When summer starts to scorch, we'll do anything to cool down. And while we'd like to be able to fling ourselves into the ocean at every 30-degree-plus opportunity, that's not always an option. That's when we usually turn to air conditioning. But while it might be a convenient way to keep your cool, it has its drawbacks — from its dehydrating effects and potential to spread bacteria to its massive energy consumption (which is both a drain on your wallet and the planet). And of course, some of us are living in stuffy rental properties where clicking on that air con remote isn't even an option. So, now that summer's here with a vengeance, we thought we'd bring you a few simple hacks for avoiding air con — or just surviving without it. You'll need ice, water and — if you're really keen — some trees. Go nuts. HACK YOUR FAN On scorching days, fans can be rudely ineffective, seeming to do little more than blow more hot air into your face. But a quick hack can work some magic. Find a big bowl, fill it with ice and place it between your fan and you. The propellers will work on the now-cooled air, sending it straight your way, transforming your fan into what feels like an air conditioner. Another option is to hang a bag of ice (or bottles of frozen water) directly in front of the fan. You can also place a wet, cool towel over the fan itself, which should get you an hour or so of extra crisp air. MAKE CLEVER COLD DRINKS Just carried the beer in from the car? Wrap each bottle in a soaked (but not dripping) paper towel and pop it in the freezer. The moisture will evaporate and cool speedily, and within 15 minutes, you'll be sipping on an ice-cold brew. You can swap your hot caffeine hit for an iced one by turning just-made coffee into ice cubes — for something different, make it Vietnamese-style by adding a dash of condensed milk. Or, if you're kicking all the habits this summer, add frozen berries to a glass of water, which cools down your drink while upping the taste factor. APPLY COLD THINGS TO YOUR PULSE POINTS Anyone who's ever spent term four in an Aussie primary school should already know this trick, but just in cased you missed out: the easiest way to cool down quickly is by applying a source of cold to your pulse points. Start by holding your wrists under running water for at least three minutes. Afterwards, apply an ice pack (or equivalent; heck, some frozen peas will do) to your wrists, neck, back of knees and/or ankles. These strategies cool the blood running through your veins and decrease your body temperature. MIST-IFY YOURSELF Got an empty spray bottle lying around? Give it a good, thorough clean and fill it with cold — or icy — water. Then, whenever you feel your temperature start to rise, spray yourself and everyone else in your vicinity. It's a basic trick, but an easy one. If possible, keep the bottle in the refrigerator or freezer (for short periods only – don't let the water turn into ice). Otherwise, just re-fill that baby as often as you can. PUT PLANTS IN FRONT OF YOUR WINDOWS Got pot plants? Got windows that let in lots of light? Well, there's an energy-saving match, right there. Use said plants to block said windows. The taller and leafier the better (consider that your permission to stock up on even more plant babies). In fact, if you're serious about keeping cool, it's worth investing in some dense trees or even vines, as long as you have a way to hang them from the windows. Not only will plants reduce the light and heat entering your home, they'll also provide you with cleaner air. Go for lemon trees you'll get some fruit out of it, too. FREEZE YOUR PILLOWS AND SHEETS One of the biggest challenges of an air con-free summer is getting to sleep. To produce the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, your body needs to reduce its core temperature. But once the thermometer hits 25 degrees, this becomes a tough task. To make it easier, stick your pillows and sheets in a plastic bag and shove them in the freezer for 30 minutes, before making and hopping into your bed. As the night wears on and you start to warm up, you might find yourself waking up — if you're really committed, keep a spare set of PJs in the freezer, so you can do a quick switcheroo. CLOSE ALL THE WINDOWS Up to a third of heat inside a house comes in through open windows and doors. So, go on a closing rampage — and tell your family or housemates all about it so they can get on board. While you're there, cover windows as effectively as possible by drawing blinds and curtains, and shutting shutters. If nighttime brings any relief, open them up again. And, to increase the effect of any cooler air, hang wet sheets in front of the windows. As the evening breeze blows through, the moisture will drop the temperature even further. Just don't forget to close everything again in the morning before it heats back up. GIVE YOUR FEET A COLD BATH When you need to sit in one spot for a while — maybe you're getting some work done or watching a flick — fill a container with cold water (and ice, if you can hack it) and stick your feet in. Immerse your ankles if you can — they're pulse points, so when they're cool your whole body temperature tends to drop. Should this work for you, go one further with a bath or shower. Or, if you'd rather avoid hanging around in the bathroom all day, invest in a kiddy pool to use either indoors or outside. TURN OFF YOUR APPLIANCES You'll be surprised how much heat is generated by your appliances. The obvious one is your oven. Even a seemingly harmless spurt of baking can give the thermometer a major surge. If you've got people coming over for dinner, an outdoor barbie is the best solution. Beyond the oven, there are loads of other heat-creating suspects, including your microwave, electric jug, television, bedside lamps, dishwasher, washing machine and computers. Whenever possible, switch them all off and unplug them — it'll help you stay cool and save energy. SPICE IT UP There's a good reason why spicy food is so popular in steamy parts of the world like India and Bangladesh. When you ingest all that chilli, your body starts to sweat and, as you know, sweating cools you down. Make your meal hot enough and you'll be so deep in the sweats you won't know what season it is. What's more, spicy food comes with a heap of potential health benefits, from increasing life expectancy to preventing cancer.
It was back in 2000 that the Gold Coast gained its own Versace-branded hotel, letting cashed-up guests and plenty of celebrities enjoy a five-star stay surrounded by the fashion house's aesthetic. Beyoncé and Jay Z, Paris Hilton and The Rolling Stones have all stayed there. Everyone in Australia has heard of it. But the Palazzo Versace is no more — instead, it's now the Imperial Hotel. In April, it was announced that Versace wouldn't be renewing its agreement with the hotel, which has been put up for sale multiple times during its existence. Now, since Tuesday, August 1, the site has unveiled a new name, plus plans for a refurbishment. That star rating remains, as does the venue's exterior and famed antique entryway chandelier, plus its lobby furniture and bespoke tableware. But the Imperial Hotel's 200 rooms will get a makeover as part of the rebrand — still surrounding guests with luxury, of course. "The Imperial Hotel will retain the essence of Palazzo Versace's grand legacy, and will continue to offer the highest standard of luxury and impeccable service, to ensure an unforgettable stay for our guests", said Imperial Hotel General Manager Richard Clarke. "With the dawn of the Imperial Hotel, we are committed to exceeding expectations and redefining the boundaries of luxury hospitality. We are thrilled to welcome our first guests, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for their support." Also changing: the menus at Imperial Hotel's restaurants. Exactly what signature eatery Vanitas, the seafood-focused Il Barocco and high tea-slinging spot Le Jardin will soon be serving is yet to be revealed. Obviously, the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast Broadwater views aren't going anywhere, nor the option to stay in multi-bedroom condominiums including on the rooftop and with private plunge pools. And yes, as it has been for more than two decades under its past moniker, Imperial Hotel is still firmly a treat yo'self kind of getaway spot. Find Imperial Hotel at 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach on the Gold Coast — and head to the hotel's website for bookings and further details. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
They're taking the humans inside Hobbiton. They're no longer saying "you shall not pass" to anyone wanting to do more than look at the external facades of hobbit holes on the movie set tour's Bagshot Row, too. After two decades of operation, the famous New Zealand attraction has finally added something that every The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan has wanted more than second breakfast: letting visitors step inside its cosy abodes. Standing outside Hobbiton's hobbit hole doors has been one of the venue's top experiences ever since opening on the 1250-acre Alexander family farm. Now, seeing what it's like to live like Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and their pals is on the agenda as well. The Bagshot Row hillside, which boasts three hobbit hole facades, has been excavated since March 2023 to include rooms behind the entryways. So, get ready to walk through a hall, a couple of bedrooms, and a kitchen and dining area — complete with a pantry capable of catering for seven daily meals — as well as a parlour with a fireplace, and a bathroom. Unsurprisingly, cosiness abounds. So do nods to generations of hobbits that would've inhabited the holes. Accordingly, visitors will see plenty of wooden surfaces and warm colours, as well as heirlooms and trinkets. Carvings grace the walls, hand-painted details are everywhere and the linens have been stitched by hand as well. One big piece of advice: watch your head when entering. The latest addition to Hobbiton is indeed hobbit sized at 83-percent scale, reflecting their shorter stature. The hobbit holes open for visitors on Friday, December 1, and are now part of all Hobbiton tours. "For two decades, we've welcomed millions of passionate visitors to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone ventured beyond the door of a hobbit hole like this," said Hobbiton Movie Set's Chief Executive Officer Russell Alexander. "This extraordinary addition will fulfil a long-held dream for Hobbiton Movie Set and visitors alike, promising to immerse fans into the humble home of a hobbit for the first time." The hobbit hole doors on Bagshot Row are just three of Hobbiton's 44 in total; however, only Bagshot Row now lets tourists step inside while they're visiting The Shire. Attendees are encouraged to look for Easter eggs on their visit to Middle-earth's new must-see, with the hobbit holes brought to fruition by illustrators and concept designers John Howe and Alan Lee, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Art Director and Hobbiton Movie Set Project Manager Brian Massey, and Production Designer Ra Vincent. Before now, an Airbnb trip in March 2023 was the only chance that folks had of getting a true hobbit experience in Aotearoa's Waikato region, allowing the lucky people who scored the one-off booking to slumber like one of Middle-earth's shortest residents on the very property. Don't go packing your suitcase now, though, as overnight stays are not part of the new addition to Bagshot Row. Find Hobbiton Movie Set at 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata, New Zealand, with venturing into the hobbit holes available from Friday, December 1, 2023 — head to the site's website for tickets and further details.
Rustica Sourdough, the Melbourne institution and baker of all things sour and delicious, has opened a new bakery and cafe in Melbourne's west. It's the bakery's fifth location — with its original cafe in Fitzroy, shops on Hawthorn's Power Street and in Rialto Towers, and one opening in Melbourne Central earlier this year — and the first out west. It's opened inside Highpoint Shopping Centre, so next time you're out getting groceries — or braving the pre-Christmas crowd — you can snag something sourdough-y. Located on level three of the shopping precinct, the new Rustica is — like its siblings — a cafe-bakery hybrid, with options for those who are looking for a leisurely brunch, a quick bite for lunch, or just a comforting cronut while you navigate the masses. This time, however, they've called in ex-Chin Chin chef Sam Mills to oversee the menu — and dishes have a noticeable mod-Asian lean. Highlights include the okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake made with cabbage, kewpie mayo, sesame and fried eggs; baba ghanoush with haloumi and poached eggs; and chilli-spiked scrambled eggs on pumpkin seed toast. For something sweet, look to the coconut tapioca with peanut praline and puffed black rice.
Cold and dark and gloomy, winters in Hobart aren't exactly the most attractive proposition. Or at least they weren't until the birth of Dark Mofo. Presented by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), for the past few years this immersive arts festival has disturbed and dazzled locals and mainlanders alike with a mix of music, performances, installations, light and sound works, and art that simply defies categorisation. And from the looks of things, 2017 will be no exception. Revealed today at the stroke of midnight (of course), the latest Dark Mofo lineup is an expectedly weird and wondrous beast, featuring all manner of artists from around Tasmania, Australia and the world. Creative director Leigh Carmichael has called the program their "most ambitious yet", while pointing to a number of works — including iy_project 136.1 Hz, a large-scale laser work by the UK's Chris Levine, and Siren Song, a city-wide audio piece involving a range of female artists — as highlights sure to keep "the audience, the organisers, and some of the authorities enthralled." [caption id="attachment_616924" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] Carmichael also draws attention to 150.Action, from Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch. The dark, disturbing performance piece involves an orchestra and around 500 litres of blood, and is sure to be one of the standouts of the final weekend. "This work will be extremely confronting and challenging, but we would encourage our audience to embrace the opportunity to witness the intensity of the ritual, in this one-off exclusive performance, unlikely to ever happen in Australia again," said Carmichael. Then there's Crossing, a 200-kilometre pilgrimage down the Midlands Highway, which will take participants on a pilgrimage to six different churches over six consecutive nights. They'll experience a mix of light, sound and video art along with organ and theremin performances from Melbourne's Miles Brown. [caption id="attachment_616925" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: Antony Crook. Courtesy of the artist and Dark Mofo.[/caption] Of course it should go without saying that this is just the tip of the iceberg. This year's enormous music lineup features the likes of Scottish art-rock legends Mogwai, indigenous hip-hop act A.B. Original, and Norwegian black metal pioneers Ulver in concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. There'll also be an industrial-scale transcendental rave at Hobart City Hall presented by the Red Bull Music Academy. MONA, meanwhile, will use Dark Mofo as a platform to unveil its latest exhibition, The Museum of Everything, described by its curators as "an astonishing assortment of artworks from the world's first and only wandering institution for the untrained, unintentional, undiscovered and unclassifiable artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries." The exhibition will have its grand opening on the first Saturday of the festival, and will be on display at MONA until early April 2018. Then there are the Dark Mofo staples. The annual Winter Feast will once again feed all comers, while Dark Mofo Films will feature a selection of big screen curios new and old. And who'd want to miss the annual Nude Solstice Swim, a communal dip in the ocean at sunrise the day after the longest night of the year? Just remember, winter in Hobart can be pretty bloody cold. Dark Mofo runs from June 8-21. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday April 11. For more information visit www.darkmofo.net.au. Top image: MONA/Rémi Chauvin, 2014. Courtesy MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Imagine taking a photo with your fingers. A prototype for a new type of camera, known as the Ubi-camera, has been created by researchers at the IAMAS, allowing you to do just that with the help of a small device. By connecting the little device to your index finger the rectangle becomes the viewfinder. Then, by pressing down on the device with your thumb, you are able to take a photo. A built-in range sensor depicts the amount of space between the photographer's face and the camera. For example: if you put your face close to the camera you can create a wide angle shot and if you move your fingers further away this will give you a close up photo. The infrared technology range sensor still has a few glitches, such as the difficulty to detect faces, that developers hope to overcome in the near future. [via Mashable]
In a dimly lit room in a grimy train station, a capuchin monkey sits at a table. In walks a detective, who then starts smoking a cigarette and interrogating the animal in front of him. They chat, bantering back and forth as the cop asks questions and the primate answers. At one point, the monkey even sings. Queries range from "do you know anything about birds?" to "you ever ride the rodeo?", all in a quest to solve a murder. A chicken also pops up, and a waitress. If the above scenario sounds more than a little surreal, that's because it is — especially given that it's part of David Lynch's new 17-minute short film. Called What Did Jack Do?, the black-and-white piece also stars the inimitable Lynch as the detective. At this stage of the acclaimed director's career, that just sounds natural, really. Intrigued? If you're a fan of the filmmaker's work — spanning everything Eraserhead and Blue Velvet to three seasons of Twin Peaks across nearly three decades — then of course you are. And thanks to Netflix, you can now spend a small chunk of your day watching the latest unique, delightful and inescapably odd work by one of the most distinctive auteurs to ever stand behind a camera. While first screened at Paris' Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain back in 2017, and then playing Lynch's own in Festival of Disruption in New York in 2018, What Did Jack Do? hadn't been widely seen until now. And although Netflix isn't known for stacking its catalogue with shorts, when it adds one, it's worth checking out — like last year's also far-from-ordinary Paul Thomas Anderson and Thom Yorke collaboration. Check out a clip of What Did Jack Do? below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crzwq4CjhvA What Did Jack Do? is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Playwright, poet and performer Inua Ellams is on his way to Melbourne – and he's bringing his critically acclaimed one-man show with him. In Black T-shirt Collection, Ellams plays two brothers named Mathew and Muhammed. Matthew is Christian and straight. Muhammad is Muslim and gay. For a time, they find success in their native Nigeria with a t-shirt business, until they're forced to flee their homeland when Muhammed is outed by a journalist. The story that follows hits on big issues from religion and homophobia, to migration and family, to consumerism and globalisation. Ellams will perform the show on-stage at Arts Centre Melbourne from September 5–10. He'll also take part in an audience Q&A session following a daytime performance on September 6. Photo: Franklyn Rodgers.
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but apparently Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia. While half the appeal of shopping here is about knowing where to go and how to find it, someone let the tourism industry in on that little secret. What’s the point of having a secret if everyone knows about it? Anyhow, here are Concrete Playground's picks of the best boutiques in Melbourne, where the chances of running into a Hidden Laneway Gems shopping tour group are slim to none. Alice Euphemia Recently celebrating their 15th birthday, Alice Euphemia remains one of the most loved boutiques within the Melbourne fashion landscape. Supporting established Australian labels such as Romance Was Born, Lover and Carly Hunter alongside promising up-and-comers like Witu and DIAZ, you’ll be hard pressed to find any Melbourne gal worth her strong soy latte who doesn’t hold Alice close to her heart. Oh yeah, Kanye West bought an Emma Mulholland backpack there last year. Even Yeezy thinks they’re steezy. 37 Swanston Street, City; 03 9650 4300; aliceeuphemia.com Lenko Boutique Right next door to Alice Euphemia in the Cathedral Arcade, pop in to Lenko Boutique for hard-to-find pieces from local brands, plus a range of knick-knacks you never knew you wanted. One time I walked away from Lenko with a ring that said “Money Over Bitches”. I was not sad about it. 37 Swanston Street, City; 03 9077 2177; www.ilovelenko.com Pet Shop Girls Taking up residence on level three of Curtin House, Pet Shop Girls is the Holy Grail for super fun Japanese flung clothing that has somehow found itself in Swanston Street. Not only are Merci Beaucoup, Tsumori Chisato, Frapbois and NeNet amongst the super kawaii brands on the lineup, you’ll also find Melbourne favourites Verner, Poms and the fringey-fantastic denim label POC here. If you can’t bring yourself to make it up all those stairs (although it is only one level past the Toff), they’ve got a pretty great online store and an even better Instagram for outfit inspo purposes. Level Three, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, City; 03 9043 9277; petshopgirls.com Somewhere Store Sitting pretty above the Royal Arcade, this retail and gallery space provides a welcome sojourn from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Free from the physical and mental clutter that is often attached to the shopping experience, Somewhere is home to a collection of Nordic labels that may or may not make you feel like you’re cool enough to move to Sweden. Don’t forget to visit the little gallery adjoining the store showcasing emerging Australian artists, and providing you with at least a week’s worth of cultural banter. Level 2, Royal Arcade, 314 Little Collins Street, City; 03 9663 3003; someplace.com.au Kuwaii This pretty little store in a quiet part of Brunswick East is Kuwaii’s only stand-alone boutique and houses the greatest collection you’ll find of the brand’s clothing and accessories. It’s also the only place you’ll get to meet the team behind the best shoes in all the land, as the incredibly helpful Kuwaii girls work out of a small studio behind the retail space. It’s difficult to walk out without looking like a lady. 37-39 Glenlyon Road, Brunswick East; 03 9380 5731; kuwaii.com.au Hokey Curator If you think the clothing options around Hawthorn range from Country Road to Witchery, don’t despair! Hokey Curator on Glenferrie Road is the southeast side’s answer to extra special designer garb. Owner Olivia Heung treats her store like a gallery, with a small, expertly curated selection of beautiful pieces worth maxing out your credit card for. Here you’ll find an extensive collection of Karen Walker and signature pieces from Romance Was Born, Sara Philips, Something Else, Dion Lee and Lonely Hearts, to name a few. 773 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn; 03 9819 3039; facebook.com/hokeycurator Alpha 60 Epitomising Melbourne’s design conscious, minimalist aesthetic, Alpha 60 is a staple for those in favor of functional items, wear-to-death basics and unusual silhouettes. Black reigns supreme here, with a relatively monochromatic palette punctuated by colours that vary from season to season. There are four stores scattered around the city, Fitzroy and Prahan, and thus zero excuses not to make like a true Melburnian and get your modern day goth on. 201 Flinders Lane, City, 03 9663 3002; 179 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, 03 9416 4296; Shop G18, GPO, Bourke St, city, 03 9654 1114; 230 Chapel St, Prahran, 03 9510 2626; alpha60.com.au Images via blog.aliceeuphemia.com, indie.com.au, petshopgirls.com, someplace.com.au, melbournefashionista.com.au and habitusliving.com
2020 will forever be known as the year everyone wore an extra groove into their couch. And because the past 12 months have just been so chaotic, you probably haven't managed to do everything you wanted to — even working through your streaming queue. You've been distracted by quite the hectic circumstances, so that's perfectly natural. Now that life slowly seems to be returning to normal — and now that holidays are upon us, too — you're probably wondering which series you should catch up on. 2020 delivered a heap of stellar new shows, however, so that isn't a straightforward question. Thankfully, in collaboration with streaming service Binge, we're here to help. Here are five of the year's absolute must-sees, all of which you can binge in full now — including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
He's one of the most critically acclaimed and successful hip hop artists of our generation. He has 14 Grammys to his name, plus an Academy Award nomination for one of his contributions to the Black Panther soundtrack. He won the 2017 Triple J Hottest 100, and also became the first ever artist to take out the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for contemporary music in 2018. His last stadium shows Down Under, back in that same year, sold out ridiculously quickly, too — and he's coming back to Australia and New Zealand to play five huge gigs before 2022 is out. We're talking about Kendrick Lamar, of course, who has just announced a huge 'The Big Steppers' world tour in support of his just-dropped fifth solo studio album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers — his first since 2017's DAMN., and also his first full-length release since 2018's Black Panther soundtrack. The Compton rapper will be heading to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland in December, to close out a global jaunt that starts in the US in July, then ventures through Europe before coming our way. The word you're looking for: alright. While fans can expect plenty of tracks from Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Lamar's extensive catalogue is sure to get a whirl — including tracks from 2011's Section.80, 2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city, 2015's To Pimp A Butterfly and, obviously, DAMN.. Lamar won't be taking to the stage solo, with Las Vegas rapper Baby Keem, aka Lamar's cousin, in support on all dates. Just like his last trip Down Under — when he also headlined Splendour in the Grass — expect tickets to get snapped up quicker than Lamar can bust out lyrics when they go on sale at 12pm local time on Friday, May 20. Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers literally just dropped yesterday, Friday, May 13, too, so there's your soundtrack sorted while you celebrate the tour news. KENDRICK LAMAR'S 'THE BIG STEPPERS' 2022 TOUR AUSTRALIA AND NZ DATES: Thursday, December 1 — RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, December 4 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thursday, December 8 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Monday, December 12 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Friday, December 16 — Spark Arena, Auckland Kendrick Lamar's 'The Big Steppers' tour will hit Australia and New Zealand in December. Tickets go onsale online at 12pm local time on Friday, May 20. Top image: Renell Medrano (@renellaice).
In news that everyone already knew, no one will be dancing in North Byron Parklands this winter, with Splendour in the Grass moving to November this year instead. Thanks to New South Wales' current COVID-19 outbreak, the lockdown to prevent its spread and the growing number of cases in other Australian states, no one will be making shapes in Sydney this July, either. That's when the fest was planning to host Splendour in the City, a nine-day Sydney pop-up slated for SITG's usual midwinter spot — but organisers have announced that the event has now been cancelled. In a statement on Monday, June 28, the festival's team pulled the plug on the mini fest, which was set to take place at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal from Saturday, July 10–Sunday, July 18. "With Greater Sydney currently in lockdown until 9 July and COVID-19 outbreaks now evolving in other states, it has become impossible to progress with plans to move artists and staff around the country, and also to build the event in Sydney," the Splendour crew noted. "Organisers also acknowledge the health and safety of staff, volunteers and ticketholders is the foremost consideration in line with the health advice from authorities." Splendour in the City has been completely cancelled, rather than rescheduled, too — a decision made due to "uncertainty around venue and artist availability in coming months, and IRL Splendour in the Grass scheduled for November." Ticketholders will start receiving refunds automatically via Moshtix from today, Tuesday, June 29. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Splendour in the Grass (@splendourinthegrass) Splendour's virtual festival Splendour XR will still run online across the weekend of Saturday, July 24–Sunday, July 25 — and, at this stage, Splendour in the Grass itself is slated for Friday, November 19–Sunday, November 21. It's been a rough year or so for the music and events industry, for festivals in New South Wales and for Splendour. 2020's SITG was postponed from July until October, then completely scrapped. Also, plans to proceed in July 2021 as usual were pushed back, leading to the current November date. Splendour in the City was planning to host an array of beloved Australian artists such as SITG mainstays like Violent Soho, Illy, Vera Blue, Dune Rats and Tash Sultana, as well as two stacked nights of stand-up comedy and a whole heap of extras — all aiming to recreate as much of the OG Splendour experience as possible. If the full-sized Byron Bay edition of SITG goes ahead in November, it's set to do so with headliners Tyler, The Creator, The Strokes and Gorillaz; however, that's obviously all reliant upon COVID-19 restrictions allowing the event to take place. Splendour in the City will no longer run from Saturday, July 10–Sunday, July 18 at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal. Ticketholders will start receiving refunds automatically via Moshtix from Tuesday, June 29.
New voices, same interdimensional chaos: that's what Rick and Morty will start beaming in October. The sci-fi animated sitcom has locked in its return date for season seven, hitting on Sunday, October 15 in America. That's Monday, October 16 Down Under, where it gets schwifty in your streaming queue via Netflix. If you're wondering what kinds of chaos are in store this time around, Adult Swim — which airs the series in the US — isn't giving much away as yet. "We ride together. We die together. We're buried in the backyard together," it teased in a first poster for the new season. And if you're also wondering how the show's titular chaotic scientist and his grandson will sound the new episodes, that hasn't yet been announced. Earlier in the year, the network dropped Justin Roiland due to domestic violence charges. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rick and Morty (@rickandmorty) Anything can happen in Rick and Morty, with a change of vocal tones for Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith one of the least out-there developments within the show's narrative. Given that the show clearly gleaned inspiration from Back to the Future, there's some obvious dream casting right there just waiting to happen — but whoever gets the gigs will be lending their tones to a genius scientist going on wild adventures with a high schooler. Viewers can still expect the show's eponymous pair to keep wreaking havoc, and the series to keep zipping between as many universes as it can. And, for Rick and Morty's hijinks to still draw in Morty's mother Beth (Sarah Chalke, Firefly Lane), father Jerry (Chris Parnell, Archer) and sister Summer (Spencer Grammer, Tell Me a Story). Spanning ten episodes, season seven will hit everywhere that it can in this dimension — in more than 134 countries, and also in 38 languages. If you're keen to rejoin the smartest Rick and Morty-est Morty in the universe, start getting excited. There's no trailer for Rick and Morty's seventh season yet — we'll update you when one arrives. Rick and Morty's seventh season will premiere globally on Monday, October 16 Down Under. It streams via Netflix in Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia, we remember the devastation of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami even more than most of the world. It was right there, just over the Timor Sea, in places we've been to, or come from. Nearly 10 years later comes The Impossible, a film based on the experiences of a Spanish family who were holidaying in Khao Lak, Thailand at the time of the tsunami. They survive the impact but are separated and have to fight for their survival while trying their utmost to believe the rest of their family is alive somewhere, too. The film has earned Oscar and Golden Globes nominations for star Naomi Watts, and Ewen McGregor and newcomer Tom Holland are also said to impress. If drama doesn't sway you, go for the special effects, which use a stunning mixture of digital technology and real water surges created in a tank. The Impossible has not been without its controversy, specifically, for being a film about the South Asian tsunami that has basically no Asian people in it. And for making the Spanish family it's based on even whiter. But a bit of controversy just piques our interest at this point. See it and see it early, so you too can take a side. Concrete Playground has five in-season double passes to give away to The Impossible. To be in the running, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=HU4mXJRHIcQ
Pharrell's putting that giant-hatted brain to good use; the multi-Grammy award-winning artist has co-designed and curated the first ever denim collection made with recycled plastic yarn. Fronting the G-Star crew as creative director of Bionic Yarn, Pharrell is spearheading G-Star's eco-friendly collections for men and women, dubbed RAW for Ocean. Sounding like something Iron Man knits mittens with, Bionic Yarn is an eco-thread of fibres made from recycled plastic bottles found littering the ocean. Having already recycled a whopping ten tonnes of plastic waste from the seas, RAW for Ocean is the first ever collection to use Bionic Yarn to create a denim collection. And when three times as much rubbish is dumped into the ocean as the weight of fish caught every year, this is a sustainable initiative we can truly get behind. At the forefront of sustainable fashion, G-Star and Pharrell have teamed up with some pretty kickass initiatives to see the collection come to fruition. The Vortex Project works to retrieve and recycle the millions of kilos of plastic floating in our global oceans, hoping to reduce it and come up with smart awareness campaigns to disrupt the vicious cycle. Parley for the Oceans is another top notch platform which brings together artists, musicians, fashion designers, scientists, engineers and other environmentally-conscious legends to talk about the ocean's massive problem in high-profile events and activations. They've also got Sea Shepherd giving them the thumbs up. So what's in store for the collection? Raw for Ocean will see jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, caps and more created from Bionic Yarn — all featuring different shades of mazarine indigo blue and black. One of the cornerstone pieces for men is a modern trench cut from the Bionic Yarn raw denim, the A-Crotch Trench, while ladies can look forward to a printed denim Fallden Bomber. The RAW for Ocean collection even has a dorky little mascot, Otto the Octopus, whose presence in the collection becomes a quirky take on the classic houndstooth print. Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson said, "Creativity is the key to saving creation from our darker side and the key to a future of ecological harmony between humanity and the diversity of wondrous species we share this planet with." Big ups to G-Star and Pharrell for getting on board. The RAW for Ocean collection drops September 10 in stores and online.
Melbourne train-catchers, we have some good news: commuting is about to get a bit easier thanks to a fleet of shiny new trains. Set to hit the tracks in mid-2019, the 65 high-capacity metro trains will boast the first new Victorian train design in a decade. And the first test train will be rolling out before the end of the year. The new trains are big. They're 160-metre long with seven carriages, more space for mobility devices in each carriage, and have the ability to carry 1100 passengers — 20-percent more than any other train on the network. Maybe, come next year, you'll actually be able to sit down on your morning and afternoon commute. The addition of the new trains to the force will also mean more trains on the tracks and — hopefully — less time waiting at the station. Earlier this week, Melbourne Premier Daniel Andrews posted a video to his Facebook, which provided a look inside one of the new trains. Mr Andrews also mentions in the post that the trains are being built in Melbourne's west, which is providing jobs for local workers. The first high-capacity metro trains will be rolled out on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, Melbourne's busiest rail corridor, in 2019, with other lines to follow. It's been a big six months for train news in Melbourne, with the new HCMT fleet being only the latest announcement. Late last year, Mr Andrews announced that Melbourne would be finally getting an airport rail link, in February this year an elevated train line opened over Melbourne's southeast, and in April there was talk of a new high-speed train from the CBD to Geelong. Here's hoping Melbourne's train travel only continues to improve.
Enjoy the charms of the French countryside right in your own backyard, when So Frenchy So Chic in the Park rolls back into town. This massive annual picnic will once again bring the sights, sounds and flavours of France to revellers at Werribee Park. Ooh la la. This year's musical lineup features four unique artists. Moroccan-born folk blues singer Hindi Zahra has earned comparisons to Patti Smith and Billie Holiday; duo Brigitte bring a mix of lounge pop and retro folk disco; chanteuse Lou Doillon makes her So Frenchy debut; and Balkan electro collective Soviet Suprem will have you dancing all afternoon long. Food offerings will include an array of delectable hampers and cheese plates — although, if you want to get in on that action, you'll need to reserve one pronto. Don't worry if you miss out though, as you can BYO food, and they'll also be serving up a banquet of seafood, crepes, macaroons and ice cream, along with beer, wine, champagne and cocktails.
No one simply likes Caramilk. Cadbury's caramelised white chocolate is adored, obsessed over and flat-out loved with undying passion, whether it's being served in standard block form or being worked into cocktails. We could keep listing more words of utter and complete devotion — and keep outlining other different ways to eat the cult-favourite dessert, too — but you get the picture. When it comes to this specific type of choccie, there's no such thing as too much. Love Caramilk? Like ice cream as well? Then you'll want to sink your teeth into Cadbury's new collaboration with Peters Ice Cream. The resulting dessert is as straightforward as it sounds, but hey, when it comes to making Caramilk ice creams on sticks, there's really no need to overcomplicate matters. Available in Australian supermarkets from today, Monday, July 26, the new Caramilk desserts coast Peters' ice cream with the beloved chocolate. So, no more needing to choose between a few squares of the smooth and creamy chocolate and something frosty. The look a little like Magnums, but in that golden Caramilk hue — and, if you're already a fan of the chocolate, they're certain to tempt your tastebuds. They come in individual servings and in boxes of four, so you can either pick up some to share or stock up on dessert for the next few days. Getting in quickly is recommended, though, given how popular all things Caramilk typically prove. Cadbury's Caramilk ice creams are now available in supermarkets — and will set you back $4 each, or $8.50 for a four-pack.
Sydney's Art Gallery of NSW has taken its weekly after-hours session online — and the next two editions are all about NAIDOC Week, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements. On Wednesday, November 11, you can join a discussion between author and presenter Yumi Stynes, Aboriginal rights activist and proud Bundjalung woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, and four-time Archibald Prize finalist Blak Douglas (aka Adam Douglas Hill). Douglas' 2020 portrait of Dujuan Hoosan, star of the documentary In My Blood It Runs, is on show at the AGNSW until Sunday, January 2021, alongside Vincent Namatjira's award-winning depiction of sporting star Adam Goodes — the first-ever portrait by an Indigenous artist to take out the top gong in Archibald Prize history. The following week, on Wednesday, November 18, curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art Coby Edgar will chat with artist and Arrernte woman Marlene Rubuntja, whose stunning sculptures feature in the gallery's new exhibition entitled Joy. Both sessions will be streamed on the AGNSW's Facebook page and Youtube channel. If you're in Sydney and can make it to the gallery, you can also head along to a free Indigenous-led guided tour of the Yiribana Gallery. [caption id="attachment_789035" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blak Douglas, 'Writing in the sand' (2020). Copyright the artist. Photo by Felicity Jenkins, AGNSW.[/caption]
Australia is currently cruising through a pretty steamy winter (well, comparatively). Which means we don't need to stick to the standard soul-warming stouts and mulled wines that are our normal winter fodder. Instead, we can keep drinking spritzes and other equally refreshing concoctions — like this brand new sweet yuzu vermouth. The tasty child of Adelaide Hills winery Unico Zelo and sister distillery Applewood, it's made from a combination of Adelaide Hills nebbiolo grapes, some native Australian botanicals (usually used to make Applewood's Okar bitter amaro) and yuzu from Mountain Yuzu — a 20-acre farm located in northeast Victoria, on the foothills of the Australian Alps. As you can see, its an all-Australian affair, unlike a lot of traditional vermouths, which are made in Italy and France. Eco-minded founders and winemakers Laura and Brendan Carter are committed to using native botanicals and sustainably produced grapes in their entire range of wines and spirits, aiming to create products that truly taste Aussie as. As it's not a traditional sweet vermouth — it's really quite far from it — we forgive you for not knowing exactly how to drink it. But, thankfully, we've done some testing for you. On the rocks? Yep. Instead of Aperol in a spritz? Do it. With a splash of soda? Definitely. If you want something a little fancier, the Unico team has a couple of cocktail suggestions for you (handily printed on the back of the bottle, no less). Try your hand at the Ultimate Spritz — made with with Unico Yuzu, blackcurrant-flavoured liqueur from Australian distiller Marrionette and soda — or the Opal Miner: Unico Yuzu, gin, green chartreuse and orange bitters. Unico (the parent company of Unico Zelo and Applewood) has also been steadily dropping a line of limited-edition gins throughout the year, all of which use Australian botanicals, of course. Those include flavours like pepperberry, wattleseed and desert lime. Even more of these unusual drops are headed our way in 2019, too, so keep an eye on this space. All of Unico's limited releases only available in very small batches, so if you want it, don't wait on it. Unico's Yuzu Vermouth is now available to purchase via the website. Priced at $34.99 per bottle.
Trailblazing graffiti artist Nychos is on his way to Australia. Gracing our shores in late February and early March, the Austrian artist who recently took New York City by storm will split his time between Sydney and Melbourne, presenting exhibitions, hosting workshops and leaving his unique mark on walls around town. In Sydney, Nychos will head a graffiti art workshop at Work-Shop on February 25. He'll also present a screening of his street art documentary The Deepest Depths of the Burrow. In Melbourne, the workshop and screening will take place on March 11. He'll also launch a pair of exhibitions, showcasing his new sculpture project, Vienna Therapy, featuring the three-foot-tall Dissection of Sigmund Freud in Federation Square from March 8-12, and his solo exhibition, MONOCHROME ORGANISM, at Juddy Roller Gallery in Fitzroy from March 10-24. In between his various public engagements, Nychos plans to create original wall art in locations around Sydney and Melbourne. Here's hoping it's as eye-popping as his Oakland T-Rex. Detail of the Oakland Tyrannosaurus Rex . Full wall coming soon. #translucenttyrannosaurus #nychos #isliceforaliving #anatomy #oakland #bayarea #lordscrew A photo posted by nychos (@nychos) on Jan 14, 2017 at 8:37pm PST Images courtesy of the artist.
It's won 11 Tony Awards and is one of the Obamas' favourite musical, and now Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton is finally coming to Australia. The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. As well as its 11 Tony Awards, which include Best Musical, it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. After hitting Broadway in 2015, then West End in 2017, and beginning its third tour of the US earlier this year, Australians can finally catch Hamilton — when it makes its Southern Hemisphere premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in March 2021. According to the SMH, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane began vying for the rights to stage the musical in mid 2018, and Sydneysiders will be happy to have come out on top (this time). There's no word yet on whether it'll head to other Aussie cities later on — it's possible, other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormons, have. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it. [caption id="attachment_722617" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton by Joan Marcus.[/caption] It's not Miranda's first musical to hit Australia, either, his take on the classic 200s film Bring It On: The Musical hit Melbourne last year and quadruple Tony Award-winning In The Heights just finished a short season at the Sydney Opera House this January. Hamilton will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in March 2021. You can sign-up for pre-sale tickets now. Image: Hamilton, Broadway. Photo by Joan Marcus.
If you were planning to start your hot girl summer by catching Megan Thee Stallion's first-ever live shows in Australia, Festival X comes bearing bad news: the American rapper is no longer heading Down Under. Mere days out from the event's first 2022 stop, organisers have announced that the performer is no longer on the bill, and that she won't be replaced. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Megan Thee Stallion will not be able to travel to Australia to perform at Festival X," the Festival X team advised in a statement. "Whilst our goal is to present the best experience for fans, despite our best efforts, it will not be possible to find a replacement at such short notice. However, with over 30 artists making up this year's line-up — including Calvin Harris, Don Toliver, Boys Noize, Green Velvet, Nina Kraviz and so many more — we are looking forward to catching you on the dancefloor for Festival X and officially kicking off summer 2022!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Festival X (@festivalxworld) The lineup change comes after a chaotic few years for Festival X, which debuted back in 2019 with Calvin Harris leading the bill, but hasn't been able to return since until now due to the pandemic. The Scottish DJ headlines the 2022 fest again, joined by Don Toliver. Festival X has five stops in its sights between Saturday, November 26–Sunday, December 4, all huge outdoor gigs — playing Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, Bonython Park in Adelaide, Sydney Showground and Perth's Claremont Showground. Anyone with ticketing concerns due to Megan Thee Stallion's cancellation is advised to submit a request to Moshtix customer service before 5pm on Friday, November 25. Tickets are still available for all five Festival X dates around the country — and you can check out the current lineup below: FESTIVAL X 2022 LINEUP: Calvin Harris Don Toliver Boys Noize Green Velvet John Summit Luude MaRLo Nina Kraviz Sub Focus (DJ set and ID) Tchami Wilkinson (DJ set) Anna Lunoe Babyface Mal Badrapper Blastoyz Choomba Cosmic Gate Franky Rizardo Haliene Key4050 featuring John O'Callaghan and Bryan Kearney Laura King Len Faki Nifra Nora En Pure Prospa Sunset Bros Taglo Tyson O'Brien FESTIVAL X 2022 DATES: Saturday, November 26 — Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Sunday, November 27 — Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast Friday, December 2 — Bonython Park, Adelaide Saturday, December 3 — Sydney Showground, Sydney Sunday, December 4 — Claremont Showground, Perth Festival X 2022 tours the country from Saturday, November 26–Sunday, December 4. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the festival website.
Moon Dog may have some brand spanking new digs in Preston, but its OG home is still welcoming punters on Duke Street, Abbotsford. The Brewery Bar might take on a pretty lo-fi appearance — it looks a little like the hard rubbish-filled shed out the back of your mate's Reservoir share house — but don't mistake it for a small-time operation. Moon Dog is already pumping out millions of litres of beer each year, and it's constantly growing. Sink into the thrift store couches and get comfortable because there are a lot of great drinks to sample. There are ten taps on offer, pouring classics like Old Mate pale ale and Love Tap double lager, and seasonal favourites like Cake Hole black forest stout, Splice of Heaven pine-lime ice cream IPA and Thunder Lips yuzu red IPA. Not to mention a wide-ranging, and ever-changing, selection of specialty brews and single kegs, plus cider, wine, spirits and cocktails for those after something that's not beer. Meanwhile, there's always free popcorn, a van serving (really good) woodfired pizza out the front, and regular free events like bingo nights and brewery tours. If this is the exact vibe you're after for a little shindig, the bar also has a Ballroom Oasis right next door that's available to be booked out for functions — to make all your hipster warehouse wedding dreams come true.
Private wellness and social clubs really are the pinnacle of luxury living — giving the wealthiest among us exclusive access to spaces decked out with thermal pools, hammams, saunas, coworking spaces, restaurants, fitness studios, wellbeing treatments, barbers and hairdressers, plus a whole heap of other luxe experiences. These spots are like a spa, gym, coworking space and social hang-out all wrapped up in one. The Ritz-Carlton is currently running its own, but Gurner Group's Saint Haven clubs in Collingwood and South Yarra (a Toorak location is also opening in 2025) really have the market cornered. And the team isn't done yet, with huge plans for global expansion. But before it sets sites beyond Melbourne and Australia, the team is launching its first SAINT clubs — which are meant to be a younger and more high-energy version of the Saint Haven clubs. And the very first outpost has just opened in St Kilda. On arrival, members will first enter The Portal — a sensory cube — and choose either white for relaxation mode or black for high-energy mode. The cube will then transform accordingly and set the mood for the wellness journey that follows. On the white level, you'll find a lobby bar, a coworking space, boardroom, a wholefoods eatery, and a recovery and reverse-aging treatment facility featuring infrared saunas, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and more. Everything on this floor is designed for those seeking to unwind and relax. Those looking for a high-energy experience will need to head down to the basement for the black level. Here, the lights dim and the music changes as rotating DJs play upbeat tunes. Members can hang out in The Den, which is a large sunken lounge area where members are invited to socialise or watch a movie. Here, you'll also find a truly world-class gym floor, featuring a boxing ring, The Arena — a high-octane HITT program class with huge LED screens — reformer pilates and yoga studios, and a breath work and meditation cave that makes you feel like you are outside gazing at the stars. This is some futuristic stuff. Members also have the opportunity to use WHOOP watch wearable tech that syncs with the SAINT app, giving trainers access members' health data so they can create tailored health programs. But not just any person can become a member at SAINT. First, 95% of memberships were sold before the club even opened, but the crew is also highly selective about who they let join. Members must be referred and will be put before a membership committee to vet for approval prior to memberships being accepted. Only then can you pay for the privilege to enter. Founder and Director of Gurner Group Tim Gurner shared, "Launching SAINT in St Kilda was an obvious decision - this iconic seaside suburb boasts a culture deeply rooted in wellness and social connections. It's a place where diversity thrives and the lifestyle we champion at SAINT — one that harmoniously blends health and community — truly resonates with the locals. "A key point of difference with Saint is that it will serve alcohol, signature cocktails, Kava, nootropics and legal plant-based medicines that will allow our members to have a night out at SAINT but in a measured and beautiful way. All alcohol will be organic and focused on recovery. "At SAINT, the experience is entirely yours to shape. With our innovative 'Black' and 'White' themes, every visit offers the unique opportunity to tailor your journey like never before – whether you want to unwind or hype up, you can define your path, ensuring that each moment in the club is as exhilarating as you envision it, leaving you energised and inspired." The team has also shared that it plans to open ten SAINT sites by the end of 2026 and a further 25–30 globally by 2030. So, don't worry if you can't get into St Kilda. You'll have plenty more chances to secure membership. SAINT's first site is officially open, and you can find it at 1 Wellington Street, St Kilda. For further details and to try and get memberships, you can visit the club's website.
The West Wing first premiered in 1999, while Bill Clinton was president and over a year before George W Bush was elected. But when the latter happened, the acclaimed series inspired a strong and pervasive feeling — because every fan wished that Martin Sheen's President Jed Bartlet was really the commander in chief. That response wasn't just a case of escapism. It reflected The West Wing's top-notch writing and its passion. Unsurprisingly, even though the show wrapped up in 2006, that sentiment has echoed again throughout the past four years. In 2020, in fact, original cast members including Sheen, Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Janel Moloney reunited in the lead up to the election for a special stage version of a season-three episode. Called A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote, it was filmed, of course. That means you can now stream the entire seven-season series and its trademark Aaron Sorkin-penned walk-and-talks, and also enjoy the political drama's most recent gift to the world. Yes, it's still as topical and timely as ever.
Black Springs Cabin is one of four beguiling stays on Budgee Budgee Farm, a beautifully secluded, gum-lined 33-acre property just outside of Mudgee. From the outside, the lodging transports you back in time and gives big frontiersman energy thanks to a rustic facade of raw timber, brick and corrugated iron. Step inside, however, and thoughtful contemporary creature comforts like quality linen, attractive lighting, a Nespresso machine and walls adorned with artwork make the space feel anything but dated. While the term 'cabin' might imply limited space, once inside you'll immediately appreciate the generous size of the main living area which features a luxurious king bed positioned fireside for those cold country evenings that make Mudgee such an appealing destination for winter weekenders. [caption id="attachment_904521" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A spacious bedroom-living area with wood fireplace[/caption] For the uninitiated, Mudgee is a three-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney and has earned its now-stellar reputation as a destination for lovers of great produce and wine. Sheltered in the Cudgegong River Valley and surrounded by fertile farm land, the region is the third largest grape-producing area in the state, primarily for red varieties like shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. If you do book a stay during cooler months, you'll be kept warm by the indoor wood-burning fireplace that's fuelled by a pile of pre-chopped wood. For the marshmallow-inclined, there's an outdoor fire pit (an ideal spot to partake in the spoils of the region's rich winemaking history), and there's also a freestanding claw foot bath which, if you time it properly, provides an incredible vantage point from which to watch the sunset. As the essential amenities go, the kitchen includes an electric stovetop, fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle, and there's a BBQ out back if you want to keep things completely self-contained for your stay. Alternatively, Black Springs is an easy 15-minute drive to the cafes, restaurants and wine bars of charming Mudgee village that are well worth seeking out, as are the nearby vineyards and producers like Pipeclay Pumphouse, Small Batch Brewery and Robert Stein Winery. Black Springs Cabin is recommended for a couple's weekend away when your main criteria includes being surrounded by nature, unwinding in stylish comfort and peaceful seclusion. You can book now through Airbnb. Image credit: Amber Creative Now you can book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations everywhere.
Gelato Messina first introduced its cookie pies to the world in 2020, and tastebuds across Australia thanked them. Then, it kept bringing the OTT dessert back when we all needed an extra dose of sweetness across the year. In fact, the dessert fiends have been serving them up for more than 12 months now. Messina celebrated that one-year milestone back in April, of course — but it isn't done with cookie pies yet. Here's hoping that it never will be, because its latest version is certain to tempt plenty of tastebuds. Chocolate is involved, as it usually is, but Messina's new choc malt cheesecake cookie pie fills its choc malt cookie with vanilla malt cheesecake, then tops it with a choc malt crumble. With all that talk of chocolate and malt, it sounds a bit like it's taking a few cues from Milo. No, we're not complaining. Hang on, a cookie pie? If you're not familiar with the concept yet, it's a pie — obviously — but it's made of cookie dough. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. This time, you'll enjoy the scent of vanilla and malt as well. The new pies will be available for preorder from 9am on Monday, June 7 — which is your chance to get yourself a piece of the pie. On its own, the indulgent birthday cake cookie pie will cost $25. But to sweeten the deal, the cult ice creamery has created a few bundle options, should you want some of its famed gelato atop it. For $35, you'll get the pie and a 500-millilitre tub, while with a one-litre tub or a 1.5-litre tub, it'll cost $41 and $45 respectively. The catch? You'll have to peel yourself off the couch and head to your local Messina store to pick up your order. They'll be available for collection between Friday, June 11–Sunday, June 13. Melburnians, ideally you'll be out of lockdown by then — but it's probably best to take note of your ten-kilometre bubble when ordering, just in case. You can preorder a Messina choc malt cheesecake cookie pie from Monday, June 7, to pick up from Friday, June 11–Sunday, June 13.
It's a nice feeling to bring a little something into the world. Feeding it, taking good care of it. A plant is just like a pet, or even a child – just half the trouble. But if you live in an apartment, there's not always the room to undertake extensive horticultural projects. If your green thumb is itching to get gardening, IDEA award-winning Simple Garden will tickle your fancy. They've created a gardening 'starter kit' with everything you need to cultivate your own piece of earth. They even throw in the earth itself – just add water and the NutriRich soil brick will be just the stuff to raise your seedlings into healthy plants. Gadgets like the Lite Stick help provide enough natural light to indoor plants, while the colourful plastic pots are specially designed to improve air flow, water circulation and nutrient absorption. Sweet and self-contained, this is one hell of a city-living solution. [Via Cool Hunting]
If you've ever worn a little black dress, then you owe Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel a big thank you. Depending on your choice of suit, bag and perfume, you might owe her some gratitude there as well. The French designer's influence upon 20th-century fashion extends far and wide — and, even though she passed away in 1971, her imprint can be felt in the 21st century as well. So, when the NGV International sends some love her way at its next blockbuster exhibition, it'll have plenty to cover. Displaying at the St Kilda Road gallery from Sunday, December 5, 2021–Monday, April 25, 2022, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will arrive fresh from its current stint at Paris' Palais Galliera. Its stop in Melbourne is its first international jaunt, in fact. On show will be pieces from the French venue, as well as from the Patrimoine de Chanel, the fashion house's heritage department. More than 100 garments will grace the NGV's walls and halls, with the exhibition charting her career. You'll also be able to see what Chanel achieved with perfume, jewellery and accessory design, too. Some pieces will date back more than a century, given that the fashion icon opened her first boutique in Deauville in 1912, before making the leap to her own Parisian couture house in 1918. Expect to check out everything from black threads — obviously — to lace gowns, wool jersey and tailored tweed suits, and an array of beaded garments. As you peer at Chanel's designs, you'll see how womenswear developed, and both how and why she's left a mark that still lingers today. [caption id="attachment_819495" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Gabrielle Chanel (designer). Dress, spring–summer 1925, silk guipure lace, silk organza flower. Patrimoine de Chanel, Paris. Photo © Julien T. Hamon.[/caption] The NGV is also adding its own Chanel pieces to the exhibition, such as a white lace Evening dress that dates back to 1933, and a shirred red silk velvet and marabou-lined evening cape from around 1924–26. They'll form part of a showcase that's split into themed sections, with different parts devoted to her early work, the way her design language evolved in the 1920s and 1930s, the iconic scent that is Chanel No 5, and how the brand's pieces have favoured a look best described as "austere luxury". Also getting their own themed strands: suits, accessories and jewellery. To launch Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, which will be ticketed — and will be the first-ever exhibition in Australia that'll solely focus on Chanel's contributions to fashion and culture — the NGV is bringing back its black-tie NGV Gala, which'll take place on Saturday, December 4. If you decide to wear a little black dress while you're checking out all things Chanel this summer, you'll likely have plenty of company. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will display at the NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Sunday, December 5, 2021–Monday, April 25, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to the gallery's website. Top image: Anne Sainte-Marie in a Chanel suit, photograph by Henry Clarke, published in Vogue US, 1955, retouched by ARCP. ParisMusées. © Henry Clarke, ParisMusées /PalaisGalliera/ADAGP. Copyright Agency, 2021. Installation Images: Tom Ross and Sean Fennessy
Summer hit Sydney in full force yesterday as the city sweated through its second hottest day ever recorded. Temperatures in Penrith hit a whopping 47.3 degrees at 3.25pm, according to live data from the Bureau of Meteorology. #SydneyHeat UPDATE: #Penrith has now reached 47.3 degrees at 3:25pm according to the preliminary live data from the weather station there. — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) January 7, 2018 Earlier in the day, the Bureau mistakenly tweeted that Sydney had blitzed its previous record of 47.0 degrees from February 2017, before discovering old 1939 data from a now-closed Richmond weather station. Those temperatures remain the highest on record, clocking in at 47.8 degrees. #SydneyHeat: Sorry, in our earlier checks we missed a 47.8 degrees C temperature recorded at an old #Richmond station (now closed) in 1939. 47.3 today still beats the previous #Penrith record. — Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) January 7, 2018 In the city at Observatory Hill, the temperature hit a still-high 42.3 degrees at 1pm. While Sydney's weather's not expected to be quite as apocalyptic today, it's still set to be a scorcher, with temperatures in the low 30s predicted for the CBD and over 40 degrees in store for the western suburbs. Things will remain pretty sweaty tomorrow with highs of around 30 degrees, before we score a much more palatable top of 25 degrees on Wednesday.
It marked the filmmaking debut of Orson Welles, took inspiration from the life of US media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and received nine Academy Award nominations — and, since first hitting screens back in 1941, has long been regarded the greatest movie ever made. That feature, of course, is Citizen Kane. And while David Fincher isn't daring to remake it, his new film will take audiences behind the scenes of the famed production. Called Mank, Fincher's 11th directorial effort is named after screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz — a drama critic for The New York Times and The New Yorker who is co-credited with writing Citizen Kane with Welles. As shot in inky, evocative black and white, Mank spends time with its titular figure as he's trying to finish penning the iconic script, and follows not only his clashes with Welles over the material, but the general ups and downs of 1930s Hollywood. Gary Oldman plays Mankiewicz, while the rest of the star-studded cast includes Amanda Seyfried as actor and Hearst mistress Marion Davies, Lily Collins as Mank's secretary Rita Alexander, Game of Thrones' alum Charles Dance as Hearst himself and The Souvenir's Tom Burke as Welles. Also adding to the movie's high-profile names, Fincher has recruited The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl's Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor (yes, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor) to compose the score. As the just-dropped first full trailer for Mank shows, Fincher has set himself quite the task; "you cannot capture a man's entire life in two hours — all you can hope is to leave the impression of one," the clip itself tells viewers. But this is clearly a passion project for the acclaimed Fight Club and Zodiac filmmaker, as it's based on a script by his late father, Jack Fincher. In fact, the younger Fincher was originally slated to make the film back in the 90s, but it didn't come to fruition until now. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfX-nrg-lI&feature=youtu.be Mank will release in select cinemas from November 19, before hitting Netflix on December 4.
We've all been there. You are walking through Ikea, looking for that green flower print pillow cover or flexible floor lamp, when you somehow get lost in the kitchen section. Well, now you have a way out, thanks to Google Maps for Android. Google has expanded its cartography and announced that it is moving into the great Australian indoors. So now when you step off the street into the gargantuan megaplexes that house the biggest thing to come out of Sweden since ABBA, you no longer have to look silly asking for directions at every turn. More than 200 other iconic indoor locations across Australia have also been mapped, including Flinders Street Station, Sydney Opera House and Crown Casino in Melbourne, as well as many Westfield shopping centres. The bulk of the sites are in New South Wales and Victoria, but Adelaide Airport and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre proudly represent their respective states and many more locations are on their way. The technology largely relies on local wi-fi networks and is currently only available on Android devices. No news of if or when the technology will be available for iPhone users. So if you're on Android, find your way indoors and head straight to that Gronkulla.
From food to puppies to cricket umps, we'll never cease to be amazed by what Uber decides to deliver next (until they start delivering babies, that is). But their latest service offering is set to take things to literal new heights. At TechCrunch Shanghai over the weekend, Uber China announced it will soon give users the option to request not only cars, but hot air balloons and boats as well. The new services — aptly names UberBalloon and UberBoat — will come under the new Uber + Travel umbrella, which will roll out across China later this year. The ride-sharing company also announced UberLife, a sort of in-app magazine that will feature local events and attempt to make users spend more time in the Uber app while in the car/boat/hot air balloon. At the moment UberBalloon will only be available in China. According to TechCrunch, this is an attempt to move more services into the Uber app to help it properly compete with popular all-in-one app WeChat, which allows you to message, call, shop, make payments and play games. Desperate times call for desperate measures — and when you're Uber (and you're trying to take the Chinese ride-sharing market), those measures apparently include hot air balloons. Via TechCrunch. Image: ellehem.
Three months have passed in 2023, but Marvel fans have only enjoyed one chance to get their caped-crusader fix so far. The ever-sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe is reportedly set to keep spreading at a slower rate from now on, in fact; however, both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Secret Invasion are on their way — and soon. The latter joins the MCU's small-screen slate, alongside WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms Marvel and She-Hulk. The focus: Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury. The Director of SHIELD and creator of the Avengers Initiative acted as the connective tissue between most of the big-screen franchise's early instalments — if Jackson didn't show up in a Marvel movie back then, was it really a Marvel movie? — but it's taken 15 years since first appearing in the post-credits scene of the original Iron Man for him to gain the spotlight in his own adventure. Secret Invasion itself has been in the works for some time, after first being announced back in 2020, and also dropping a debut trailer in 2022. Now, it finally has a release date: Wednesday, June 21. Mark your diaries, then get excited by checking out the show's latest trailer, which goes heavy on the looming war. The six-episode show will reteam with Fury as a battle is imminent with the shapeshifting Skrulls, Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother) keeps asking help and his popularity within the MCU is waning. Plenty of other familiar faces pop up, too: Australia's own Ben Mendelsohn (Cyrano) returning as Talos after Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home, Don Cheadle (The Wonder Years) as War Machine and Martin Freeman (Breeders) as the CIA's Everett Ross. Will their characters really show up? Or will we really be seeing Skrull impersonators? Obviously, that'll only be answered when Secret Invasion arrives. Because every actor ever has to fit into the MCU at some point, the above cast is joined by a few other huge names as well: Olivia Colman (Empire of Light), Emilia Clarke (Last Christmas) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (One Night in Miami). The story clearly ties into Captain Marvel, which is proving a launching pad for more than a few recent and upcoming MCU chapters, such as streaming's Ms Marvel and big-screen release The Marvels — which teams up Captain Marvel (Brie Larson, Just Mercy), Ms Marvel (Iman Vellani) and WandaVision's Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris, Candyman), and also arrives this year, in November. Fury, and therefore Jackson, did appear in two episodes of the Agents of SHIELD TV show in 2013 and 2014, so this isn't the character's first small-screen outing. Behind the scenes, Kyle Bradstreet (Mr Robot) created Secret Invasion, and writes and executive produces. Check out the latest trailer for Secret Invasion below: Secret Invasion will stream via Disney+ from Wednesday, June 21. Images: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.
After three years of envelope-pushing dishes and rule-breaking dinner degustations, Carlton's small-but-mighty Nora has completed its last-ever service. Owners Sarin Rojanametin and Jean Thamthanakorn have announced they'd shut the doors to their Elgin Street eatery in December, and have drawn the curtains on one of Melbourne's most innovative food offerings of recent years. Nora first opened its doors as an experimental, Thai-inspired cafe back in 2014, hitting reset in 2016 to reopen as degustation restaurant, giving the owners more scope to flex their creative muscles. But there's one last chance to eat Nora's food. In a last hurrah, Rojanametin and Thamthanakorn will cook a final meal at Collingwood's The Moon on Sunday, January 7. The $95 ticket includes a taste of Nora's full menu, plus an aperitif and digestif. Wines will be available to purchase. 2018 will find the pair venturing back to their roots, tapping into new inspirations and setting their sights on fresh challenges. We hope to see a new venture from them in the near future.
Tasmania is an evocative place. The tiny island state is easily one of Australia's most diverse landscapes, featuring everything from white, sandy beaches and the inspiring peaks of Cradle Mountain to hidden wonders like Little Blue Lake. But it's not just the terrain that offers up surprises; Tasmania is also a haven for the unconventional. With Hobart's globally renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the large botanical mazes and rural towns turned into openair galleries, Tasmania knows its way around the weird and wonderful and isn't afraid to revel in it come rain, shine or snow. With that in mind, we've created a jam-packed winter guide to Tassie's most eclectic cultural and artistic experiences. So strap yourselves in (and put on your warmest winter woollies), it's going to be a strange ride. [caption id="attachment_498713" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).[/caption] THE MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART — HOBART Affectionately referred to as the 'museum of sex and death', MONA isn't your stock-standard cultural institution. Instead, it's more like a sprawling underground playground that could easily double as a Bond villain's home (just look at its imposing void-like entrance and spiral staircases). Each exhibition has been specially curated to provoke — from James Turrell's permanent, mind-bending light installations in the newly minted Pharos wing to the bold, ever-changing seasonal shows like Greg Taylor's famous vaginal sculptures. As MONA is the host of Australia's most sinister festival, Dark Mofo, winter is the ideal time to visit, with numerous artists and works freshly displayed within the museum's walls as well as sprawled across Hobart. And once you've finished expanding your mind, you can also expand your stomach at one of MONA's many eateries. The combination of Faro's Spanish and Greek tapas (try the martini garnished with pig eyes if you're brave), waterfront views and stark architecture is fantastic. [caption id="attachment_719412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Jonathan Wherrett.[/caption] CASCADES FEMALE FACTORY — HOBART History often dwells on the lives of men rather than women, but that's not the case at the Cascades Female Factory, located at the foothills of Mount Wellington. Built in 1828, the factory was once a women's only convict facility and workhouse, so it seems fitting that it's now one of the only sites in Australia that is fully dedicated to highlighting the trials and tribulations of female convicts. Daily tours offer a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the thousands of women and children that once lived and worked on the factory grounds. Or, if you love a little drama, make sure you're bundled up for the outdoors and catch the spooky two-person theatrical tour Her Story that takes place across the factory's grounds every day at noon. [caption id="attachment_719424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Diane and Lindsay Stockbridge.[/caption] SHEFFIELD MURALS — SHEFFIELD If there's one thing that you can always rely on in Tasmania, it's that the small island knows how to exceed expectations, particularly when it comes to art. So it's no surprise that the town of Sheffield is a totally normal rural Tasmanian town, except for the fact that it also doubles as the most impressive openair gallery. Covered in murals from head to toe — or from sheds to churches, to be more accurate — the 'Town of Murals' is a colourful wonderland that is well worth the one-hour drive from Launceston. Plus, each winter there are new murals to see, with the annual mural fest occurring at the end of April. [caption id="attachment_719427" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.[/caption] THE SHIP THAT NEVER WAS — STRAHAN Whoever said history had to be boring? Certainly not the people behind Australia's longest-running play, which turned 25 earlier in 2019. Filled with cheeky convicts and comedic tragedy, The Ship That Never Was immerses you in the true story of the great escape from Sarah Island. Intrigue, twists and laughter abound in this hilariously dramatic tale that manages to impart some interesting historical facts about the convict settlement of Macquarie Harbour while keeping the audience endlessly entertained. So get snug with one of the blankets and heat packs provided (you'll need it) and settle in for some educational entertainment. [caption id="attachment_719429" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.[/caption] QUEEN VICTORIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY — LAUNCESTON If you've come to Tasmania, then chances are you're at least a little bit intrigued by the state's interesting past. If that's the case, then the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery should be your first stop during a trip to Launceston — or stops, rather. Split into two locations — the QVMAG Museum at Inveresk and QVMAG Art Gallery at Royal Park — this arty institution is a great way to get up close and personal with Tasmania's heritage and culture. Plus, both spots are great indoor options if the weather is just a bit too chilly. An exhibition by local artist Angela Casey that's full of dark sentiments and sinister depictions, The Enquiring Light will be showing throughout winter alongside the permanent archaeological exhibition, which includes life-size dinosaur replicas. Get ready to live out all of your Jurassic Park fantasies. [caption id="attachment_719414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.[/caption] TASMAZIA AND THE VILLAGE OF LOWER CRACKPOT — PROMISED LAND Get lost. No really, do it — but not just anywhere. Do it at the self-proclaimed 'largest maze complex in the world'. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Roland, the strange tourist site that is Tasmazia is actually pretty fantastic. There are eight mazes to lose yourself (and your mind) in, plus the Village of Lower Crackpot. The miniature town's charming exterior hides a darkly subversive humour that is slowly revealed through hilarious nods to the absurd — like its monument to whistleblowers and its School of Lateral Thinking. Our favourite is the Lower Crackpot's Correctional Centre, which is filled with plush guillotines and fake punishments. [caption id="attachment_719954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Derwent Valley.[/caption] THE WALL IN THE WILDERNESS — HOBART Staring at walls isn't generally considered a stimulating activity, but the Wall in the Wilderness isn't your average roof-holder. Using a series of timber panels, artist Greg Duncan has hand-carved a 100-metre-long depiction of the history of Tasmania's central highlands, creating a wall like no other. From the area's Indigenous people to the early pastoralists and hydro workers, the astounding artwork commemorates the people that lived in the harsh region. It has been critically compared to Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel — so you know it's worth the trip. Top image: Faro at MONA by Jarrad Seng.
In 2020, we all kept saying three words: pandemic, lockdowns and restrictions. None of those terms have gone away this year, but vaccinations have joined them among the COVID-era's most-discussed topics. Australia's leaders have been talking about jabs, and stressing the importance of getting vaxxed in helping the country find a sense of normality. Pubs, breweries and denim brands have been discussing them, too, and offering incentives for vaccinated folks. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brought up the subject while emphasising that vaccinations are our pathway to doing all the things we love again — and now local hospitality figures are championing the cause while reflecting upon how tumultuous the past 18 months have been for their industry. The message of the just-launched hospo advertising campaign: "put a jab on the menu". It's rolling out across print media, radio stations, TV and websites, and includes a 60-minute ad featuring a long list of well-known names all encouraging Aussies to get the jab. Also featured in the television commercial: oh-so-many empty spaces, all absent of customers during lockdowns. Figures involved include both chefs and restaurateurs, with Matt Moran, Danielle Alvarez, Neil Perry and Shannon Martinez among the participants — and Maurice Terzini, Anna Ugarte-Carral, Victor Liong, Adam d'Sylva, Jacqui Challinor and Morgan McGlone as well. They all know exactly how the pandemic has been affecting the restaurant business, because they've seen their eateries sit empty due to Australia's COVID-19 outbreaks and the understandable stay-at-home rules, takeaway-only mandates and capacity caps that come with them. And, alongside the likes of Frank Camorra, Ross Lusted, Munoz Labart, Massimo Mele and Nick Holloway, all of these prominent hospo figures are now asking everyone to roll up their sleeves so they can start welcoming in diners again. Obviously, when the latter happens, that'll mean you'll be able to visit the likes of Barangaroo House, Smith & Daughters, The Old Fitz and Nomad in-person — and all the other Aussie restaurants that've been impacted during the pandemic. Check out the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial below: Guillaume Paddington chef Guillaume Brahimi is helping lead the charge as the campaign's industry ambassador, and explains that "vaccination is the only way to save our industry and open it up again without restrictions. If we don't get it done, we're going to lose some amazing businesses." "Chefs and hospitality workers are resilient people — we have to be because what we do isn't easy at the best of times," he continues. "Whether it's a small suburban Thai restaurant, a country pub, a cafe, a 300-seat fine diner, every person who works in hospitality does it because they want to bring happiness to people by service or food… but, regardless of our shared passion, there's one thing that we can't overcome — and that's empty tables." You can also view the "put a jab on the menu" television commercial by heading to Vimeo.
UPDATE, January 7, 2021: Pieces of a Woman screens in Melbourne cinemas from Wednesday, December 30, and will be available to stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 7. Everyone has heard the claim that women forget the pain of childbirth, with hormones and maternal stirrings washing away the agony of labour once a mother meets their bundle of joy. How true that proves is the subject of debate, but if you've only seen life brought into the world via on-screen depictions, you can be forgiven for subscribing to such a school of thought. Childbirth, like sex, is usually sanitised for cinema. Courtesy of thrusts, groans, screams and part-exhilarated, part-exhausted smiles, films typically convey the gist, rather than the nitty gritty. The visceral reality rarely exists in a fictionalised world of convenient meet-cutes, perfect make-up adorned faces and zero signs of sweat; however, thanks to a tense and harrowing 23-minute delivery scene that plays out in one continuous take, Pieces of a Woman doesn't shy away from the mess and chaos. It doesn't evade the devastation when a planned home birth not only experiences hiccups, but leaves Boston-based expectant mother Martha (Vanessa Kirby, Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw) struggling to cope, either. Martha won't forget what occurred when her water broke, her husband Sean (Shia LaBeouf, Honey Boy) remained by her side and midwife Eva (Molly Parker, Words on Bathroom Walls), a fill-in rather than the couple's first choice, delivered her baby. Neither will viewers of this daringly intimate drama from White God and Jupiter's Moon director-writer duo Kornél Mundruczó and Kata Wéber. The unbroken birthing scene isn't the movie's first, but it does precede its title card — with the filmmakers making it plain that, after getting a front-row seat to Martha's trauma, the audience will now witness her attempts to stitch herself back together. That's Pieces of a Woman's storyline. Shattered instead of feeling ecstatic and complete, as she had anticipated, the feature's protagonist tries to work out how to go on. But her marriage has lost its lustre, her overbearing mother Elizabeth (Ellen Burstyn, House of Cards) won't stop giving her two cents — and trying to throw around piles of money to help a problem that can't be fixed by cash — and, at Sean and Elizabeth's urging, there's also a court case to deal with. Pieces of a Woman doesn't lack narrative developments, involving both Martha and those in her bereaved orbit. Ex-alcoholic Sean also endeavours to process the situation, including falling back on old habits. His relationship with Elizabeth flips from bickering to conspiratorial, too; he's a construction worker, and his mother-in-law has always disapproved of his and Martha's class differences, but now they agree on what's best moving forward. Also having an impact: the involvement of Martha's lawyer cousin Suzanne (Sarah Snook, Succession), and the attention that comes from pursuing legal proceedings. Martha can't escape any of the above, but they're the film's scaffolding, rather than the main attraction. These external ups and downs will all pass, while Martha's maelstrom of despair and anger will remain. Accordingly, after stepping through her life-changing moment in realistic detail, the movie makes the bold choice to explore its protagonist's emotional and mental state. The Crown brought Kirby to broader fame and acclaim, earning her awards for her on-screen work after years of receiving them for her stage career — but, as stellar as she is in the regal drama, Pieces of a Woman is a career-best performance. She's tasked with weathering an ordeal rarely laid bare with such candour, and doing so via a dynamic and lived-in portrayal. She's asked to convey the torrential torment that Martha endures in every second after pushing through the contractions in Sean's embrace, holding their child in hers, and then suffering the worst type of absence. In the birth scene, she's primal and unfiltered in a way that's never seen on film. Afterwards, Kirby is glassy with and distant from those around Martha in a manner that rarely resonates as authentically as it does here. Pieces of a Woman is well-cast, and its star is ably matched — by Burstyn especially, particularly in one big monologue that rides a remarkable rollercoaster — but the intensity in Kirby as Martha crumples, yet remains resolute about her right to fracture and fray however she needs to, is near-overwhelming. Mundruczó and Wéber tackle an array of weighty notions through Martha, and through Kirby's performance, the ravenous monster that is grief being one. Pieces of a Woman is heartbreakingly unrestrained in showing how it feels to navigate loss, specifically the kind that isn't often addressed in society let alone in cinema. It does so with disarming potency, as if everything within its frames has been ripped from truth by the filmmakers. Just as effectively, the movie also unpacks how women are constantly expected to stick to set roles, even when tackling what might be the most distressing thing that'll ever happen to a mother. That's where all the struggles with Sean, Elizabeth and the court case really strike a chord — because, no matter what's going on, Martha is always supposed to fit a type dictated by long-held ideas about being a woman, and her husband, mum and anyone else with an opinion can't quite accept her refusal to adhere to convention. If Pieces of a Woman wasn't so deeply moving, some of its overt symbolism might've fallen flat, including repeated shots of a bridge being built by Sean, plus Martha's obsession with apples. And yet honesty reverberates from both, reflecting how easy it is to cling to anything and everything when life isn't progressing as planned. This excellent movie does spend its 126 minutes as intended, of course. From its attention-grabbing early sequence and intricate emotional landscape to its astonishing lead performance and its masterful direction — and its fittingly solemn score by Howard Shore (a two-time Oscar-winner for The Lord of the Rings) and roaming yet lingering visuals lensed by Benjamin Loeb (Mandy), too — it plunges viewers headfirst into Martha's experience. Nothing has been sanitised for anyone's comfort or protection here, either by the filmmakers or by their unforgettably real and raw central character. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLKbMAZNGI Top image: Benjamin Loeb / Netflix.
We all know them, the mad-keen foodie that just loves to be as hands-on as possible. They find joy in hand-kneading flour, eggs and water into a silky smooth pasta dough, crafting craft brews and creating a full (and fantastic) experience around their meal times. If one such person is on your giftee list this festive season, we've done the legwork for you. And there's no better place to start than with BrewArt. The hops-loving team has made it their mission to make the art (and science) of at-home brewing as fuss-free as possible — meaning the amateur brewer in your life will be pouring stand-out sips every single batch. In the spirit of the holiday season, together with BrewArt, we've compiled a list of stand-out gifts to get that hands-on foodie in your life. BREWART BeerDroid AND BrewFlo, From $799 What better to gift your foodie than a world first? BrewArt's BeerDroid — the first fully automated personal brewer — is single handedly turning amateur frothies into pub-quality pours, every time. And the BrewArt app means they'll be overseeing their brew from wherever they are. So if you know the next master brewer or are simply looking for the ideal gift for a DIY foodie (who is partial to an arvo at the pub), consider your gift chosen. Go all out and pick up the BrewFlo, too. In-house (read: at home), they'll have up to 10 ice-cold litres of IPA, XPA, pale ale or kolsch on its way to a glass with a pub-perfect frothy head — every time. With no need for CO2 (another world first) and a handy LCD screen control — it's thirst-quenchingly good. [caption id="attachment_879951" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luisa Brimble[/caption] PIG & PILGRIM PARILLA, $3150 Whether you're gifting a carnivore or someone that simply loves cooking with smoky flavours and hot coals, a parilla from Pig & Pilgrim is an exceptional choice to pop under the tree. Pictured above is The Sideburn, the "grand dame" of the Sydney-based biz's range of South American-style charcoal barbecues. Featuring a brasero in addition to a grill, this big bit of machinery is designed for longer cooks — with the easy option of creating more coals as you're roasting away. From experimenting with the amount of heat and smoke used to grill shrimps on the barbie, setting up chicken yeeros over red-hot coals and impressing morning guests with an al fresco shakshuka, the die-hard foodie in your life will be all set for the new year. Plus, there are options that pack less of a financial punch, including The Farrow —the small, portable grill that's ideal for any happy camper in your life. NOT WASTED JUICE CLUB MEMBERSHIP, From $99 Alongside good food, you must have good sips — and when it comes to natty wines, the good folks at Not Wasted are the people to turn to. Not only do they sling out bottles from both Aussie and international producers, they dive deep into the best (and most eco-friendly) viticulture practices and then share it with the world. If you've got an oenophile in your life that you'd love to gift a drop to, or you know a foodie that's looking to level up their wine knowledge, sign them on up to Not Wasted's Juice Club. With four size options — three bottles or six, for newbies or wine snobs — and the flexibility to pick the frequency of deliveries, your favourite foodie will receive a curated collection of vinos. A rare gem, a red that's ripe for the chilling or maybe something funky, they'll be pouring stand-out drops all year long. GOZNEY ROCCBOX, $799 There's something about a homemade pizza that absolutely hits. Whether it's the overarching process — from kneading the dough to having complete creative control over the toppings — or the winning combo of cheese and carbs straight from the oven, it's a universally adored experience. And taking it up a notch is the red-hot Roccbox from Gozney. Turning the heat up to 500°C, this tabletop pizza oven is cute, portable and a cinch to use. We're sure your lucky recipient will be inviting you over for a slice in no time — a delicious return on your investment. [caption id="attachment_879952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Meg Yonson[/caption] FAT TUESDAYS CHOPPING BOARD, $110 Although prepping food comes nowhere near the enjoyment factor of chowing down, having fun and functional tools is a must. Enter Fat Tuesdays, the creators of constantly sold-out, hand-made chopping boards artfully made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (that's both sourced and repurposed in Sydney). The range comes in four delightfully named colourways: birthday cake, guacamole, sherbet and raspberry jam, and we hear there are more on the way. If you've got your eyes on one of these beauties — for yourself or a friend — the last release of the year hits the shop early December, be quick. PASTA-MAKING CLASS, Varies A pasta class — taught by the pros — is as much a gift for your loved one as it is for you. Teach them to make fresh homemade pasta and you'll likely get to reap the rewards yourself (letting them do all the hard work of cooking — just like they like). Fussili, orecchiette, mafaldine, good old classic gnocchi — there are more pastas in the world than can be truly mastered in one lifetime, so even if they're an old hand, there'll be new tricks for them to learn. Grab them a gift card to one of the following spots and they'll be kneading flour, eggs and water in no time. Sydneysiders, Pasta Emilia (pictured above) is your best bet, Brisbanites can (and should) head to Fortitude Valley's Angelo's Pasta Classes, and Melburnians can make a beeline straight for La Cucina di Sandra. STYLE-HEAVY SERVING ACCESSORIES, Varies As your foodie fave will surely attest, plating up is as important (if not, nearly as important) as the food on said plate. So, any of the style-heavy objects that Maison Balzac, the Aussie experts in artful glassware and more, produces are a winning pressie. Maybe a set of gin and tonic glasses with a delicate citrus hit via a little glass slice of lime, some sea-blue glass plates or a celebratory set of tumblers (that, just quietly, would hold a frothy pour of beer quite nicely). VINTEC WINE FRIDGE, $899 If we're talking tech for foodies, a Vintec is nearing on essential. A temperature-controlled room to store your 35-bottle collection? Lush. Although they're not technically fridges, they basically are. Temperature and humidity are regulated, plus the bottles (and their precious drops) will be protected from both UV and vibrations — all the variables that can spoil your wine are controlled. It doesn't hurt that they look a bit alright, too. Hardcore wine lovers will already have one of these on their wish list. Got a foodie in your life? A beer lover? Ensure you're their fave with the help of BrewArt's frothy expertise and tech. Head to the website to get your order in, stat.
Spring, plus light- to medium-bodied red wine: what a pairing. It's the duo that not only sits at the heart of Australian wine-tasting festival Pinot Palooza, but has helped the vino-swilling event become such a hit. The weather is sunny, the tipples are heady, and sipping your way through a heap of the latter is on the menu — including in 2023. Earlier in 2023, the beloved wine fest announced that it was not only returning for 2023, but also settling back into that coveted spring timeslot. Now, it has locked in venues and put tickets on sale. The Melbourne-born wine tasting festival will celebrate its 11th year by hitting up Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane again. To close out winter, it'll also make its debut in Perth. On offer at Claremont Showgrounds in Perth, Sydney's Carriageworks, Brisbane Showgrounds and The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne: more than 50 winemakers slinging their wares. Pinot Palooza will spread the party over three August days in Western Australia, as well as three October days in the Sunshine State. In New South Wales and Victoria, it'll be a two-day affair. In its decade of life until now, the fest has welcomed in thousands of vino lovers. Indeed, an estimated 65,000 tickets were sold globally before its 2022 events. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the popular celebration was shelved for two-and-a-half years, before making a comeback last year. The response? More than 12,000 folks heading along around the nation. 2023's vino-sipping fun will cover organic, biodynamic, vegan and low-intervention wines, and more. Set to share their tipples among producers from Australia, New Zealand and further afield: New Zealand's Burn Cottage and CHARTERIS; Small Island, Ghost Rock and Meadowbank from Tasmania; M&J Becker from NSW and Moondarra from Victoria. The food lineup will feature cheese, salumi, terrines, patê, olives and other perfect vino accompaniments, with Tasmania's Grandvewe Cheese and Victoria's Mount Zero among the suppliers. And, while Pinot Palooza is a standalone fest only across the east coast dates, in Perth it's part of an already-announced collaboration with cheese festival Mould. PINOT PALOOZA 2023: Friday, August 25–Sunday, August 27: Centenary Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds, Perth Friday, October 6–Saturday, October 7: Carriageworks, Sydney Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds Friday, October 27–Saturday, October 28: The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne Pinot Palooza will get pouring around Australia from August–October 2023. For more information and tickets, head to the event's website.
It was a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind. But what if the moon landing didn't actually happen? As far as conspiracy theories go, that line of thinking is up there with Elvis surviving his last date with his bathroom. Now, after decades of wondering, we finally have the incriminating vision. Okay, so not exactly. After toying with the found footage genre in their debut film The Dirties, writer-director-actor Matt Johnson and his regular co-star Owen Williams bring the same faux-documentary approach to the world of outlandish government coverups in Operation Avalanche. Playing fictionalised versions of themselves several decades before they were actually born, Johnson and Williams make the leap from college whiz kids to new CIA recruits to undercover operatives at NASA. Remarkably, that's the easy part. Once they've talked their way through the door of the space agency, pretending to be a documentary film crew but actually looking for a Russian spy, they discover that the space agency can't make it to earth's natural satellite as planned. And so a new secret scheme is hatched, drawing upon their background as filmmakers. But it also attracts some unwanted attention. Operation Avalanche unfolds as a movie within a movie — with the added bonus of yet another movie within that movie, too. In essence, the filmmakers are making a film about pretending to make a film, while at the same time recreating the historic footage of the actual lunar landing. Grainy images ensure that the movie fits its '60s setting to a tee, while shooting the whole thing in handheld style, often through windows or from various other unlikely hiding spots, helps sell the underlying premise. Sounds like a bit of cheeky fun, right? Seesawing between comedy and edge-of-your-seat thrills, that's exactly what Operation Avalanche delivers. At the same time, this paranoia-riddled satire couldn't feel more timely, despite the fact that it first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival a full year ago. Not being able to believe everything you see in the media isn't exactly a new sentiment, nor is thinking twice before trusting the words spoken by those in power. Still, imagining a modern version of this story given the current global political climate certainly isn't hard. Apart from the initial concept, perhaps Johnson's greatest trick is doing something different with both the found footage medium and the cold war thriller genre. This isn't the kind of shaky horror flick you've seen countless times before, or the type of USA versus USSR effort that has been pumped out since the 1960s. That's great news if you're a film buff, for whom Operation Avalanche feels tailor made. Indeed, with one of the most common moon landing conspiracies centred around 2001: A Space Odyssey director Stanley Kubrick, it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of the greatest filmmakers in history earns more than a couple of mentions.
With social distancing and public gathering rules in place across the country, Mother's Day is going to look a little different in 2020. While the annual celebration of mums isn't usually associated with fried chicken, KFC is, this year, bucking the trend and launching a 'mum-umental' celebration of chook. This Mother's Day weekend, KFC is slashing 25 percent off its entire menu — and delivering it to your door. So, order some finger lickin' good chook and Zoom your mum to tell her you love her (and maybe send her a gift, if you haven't already). The limited-time offer is available from select KFC stores nationwide and runs from Saturday, May 9 till midnight on Monday, May 11. To get your hands on some cheap 11 secret herbs and spices, head to Menulog's website or use the Menulog app and enter KFC4MUM at checkout. The deal is only valid when you spend $30 or more. While your food is on its way, you can meditate with KFChill, a wellness website that lets you unwind to the sound of chicken frying, gravy simmering or bacon sizzling away in a pan. Yes, it'll make you hungry. You can't road trip to the world's first drive-thru-only KFC or marry your loved at the famed chicken chain this weekend, but 25 percent off a Zinger Burger, Original Recipe Chicken and potato and gravy is sure to lift your spirits. Plus, Popcorn Chicken is a pretty good snack for when you're binging Tiger King or streaming this year's Oscar-winning flick. KFC is offering 25 percent off its entire menu via Menulog from Saturday, May 9 to 11.59pm on Monday, May 11. To order, head to the Menulog website and enter KFC4MUM at checkout. The deal is only valid for orders of $30 or more.
When Iron Man, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Captain America and their fellow caped-crusader pals all cross paths on-screen, they do so within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When it's Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman's turn, they populate the DC Extended Universe. But these kind of big-screen franchises aren't just the domain of superheroes. In the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters, for instance, a number of Spider-Man supervillains are getting their own interconnected movies. First came 2018's Venom, starring Tom Hardy (Dunkirk) as a journalist who is forced to share his body with an alien symbiote. Next year — delayed from 2020 — Morbius will see Jared Leto (The Little Things) play a figure also known as the "Living Vampire". In-between the two, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is also hitting screens. The initial flick about Hardy's Eddie Brock and his parasitic pal did ridiculously big business at the box office, so it was always going to get a sequel. Due to hit cinemas Down Under in September — and just releasing its first trailer overnight — Venom: Let There Be Carnage signals its other main point of focus in its title. This time around, Venom isn't the only formidable figure that Brock has to deal with, with Woody Harrelson (Zombieland: Double Tap) joining the cast as Carnage. For those who haven't dived deep into Spider-Man's comic book history, Carnage is another of the web-slinger's adversaries. Inhabiting the body of a serial killer called Cletus Kasady, he's also Venom's nemesis. And while Eddie's life isn't all that straightforward when the Venom: Let There Be Carnage trailer begins — as seen during a peek at his attempts to find a way to live in harmony with Venom, including their complicated breakfast routine — things get a whole lot more chaotic when Carnage enters the scene. As these two villains face off, here's hoping that Venom: Let There Be Carnage gives Michelle Williams (Fosse/Verdon) more to do than the first Venom movie did, with the four-time Oscar-nominee returning as Eddie's ex-fiancée. Also seen briefly in the trailer: Naomie Harris (The Third Day) as yet another Spider-Man villain, Shriek, plus Stephen Graham (The Virtues) as Detective Mulligan. And, behind the lens, Lord of the Rings actor-turned-Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle filmmaker Andy Serkis directs. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAsr2i4jiQ&feature=youtu.be Venom: Let There Be Carnage opens in Australian cinemas on September 16.
No one likes it when their phone rings from an unknown number, whether "no caller ID" or digits that you don't recognise flash up on your mobile's screen. Telemarketers isn't going to change that response. It won't dampen the collective ire that the world holds towards the pushy people on the other end of the line, either. HBO's thrilling three-part docuseries doesn't just reinforce what viewers already feel about the nuisance industry that thinks it can interrupt your day and life with a spiel that no one wants, and impact your bank balance in the process. In addition, it spins a true tale that demonstrates why a deep-seated dislike of telemarketing is so well-founded, and also why cold-calling operations can be so insidious. This true-crime story about the New Jersey-based Civic Development Group surpasses even the most call centre-despising audience member's low expectations of the field — and it's gripping, can't-look-away, has-to-be-seen-to-be-believed stuff. "Every other telemarketer who drives you crazy in the whole world is because of CDG," advises one of the series' interviewees. That might seem like a big claim, but co-directors Sam Lipman-Stern (Live From the Streets) and Adam Bhala Lough (The New Radical) step through its truth. The former knows the outfit's approach from experience, working there for seven years from the age of 14 after dropping out of high school, while the latter is the filmmaker cousin he wasn't aware of. Lipman-Stern is Telemarketers' on-screen guiding hand, too, but his ex-colleague Patrick J Pespas is its heart and soul. As seen early — with the show streaming its trio of chapters weekly via Binge since Monday, August 14 — Pespas is called a "telemarketing legend". Although he's happy snorting heroin on-camera in 2000s-era footage, he's switched on to CDG's shonkiness; more than that, he's determined to expose it even if it takes two decades. When Lipman-Stern began earning $10 an hour convincing ordinary Americans to donate to charities represented by CDG, he found himself at a place where anyone could get hired with few questions asked. The only requirement: bringing in funds while hitting the phone. As long as the company's employees kept making money, anything went. Those workers are a motley crew of vulnerable misfits in Lipman-Stern's low-res fly-on-the-wall footage, spanning not just dropouts and addicts but also ex-cons recruited directly from halfway houses and folks who didn't fit the usual nine-to-five grind. And their work environment? It "was like you was just going to a big-ass cookout every fucking day," one past staff member notes. Drinking, drugs, sex, nodding off on the phone, getting tattoos in the office, baby turtles crawling over keyboards, general seediness and raucousness that even telemarketing sitcom Workaholics didn't dream up: that was all a part of cashing a CDG cheque, as Lipman-Stern captured at the time, then uploaded to YouTube. Telemarketers' main pair and their boiler-room colleagues were paid to ring their way through the organisation's sales lists, rustling up financial support for police officers, their widows, veterans, firemen, dying children and cancer survivors. When it's the cops they're touting — typically under the Fraternal Order of Police, which is akin to a law-enforcement union — they also send out stickers emblazoned with the particularl lodge's logo. It usually goes unspoken, but those decals come with shifty promise: if you display them on your car, house or shop because you've slung some funds towards the police, you might get favourable treatment if an officer ever has cause to cross your path. Yes, that's dodgy. If only it was the most dubious aspect of CDG's gambit. Everywhere that Lipman-Stern and Pespas look, this tale gets worse. It's no wonder that Uncut Gems and Good Time filmmakers Benny and Josh Safdie are among Telemarketers' executive producers, plus Eastbound & Down's Danny McBride, Jody Hill and David Gordon Green. Barely giving any of the money raised to any of the charities represented? Tick. Using underhanded and forceful tactics, flat-out lying and adopting voices resembling a "cartoon caricature of police officer", all to con people into donating? Check there, too. Unsurprisingly attracting legal attention across several states, and multiple levels of government, yet managing to keep operating? Tick again. Slippery founders — two sets of brothers, one of which includes the member of a Christian rock band — who aren't fussed about CDG's ongoing legal troubles? Check once more. Turning nonprofit fundraising into a complete sham? Keep on ticking. Constantly devolving, whether by letting fear-inducing convicted murderers loose on the phones, using artificial intelligence to keep calls going without needing staff or capitalising upon America's increasingly polarised political landscape? That's all part of this story as well. Making for jaw-on-the-floor viewing, Telemarketers is a wild portrait of greed, exploitation and corruption — and while screens aren't short of those of late, this isn't a Succession or Squid Game-style eat-the-rich effort. There's nothing luxurious or stylish here. All that's on display is pure predatory behaviour from CDG's owners and their cronies towards everyone below them, employees and folks picking up the phone alike alike. Lipman-Stern and Pespas are as much scam victims as the people they called. But, when a disguised player in the industry notes that "it's not the telemarketers you should be worried about", Telemarketers gets even more sinister. When the strikes end, expect Hollywood to pounce on a dramatised remake. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach could easily slip into Lipman-Stern's shoes, and Saturday Night Live and Mr Mayor's Bobby Moynihan into Pespas'. Fantasy casting aside, any future retelling of CDG's exploits needs Lipman-Stern and Pespas at its centre — because Telemarketers wouldn't be what it is without them, or even exist. As much as HBO's series is a takedown of a horrific swindle, it's also an ode to guerrilla journalism by a couple of average guys fighting back, and a character study of the pair as well. As the show jumps across 20 years, it surveys who Lipman-Stern and Pespas are, what changes in their lives, their evolving friendship, their commitment to exposing their old workplace and why they took up this battle. It also doesn't shy away from the fact that they're plucky amateurs doing what they feel compelled to. The Safdies were approached to direct Telemarketers, only to glean what audiences can now see: that authenticity couldn't be more crucial. When 2022 became a banner year for true-crime deceptions on-screen, unravelling real-life stories through Inventing Anna, The Dropout and more, polish reigned supreme. Getting an inside view from everyday sleuths taking on the crooks who gave them a gig, as chronicled through rough-around-the-edges footage and scrappy chats — that's a raw, like-you're-there experience, and it's both powerful and electrifying. So too is Lipman-Stern and Pespas' transformation as they get immersed in their investigation over the years. Initially, Lipman-Stern just wants to film office pranks, while the ever-earnest Pespas has his own personal tussles. Before our eyes, they become the tenacious duo revealing a billion-dollar fraud and bringing this stunning whistleblower documentary to the world. Check out the trailer for Telemarketers below: Telemarketers streams via Binge from Monday, August 14.
Cinema is one of humanity's greatest artistic inventions — and the joy of sitting in a darkened room, locking your eyes on the screen and becoming immersed in the movie in front of you will never grow old. But, now that the medium is well into its second century, it's worth acknowledging a bleak truth: most movies are average. It's a numbers game, really. With thousands of new films hitting screens and streaming platforms each and every year, they can't all be masterpieces. They're not all rubbish either, which is why so many sit in the middle. Some are watchable trash, others are almost better than okay, but a whole heap fall between those two points. If you're thinking "hang on, isn't this an article about the best films of the 2019?", you're not mistaken — the two topics are related. When a movie isn't average, it stands out. When it's something special, magnificent, glorious and astounding, it sticks in your mind for days, weeks, months and more. In fact, the best films are even more exceptional because they've found the perfect blend of components to soar far beyond the standard. They're the movies that make you excited when you leave the cinema, even if you've just been put through the emotional wringer or scared out of your wits, because you're ecstatic that these films exist. 2019, like every other year, had its share of great, excellent and outstanding movies — and with all of the above in mind, we've picked our best. We could've gone on, so apologies to the films that barely missed the cut. The Souvenir, If Beale Street Could Talk, Midsommar, Vox Lux and Ad Astra are all worth seeking out. So are Knives Out, Booksmart, Weathering with You, Apollo 11 and Hustlers. But we could only choose ten, which is a tiny fraction of the 550-plus movies that released on Australasian screens this year — and our favourites are the absolute opposite of average. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUXfv87Wpk PARASITE 2019 may be the year that the best film of the past 12 months wins cinema's top two awards. At the Cannes Film Festival in May, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite nabbed the Palme d'Or — and the twisty thriller is one of the frontrunners to be named Best Picture when the Oscars roll around in February. If it scores the latter as well, it'll be the first movie since 1955 to win both — and only the second film ever. Parasite deserves to earn that feat, but it'll still remain an astonishing, smart and supremely enjoyable picture if it doesn't. Following the intersection of two South Korean families — one wealthy, entitled and oblivious to their privilege, the other unemployed and scraping by however they can — this is a precisely layered feature that unravels an engrossing mystery while making a decisive statement about class disparities. The puzzle-like social satire is also written, shot and acted to perfection by the Okja and Snowpiercer helmer, with Bong regular Song Kang-ho leading a dynamite cast. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfPxmnMAyZw THE NIGHTINGALE Back in 2018, after The Nightingale first screened for media at the Venice Film Festival, it hit headlines. Barely a handful of people had seen it, but word of its tough nature spread quickly — as did news of vocal reactions and walkouts. Such reports would only continue as the film toured the festival circuit overseas and in Australia; however Jennifer Kent's second feature after The Babadook wants to evoke that response. Tracking an Irish convict (Aisling Franciosi) on a quest for revenge against the British soldier (Sam Claflin) who brutally took away everything she loved, and following her trek through Van Diemen's Land with an Indigenous guide (Baykali Ganambarr), this isn't meant to be an easy watch. Clawing through the misogyny, racism and oppression baked into Australia's history, and the violence with which it has been dispensed, should leave a visceral impact. Making a different kind of horror movie, Kent uses every tool at her disposal to put viewers in her protagonists' shoes, including a boxed-in 4:3 aspect ratio that stares at assault, death and more front-on. The results don't just leave an imprint — they leave a scar. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn_-YoG69Sw PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE In a film that's sumptuous and striking from start to finish, Portrait of a Lady on Fire's approach to its love story stands out. This is a subtle, slow-burning movie that simmers with restraint and yearning as its central women fall for each other, but it's also bold and uncompromising in depicting what society demands of their lives — and how the expectations placed upon them are incompatible with their happiness. In the 18th century, artist Marianne (Noémie Merlant) has been commissioned to paint the portrait of bride-to-be Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). With Héloïse reluctant about both her nuptials and being immortalised on canvas, Marianne must pose as her new companion, study her closely as they spend time together and paint in secret. As romance blooms within Celine Sciamma's (Girlhood) radiant, exquisitely detailed frames, her equally luminous feature explores both the freedom they find in each other's arms and the stark reality of their future. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEDh4ikcWA PAIN AND GLORY It's impossible to look at Antonio Banderas in Pain and Glory and not think of the man who put him there. Pedro Almodovar has directed the Spanish actor to many of his top performances over the past four decades, and here he gives him a formidable task — with Banderas virtually playing a fictionalised version of the filmmaker. His character, Salvador Mallo, looks like Almodovar and even wears his clothes. He's also a director and, via a collaboration with a star from his past, he's in the process of taking stock of his life in a new project. The result is a rich and deep exploration of choices made, dreams forgotten, paths followed and possibilities lost, as rendered with Almodovar's usual bright, expressive colour palette. Penelope Cruz also features in flashbacks to Mallo's childhood, playing his mother, but it's the marriage of Cannes Best Actor-winning Banderas and Almodovar in reflective mode that makes this gorgeous, heartfelt, bittersweet movie a piece of cinematic perfection. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavqDA_3vIo US As a filmmaker using genre to lay bare society's oppressive ills — and to entertain audiences with audacious and ambitious horror stories in the process — Jordan Peele is now two for two. Just a couple of short years ago, Get Out felt like a breath of fresh air with its smart and savage tale of racial alienation. That feeling remains with his second feature, Us, which simultaneously splashes in the same thematic pool and rides its own narrative wave. Focusing on a family of four, a summer vacation to Santa Cruz and sinister lookalikes who start stalking their every move, Peele finds a new way to ponder America's divisive reality both historically and at present, all while making an immensely unnerving addition to an already unsettling genre: the doppelgänger movie. Playing dual roles, Lupita Nyong'o puts in one of the year's very best performances as the matriarch doing whatever it takes to fight for both her family and her freedom, while many of the film's meticulously crafted visuals are pure nightmare fodder. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZeIHrx7Oyc HIGH LIFE Not only sending Robert Pattinson into space with a baby, but marking the first English-language film by acclaimed French director Claire Denis (Let the Sunshine In), High Life was always going to stand out. Pattinson plays Monte, who's caring for an infant alone on a space station when the film opens. Sci-fi history dictates that this was never going to be a cosy situation, with said intergalactic vessel hurtling towards a black hole. While flashbacks fill in the story, they never tell the expected tale. In a film that also stars Juliette Binoche as a twisted doctor experimenting on convicted criminals — and features a masturbation chamber called The Box — nothing was ever going to fit a nice, neat template. Belonging to the contemplative side of space-set sci-fi, High Life is unflinching in its depiction of the dark, cruel side of human nature, with its haunting and distinctive portrait of our species at its worst not easily forgotten amongst its weighty existential musings. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9UYcEwUYA BURNING On cinema screens Down Under, 2019 has been an exceptional year for South Korean movies by acclaimed auteurs. Parasite has earned so much deserved attention that it's easy to forget that it was the second of this year's big-name theatrical releases from the country — and the second to explore class and gender divisions in a thrilling manner, too. The first was Burning, the visually detailed and emotionally loaded masterpiece by Lee Chang-dong that's based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. Here, society's inequities come to the fore in a blend of contemplative mystery, intricate character study and exquisitely observed examination of human relationships. It all starts when part-time deliveryman Jongsu (Yoo Ah-in) crosses paths with his former neighbour Haemi (Jun Jeong-seo), feels a connection between them, but finds himself pushed to the side when she returns from an African holiday with the wealthy Ben (Steven Yeun) by her side. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELeMaP8EPAA ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Three words: Rick fucking Dalton. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic as the 60s TV cowboy who pines for a career renaissance; however, he's just one of the film's stellar components. As the stuntman and driver that Dalton relies so heavily on, Brad Pitt oozes complicated cool. As Dalton's neighbour Sharon Tate, Margot Robbie sits at the heart of the film — and demonstrates that dialogue isn't the only indicator of an excellent performance. Jumping back to 1969, and to the summer that the Manson family famously wreaked murderous havoc, Quentin Tarantino plays with real-life details, but he's in the revisionist mode that served Inglourious Basterds so well. The end product is an intricate, mature, laidback and thoroughly enjoyable film that's also purposefully shaggy, and invites audiences to not only ponder its perspective on weathering seismic personal and cultural shifts, but to enjoy the time spent hanging out in its world. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHi-a1n8t7M MARRIAGE STORY Noah Baumbach makes movies about unhappiness, whether he's following titular New Yorker in a state of arrested development (as seen in Frances Ha), a middle-aged couple at a crossroads (While We're Young) or dysfunctional adult siblings sorting through their issues (The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)). And, although Marriage Story commences with odes of love penned carefully and thoughtfully, the film's once blissfully wed protagonists Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are far from content. Rather, in a story that spans both US coasts, they're divorcing. In the process, they're locked in a bitter custody battle over their young son (Azhy Robertson). Sharp, naturalistic and devastatingly astute, this always-empathetic drama follows the pair's efforts to adjust to their new status quo — with Driver in particularly blistering form as a New York-based experimental theatre director expending all of his energy on a fight that his heart might not be in. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHXxVmeGQUc THE IRISHMAN Only the very best filmmakers can continually return to the same domain, but still make each new visit feel like something new. Martin Scorsese is one of them, as The Irishman illustrates. On paper, it seems like a typical Scorsese-directed movie. It's about gangsters, it stars Robert De Niro, and it even coaxed the great Joe Pesci out of retirement. As anyone with even a passing interest in cinema knows, that's Goodfellas and Casino territory. But with this lengthy epic, the masterful auteur shows that he's not one for needlessly repeating himself. Based on the life of truck driver-turned-mob hitman Frank Sheeran (De Niro) and his time working for union boss Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), this potent saga may revisit familiar themes — but, as pieced together with patience and impeccable performances (especially from Pesci), its portrait of two forces constantly fighting for supremacy, even to their own detriment, is also keenly relevant today. Read our full review. These are our ten favourite films of 2019, and we listed ten other standouts above as well. But we've also put together a list of the best films hardly anyone saw this year — y'know, the ones that sort of went in and out of cinemas without much fanfare but definitely deserve a watch.
Award-winning British-born chef Paul Wilson has leant his talents to many a top Melbourne restaurant during his years in the city, even consulting on the opening of Lady Carolina back in 2015. He's since moved on — presumably to focus on his latest venture Wilson & Market, which is set to open tomorrow, Thursday, March 16. Taking over a grand space adjoining Prahran Market, the eatery is a multi-faceted affair, slated to launch in three stages. Later on, we'll see a sit-down cafe, a brasserie and a bar, but tomorrow it all kicks off with the opening of Mr Wilson's Tuck Shop. Here at this to-go window, framed by a custom-made arabica coffee plant mural, Wilson's looking to do takeaway fare without the fried food with what he describes as "delicious, produce-centric, local and nourishing dishes for the market patron to grab on the go". Built around produce sourced solely from the Mornington Peninsula's Transition Farm, the menu will change regularly, but you can expect on-the-go options that put that sad lunch sushi to serious shame. Rotisserie meats and house-smoked brisket sandwiches will sit alongside biodynamic salads and vibrant veggie dishes. Coffee will be courtesy of St Ali and sweet treats will come from the market's own chocolatier, Tad Lombardo at Cioccolato Lombardo. It's a hugely ambitious venture from Wilson. Next month a 50-seat cafe will open, followed by a huge 200-seat bar in May. Mr Wilson's Tuck Shop will open on Thursday, March 16. It will be open 7am-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Sundays at 163-185 Commercial Road, Prahran. For more info, visit wilsonandmarket.com.au.
When one of the biggest cultural events in the world is expanding Down Under for the first time ever, and the same year marks half a century since hip hop began, what's the best way to celebrate? With the debut SXSW Sydney welcoming Chance The Rapper to its stage to mark the occasion. The three-time Grammy-winner will have no problem reflecting on the milestone in Australia come October — and making an already-massive SXSW lineup even heftier. "As we celebrate 50 years of hip hop in 2023, I'm reminded of the transformative power this culture has had, not just on the world stage, but on the streets of Chicago's South Side," said Chance The Rapper, announcing his SXSW Sydney stint. "Hip hop has provided a rhythm to our stories and a canvas for our creativity. I'm really looking forward to joining SXSW Sydney as a speaker to expound upon hip hop's transcendent legacy." [caption id="attachment_917274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julio Enriquez via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] The 'Hot Shower', 'I Might Need Security' and 'Do You Remember' singer-songwriter, aka Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, will hit Australia during the Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 event amid global celebrations of hip hop's birth. It was in August 1973 that DJ Kool Herc first isolated percussion breaks, then repeated them — and made history. At SXSW Sydney, Chance The Rapper will chat about hip hop's immense impact, not just where the Chicago-born and -raised star grew up but also globally. [caption id="attachment_917272" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Quintano via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] "Chance The Rapper is renowned for both his chart topping and community advocacy. There's few out there like him, who take what they've made and use it to build the dreams of others," notes SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels. "His genre-blurring sounds reverberate across generations, making him a powerful voice to reflect on the past 50 years of hip hop. His unique perspective bridges the gap between the genre's rich history and its dynamic future." [caption id="attachment_917273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julio Enriquez via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Chance The Rapper joins SXSW Sydney's speakers lineup alongside Coachella CEO Paul Tollett, Queer Eye star Tan France, Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb, Layne Beachley, Osher Günsberg and plenty more — a 700-plus strong bill of talent so far, in fact, covering over 300 sessions. SXSW Sydney will also feature more than 300 gigs across 25 venues, and has been dropping its music highlights and must-attend parties since earlier in 2023. Its dedicated gaming strand will include a dedicated tabletop game expo. And, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival will open with The Royal Hotel, and host the world premiere of Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles. The entire event — the festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations — will happen within a walkable precinct in the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more, with the SXSW Sydney's footprint operating as a huge hub. Venues named so far include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for tickets and further details. Top image: Keeley Parenteau. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
The cultural renaissance in Canberra continues its unfurling across the dining and arts scenes, bringing more interest from interstate — and international — visitors than ever before. The standard of options for places to stay has also leapt vertically in the past five years, and among the list is the East Hotel. The family-owned boutique hotel is located in the increasingly happening suburb of Kingston. It's stand-out characteristics are warm accommodating service, handsomely-appointed contemporary rooms with all the important details considered (the fluffy white guest robes well and truly pass the comfort test), and the onsite options for drinking and dining. East Hotel's lobby bar, Joe's Bar, has an eclectic, jewel toned fit-out and a generous lineup of creative cocktails (if you have a yen for a good martini try the Tokyo Martini or the signature Joe's Martini). There's also a decent selection of Italian and Australian wines and a showcase of local Canberran beers on tap, bottled and by the tin. Soak up some of those martinis with Italian-inspired bar snacks or pizzas. Calamari fritte and a particularly excellent focaccia served hot and fresh from the enormous clay pizza oven. The clientele of Joe's Bar is a mix of East Hotel guests having a pre-dinner drink but but it's also highly populated with the after-work crowd of Canberra locals, particularly on Thursday and Friday evenings once 5pm has rolled past. The other dining option is Agostini's. It's a relaxed and super-buzzy Italian diner that's focused on creating the atmosphere and dining experience of an authentic Italian family restaurant. As such, you'll find a multi-generational crowd here, from white collar long lunchers to holidaying family tables. The pasta is very good and made fresh daily. The real hero here is the pizza though. The 'Salsiccia' layered with Italian sausage, 'nduja and Fior di Latte mozzarella on a fluffy wood-fired dough with just the right hint of char is excellent. Or if you're feeling a little less traditional, give the 'Granchio' of crab meat, rocket and cherry tomato a whirl. Finish things off with the house tiramisu and an amaro, or sample the negroni selection. Just bring an appetite and a loud voice to cut through the rowdy buzz of an extremely well-attended restaurant.
