hopes his high-tech frames will patch over the generic narrative, but they actually emphasise the film's routine flavour. Penned by David Benioff (Game of Thrones), Billy Ray (Overlord) and Darren Lemke (Shazam!), this by-the-numbers affair follows seasoned government-sanctioned sharp-shooter Henry Brogan (Smith) as he packs it all in after a tricky assignment. As soon as he trades in his weapons for retirement, he's tracked down by his youthful doppelgänger (also Smith). A rogue intelligence agency head honcho (Clive Owen) is behind it all; however, as we probably don't need to point out, he isn't the toughest adversary that Brogan must face. Throw in Mary Elizabeth Winstead as another agent caught up in the chaos, plus Benedict Wong as a kindly pilot helping Brogan hop around the globe, and Gemini Man sits somewhere between every Bourne flick and every 90s action movie involving duplicity and double-crossing. Plot-wise, it truly is that standard; no-budget straight-to-VHS stinkers have demonstrated more narrative ingenuity. A boilerplate story told well can still keep viewers engrossed, though, especially in this genre (see: the excellent John Wick films), but that's not the case here. While cheesy, inane dialogue that spells out every twist is unfortunate enough, the fact that Gemini Man looks like someone has simply used their iPhone to film two Will Smiths who happen to be standing in front of them is grating, disconcerting and distracting. That it also looks like it could be a sequel to Tommy Wiseau's The Room — well, that comparison obviously says plenty. It's one thing to feel like you could reach out and touch whichever Smith you prefer (the elder Smith deserves that honour, with the actor more comfortable acting his age than chasing his younger glory days). It's another to get bombarded with so much visual data that nothing stands out, including Smith and his digital recreation. In the pursuit of hyper-clarity, Gemini Man lacks anything that resembles movie magic — and while that means there's no blurring or chaotic editing in the film's chase and fight scenes, which are both staged and shot with fluidity, it's all just dull rather than spectacular. You won't sit there wondering "how did they do that?", but rather "why did they do that?". And if you're not getting jiggy with Gemini Man's imagery, then you're not getting jiggy with this empty experiment in stretching the limits of cinema to a place that no one really wants it to go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykm0wWnzFY8
Since March this year, Australians have been told to do several things over and over again: social distance, wash our hands and maintain other hygiene measures, stay at home as much as possible, and get tested if we feel the onset of even the mildest COVID-19 symptoms. Accordingly, we've all become well acquainted with Zoom calls, different types of sanitiser and bumping elbows, as well as the sight of our own four walls. And, we've become accustomed to seeking medical advice for the slightest of coughs, fevers, sore or scratchy throats, shortness of breath, and the loss of smell or taste. Where the latter is concerned, the Queensland Government has announced a new pilot program to make COVID-19 testing easier and more accessible — by allowing pharmacies to conduct the tests. If you lined up at a pop-up clinic last month after the state's most recent community coronavirus cases, or even just drove past one and saw the long queues, you'll know there's clearly a demand for added testing capacity. https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3410948968936256/?type=3&theater While the exact stores are yet to be announced, community chemists across the state will be able to take part in the trial over the next few months. Yes, that means that you'll be able to get tested when you're stopping by your local store for other pharmaceutical products. Some chemists already administer flu shots as winter approaches, so conducting COVID-19 tests isn't much of a leap. As Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles explained, "each year there are over 458 million patient visits to community pharmacies — approximately 8.8 million per week". The aim is to make testing as widely available as possible, of course, including in regional and remote pharmacies. When it is up and running — with a specific date yet to be announced — the pilot program will operate alongside Queensland's existing testing centres and fever clinics. And, anyone with possible coronavirus symptoms can still contact their local GP about testing as well. For more information about Queensland's trial of COVID-19 testing in pharmacies, read the State Government's announcement — we'll update you with more details when they come to hand.
When Kirra Beach Hotel reopened in November 2023, a Gold Coast favourite made a comeback in a brand-new guise. With the similarly named Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta's Kirra Point Precinct now welcomes a fresh spot to enjoy a bite and sip. Both are about dining and drinking beachside with ocean views and cruisy vibes; however, only one will let you and 19 mates hang out in a cabana on its northward terrace. Kirra Beach House is perched on the precinct's second level. Here, patrons can find a 1200-square-metre venue by SITE Hospitality's Dave Galvin (Kōst, Mozza Mozza) — and a spot that boasts a number of spaces within its one big space. There's a wine bar, two cocktail bars (one, Preston's, is for intimate soirées), indoor spots to drink, outdoor places to settle in, a seafood barbecue area, and room for events such as weddings and shindigs. The views at Kirra Beach House naturally feature the sea and sky — so, plenty of blue — from almost everywhere within its walls. Obviously, when you're out on the terrace cocktail bar, seeing the beach is a given (also expect to spy Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise's skylines). While you're soaking in the vistas, you can listen to DJs and acoustic tunes, and get comfortable in those three 20-person cabanas. Head around to the western terrace and a kitchen, bar and asado barbecue await, as well as foliage as a backdrop. "The southern Gold Coast has been crying out for a venue like this but it was important for us to ensure it embodied the Kirra lifestyle. We have created something elevated yet approachable and effortless, that evokes the idyllic feeling of being on one endless, glorious summer holiday," said Galvin. The Mediterranean-skewing food menu by Kōst Executive Chef Sebbie Kenyon includes seafood platters both raw and cooked, plus steaks, burgers, flatbreads and pizzas. Patrons can enjoy kingfish ceviche in a citrus dressing, smoked ham hock croquettes, fried fish burgs with pickled zucchini, and burrata featuring yellow peach, aged balsamic and smoked salt. The tempura bug roll comes on a milk bun and is paired with smoked cocktail sauce — and those platters feature everything from the kingfish ceviche, bug tails and rock oysters to spanner crab remoulade and king prawns. As for the cocktails, they fittingly take their cues from holidays, with a Bahamas champagne piña colada and a Cancun spicy watermelon margarita among the options. Also on offer: house-made spritzes and Aussie wines. Kirra Beach Hotel and Kirra Beach House form part of Kirra Point Precinct's first stage. When stage two arrives, it'll add to the places to stay, shop, and eat and drink. On the cards: a boutique hotel, laneway retailers, a village square, a fresh food marketplace, another residential apartment tower, a gelateria and more. Find Kirra Beach House at Kirra Point, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta — open 11am–late Sunday–Thursday and 11–1am Friday–Saturday.
Maybe you recall first seeing Rebel Wilson two decades back in Fat Pizza. Perhaps her part as "girl in alley" in the Nicolas Cage-starring Ghost Rider initially caught your eye. Or, it might've been her two big Hollywood breaks: Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect franchise. Whichever fits, the Australian actor has charted quite the path over the last 21 years — and she's keen to share a heap of stories about it. That's happening in two ways: her new book Rebel Rising: A Memoir and a tour of the country's east coast to chat about her career so far. The printed tome fuels the in-person conversations, of course, with the former due to hit shelves in April, then the live sessions happening in May. An Evening with Rebel Wilson has the right moniker, then, with the event heading to the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne. In taking to the stage to reflect upon her journey, Wilson follows in the footsteps of everyone from Henry Winkler to Tony Hawk so far in 2024. That said, no one has taken the same route to fame as the Sydney-born actor, with dog shows, creating TV's Bogan Pride and winning an acting scholarship launched by Nicole Kidman just some of the steps along the way. As well as talking through time in the spotlight that's seen her feature in Cats, Isn't It Romantic, Senior Year and Jojo Rabbit as well — plus How to Be Single, Pain & Gain, Grimsby and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, too — Wilson is set to reflect on her personal experiences. Expect a behind-the-scenes glimpse, then — apparently with a Brad Pitt tale thrown in, and details about martial-arts tournaments and an Oscars hallucination induced by malaria. An Evening with Rebel Wilson 2024 Australian Dates: Thursday, May 9 — Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney Sunday, May 12 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, May 14 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne An Evening with Rebel Wilson hits Australia's east coast in May 2024, with ticket presales from 10am on Wednesday, February 21 — head to the tour website for further details.
The team behind RAW Artists have been shining a spotlight on some of the best creative minds around Australia through their multi-faceted showcases. They are hosting another event, ‘Mixology’ at Oh Hello this week and, like the event namesake suggests, it will feature a great cocktail of art, music and fashion shaken and poured into a tall glass of creativity. Included in the nights events are a film screening, a fashion show as well as a demonstration by a featured make-up and hairstylist. Mixology will feature a live performance from El Motel, art by Beau Deely, Joel Devereux and Amy Commins, fashion by labels Flynn and Benji as well as a film screening by writer and director Jack Webb. Get raw at Oh Hello and immerse yourself in the communal creative atmosphere with the Raw Artists community this week.
The second biggest country music festival in the world — after Nashville, nonetheless — Tamworth attracts tens of thousands of boot scooters every January. It's a ten-day shindig that takes over the entire town with outdoor concerts, pub gigs, bands, singer-songwriters, buskers, whip crackers, sheep dogs and every other element of country living you can think of. Best of all, much of the program is free. So, if you're on a budget, park your tent at Riverside Park and go wandering from gig to gig, without spending a cent. Every night, Toyota Park hosts a massive free concert under the stars, including the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final and the Toyota Busking Championships. Alternatively, splurge on a major show, like the Golden Guitar Awards (where pretty much all the best country stars of the year play a song or two). Or, if you're more into country mixed with contemporary sounds, check out the Cake & Cordial Sessions, which feature indie singer-songwriters, or Late Nite Alt, where secret acts play until 1.30am. Last year's crop included Henry Wagons, Shane Nicholson, Harmony James and the Wilson Pickers.
Matt Brady has been a pioneer of Brisbane street culture for a long time. The owner of iconic Brisbane clothing store The Outpost has also had a large role in shaping Brisbane culture in the arenas of art and music. Matt used to own the very popular Woodland venue, where live music was a major focus, and for the past decade he has been in charge of running I Used To Skate Once, an art exhibition that celebrated local talent and skating culture. The tenth iteration of this event is set to be the biggest yet, with The Zoo accommodating the exhibition itself as well as having a separate experimental music room installed in a shopfront below. The art on display is from a wide variety of local artists and interstate talent, some of who are veterans of the scene and some of who are up-and-comers. We spoke to Matt in the lead-up to the exhibition to talk about where it all started and what we can expect this year. Where did the initial idea for IUTSO come from? We wanted to do something that wasn't a fashion parade — every man and his dog were doing fashion events around that time. I also realised that there were a lot of creative people that were customers. So the skateboard thing was something small canvas and that was relevant to most people who shopped with us. In New York there is a guy called Aaron Rose who did a similar show called Minimal Tricks around the same time. His book for his gallery came out a few years back and he did a skateboard art show. I thought 'I'm on the right page' with something new to do. What made you want to make it an annual thing? We had so much fun doing it that we wanted to do it again! ... It was great because it was all of our friends together. It was a real nice atmosphere, everyone had a good time. It was like having a house party and an art show at the same time. Everyone knew each other. Looking back at the photos now, it was such a nice big group of people that really supported one another — and they still do! A lot of them are in the show on Thursday. How do you go about selecting your showcase artists? It kind of snowballs; there is no rhyme or reason. It starts off with me picking five or so people I really want to have in the show and then it will snowball from there. I do work with a lot of artists that produce products from the shop. There are always new kids coming through that are doing photography or have their own thing going and I will grab them as well. I try to make a mixture of fifty percent male and fifty percent female. Sometimes I just pick people that are loyal customers. Sometimes they aren't the most talented artists but I like to give them a chance. There is a pretty weird selection process; we can't have everyone we want in the show unfortunately. What do you do to keep things fresh and interesting? Lately I have been trying to mix up certain elements. One year we had all of the bands on the floor instead of the stage, the next year we custom built a quarter-pipe. This year we have an experimental electronic room. Obviously we like people being creative with music as well as art. There will be visuals from Pale Earth in that room as well, so there will be an artistic element to it. What do you think of the current art and music scene in Brisbane? Do you think it is in a good place right now or could it be improved? Brisbane is a great place. We are lucky to have places like GOMA and events like GOMA Up-Late, there are a lot of smaller, artist-run galleries that have come and there are a lot of great bands, regardless of genres. New venues like The Brightside are fantastic for music. I keep a low profile most times but there always seems something to do. Are there are any local artists and musicians that you are digging at the moment? I really like Charlie Hillhouse's photography; Heinz Riegler has been great with music and art; Alex Gillies with his woodcuts is amazing. He just had a show in Melbourne. Elana Mullaly is in the show and she is amazing. Band wise, I like Brainbeau (who are headlining the electronic room). Roku Music, obviously — their stuff sounds like My Bloody Valentine which is great! Per Purpose are sounding really good these days and Blank Realm are going to take over the world; they will, that's happening. What are your favourite places to eat, drink and party? I always drink coffee at Jamie's Espresso in the morning. I don't mind doing a quiet bar hop in West End, so I might go to the Bearded Lady, The End and then see a band at The Hi-Fi or The Waiting Room, then go home. I find West End to be really easy for me. I have been in The Valley for so long that it is nice to have somewhere else to go. I still love Black Bear Lodge, though! I'm into being around like-minded people which can be hard in big clubs. Sometimes I like going out to Sunnybank, any of the restaurants there are great. I like places that are high-end cuisine and cheaper eats. I Used To Skate Once 10 is taking place on June 26 at The Zoo. Live performances from Roku Music, Statler+Waldorf, Goon Sax, Brainbeau, Pale Earth and more. Entry is free.
From towering silos to inner-city suburban landmarks, Melbourne-based street artist Rone has always been pretty creative about where he paints his large-scale murals. But for the last 12 months, he's been hiding away in the lush community of Sherbrooke, in the Dandenong Ranges, transforming the dilapidated art deco mansion Burnham Beeches into an artsy dreamland. Famous for his massive portraits that combine elements of beauty and ruin, alongside concepts of new and old, Empire is Rone's most ambitious project to date. It's set in the 'decaying glory' of the 1930s estate, which has periodically acted as a family home, research facility, children's hospital and luxury hotel. The mansion is now owned by the Vue Group but has been vacant for over 20 years. Empire spans 12 (previously empty) rooms over multiple storeys and centres around a series of the artist's signature 'Jane Doe' monochrome portraits — the muse for which is actress Lily Sullivan (Mental, Picnic at Hanging Rock). Apart from the murals, the art deco-era furnishings are courtesy of interior stylist Carly Spooner (Fitzroy's The Establishment Studios), who also worked on Rone's The Omega Project. The rooms have been furnished with over 500 antique pieces, including a moss-covered grand piano — which was left exposed in the open garden for several weeks to attain an aged effect. The four seasons play a major role in Empire, and this varying atmosphere was accomplished by a team of specialists — flairs of art, vision, sound, light, virtual reality, scent and botanical design will take visitors on an immersive multi-sensory experience. Expect a hauntingly beautiful vibe of an era-gone-by, as Rone seeks to create an ambiguous storyline that can be felt by each guest individually. Rone takes personal inspiration for the space from the Mark Romanek-directed music video for the Johnny Cash cover of Hurt (originally by Nine Inch Nails) — which should give a sense of what you're in for. Empire will run from Wednesday, March 6 to Monday, April 22 at Burnham Beeches. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.
The occasions may change, but whatever the date or festivities, the Brightside has partying Brisbanites covered. On April 16, they're throwing an Easter Sunday shindig the only way the know how: with a few bevs and live tunes. It's the music that's the main attraction at this ticketed gig, with Deez Nuts, Rare Words, ENDLESS and Valhalla Mist on the bill. That means things will be getting heavy with punk, rock and hardcore. After a couple of days of light relaxation and overindulgence, perhaps that's just what you'll be in the mood for.
Your tastebuds or your bank account: it's a familiar battle. Ravenous urges and thrifty needs don't always see eye-to-eye. But, sometimes the stomach wants what the stomach wants, even when you're saving. And sometimes knowing that you're stashing away your pennies for a good reason — a big overseas trip, a shiny new purchase or some killer festival tickets, for example — just isn't enough to quell the desire to get out of the house. We've all been there. Thankfully, grabbing a meal and keeping your funds in check don't have to sit at loggerheads if you know the right places to go. That's why we've partnered with American Express to whip up the ultimate guide to wallet-friendly eateries — aka when you're watching your finances but just don't feel like another meal cooked on your own stove. Indeed, from sticky wings to hefty burgers, and including a feast of Italian, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes, there's no shortage of inexpensive yet delicious dinner options scattered around Brisbane — also, these cheap eats haunts accept that Amex card you've been trying to collect all those points with. Whether you're hankering to slurp up a bowl of ramen or conquer a plate of ribs, we know a spot that'll vanquish your hunger without breaking your budget. Can't wait to start travelling the world again? American Express has the card for you. Sign up for the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card and you'll score 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, plus $450 of Qantas Travel Credit and two passes to the American Express Lounge every year. And you'll earn 1.25 Qantas Points for every dollar spent. T&Cs, minimum spend and eligibility criteria apply.
Before getting a glimpse into everyone else's lives was as simple as logging into your social-media platform of choice, a game arrived that let its players do something similar with computerised characters. A spinoff from SimCity and its city-building follow-ups, The Sims allows whoever is mashing buttons to create and control virtual people, then step through their existence. First hitting in February 2000, it has spawned three sequels, plus a whole heap of expansion and compilation packs for each — and online, console and mobile versions as well. A quarter of a century since its debut, The Sims still keeps dropping new releases. To mark its 25th birthday, there's now The Sims: Birthday Bundle. That's one way to celebrate the game's latest anniversary. Here's another: stepping inside a three-day Australian pop-up dedicated to the beloved life simulator, which is heading to Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image from Friday, February 21–Sunday, February 23, 2025. Despite The Sims' more-recent titles, thinking about the game usually means thinking about the 2000s. So, this pop-up is taking that truth to heart by celebrating the Y2K era, too. Going along involves entering inside a 2000s-era pre-teen bedroom that's been decked out by Josh & Matt Design with all of the appropriate touches. Yes, it'll be nostalgic. Yes, there'll be CD towers and blow-up couches, just to name a few decor choices. The pop-up will also feature free stations where you can play The Sims: Birthday Bundle, if the best way for you to commeroate the occasion is by diving into the franchise virtually. In addition, there'll also be a free panel about the game on the Saturday, with speakers including Josh & Matt Design's Josh Jessup and Matt Moss — who are big The Sims fans — and EA/Firemonkeys' Simulation Division General Manager Mavis Chan.
Seeing a novel come to life is something that happens everyday. Experiencing a beloved story materialise in front of your eyes while you're inside an artwork — that isn't, as great as stage and screen adaptations can often be. Welcome to Angel's Place, and to Carpentaria: A Performance, which just might change the way you think about re-creations of literary material. Taking place at Brisbane Writers Festival, The former comes courtesy of a monument by Aboriginal artist Gordon Hookey, which becomes an immersive stage for the performance. The latter is inspired by Alexis Wright's novel, which tells of the fictional Queensland town of Desperance, a clash between indigenous and white communities, and the aftermath. If you're eager to find out more, the Miles Franklin Award-winning Wright will also be participating in an in-conversation session. Image: Mick Richards.
A slice of Tokyo is coming to Brisbane, and a slice of Sydney, too. The Harbour City's Goros is one of its go-to spots if you want to party like you're in Japan without the plane fare, with the izakaya-style bar featuring karaoke, yakitori, sake and Japanese spirits. Come 2025, all of the above will also be on offer in Fortitude Valley, when the watering hole opens up its second venue — and first in Queensland. For its arrival in the River City, Goros is going big. Taking over the space at 6 Warner Street that was previously home to Kickons, the bar will spread over multiple levels and cater to 500 people. And yes, that means that group occasions will be on the menu as well if you need a new spot to celebrate your next birthday, or anything else worth commemorating, with sake bombs, chicken karaage and skewers fresh off the robata grill. Goros' inspiration isn't merely Japan in general or even Tokyo as a whole — it's the latter's street bar culture and nightlife scene. Whether you're keen to pick up a microphone or you'll be happy sipping cocktails while others sing, expect neon lighting aplenty across the venue's decor. There's no exact opening date yet, other than early 2025, but the bar will also boast a dance floor — because karaoke isn't the only way to enjoy tunes here — and host games nights. In Sydney, the food menu includes crispy chicken wings, tuna tacos, Goros fried cauliflower, cheeseburger gyoza, spicy pork and teriyaki chicken on sticks, for starters. Or, patrons can tuck into pork katsu curry, miso barramundi, chicken katsu burgers and a bento box spread for bigger meals, plus Goros fried ice cream with salted caramel and popcorn for dessert. Here's hoping that the bulk of the Harbour City's bites make the jump north. The same goes for the drinks range, which features 25 cocktail options — some house, some classic — alongside seven mocktails, nine sake bombs, two highballs, a decent array of sake served in multiple sizes (90, 200 and 720 millilitres) and Japanese whiskys. Find Goros Brisbane at 6 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley from early 2025 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced. Head to the venue's website for more details in the interim.
Home to the famed Penola, Coonawarra and Robe wine regions — as well as an array of natural wonders — the Limestone Coast lies four hours' drive southeast of Adelaide. More than 40 cellar doors peddle some of Australia's best cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot, while laidback eateries serve up fresh dishes, packed with local produce and fresh seafood, straight out of the Southern Ocean. Together with southaustralia.com, we've created this comprehensive guide to the coastal wine region — featuring plenty of drinking and feasting, alongside diving in impossibly clear waters, strolling around a dazzling blue lake and diving into a sinkhole. If you have the time, immerse yourself in the Clare Valley and the Fleurieu Peninsula, too. Or explore Adelaide — there are plenty of underground bars and fairy light-lit rooftops to uncover. [caption id="attachment_681383" align="alignnone" width="1920"] No.4[/caption] EAT Begin your adventures in Coonawarra, a pint-sized region known all over the world for its cracking cabernet sauvignon. At Drink Ottelia + Eat Fodder, you'll taste your way through several drops, while feasting on sourdough pizza and creative dishes, such as wood-roasted whole prawn with nasturtium leaf butter and salt and pepper squid with black pepper sauce and spring onion. Next up is Penola, a 1500-person town dotted with heritage-listed buildings, found 15 minutes' drive south. Among these dwellings, there's a white weatherboard church by the name of Pipers of Penola, where husband-and-wife duo Simon and Erika Bowen dish up decadent combinations. Start with duck liver pâté, grilled brioche, cornichons, mustard fruit and apple remoulade; end with Valrhona guanaja 70 percent dark chocolate terrine, spiced Jamaican rum genoise, dark chocolate glaze and orange sabayon. Match your picks with a few local drops along the way. [caption id="attachment_681429" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mayura Station, Mike Annese[/caption] When you're ready for salty air and crashing surf, you'll find the coast 45 minutes' drive west. Your first stop should be the Irish green hills of Mayura Station, a Wagyu beef farm that has been raising cattle since the 1850s. In the Tasting Room, a true paddock-to-plate experience is on offer. While you sit at a sleek stainless bench, chef Mark Wright will slice premium cuts in front of your eyes, before preparing them in a variety of fashions – from paper-thin carpaccio to charcoal-grilled pieces to perfectly melty steak. The adventure comes accompanied by museum release Coonawarra wines, which you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Stay coastal to visit Robe, a 1200-person town that lies an hour's drive north. In the 1850s, this was South Australia's second busiest port — a wander among the old buildings feels like a journey into seafaring history. For a light, breezy brunch, grab a table at No. 4, and feast on local rock lobster with scrambled eggs, pickled seaweed salad and house-made lavosh or some other locally inspired creation. [caption id="attachment_681000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cape Jaffa Wines, Adam Bruzzone[/caption] DRINK Don't leave Robe without swinging by Robe Town Brewery, home to the only woodfired brewing kettle in Australia. Its in-depth flights cover anything and everything from the Midnight Smooch, made with liquorice root, to The Magic Mulberry, infused with hand-picked wild mulberries. After that, it's a half-hour drive to remote Cape Jaffa Wines, to immerse yourself in vineyards, backdropped by the Great Australian Bight. Couple Anna and Derek Hooper moved here after falling in love with the area's wildness and deciding to dedicate themselves to making wines that reflect the elements. Their experiments have resulted in some unusual drops, such as the Samphire Skin Contact White, made using traditional Eastern European techniques, and the experimental Mesmer Eyes Red and White Blend. [caption id="attachment_681015" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wynns, Mike Annese[/caption] Return inland to find out where Coonawarra and Penola get their mighty reputations. Wynns is a name you've no doubt seen on many a bottle shop shelf and, right here, you can see its home. Take this opportunity to sample the Single Vineyards and Icons ranges. Just a hop, skip and jump away is St Mary's, where every grape in every bottle comes from the winery's vineyard and every step in the winemaking process happens onsite. Leave yourself time to wander around the four acres of 70-year-old landscaped gardens, before moving on to Majella. For more wines deeply expressive of their terroir, head to Bellwether Wines, where the reserve series is up for tasting in an 1868 shearing shed. [caption id="attachment_681002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kilsby Sinkhole, Alex Wyschnja[/caption] DO One of the Limestone Coast's best-known spots is Blue Lake, Mount Gambier — around 50 minutes' drive south of Coonawarra. Occupying a massive crater formed by a volcanic eruption anywhere between 4300 and 28,000 years ago, the lake turns a magnificent cobalt blue every summer. The 3.7-kilometre walking trail lets you explore up-close. Before setting off, drop into Mount Gambier's Saturday morning Farmers' Market, to pick up supplies. [caption id="attachment_681009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Obelisk, Ben Goode[/caption] Another natural phenomenon nearby is the Kilsby Sinkhole. Divers have been travelling here from all over the planet since the 1950s to plunge into its crystal-clear waters, which you can experience on a tour with an approved operator. Then, if you happen to be travelling in May or June, wait until after dark to drive 16 kilometres northwest to Glencoe, to wander along Ghost Mushroom Lane, a walk dotted with mushrooms that glow in the dark. Note, these are not part of your foodie experience: the very chemical that gives them their luminescence can be poisonous. If you're looking for adventures around Robe, check out The Obelisk, Cape Dombey. Built in 1852, this landmark helped sailors to safety, firstly, by assisting with navigation and, secondly, by providing a place to store lifesaving gear. When a ship got into trouble, this gear would be shot out by rocket and grabbed by thankful travellers. [caption id="attachment_681014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bellwether Glamping by SATC[/caption] STAY To sleep surrounded by red gums and bird song within a Coonawarra winery, book a bell tent at Bellwether Glamping. The cellar door is just a stumble away and, during vintage, you can get involved in wine making. If glamping is too fancy-pants for you, you're welcome to bring your own tent. Another option for snoozing among the vines is The Menzies Retreat, a warm, cosy, timber-filled bed and breakfast at Yalumba's Coonawarra home. Alternatively, stay in town at A Coonawarra Experience. This two-bedroom cottage with queen-sized beds, heated floors and a Nespresso machine, is in Penola, so restaurants, cafes and bars are close by. To stay closer to the sea, reserve The Bush Inn, Robe, an 1852 inn that once welcomed sailors and merchants. Now, it offers ultra-comfy rooms to travellers of the food-and-wine tasting kind. Expect polished timber floors, exposed stonework, open fireplaces and baths – surrounded by bushland. There's room for up to nine guests across four bedrooms. Or, to sleep near Mount Gambier's wonders, check into The Barn, where the Premier King Suites are luxurious, open-plan numbers with Sealy Dynasty plush king beds, massive Caesar stone bathrooms and private patios. To discover more of Adelaide and South Australia, head to SATC. Top image: Cape Jaffa Wines, Adam Bruzzone
If you're looking for a sandwich on the east side of the river, you can now head to a new home of the humble bread-and-filling combo. Setting up shop on Oxford Street in Bulimba, Crumbs only serves up one kind of food — but its seven different varieties definitely won't bring back bad memories of oh-so-many school lunches. Instead, thanks to a menu designed by Ben Williamson (Gerard's Bistro), Crumbs' sandwich lineup is classic but classy. The Cubano ($14) features ham, roast pork, mustard, swiss cheese, coriander and pickled pepper, while The Green Out ($12) is a vegetable and salad-filled combination of avocado, zucchini, spinach, pesto, feta, za'atar and lime. Feeling indulgent? The Venetian ($10) is filled with mozzarella, then deep-fried and served with tomato garlic dip — and the PB&J ($10) takes crunchy peanut butter, throws in some jam and serves it on brioche, complete with candied peanuts, too. What you won't find here is pulled pork or beef brisket, with Crumbs going old-school rather than serving up the kind of sangas on many other menus in town. Blackstar Coffee will take care of your caffeine hit, with Crumbs open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Saturday. If you're keen to try a sandwich — and you love a cuppa — Crumbs is also giving away free coffees on Thursday, October 17 from 9am–12pm.
Each year, the team behind Vivid Sydney clearly asks itself a question: where else can we dazzle with lights next? Ranging from gardens and tunnels to buildings and bridges, the answers brighten up not only the festival's annual program, but the Harbour City. Letting a train lit up with an immersive glow and pumping techno tunes loose on the New South Wales capital's rails is a new answer for 2024, however. Meet Tekno Train. This isn't your ordinary, everyday, average commute — this is a 60-minute trip filled with lighting and music that changes to match the train's speed and the landscape outside. And the tunes? Like the event itself, they hail from Paul Mac. The result is a 23-night-only railway experience that's an Australian first, with its music newly composed specifically for what promises to be a helluva ride. Here's how it works: between Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15, you'll hop onboard a K-set train at Central Station, either opting for a scenic route to North Sydney and then Lavender Bay via a secret spur line (the slower, more family-friendly trip), or hitting up City Circle and South Sydney (which'll be the livelier and faster-paced journey). Whether you pick The Scenic Route or Tech Express, as the two choices have been named, you'll see Tekno Train's custom lighting beam and hear its electronic dance music soundtrack pulse through all of the locomotive's carriages. "Trains have always fascinated me. Their mix of rhythmic clicks and clacks, the screech of metal on metal, and the sound and smell of brakes are all interesting sensory experiences that everyone can relate to," said Paul Mac about the new addition to the Vivid Sydney 2024 lineup, which has been announced just days ahead of the fest's kickoff. "Tekno Train will take things one step further. It will drive the music and lights, turning a commuter journey into a sensory rollercoaster." If you're wondering how it links in with this year's Vivid theme of 'humanity', Tekno Train puts the power of music to unite — even when people are doing something that they don't normally think twice about — in the spotlight. It also celebrates public transport, mass transit and community. And, of course, it'll get you seeing riding the rails in a whole new light, literally. In 2024, other responses to the Vivid challenge to put lights anywhere and everywhere include the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where Lightscape will again get radiant; the Sydney Opera House sails, the city's trusty large-scale canvas; facades including Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art; the Sydney Harbour Bridge; Barangaroo; and Sydney Tower, which will project a fan of 40-kilometre-long laser beams. And, for the second year running, Dark Spectrum will return to Wynyard's railway tunnels with a one-kilometre trail featuring eight chambers, 300 lasers and strobe lights, 500 lanterns, 250 search lights and 700 illuminated arrows. Tekno Train departs from Central Station, running for 23 nights during Vivid Sydney — which takes place from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15. Head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Images: Destination NSW.
Melbourne masquerades as New York in Predestination, the latest film from German-Australian directing duo Michael and Peter Spierig. Reuniting the twin filmmakers with their Daybreakers star Ethan Hawke, this slickly produced time-travel noir attempts to put its own distinctive spin on one of sci-fi's most thoroughly exploited sub-genres. There are plenty of intriguing concepts beneath the movie's stylish surface, although often their delivery leaves a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, some old-school vibes — and an astounding, career-making performance from actress Sarah Snook — ensures Predestination is worth your precious time. Adapted, and expanded, from Robert A. Heinlein's 13-page short story All You Zombies, much of the first half of the film takes place in a dive bar in New York, where a time-travelling secret agent (Hawke), on the trail of a terrorist mastermind, is working undercover serving drinks. One evening, he strikes up a conversation, seemingly at random, with a sullen young man named James (Snook), who bets the barkeep a bottle of whiskey he's got the best story the place has ever heard. And it's certainly a corker of a yarn. James, it would seem, began his life as Jane, abandoned by unknown parents on the steps of a Cleveland orphanage. A bright, tough young woman, Jane very nearly becomes one of the first female astronauts, only to be ruled out by an unexpected pregnancy. The father of the child abandons her soon after, although the shock is overshadowed by a revelation from her doctor: it turns out Jane has a second set of fully functioning (albeit internal) male reproductive organs, and that complication from her pregnancy will leave her no choice but to transition into a man. How James's incredible story is connected to Hawke's manhunt isn't immediately clear — although it's obvious from the cryptic way the brothers frame the flashbacks – always obscuring certain faces — that the cogs will eventually interlock. The second half of the film, wherein Hawke offers James the chance to travel back and change his past, is positively overflowing with time paradoxes and plot twists. The problem is, anyone with even a passing familiarity with time-travel stories will see them coming at least three scenes before they do. It's not that the revelations aren't interesting on an intellectual level; they just never result in the dropped jaws and shocked gasps that the Spierigs would obviously like. Still, if their script could use some polish, they succeed in delivering style. From Hawke's fedora and six-shot revolver to his portable time machine disguised as a violin case, the feel of Predestination is a particular brand of retro-futuristic cool. Likewise, the narrative device of two strangers swapping stories across the bar has an enjoyably hardboiled quality to it and helps disguise the fact that the entire first half of the movie is basically one giant dump of exposition. It also helps a great deal that Snook is the one who's delivering it. Hawke brings his typical mix of wryness and intensity, while Noah Taylor is dapper is his seemingly all-knowing handler. But it's the Adelaide-born actress who clearly runs away with the film, ranging from tough and emotionally guarded to devastatingly raw. So affecting are the scenes immediately before and after James' transition that you could almost do away with the time travel story altogether. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UVOpfpYijHA
An honest man follows his ambitions, but finds trouble at every turn. We’ve seen this story done before and done well; however, films as gloomy and gripping as A Most Violent Year don’t come around that often. It’s not necessarily the chaos and corruption the movie tells of that gets under your skin, though there’s plenty of that. What makes this tense, moody thriller so insidious and effective is the way it states the costs and consequences without offering an alternative. Adapt or perish, it says. That’s just life, it tells us. When we first meet that well-intentioned businessman, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), he’s running — and doesn’t stop throughout the film. Yes, he’s frequently standing still, but he’s never really relaxed or comfortable. He’s continually chasing the next step in his carefully controlled climb from poor immigrant to heating oil mogul, and the movie loves nothing more than to watch his struggle. Understanding why Morales itches to keep moving is simple, despite everything — his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), his fancy home and his growing oil company — seeming the picture of happiness. Thugs keep hijacking his trucks, threatening his staff and prowling around his house. The assistant district attorney (David Oyelowo) has targeted him in an investigation into the industry. If a property deal crucial to expanding his empire falls through, he could lose everything. Writer/director J.C. Chandor previously made Margin Call and All Is Lost, which gives an indication of the uneasiness on display. Yet again, his characters walk the fine line between success and failure, trapped in a horror story about survival in capitalist times. The American Dream is mentioned, and that’s certainly what the movie contemplates, though it’s rarely so blunt about it. Instead, it is telling that the story is set in New York in 1981 — reportedly the city’s most crime-ridden year on record, hence the title. That Selma cinematographer Bradford Young chooses to make everything from subway cars to suburban homes look shadowy and inescapable is just as revealing. Chandor has always benefited from clever casting, but in A Most Violent Year he has hit the jackpot. Isaac is exceptional as someone trying not to drown — metaphorically, not literally, here — in stormy waters. Everyone who rightfully loved him in Balibo, Drive and Inside Llewyn Davis will only do so all over again. Morales is the type of conflicted role only he could’ve done justice to. He’s constantly composing himself for the next drama — whether discussing tactics with his attorney (Albert Brooks), or begrudgingly asking a competitor (Alessandro Nivola) for help. And then there’s his battle with Anna, as formidably played as the gangster’s daughter she is by the equally outstanding Chastain. If ever there was a depiction of marriage to test the “behind every great man, there’s a great woman” adage, it’s this one (matching stylish period outfits included). It may take time getting there, building patiently and unnervingly, but when A Most Violent Year ends, it’s like the slap in the face you knew was coming yet couldn’t duck to avoid. Another famous saying springs to mind: be careful what you wish for. Viewers wanting a complex and compelling film needn’t fear, but anyone wanting life to be full of unambiguously happy endings just might.
All the young'uns know by now that the smiley-dreadlocks-guy in Daft Punk's 'Get Lucky' music video has a long and venerable history of bringing feelgood vibes to the discotheque. That's because he's Nile Rodgers of Chic, legendary hitmaker, and he'll be headlining the 23rd Meredith Music Festival. Chic was formed in 1976 and at 60, Rodgers is still at the centre of the music biz. After recently rocking Glastonbury with Daft Punk and moving Golden Plains Sixxx to the core last year (prompting Nile to say, "Every show we've had a special connection to the crowd but oh tonight was spiritual"), Chic will get the crowd grooving at the Meredith Supernatural Theatre with their epoch-defining tunes, as well as classics produced by Nile for other colossal artists. 'Le Freak', Good Times, 'Everybody Dance', 'Let's Dance', Like A Virgin, 'Original Sin': are you sensing a theme here? A theme of awesome? Two hours of mirrorball-spinning sounds will ensue. If you can't make it to Meredith, fear not — Chic is touring Australia and will perform at the Sydney Opera House on December 7, sure to be a sultry Saturday night, as part of the Music at the House program. Meredith Music Festival runs over three days from December 13–15. To go in the ballot for tickets, visit the festival website and subscribe before 11.23pm on August 12.
In a stark change from last year, 2021 is shaping up to be quite the magical time for Australian musical theatre fans. The country is finally getting a shot to see Hamilton right now, everyone will be able to swoon over Moulin Rouge! from August and making a date with one of popular culture's most famous masked men, The Phantom of the Opera, is on the cards from September. And, as just announced, Cinderella will be riding a pumpkin carriage into Sydney when November hits, too. First premiering back on Broadway in 2013, this version of the beloved fairy tale features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a couple of the best-known names in musical theatre history. The pair actually wrote their songs for a 1957 television production, which starred a pre-Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music Julie Andrews. (If you've seen the 1997 TV movie with Brandy and Whitney Houston — which remade that original small-screen flick — then you've already seen a version based on Rodgers and Hammerstein's original efforts.) Now, the Broadway production is finally making the jump Down Under, debuting locally at Sydney's Capitol Theatre at a yet-to-be-revealed date in November, as presented by Opera Australia and the Gordon Frost Organisation. The two organisations recently teamed up on The King and I, another Rodgers and Hammerstein hit, but this time they're all about glass slippers and masked balls. Whether Cinderella will make its way to other Aussie cities hasn't yet been announced either. Don't expect the exact same story you're used to, though — as you read as a kid, and saw in Disney's classic animated film and its live-action remake. Here, Cinderella is a contemporary figure, but living in a fairytale setting. She's still transformed from a chambermaid into a princess; however, the tale has been given a firmly modern spin. Just who'll be starring in the show when it makes its way to Sydney hasn't yet been revealed, but they'll be working with a production penned by playwright Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu, Sister Act) based on Hammerstein's work — which was, of course, adapted from the fairy tale about a young woman dreaming of a better life. The Broadway production was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won one, for Best Costume Design. In the US, Carly Rae Jepsen played Ella for a stint, while The Nanny's Fran Drescher also took on the role of Madame, Ella's stepmother, for a period. If you're wondering how the musical works its magic, check out a clip from the original Broadway show below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wypPkiBW1Z4 Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella will hit the stage at the Sydney's Capitol Theatre in November 2021, with exact dates yet to be announced. Tickets will go on sale on April 30, with pre-sales from April 26 — for further details, or to join the waitlist, head to the musical's website. Top image: Original Broadway production of Cinderella by Carol Rosegg.
Great news, dog lovers of Australia: you can now expect to see more pups at more pubs around the country. When 18 venues around the nation start serving pooches their very own version of charcuterie — adorably dubbed 'barkuterie' — there's bound to be one big result: a flurry of humans bringing their four-legged best friends out for a bite. If you spend your life with a canine companion, you'll be able to take your barking buddy to bars in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia from Saturday, September 16. On the menu: barkuterie boards created in collaboration with online pet supplies retailer Pet Circle, featuring three dog treats from Nature's Cuts and Zignature paired with seasonal fruit and vegetables. So, while you drink and graze, so can your pupper. Just don't go giving your dog any beer to go with their barkuterie board, of course. The canine snack plate comes in at $12, and arrives to celebrate spring. It's a limited-time special, however, getting tails wagging for four weeks — or until stocks last. Of course BrewDog is getting in on the barkuterie spread, which is great news for folks who can hit up the Scottish beer brand's venues at South Eveleigh in Sydney and Murarrie, at its DogTap Brisbane Australian base, in Brisbane. Harbour City residents can also take their pup to The Winery in Surry Hills, while Sunshine State folks can make a date with the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche and Everton Park Hotel. In Victoria, Richmond's Bridge Hotel is joining in — and folks in WA have Victoria Park Hotel and The Bassendean Hotel to choose from. It's a great time to be a dog devotee in SA, with Brighton Metro Hotel, The Duck Inn, Mick O'Sheas, Waterloo Station, The Hope Inn, Robe Hotel, The Colonist, Parkside Hotel, Naracoorte Hotel and The Victoria Hotel in Strathalbyn all on the list. "More Aussies than ever consider their dog as their fur-child and are looking for experiences to do with them. They are taking them to cafes and pubs, and now dogs have their very own menu. They say the way to a dog's heart is through its stomach so we hope all the dogs really love the barkuterie boards," said Pet Circle Head Vet Teagan Lever. 2023 has already delivered doughnut-shaped biscuits for dogs — now this is your next excuse to treat your pet. Pet Circle's barkuterie boards will be available from Saturday, September 16 at 18 venues around Australia — for four weeks until Friday, October 13, or until stocks last.
Brisbanites, it's time for a night at the museum — but you won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here. That said, given what'll be on display at Queensland Museum on Friday, January 14, the revelry will still feel rather adventurous. Walking, talking and drinking while taking a tour of QM's Brickman Wonders of the World exhibition is on the agenda at the venue's latest adults-only Museum After Dark shindig. You'll check out more than 50 Lego displays, and watch expert Lego builders do their thing, too — and you'll be able to sip your way through the night over a bite as well, and while listening to DJs, meeting live animals such as wombats and just generally checking out QM's exhibits. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out, and this one will be COVID-19 safe, which means it'll have a limited capacity. In other words, you'll want to nab a $35 ticket quickly (and note that that price doesn't include food and drinks). Image: Queensland Museum. Updated December 13.
UPDATE, January 8, 2021: Color Out of Space is available to stream via Shudder, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. He's the king of the unhinged, the master of on-screen mania and perhaps the only person that can make pouring vodka all over themselves while howling look perfectly natural. He is, of course, the one and only Nicolas Cage. While his resume boasts more ups and downs than a rollercoaster — an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas on one side, his oh-so-many forgettable straight-to-video flicks on the other — he's also the ideal person to lead Lovecraftian horror adaptation Color Out of Space. Whenever Cage keeps things quiet and normal, he evokes the unnerving sensation that perhaps everything is too quiet and normal. When he's letting loose, there's really no telling what could happen next. A film about a glowing meteor that crashes on an alpaca farm and not only forever changes a family's existence, but their entire grasp on reality, Color Out of Space needs both Cage's unsettlingly calm and brain-bogglingly over-the-top sides. More than that, it thrives on them. Six months after his wife Theresa's (Joely Richardson) mastectomy, Nathan Gardner's (Cage) life is settling back into a routine. With their three kids — stoner Benny (Brendan Meyer), wannabe wicca Lavinia (Madeleine Arthur) and primary school-aged Jack (Julian Hillard) — the couple has taken over Nathan's late father's remote New England property, lapping up its tree-lined surroundings and the slower pace that comes with it. The oddest thing they have to deal with: Nathan's certainty that alpacas are the future. Well, that and the grin on his face when he's milking the woolly animals. Then, just as a hydrologist (Elliot Knight) arrives to survey the farm's water, a blazing rock plummets from the heavens — turning the sky an otherworldly shade of fuchsia, unleashing both radiation and shape-shifting aliens, and sparking quite the wave of strange events. 'Strange' is a relative term in any given situation; what's unusual to one person mightn't seem all that out of the ordinary to someone else. But by combining a HP Lovecraft short story, the beacon of weird that is Cage, and a director known for making vivid and distinctive movies, Color Out of Space is emphatically, undeniably strange — regardless of your individual threshold for the bizarre. That filmmaker is Richard Stanley, who gained attention with a couple of sci-fi and horror flicks in the early 90s. Since 1996, he's been best known for being fired from the big Marlon Brando-starring flop The Island of Doctor Moreau. Stanley hasn't actually directed a fictional feature since, sticking to a few documentaries until now — and based on the hallucinatory imagery splashed across Color Out of Space's pink and purple-hued frames, he has decades of strangeness stored up. When Cage begins yelling maniacally, the farm's water turns sinister, grotesque critters start scuttling around and mutated flesh begins to feature heavily, Color Out of Space unleashes all of its absurd and peculiar wonders. When Cheech & Chong's Tommy Chong plays one of the most sensible characters — a hermit squatting on the Gardners' land, and the first person to verbalise his suspicions about the luminous boulder and its effects — this head trip of a film demonstrates that it's definitely not on any standard wavelength. It actually takes 40 slow-burning minutes until Color Out of Space dazzles viewers with its batshit antics, just like its incandescent rock gradually overpowers everyone in its vicinity, but the feature's first act is anything but subdued. Festering with unease, as aided by Steve Annis' (I Am Mother) vibrant cinematography and Colin Stetson's (Hereditary) psychedelic score, this movie is just waiting to explode with mind-bending havoc. Considering that it's also a film about the mess that follows a disease like cancer, simmering with distress then breaking out in chaos always feels supremely fitting. Still, much like Cage at his most Cage-esque — running around the streets claiming he's undead in 80s curio Vampire's Kiss springs to mind, as does every second of 90s action blockbuster Face/Off — Colour Out of Space is a movie that sometimes approaches its limits. It means to push them. In fact, given its source material and Lovecraft's renowned fondness for all things monstrous, it has to. When an otherwise ordinary family is being driven mad by a colourful meteor in visually, emotionally and physically disturbing ways, a mood of relentlessness and ridiculousness is wholly appropriate. But, as glorious as the movie's gleefully bonkers sights, sounds and story developments all are, they can threaten to weigh the feature down. The Gardners are no longer experiencing time in a normal way, and audiences can be forgiven for feeling like they're going through the same process. Stanley turns Lovecraft's wild, weird tale into an off-kilter kaleidoscopic spectacle — and another suitably strange entry on Cage's lengthy resume, naturally — but occasionally lets it get a little too lost in its own delirium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLmvs9Wrem0
No one should spend their lunch break eating at their desk, but stopping that habit isn't always easy. From Monday, February 3–Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is giving you plenty of motivation to step away from the computer. Head to the riverside spot from Monday–Thursday for a middle-of-the-day meal and your lunch costs will start at $25. Seven HSW venues are getting in on the deal, with most serving up multiple options — so you can pick between several dishes at Felons Brewing Co, Felons Barrel Hall, Mr Percival's, Stanley, Greca, Yoko Dining and Ciao Papi. Or, you can work your way through them all (and stare at their slightly different views of the water) across two months. You'll just need to keep an eye on each eatery's opening hours — and, while you can just rock up, bookings are recommended. As for what you'll be eating during the Let's Dine festivities, the specials are varied. Double smash burgers, baked fish and char-grilled eggplant parmigianas are on offer at Felons, while chicken and cashew stir fry, warm pork salad and noodles in beef curry broth are on the menu at the brewery's Barrel Hall — all for $25 each, and not just for lunch, with the deal running from 11am–late. For dining over the water, Mr Percival's is doing grilled fish, pork cutlets and pumpkin lasagne for between $25–29 — and also from 11am–late. If you're keen on Ciao Papi, you'll be eating a two-course menu for $49 from 12–3pm that includes a glass of wine or beer, plus a pick of dishes such as kingfish crudo and roast chicken. Stanley also has a two-dish spread for the same price from 12–4pm, but with selections including duck spring rolls and Beijing shredded beef. Opt for Greca or Yoko and you'll be paying $35 — for a souvlaki platter at the former from 12–3pm, with your choice of chicken, haloumi or seasonal vegetables; and for a bento box at the latter from 12–4pm, with a vegan option available.
Two Spanish couples on holiday, the tale of a real-life Barcelona bus driver and a crime thriller set in the Basque Country: if you're looking to swap Australia's winter for Euro vibes from your cinema seat, they're some of the highlights in store. When the middle of the year hits Down Under each year, the Spanish Film Festival brightens up Aussie picture palaces with a lineup of movies from its namesake country. Exploring the breadth of Spanish-language cinema, it also showcases flicks from Latin America. Thirty films are on the fest's program for 2025, including across Wednesday, June 11–Wednesday, July 2 at Palace James Street and Palace Barracks in Brisbane. Audiences can enjoy a roster of picks that features a Sliding Doors-style opener, this year's two Goya Best Film winners and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Nine Queens. Among the films mentioned above, Samana Sunrise is kicking of the festival with 20-year pals on a beachside getaway to the Dominican Republic when what might've been becomes the focus. Then, both El 47 and Undercover have prime slots fresh from their shared victory at Spain's version of the Oscars. The first heads back to the 70s to tell of bus driver Eduard Fernández's peaceful act of dissidence, while the second also unfurls a true tale, this time about the only police officer in Spain's history that has worked their way into terrorist organisation ETA. If you've been watching Ricardo Darín in recent Netflix hit The Eternaut, then you'll want to head back a quarter-century to see the Argentinian star's stellar work in heist flick Nine Queens — or revisit it if you're already a fan. It's closing out this year's Spanish Film Festival, screening in 4K. Other highlights across the program include The Quiet Maid, which was completely funded by NFTs, boasts Steven Soderbergh (Presence, Black Bag) as an executive producer, and follows a Colombian maid who discovers how to enjoy her summer while working on the Costa Brava; Ocho, charting a relationship over 90 years; the page-to-screen The Goldsmith's Secret; and Spanish box-office hit Wolfgang, a comedy a nine-year-old boy being set to live with his father. Or, there's Argentinian crime-thriller A Silent Death, which heads Patagonia in the 80s; El Jockey, with Money Heist and The Day of the Jackal's Úrsula Corberó among the Buenos Aires-set film's cast; and Peru's Through Rocks and Clouds, where an eight-year-old alpaca herder gets excited about the World Cup. With Marco, The Invented Truth, another slice of reality graces the lineup, this time honing in on the man who acted as the speaker of the Spanish association of Holocaust victims. The same is the case with I Am Nevenka, Nevenka Fernández's report of harassment by her employer in the 90s. Two documentaries also demonstrate how fact is frequently more fascinating than fiction, with Mugaritz. No Bread, No Dessert all about its eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant and The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés celebrating a rising star of its titular genre.
