What happens when AFC Richmond's assistant coach Nathan 'Nate' Shelley (Nick Mohammed, Intelligence) walks out on the club, and on his perennially optimistic American senior coach and mentor Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis, Saturday Night Live), for a rival team? Apple TV+ viewers, you're about to find out. After a year gap, sitting on the bench in 2022, award-winning hit soccer sitcom Ted Lasso is finally set to return in 2023 — and it now has a March release date and a first trailer. Get ready for a hefty rivalry, given that the Ted-versus-Nate clash is set to be quite the focus for the show's long-awaited third season. This 12-episode run, which will start streaming from Wednesday, March 15, will explore AFC Richmond's promotion to the Premier League — and the predictions that it'll come last as a result — plus Nate's move over to West Ham United. Also, Ted has both work and personal struggles to deal with, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein, Uncle) leans into his assistant coach role, his partner Keeley Jones (Juno Temple, The Offer) is managing her own PR firm, and AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham, Hocus Pocus 2) is all about defeating West Ham United (and her ex Rupert Mannion, played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Anthony Stewart Head, who owns it). While Ted Lasso has felt like streaming's biggest warm hug across its first and second seasons, it wasn't afraid to skew darker in the latter, including as Nate felt pushed aside, ignored and unloved by Ted. Viewers will know that the last batch of episodes culminated with Nate's defection — but as seen in the first teaser trailer for season three, the rest of the AFC Richmond crew still has plenty to believe in, taking one of Ted's favourite words to heart. Also part of the team, whether on or off the field: recent hotshot player Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster, The Devil's Hour), his teammates Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh, The French Dispatch) and Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernandez, Spider-Man: No Way Home), Ted's laconic second-in-charge and long-time friend Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt, Bless This Mess), and AFC Richmond Director of Football Operations Leslie Higgins (Jeffrey Swift, Housebound). As the sitcom's first two seasons have shown, viewers definitely don't need to love soccer or even sport to fall for this series' ongoing charms — although if you obsessed over the 2022 World Cup, it might help fill the gap until the 2026 version arrives. Kind-hearted in the way that Parks and Recreation, Wellington Paranormal, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Abbott Elementary have also proven, Ted Lasso will be in for a significant obstacle in 2023, thanks to Ted and Nate's battle. Usually, this series celebrates people who support each other, are always there for each other and form close bonds as a result. Indeed, that's what has made it so instantly likeable. But with Nate now working for the competition, change is afoot — don't expect to see the show mess too much with its winning formula, though. Check out the trailer for Ted Lasso's third season below: Season three of Ted Lasso will stream via Apple TV+ from Wednesday, March 15. Read our full review of season two.
Australians have an appetite for international cinema, with major cities across the country regularly hosting events like the Japanese Film Festival, which returns to theatres nationwide this October and November. Whether you're a film fest regular, more of a blockbuster-familiar audience member or are simply looking to expand your cultural worldview, you'll be able to catch the best of Japanese film and filmmakers on a big screen near you. "We're excited to bring a program that speaks to the breadth of Japanese cinema today," said Manisay Oudomvilay, Festival Programmer. "From historical sagas to intimate family portraits, contemporary thrillers to beloved manga brought to life, these films capture both the richness of tradition and the restless innovation of Japanese filmmakers." Leading this year's JFF program is Kokuhō, an Academy Awards-submitted title starring three of Japan's best acting talents — Ryо̄ Yoshizawa, Ryūsei Yokohama and Ken Watanabe — in a five-decade story of friendship and rivalry between two boys making a name for themselves in traditional kabuki theatre. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6-ZPGwmKk[/embed] This year's festival also features three titles from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa. There's the sound-centric horror film Chime, an online resale-inspired thriller titled Cloud and a French-language remake of Kurosawa's Serpent's Path. Also featuring on the lineup are literary and pop culture adaptations. There's 6 Lying University Students, a story of a corporate recruitment test-turned psychological thriller, Petals and Memories, which adapts the prize-winning short stories of Minato Shukawa, and 366 Days, adapting the song of the same name by HY about two students trying to make careers in Tokyo's music and translation scenes. There's also the terrorist negotiation thriller Showtime 7, two unlikely allies teaming up to take down swindlers in Angry Squad: The Civil Servant and the Seven Swindlers, the surreal animated flick The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store, a contemporary post-COVID story in Sunset Sunrise, samurai drama Bushido, manga-adapting Cells at Work! and a retrospective series of Japanese films from the 1930s at various venues around the country. [caption id="attachment_1033101" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store[/caption] JFF 2025 is taking place at The Kino and ACMI from Thursday, November 6 to Thursday, December 4. Get the full program or tickets on the website. Top images: 'Cloud', 'Kokuhō'
With Spit, one of the best Australian films of the past quarter-century gets a sequel — and so does one of the finest and funniest scenes in an Aussie movie. A crime comedy set on the Gold Coast, 2003's Gettin' Square earned well-deserved affection for its tale of a just-out-of-jail ex-con trying to rebuild his life but being pulled back to the wrong side of the law for a last big job. It also scored David Wenham (Fake) his second Australian Film Institute Award, and first for his big-screen work. Sam Worthington (Horizon: An American Saga) played the paroled Barry Wirth, but Wenham's turn as the mullet-topped, tight jeans-wearing, thongs-adorned Johnny Spitieri stole every sequence that he was in. One such specific moment: when Johnny, aka Spit, is forced to front court. Thanks also to director Jonathan Teplitzky (Churchill, The Railway Man) and Gold Coast lawyer-turned-novellist and screenwriter Chris Nyst (Crooked Business), movie comedy masterclasses are made of this. Wenham's filmography is immense across both the silver and small screens, and in Australian and international fare alike. Name an Aussie TV show of the 80s and 90s and he probably popped up in it, before he became known as Diver Dan in SeaChange. In 1998, the same year that that series started, he was haunting in Aussie cinema masterpiece The Boys. Then in 2000, he initially teamed up with Teplitzky for intimate rom-com Better Than Sex, before reuniting on Gettin' Square and now Spit two decades later. Around that collaboration, plus everything else mentioned above, Wenham has jumped between Moulin Rouge!, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, two Lord of the Rings films, Van Helsing, The Proposition, 300, Goldstone, Lion, a Pirates of the Caribbean flick, The Furnace and Elvis, and also Killing Time, The Code, Iron Fist, Top of the Lake, the TV versions of Wake in Fright and Romper Stomper, Les Norton and Pieces of Her — and more. There's one part that has long stood out among that lengthy list of on-screen credits, though, especially for audiences. "It's strange even now, that much time later, nearly every day of my life I have somebody approach me — and out of all the characters that I've played, that's the one that most of them want to talk about. And they quote lines from that film from 20-something years ago, which is extraordinary considering it didn't do very well at the box office originally," Wenham tells Concrete Playground. He's talking about Johnny Spitieri, as distinctive a figure as he'll ever play, and as distinctively Australian, but one that viewers keep seeing their loved ones in. "Oh my god, my uncle, my uncle, my whatever, he's Johnny Spitieri," folks tell him, Wenham advises. "Talk to people all around the country, 'oh yeah, I went to school with Johnny Spitieri'. He seems to exist in so many communities all around Australia. There's an ownership of Johnny Spitieri, which is great." Exploring more of Johnny's story — and bringing him back to the Gold Coast, too — wasn't originally the plan, or something that either Teplitzky or Wenham even dreamed might happen when they were making Gettin' Square. "Far from it, far from it. You so often do these things and as soon as they're finished, you put them out into the world and you move onto other things. And it probably took ten or 15 years before we even started thinking about it again, but the power of Spitieri was something that drew us all back in eventually," notes Teplitzky. "People found that film originally on VHS and then DVD. It developed this cult classic-type status," adds Wenham. "It's amazing. So the fact that that character still resonates was probably the little ember that fanned the flame in the beginning of the discussions for this film, which began probably about ten years ago." In Spit, two decades have passed for the movie's namesake as well, time that he's spent on the run overseas. Although Spit remains another comedy with the small-time ex-criminal at its heart, Wenham, Teplitzky and Nyst haven't just brought Johnny back home for a repeat of Gettin' Square's antics. This is as much a character piece, and it also thoughtfully surveys Australia today. When Spitieri's return Down Under draws attention, his first stop is an Immigration Detention Centre, where the film starts digging into the nation as a multicultural country and what being an Aussie means, complete with Johnny teaching his fellow detainees local terms. As fans of the first film will remember, Johnny had fled abroad for a reason, which is where plenty of other familiar characters also pop up. David Field (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Helen Thomson (Colin From Accounts), David Roberts (Territory) and Gary Sweet (A Savage Christmas) are all back, for instance, while Bob Franklin (Bay of Fires) steps in for the late Richard Carter (Mad Max: Fury Road), and Arlo Green (Bump) and Pallavi Sharda (The Office) also join the ensemble. Is there yet another potential future for Johnny, after trying to avoid retaliation for 20 years ago from crims and dirty cops alike, giving prosectors grief again, finding a new friend in Green's asylum-seeker Jihad and reforging family connections in Spit? Another big-screen outing, even if it takes 20 more years or so to make it happen? "There's no plans for it," Wenham says. But "never say never", he also notes. "Twenty-two years to the time, maybe Johnny might be in an aged-care facility somewhere. I think that'd be it. That'd be an interesting movie." Among other subjects, we also chatted with Wenham and Teplitzky about why Johnny strikes such a chord with audiences, not just trying to remake Gettin' Square, how Wenham gets into character as Spitieri, balancing humour with deep emotional resonance and making Gold Coast movies. On Whether Wenham and Teplitzky Predicted That Johnny Spitieri Would Be So Beloved by Audiences Jonathan: "When we were making it, you're so in the moment of that experience of making the film, but I always knew that it was a beautifully written character and full of laughs. But there's so many elements — we could be here for hours going through them all — elements within that, taking it off the page and turning it into comedy/drama, that created unexpected classic moments. And the strength of Chris' screenplay allowed David and I, it was like a perfect playground, to be able to just play and find different spontaneous things that very much came out of the situations that he created. But the success or the iconic status, for example, of the courtroom and what have you, I always knew that was an amazing scene — but there was probably more talk about 'is it too long? Is it too this? Is it too that?' at the time, when now, you go look at it and you go 'if it was twice as long, you'd be happy'. So I think that's something that develops. I don't think you can ever say you knew that it was going to be fantastic. It's something — because at that stage, the audience weren't involved, and that's what the relationship is, it's between a film and an audience, not between the filmmakers and the audience. We're just the people who hopefully provide something for them to have that incredible cinematic experience." David: "The audiences, it was interesting — after the very first screening [of Spit] on the Gold Coast, which is Johnny's spiritual home, to have audience members from the general public come up and chat, and I thought 'okay, this is interesting'. The level of conversation that they wanted to engage with about the character, about the film, and about surprising moments in the film and the surprising narrative alleys that it takes you down, was really, really intriguing. And it's happening, I don't know how many screenings we've done now, and it's been embraced in a similar way by each audience. Hilarious, much laughter, but much connection emotionally to the film as well, in a really fascinating way." Jonathan: "I think Johnny is a very universal-type character. And I think when you, as an audience, you get access to — yes, it's brilliant when you laugh out loud, but also there's something very rich about being able to connect with a character in a film, whereby you have access to their dramatic emotional life. And the combination of the two really endears in many ways, even more so than [Gettin' Square], because it's different, it's much more of a character piece, this film, than what Gettin' Square was." On Not Trying to Remake Gettin' Square with Spit — and the Importance of It Being a Character Piece as Much as a Comedy David: "We both, and Chris as well, had exactly the same thought. We were not interested in making, remaking or making Gettin' Square 2. There had to be a really unique, really solid reason for us to come together and do this again. And Chris found it, quite some time ago actually. Just the kernel of the idea came from — he was thinking about, he was just sort of cogitating on all the hoo-ha that was occurring, and it pops up every now and again, about migration in this country. And he thought 'this is a bit ridiculous, really', because we're all migrants. All of us are migrants. We're products of migrants and today's migrants are tomorrow's excellent, wonderful Australian citizens. And he just came up with an idea of 'I wonder what would happen if we throw Johnny Spitieri into this question?'. And that's the beginning of his exploration. From there, he just started to explore the history of Johnny as well, and why Johnny ended up the man he is and where he came from. So the first time I read the very first draft, I thought 'oh my god, this film is inspired'. Yes, it's got the same texture and flavour of Gettin' Square — there's nods to wonderful memories from that film — but it's definitely its own special entity. And people can come and see this film without knowing anything about Gettin' Square and be able to embrace it, laugh along with it and come out of the cinema bouncing with good vibes." Jonathan: "I think, also, Chris' script for Gettin' Square, it played out that story. There's nothing else to tell about that story. It was a done story, and so the only time sequels really work is when the story still has something to explore — and I think we did that with Gettin' Square, or certainly enough of it, that, as David says, we really wanted to find the next level. And for us as filmmakers and what have you, it's over 20 years and we didn't want to revisit the same thing — we wanted to challenge ourselves and explore something deeper and more interesting." On How Wenham Stepped Back into Johnny's Shoes After So Much Time — and If It's the Distinctive Wardrobe David: "It is, actually. It is one of those characters that — my approach to characters and films changes depending on, obviously, the type of film, the role, the character, all that sort of stuff, but for me, this one I work from the outside in. It's physical, how I find him. As soon as I read the script the very first time, 20, how many years ago, I could hear that character. I knew the way he spoke. Tonality, I knew where it should sit in face. The rhythm, I knew the character's rhythm. I could see him physically. And all this came about by, I lived near King's Cross for 30 years of my life. I knew Johnny Spitieri. I've met many, many, many of them. So the character originally, as soon as I got the right wardrobe, it came to me relatively effortlessly. I don't mean to say that it was easy because it's not, but it's a character I knew so so well. So in order for me to come back — and I've never played another character twice, any other character twice, and especially 20-something years. I haven't worn thongs in 20-something years. As soon as I step my feet into those thongs, instantly it took me back to Johnny Spitieri. It's as though that character lays within me at all times, it just needs something for me to tap and I'm back there. And then when we step into the courthouse after 20-something years, it was the most surreal moment for Jonathan, myself, Gary Phillips who shot it. And you can feel it. We all felt exactly the same thing. We looked around and went 'oh my god'. It felt as though time had been condensed, and it felt as though we only there last week. The oddest thing. And it was as though we were literally, we all had, we all knew each others', we had a shorthand for how all of us work together as a team, and it just comes back and it knitted together so seamlessly." Jonathan: "Things like the courtroom, because you then, you create a great scene out of it and the experience of it — even watching or listening to the dialogue in that courtroom scene today, it's still hilarious, and I'm still astounded at how clever the writing is at times. And it's a big, big part of our working lives, those sort of moments and those kind of scenes, because you invest so much in them. When they work, it's a little miracle." On Making a Film That's Both Very Funny and Has Deep Emotional Resonance Jonathan: "It's definitely one of the challenges. But at the same time, I really believe that that the deeper the emotional, dramatic life of the characters in whatever type of film it is, the flip side of that and in contrast to it, the comedic elements of it, if you can find that balance, it provides such a rich experience for an audience. And I think the more dramatic and the more emotional elements that we've got in the film, it also embraces universal themes. Everyone in the film is trying to start a new life in some form, looking for a second chance. And that's a very day to day — everybody's involved in that sort of thing. People, I think, can really identify." David: "In terms of the balance between comedy and drama, it's real life, it's what happens. We all have had moments that change so dramatically. I can remember when my mother was dying and she was literally on her deathbed, and around the bed were seven children — me being the youngest. And the moment was very tender and delicate, because she was literally just about to take her last breath. We're all there and there was just a sense of calm and stillness, and then literally a nurse pulled open the curtain and said 'dinner: the chicken or the vegetable?'. Seriously. You couldn't write that." Jonathan: "That's just genius." David: "It's like 'oh my god, oh my god'. I thought 'I will always remember that moment'." Jonathan: "I completely agree. It's so key to life. And often, you talk about it in often-cliche ways and I don't even totally understand it, really, but the idea that you search for some kind of truth regardless of how comedic or how dramatic a film might be in the characters, the more that you have the essence of that, the more I think an audience can easily identify and find a place for themselves within the experience of watching it. I think our job is to bring the elements, yes, to balance some of them and to try things — and that's what the editing is about. It's not just about putting the story together. That's one element of it. The other is to really find the nuance. And in a sense, it's like when someone talks about reading a novel. It's about what's not written. And the richer films are the ones that give you something that is not just at face value." David: "It has been very rewarding to actually sit in the cinema and watch that instant transition between comedy and pathos that occurs within the audience, and then talking to people afterwards and they're saying 'it was unexpected, it was a surprise' — and the fact that the kleenexes did come out. People, it was a very, unexpected added bonus for them, that made the film all the more richer than they'd even anticipated." Jonathan: "And going to the cinema is about surprises. Film is about surprises. It's about revelation. That's what you're trying to do. If the audience is ahead of you and knows what's happening — you hear it all the time, 'I knew', 'I could see the end coming a mile off' and all those sort of comments. When you sit in a cinema and have things revealed to you as you go along — so with a film like this, the expectation is and the hope is that they're going to have a good laugh, which, our belief is that you will. But then if we can also provide unexpected pleasures along the way, both emotional and dramatic, it only makes the experience better." On Reuniting with So Much of Gettin' Square's Cast and Crew for Spit David: "In terms of getting them back together, it was probably one of the easiest things we've both ever done in our lives. As soon as the possibility of this film became a reality, and the fact that the characters, Helen Thomson's character, David Field, Gary Sweet, their characters were there, it was an instant yes. It's like 'whenever it is, yes, I'm there'. And there was bugger all money for wages, but it doesn't matter. Same thing happened with the crew, actually. We've got Gary Phillips, who shot the film. We've got the same production designer, Nicholas McCallum. My makeup artist and hair artist Tess Natoli. A whole heap of key crew members. Tess is a really interesting one. This film got pushed back time and time again, and she kept getting offers to do really, really big Hollywood films, and she would turn them down in order just to work on this film. And a lot of the crew members who we shot with on the Gold Coast, they did the same thing. They wanted to work on it because they read the script and they thought this is a little treasure that we've got here. And they want to tell an Australian story that they believe that they'd have a great time working on. But it's a film that they know, they thought that they would be proud of and wanted to be part of it. So people were jumping over themselves to come onboard for the film, and that's so pleasing." Jonathan: "It was really pleasing, that. And a lot of them are bringing really positive baggage from having worked on Gettin' Square — that was an experience. And they bask in where Gettin' Square has gone. To have worked on Gettin' Square is something that they've taken ownership of and it is really important to them, because so often you don't get to make a film about your life experience, which, if you live here or just being any Australian, it's very particular. And so they love it. They love it." On Gettin Square and Spit Being Gold Coast Films, But Also Quintessentially Australian Films David: "The Goldie is a really unique place. I have got such a warm affection for the Gold Coast. And the fact that, look, Chris Nyst, he knows the place so well. He is an identity. He's like the king of the Gold Coast, really. No one doesn't have a relationship with Chris Nyst on the Gold Coast. He's probably represented half the people there. He knows the Gold Coast better than anybody else, and the characters that he writes — and he writes them so beautifully as well, he's got such a wonderful ear for character and dialogue — and it's a very particular thing. And he knows, Jonathan could talk to this as well, geographically, it's very, very distinctive, the Gold Coast — and he writes the characters up against that landscape in a really, really fascinating way. And that obviously gives Jonathan a wonderful springboard to leap off, to be able to think about how he's going to actually shoot the film in such a wonderful way that he does." Jonathan: "And also what's interesting about your question, in a way — because this film is set on the Gold Coast, has something to say about the Gold Coast, Gettin' Square is very identifiable as the Gold Coast, but at the same time, we have one tiny little scene on the beach in this. In many ways, it's an Australian community rather than the Gold Coast, but it carries the DNA of the Gold Coast and it carries within the characters, in their behaviour and what have you. And so it's great that you feel that and it's a good question, because it's great that if we can be — it's not just about the physicality of the Gold Coast, it's about the environment, what it is to live in the sunlight all the time, all those elements that are not necessarily obvious. The Gold Coast is very identified physically, but there's a whole lot of stuff underneath the surface that it's great to imbue characters with." On How Wenham and Teplitzky's Working Relationship Has Evolved Not Just Between Gettin' Square and Spit, But 25 Years After First Collaborating on Better Than Sex Jonathan: "Well, we did that first film together. It was my first film. I just loved the experience of it, and I found working with David really just collaborative but also really creative. And I feel we created a bond, we had a good communication, and then when we did, quite soon afterwards, Gettin' Square together, it cemented it. Because you trust the person, you don't feel like you have to control the person — you want to be able to have a general conversation. We don't always agree, but it's always a really rich conversation and that's what you want it to be. You want to challenge each other for the betterment of the film, the betterment of the character, because always exploring it, you're always trying to find something, another hidden dark little area of the character, another light moment. So much comes out of that almost-loose relationship." David: "It's a great working relationship. I love it. Working on this, the shooting period was one of the most-fertile creative periods of my working life. Jonathan creates an amazing atmosphere on set and it's an ease of communication. We understand each other. We're open and honest, and it's like we can just be allowed to deliver our best work. It's wonderful. It's a relationship with great respect." Jonathan: "Completely. And when you're dealing with a character like John Spitieri, we have these conversations about 'I wonder what Johnny would do, what Johnny would think in this situation, what he would do in this situation?' — and try, in a sense, to push each other and challenge each other, and laterally think about it, because that's where some certain gold is found. I remember on Gettin' Square, when I'd seen David doing that thing with the chair and started talking about it. We were just waiting for the lighting to happen or whatever. And that's where that evolved from, and it ended up this brilliant sequence. Part of the mythology of that film are those little moments that come out of just purely the relationship and exploring the character." Spit opened in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Are sick of waiting in line for the bar? Maybe you don't want drunk strangers spilling drinks on you? Does the idea of queuing for a port-a-loo make you feel queasy? Eau de Vie have your back. This NYE you could be sampling a carefully curated degustation menu of cocktails, all delivered to your table with matching food created by head chef John-Paul Fiechtner. Known for their impeccable service, Eau de Vie are sure to deliver a New Years to remember (and brag about to everyone that missed out).
Are you sick of that friend in Docklands talking about their amazing balcony view of the fireworks? Well go one better on them and witness the show from the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. The Eureka Skydeck is usually the spot to take your out of town relatives but on NYE they will be holding an appropriately named party: Elevation. There will be DJs, roving entertainment, food and arguably the best fireworks view in Melbourne. Canapés and drinks are included with your ticket too, because when you’re up that high you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing.
Did you get a new Pokémon onesie for Christmas? Well you are in luck because this NYE all Melbourne cosplayers will be converging on notoriously loose club Brown Alley for Cosparty 2013. The night will be full of interesting costumes and with a tag line of “rock out with your cosplay out” you know it doesn't take its self too seriously. For those unsure about what to wear, you are advised to dress up as your favourite character from anything – the more elaborate the better. Maybe you'll find your own Nurse Joy or Sailor Moon; a Hermione Granger to your Ron Weasley or some new Adventure Time comrades. Cosparty will be one of the few places (only place?) you'll have a chance of making out with Princess Peach at midnight.
Just one of the ways we see the patriarchy manifesting in modern life is in the gender information gap — only 18 percent of biographies on Wikipedia are about women and only 16 percent of the online encyclopedia's contributors identify as female. Under representation and misrepresentation can go hand in hand, which is why an intersectional feminist organisation was created to change the stats. Art + Feminism is all about teaching people of all gender identities and expressions to edit Wikipedia. Since 2014, the group has facilitated the creation of more than 58,000 articles over hundreds of worldwide edit-a-thons. You can get involved this International Women's Day at NGV International at a day dedicated to increasing the online presence of women artists and creators, with the help of the Women's Art Register, Wikimedia Australia and WikiD: women, Wikipedia and design. There'll be people on hand to help get you registered with an account and show you the ropes. Just bring your laptop down to the NGV International Great Hall from 11am–2pm on Sunday, March 8. The Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon is free to attend, but it's recommended that you book through the NGV website to secure your spot.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you to Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay which you can book right now via Concrete Playground Trips. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? An underrated gem of the Pacific, Fiji offers visitors pristine water, flavour-packed local produce and unmatched positive energy from the locals. All of this comes together at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, a five-star stay spread across a sandy peninsular just outside of the city of Nadi. The dreamy waterfront resort boasts lagoon views from every room, multiple top-notch restaurants, endless swim spots and a rejuvenating spa. THE ROOMS There are several ways you can approach a stay at Momi Bay. For an unadulterated dose of luxury, the standout accommodation option is the adults-only over-water bungalows. These truly next-level rooms sit on top of the resort's lagoon, providing direct access to the water from your balcony, as well as all of the premium amenities you could ask for — including an in-room espresso machine so that you can enjoy a morning coffee over the water. Elsewhere in the resort, you'll find 250 spacious rooms ranging from deluxe beachfront duplexes right on the sand to more classic hotel-style suites. No matter what level of luxury you opt for, each room provides views of the glistening blue water and the expected amenities like 24-hour room service, high-speed internet and climate-control air con for those humid Fiji days. FOOD AND DRINK Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay offers not one, not two, but five different drinking and dining areas. Goji Kitchen and Bar is a one-stop shop all-day diner with nightly themed dinners and a swim-up bar connected to one of the resort's pools, and the lagoon bar and lounge is the perfect spot to grab a moreish snack and a cocktail between larger meals. ' The real standout, however, is Fish Bar. Located next to the hotel's adults-only infinity pool, this lavish waterfront restaurant specialises in dishes that spotlight locally sourced Fijian seafood. You can expect catch-of-the-day fish and rock lobster alongside the cream of scallop soup, herb and nut-encrusted lamb rack and refreshing cocktails. Australia's own Matt Moran recently hosted a one-off dinner at Fish Bar, with a limited-time dish from the dinner — the kingfish ceviche — available at the restaurant until the end of August. THE LOCAL AREA Located about an hour's drive from the international airport in Nadi, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is hidden among the lush hilly southwest coastline of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. It's a holidaymaker's dream where you can take in views of the surrounding mountains from the white-sand beach of the resort. Momi Bay is somewhat of a singular stopover for tourists looking to stay at the resort, however, it is located just a couple hours' drive from plenty of the Viti Levu highlights including both the Koroyanitu and Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Parks. THE EXTRAS Momi Bay's biggest drawcard is the variety of swim spots you'll stumble across throughout the accommodation. There are two pools, a family-friendly main pool with a swim-up bar, and an adults-only infinity pool. Life doesn't get much better than nabbing a spot on the edge of the infinity pool as the sun sets over the ocean. And, on top of all of this, there's also the lagoon where you'll find the overwater accommodation, boasting white sand and crystal blue water. Outside of your swim time, you can visit Quan Spa, the resort's luxurious day spa that offers relaxing massages and rejuvenating beauty treatments. Plus, there's a 24-fitness centre accessible to all guests and an outdoor tennis court with equipment hire available if you ever get tired of relaxing (unlikely) and need to stretch your legs. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
While everybody is pretty damn exited about the announcements made this morning for the musical and lighting parts of this year's Vivid Live festival, there were also some amazing announcements made regarding what's in store for Vivid Ideas. Vivid Ideas is the third integral part of the entire Vivid ethos, hosting a program of public and industry events focused on discussion and creative collaboration. Over the 18-day program the newly made-over Museum of Contemporary Arts will become home to the creative hub of Vivid, connecting industry with emerging talent and global leaders in over 100 events, double the creative industry events of the previous three years. This year's program will see the CEOs of Etsy, Threadless and VICE giving keynote talks, as well as appearances from Cory Doctorow, author and co-founder of weblog Boing Boing, and Henry Holland, from the UK fashion label House of Holland. The talks will run alongside major industry events such as Song Summit, X Media Lab, Mumbrella 360 and SPARC Design. Other highlights include a partnership with the Sydney Film Festival, an Etsy microbusiness conference and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of ABC's Rage at CarriageWorks. The public program includes free and ticketed events and goes on sale on Thursday, March 22. Vivid is unique amongst Australia's festivals, and a major celebration of creative industries. This year's instalment of Vivid Ideas looks to reinforce just how vibrant and innovative this city is becoming. Check out the full program here.
Many an Aussie kid has spent a Saturday night hyped up on lime cordial spinning around their lounge room to Kylie Minogue. So, prep the cordial, and get ready to party like it's 2000 'cause the Aussie pop icon is heading back to home turf. While your inner child might be more familiar with her hits 'Spinning Around', 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' and that duo with Robbie Williams 'Kids', next year, Minogue is returning to Australia to perform songs off her just-released album Golden. Minogue was last here four years ago, in 2014, for her Kiss Me Once Tour, and now she's back, taking her Golden Tour for a spin around the country in March, 2019. As well as performing headline shows in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, she'll also be performing at A Day on the Green in Perth, the Hunter Valley and Mount Cotton, Queensland. She'll be singing hits off her latest — and fourteenth — album Golden, which debuted at number one on the ARIA charts just this year. Featuring hits like 'Dancing' and 'Stop Me from Falling', the album has more of a country music-feel than her others, which is fitting, seeing it was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. On stage, Minogue will be joined by former Scissor Sisters frontman (now solo artist) Jake Sears at all shows and Brisbane artist Hatchie at A Day on the Green. Another special guest is expected to be announced soon, too. KYLIE MINOGUE 2019 'GOLDEN' TOUR DATES Sydney — ICC, March 5 Perth — A Day on the Green, Sir James Mitchell Park, March 9 Melbourne — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, March 13 Hunter Valley — A Day on the Green, Bimbadgen, March 16 Mount Cotton — A Day on the Green, Sirromet Wines, March 17 Tickets for capital city shows are available through Frontier Touring and A Day on the Green tickets are available through its website. Both go on sale at midday on Monday, November 19.
HECS debt getting you down? Desperate to brush up on Marxian Class Analysis Theory, Astrobiology and Space Exploration or even Roman Architecture? Featuring classes from top universities, Open Culture lets you learn about nearly every topic imaginable from schools like Harvard and Berkeley, without racking up Ivy League levels of debt. Sure, you won't get a pretty certificate but you will get a brighter mind, which is arguably just as shiny. Free online access to top notch classes is an emerging trend, with other sites like Lecture Fox and iTunes U opening up the possibilities of education and learning. [Via Trend Hunter]
If it's a big blockbuster franchise, it stars Harrison Ford, and it debuted in the 70s or 80s, then it's always coming back to the screen. In 2008, before Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and its sequels, as well as Blade Runner 2049, that actually first proved true for the Indiana Jones series. Alas, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull wasn't the adventure saga's best effort, but that isn't stopping it from coming back for another go. Cue the fifth Indy flick, aka Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny — and yes, Ford is donning the famous hat once more. Hitting cinemas in late June 2023, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heads back to the 60s, and uses the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union as a backdrop. And, it serves up two different looks at Ford, as the just-dropped first trailer shows: Indy in the film's present day and Indy in the past, with the movie using digital de-aging technology. Harrison Ford? Check. Dr Henry Walton 'Indiana' Jones Jr's famous headwear? Check again. That whip? Yep, check. A tale that includes Nazis? Just keep checking those boxes. And yes, the famous John Williams-composed theme tune gets a whirl in the first sneak peek, because it wouldn't be an Indy movie otherwise. Indeed, the icon takes care of the whole score again. The archaeologist's latest outing will bring in a few changes to the series, however. Firstly, Steven Spielberg isn't in the director's chair for the first time ever, handing over the reins to Logan and Ford v Ferrari's James Mangold. And, George Lucas doesn't have a part in the script, either with Mangold co-scripting with Ford v Ferrari's Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. Cast-wise, expect the return of John Rhys-Davies as Sallah, as well as a heap of new faces. Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge looks set to keep Indy in step, playing his goddaughter, while Antonio Banderas (Official Competition), Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (The English), Boyd Holbrook (The Sandman) also feature — alongside Shaunette Renee Wilson (Black Panther), Oliver Richters (The King's Man) and Ethann Isidore (Mortel) . When it crusades across the big screen, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will arrive a whopping 42 years after Raiders of the Lost Ark, 39 since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and 34 since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Check out the trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny below: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny releases in cinemas Down Under on June 29, 2023. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The weather is well and truly cooling down in Melbourne, so if you're looking for a spot to cosy up, Windsor's hawker-inspired eatery is giving you yet another reason to drop by with a new Fired Up lunch menu. Lighting up with an offering all about celebrating flame-grilled eats, the menu will run every weekend from Saturday, May 20. The Singaporean and Malaysian-inspired bites might run to the likes of peanut sauce-topped marinated beef skewers, or mini loaded bahn mi rolls with pork char siu and pickled carrots. Grilled calamari is served with tangy chili and lime sauce, while barramundi is baked in banana leaf with Malaysian sambal paste. The new menu is available from 12pm–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Apart from eats, the venue is slinging $15 spicy margs and $5 beers from a featured brewer, which will rotate monthly. A lineup of local DJs will be spinning tunes every weekend too, including Lady Langers, Zjoso, DJ Hoxton Fox and Jimmy Pham (Walter Majik). Images: Hawker Hall, supplied.
If you've ever copped a solid dose of the midnight munchies and found yourself begrudgingly out the front of the kebab shop you were at just last weekend, we hear you. Feeling peckish while out on the town is a given at some point, and sometimes there's not a lot standing between you and that lukewarm kebab choice. No judgment — we're just here to remind you that questionable 'babs aren't all there is to Melbourne post 9pm. In fact, eating delicious late-night snacks (such as a truffle-cheese toastie — more on that later) is just the start of your nocturnal adventures around the city. There's a whole lot more to check out around town that won't just make your stomach happy. Read on for the post-9pm things to do, see and ingest and get some inspiration for the next time you're doing the late-night city wander. CATCH SOME LATE-NIGHT ART AND BEATS AT NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS One of the highlights of Melbourne's summer (and what can make a hot, packed tram ride down St Kilda Road worth it) is the annual NGV Friday Night series — after-hours shenanigans at the city's (and Australia's) biggest art gallery. With a schedule lined up that includes DJ sets (Andy Bull, KLP, Eilish Gilligan and Japanese Wallpaper), dance and electro (Albrecht La'Brooy) and other music (anon performing Bach compositions), it's worth reminding yourself that you also get free entry to the main exhibition (Between Two Worlds | Escher X Nendo) with your ticket price. Add a pop-up bar into the mix, and you've got yourself a pretty arty date night – all open until 10pm to help kickstart your Friday night. [caption id="attachment_694046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roadshow.[/caption] SEE A POST-11PM FLICK AT CINEMA NOVA Carlton's Cinema Nova has long been a provider of quirky flicks, foreign films and cult hits to the masses (or the 22 people that can fit in its smallest cinema), and the choc-tops are right up there with some of the greatest cinema snacks our city offers. The cinema also holds late night film sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can wander in after you've had a bite to eat and a couple of drinks and want to keep your night going. Latest sessions are from around 11pm, and the cinema lets you take alcoholic beverages from the bar into your flick, so if you've been planning on a late-night cry to A Star Is Born, why not do it here, and into your wine and choc-top. TRAVEL TO ANOTHER ERA OF PARTYING AT SPEAKEASY HQ'S THE VAULT Another city venue where you're not really sure what's in store for you until you get there, Speakeasy HQ runs the full gamut from weekly comedy sessions to Ella Fitzgerald cover artists to illusionists. But mostly, Speakeasy HQ is the veritable ringleader of Melbourne's vaudeville scene and at its Mercantile Place theatre, The Vault, you can really dive into the vintage vibes of burlesque. Hidden within a former gold rush bank vault, the historic space hosts a slew of late-night acts, including the weekly 'Burlesque Extravaganza' and a 'Tassel and Tease' situation. You can also find one-off shows playing each week. Pull up a seat and settle in for the show — with the variety of shows each night, you won't miss any of the 'spectacular spectacular'. DIG INTO STOMACH-LINING LATE-NIGHT EATS AT FERDYDURKE Getting down to perhaps the most important aspect of late-night Melbourne adventures now – appeasing your rumbling stomach – head to Ferdydurke for a whammy of a midnight sanga. Having just launched its late night food menu, Ferdydurke is serving up the goods for cheese-lovers. Pop in to line your stomach and say thank you to the cheese gods, because the late-night munchies are available 9pm till late on Friday and Saturdays. There's a truffle cheese toastie featuring two types of cheese on the go, as well as loaded tater tots and a Royale hot dog with a veg option, too, and not a single kebab in sight. All comes served up hot, fresh and quick to have you on your merry way to check out the local DJ collectives that play at the venue every Friday and Saturday night. Or, forget the d-floor altogether, and just stay to eat truffle cheese toasties until you want to cry (not recommended, but we're not telling you how to live your life). GET AMONG THE ARTY HAPPENINGS AT LOOP PROJECT SPACE & BAR This CBD space is a hodgepodge of art, culture and music on any given night — you can probably safely bet on coming across something interesting during a visit. Open every day except Sundays and kicking until 3am on Friday and Saturdays (and 11.30pm every other night), the space incorporates downstairs Loop Bar, a watering hole and event space, as well as upstairs Loop Roof, a rooftop cocktail bar/beer garden. Besides spending pleasant summer nights in the beer garden, you can expect to find film screenings, DJ sets, and art exhibitions going on at the same time. Check the online calendar to see what's going on and ready your scorecard to add several key Melbourne culture points. FIND YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER AT STORYVILLE Jazz your drinking habits up a little and opt for something quirkier than the regular three pints of lager for you and your mates. Lonsdale Street's Storyville provides a down-the-rabbit-hole vibe in its whimsical setting – think big mushrooms, swings and neon/pastel hues — that'll have you feeling like you've stepped inside a Lewis Carroll hallucination. This is the place to spend your cocktail budget for the month. Try a Harry Potter-inspired Polyjuice (gin, ginger liqueur, kiwi, basil and lime served in its own little potion pot) or an Alice-themed Through The Looking Glass (vanilla tea, Havana rum and cream, serves two and comes in a teapot featuring dry ice). Full marks for creativity and a little indulgence over here — it's definitely an after-dark adventure. LET THE JUKEBOX TUNES SET THE MOOD AT HEARTBREAKER If it's late night and you're looking for somewhere to sit and have a heart-to-heart with a hard drink in hand, look no further. Despite the name, dive-bar Heartbreaker was born to provide you and your late-night D&Ms a black leather seat and red neon illumination for dramatic effect. The bar is a moody yet warm venue that makes you think of both Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga at once, somehow, and promises that you'll be taken care of. Pop a song on the jukebox, sip your whiskey and dive into some good chats. However you choose to plan out your next late night out, don't forget to fuel (or refuel) up. Ferdydurke's got you covered with its new late-night menu, available from 9pm till late on Friday and Saturday. Top image: Jasmine Sim.
Get excited, cinephiles. One of the biggest film festivals in the world just wrapped up for another year, after unveiling a wealth of new movies from around the globe over a jam-packed 11-day period. And even if you weren't at this year's 69th Berlin International Film Festival — enjoying the brisk but not unbearably frosty German winter, and sneaking in a few schnapps and schnitzels while rushing between cinemas — this huge, high-profile annual fest always brings good news. Between February 7–17, the highlights were many, especially for anyone looking to add a whole heap of flicks to their must-see list. Among the official competition titles sat everything from blistering dramas to topical real-life tales, as judged by the likes of Juliette Binoche, Toni Erdmann actor Sandra Hüller and A Fantastic Woman filmmaker Sebastián Lelio. Elsewhere, the stars and stories kept flowing, including Jonah Hill's first stint as a feature film director, Tilda Swinton sharing the screen with — and getting outshone by — her daughter, and an essential music documentary finally seeing the light of day. And it wouldn't be a Berlinale without a few controversies, including the last-minute withdrawal of Zhang Yimou's Cultural Revolution drama One Second and the grim reception received by Fatih Akin's serial killer flick The Golden Glove, which earned a hefty amount of walkouts. After emerging from Berlin's many, many picture palaces, that's just the short version. Here's the long round-up — aka the ten movies that'll hopefully be headed to Australian screens. These are the films that stuck in our head beyond the hustle and bustle. Fingers crossed that they'll be hitting a local cinema sometime soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Al2nC0vzY THE SOUVENIR With The Souvenir, another Swinton becomes an acting powerhouse. Honor Swinton Byrne stars in this 80s drama about aspiring filmmaker Julie and her older boyfriend Anthony (Tom Burke) — and while Tilda Swinton also features as her kindly mother, this is the younger Swinton's show. Struggling to pursue her passion and falling hopelessly for someone who's not quite who he seems, Julie's tale might seem familiar. And yet, with writer/director Joanna Hogg turning her own life into this stunning fictional effort, and unafraid to take aim at love, life, ambition and middle-class privilege, the film becomes a deeply moving adult coming-of-age story. Elegantly and insightfully scripted, lensed and performed, The Souvenir also acts as its own memento, leaving an imprint that lingers long after its frames have stopped rolling. [caption id="attachment_710369" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] © Guy Ferrandis / SBS Films[/caption] SYNONYMS A highly worthy winner of Berlinale's Golden Bear, the festival's top prize, Synonyms refuses easy categorisation. It's a fish-out-of-water affair, following young Israeli Yoav (Tom Mercier) upon his arrival in Paris, but it's also a savvy take on today's fragmented world, a blistering character study about a man who refuses to be pinned down, and a ruminative reflection upon the difficulties of starting life anew, even by choice. Yoav is eager to put his Tel Aviv days behind him as quickly as possible, renouncing his homeland, refusing to speak another word of Hebrew and doing whatever it takes to become French; however, his transition is far from straightforward. Mercier is electrifying in his first acting role, while filmmaker Nadav Lapid draws upon his own experiences to cement his spot as a rising directorial star. [caption id="attachment_710361" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] © BBP LOML[/caption] LIGHT OF MY LIFE The world mightn't necessarily need a Casey Affleck-written and directed survivalist movie about a father, his pre-teen daughter and a post-apocalyptic world otherwise absent of women. It mightn't seem to need a mash-up of Leave No Trace, Children of Men and The Handmaid's Tale either. But that's exactly what the Manchester By the Sea Oscar-winner delivers in his first fictional helming effort (although mockumentary I'm Still Here almost counts), and Light of My Life lives up to its concept and the obvious comparisons it inspires. Thoughtful and heartfelt from start to finish, Affleck's feature uses its dystopian premise to ponder the struggles of parenting a child who'll eventually need to make their own way in life. On screen, the actor-turned-filmmaker is at his nuanced best playing a man trying to protect his curious offspring (Anna Pniowsky) from the harsh reality of her existence, while his young co-star brightens up the movie in a manner wholly befitting its title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JywE77VYpWc BY THE GRACE OF GOD Exploring sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, By the Grace of God was always going to prove both topical and sorrowful, regardless of its timing. Based on a real-life French case, the film's ripped-from-the-headlines storyline has recently seen two figures portrayed within its frames take legal action, in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block its release. In Australia, the movie arrives hot on the heels of high-profile local legal proceedings; however, the anger, dismay and empathy the Silver Bear recipient inspires is all its own. Focusing on three men (Melvil Poupaud, Denis Ménochet and Swann Arlaud) who were inappropriately taken advantage of by the same priest (Bernard Verley) as children, this is a measured, moving, sensitive and sobering picture from filmmaker François Ozon, who ventures worlds away from previous efforts such as Swimming Pool and Young & Beautiful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO6avRMFGSQ MID90s Thanks to all-girl flick Skate Kitchen and Oscar-nominated documentary Minding the Gap, the past year has ushered in a new golden age for teen-focused skateboarding films. Mid90s falls happily in the middle of both — exploring the exploits of a group of kick-flipping guys in a way that's both dreamily nostalgic and tenderly clear-eyed — and firmly belongs on the list. Marking Jonah Hill's first full-length solo effort as a writer and director, it follows 13-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic). The shy kid wants nothing more than to ollie his way around LA with his new older pals Ray (Na-Kel Smith), Fuckshit (Olan Prenatt), Fourth Grade (Ryder McLaughlin) and Ruben (Gio Galicia), despite the wishes of his worried single mum (Katherine Waterston). As well as getting devastatingly naturalistic performances out of his cast, Hill directs this blast from the past exactly as it demands, with every inch feeling like the product of someone who's been there and seen it, even if he hasn't strictly lived through it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylJrxh-4MG8 VARDA BY AGNES Two years after gifting the world Faces Places, her delightful and insightful documentary about placing oversized portraits of villagers around the French countryside, Agnès Varda returns with another factual effort that's just as wonderful. While the cinema legend co-directed her last movie with much-younger artist JR, this time around she's back on her own, as the 90-year-old has been for much of her 65-year filmmaking career. Indeed, her lengthy life behind the lens is the subject of Varda by Agnes, with the inimitable figure taking viewers through her career as only she can. Spanning from her French New Wave beginnings to her adoption of digital technology, this is a self-portrait, a celebration and a masterclass — and, as always, it's an absolute pleasure spending time in Varda's company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPdqXdN-Xtg AMAZING GRACE Told on screen via text, the story behind concert documentary Amazing Grace is worth its own movie. Over two nights in January 1972, Aretha Franklin recorded her best-selling gospel album of the same name at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, with the Southern California Community Choir as backing singers, and with filmmaker Sydney Pollack on hand to capture the whole thing. But, due to both technical and legal issues — including Franklin suing to stop the movie's belated release before her death — the end result hasn't made it to the big screen until now. 47 years is a long time to wait; however, this doco is worth it. Amazing Grace is joyous for many reasons, from witnessing the Queen of Soul's talent, to paying tribute in an intimate fashion, to seeing the effect of faith and artistry on the on-screen audience. And when Franklin sings the title track for 11 minutes, its a moment no one will forget in a hurry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTWLFlWJEWs GHOST TOWN ANTHOLOGY There's an alluring mood to this French-Canadian film, which isn't quite a horror flick but certainly isn't a standard drama either. An atmospheric kindred spirit to the Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara-starring A Ghost Story from 2017, of sorts, Ghost Town Anthology enters the remote Quebec village of Irénée-les-Neiges, population 215. Suddenly, after an accident, that number drops to 214, and the townsfolk don't know how to cope. Grief is an immensely difficult feeling to convey on screen, but Denis Côté's haunting movie does a stellar job of capturing the deep-seated yearning to reunite with lost loved ones — and the unnerving impact when mysterious figures start popping up around the tiny locale. The grainy effect of shooting on 16mm certainly enhances Ghost Town Anthology's ethereal tone, as does its willingness to let images and actions speak louder than words. SKIN It has been 19 years since Jamie Bell danced his way into audience's hearts in Billy Elliot, with his character escaping a harsh home life and a narrow view of masculinity through ballet. In Skin, the British actor is covered in tattoos and sports a shaved head as real-life figure Bryon Widner — and while the American white supremacist doesn't take to dance, he's similarly trapped in a restrictive environment and subconsciously yearning to break free. Widner's path changes when he meets a single mother (Danielle Macdonald), turns away from the right-wing scene and tries to say goodbye to his hate-spewing pseudo parents (Vera Farmiga and Bill Camp). Directed by Oscar-winning short filmmaker Guy Nattiv, Skin might be blunt as it charts Widner's journey; however, thanks to a potent performance from Bell and his co-stars, it's always effective. [caption id="attachment_710366" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] © Rafael Winer[/caption] BUOYANCY In recent years, Australian filmmakers have explored the plight of refugees and immigrants in a variety of compelling ways — in hard-hitting documentary Chasing Asylum, in the more meditative Island of the Hungry Ghosts, and now in Buoyancy. Shot in Cambodia and Thailand, and spoken in Khmer, Thai and Burmese, this Aussie drama examines human trafficking, with 14-year-old Chakra (Sarm Heng) leaving life on the rice fields in search of something more, but finding himself tricked into slave labour on a fishing trawler. Informed by real-life experiences, Rodd Rathjen's feature debut doesn't pull its punches, as Chakra's time at sea proves bleak and brutal to say the least. Indeed, every moment and frame is designed to immerse viewers in the boy's despairing, a feat that the film achieves.
Who needs facts when you can have a ball with irreverently riffing on history? It worked for Blackadder decades back, then with The Great and Our Flag Means Death more recently, and now does the same for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. It was evident from the concept when it was announced, and the trailer afterwards as well: this Apple TV+ series is firmly in the same mode as the pirate comedy that gave streaming two wonderfully funny and heartfelt seasons, then was cancelled. The similarities don't stop being apparent now that Noel Fielding's latest stint of silliness is unfurling its six-episode first season. Accordingly, viewers looking for something to help with their Our Flag Means Death heartbreak have somewhere to turn. Everyone who loves The Mighty Boosh's Fielding when he's getting surreal — something that his The Great British Bake Off hosting stint can't quite offer, even with his outfits — is also catered for. Awaiting in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is an entertaining jaunt that's exactly what anyone should expect given its premise, star, his fondness for whimsy and flamboyant outfits, plus Britain's love of parodying its own past. Fielding co-writes and executive produces, alongside leading — and his brother Michael is among the fellow The Mighty Boosh alum on-screen. Dick jokes abound, because who could pass up the opportunity given its protagonist? A who's who of English comedy also features. The year is 1735. The place is the UK, obviously. The subject is a real-life highwayman. Streaming from Friday, March 1, an instantly amusing revisionist history about Britain's equivalent of Ned Kelly is the result. Stand and deliver: as Dick, Fielding does. While he isn't attempting to be anything more than Vince Noir but an outlaw centuries back, no one creating, funding or watching the show wants otherwise. With Rhys Darby (Next Goal Wins) and Flight of the Conchords' Murray instead, Our Flag Means Death had its main star do much the same. Although chances to spot commonalities between the two shows just keep coming, it's in an enjoyable way, like hearing a cover of a beloved tune by someone that you also adore. That someone being Fielding, who has such a rich resume of hilarious and absurdist TV comedy thanks to Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Nathan Barley, The IT Crowd and Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy as well, is clearly pivotal. If Dick Turpin isn't familiar, he's another figure from the 18th century, as Darby's Stede Bonnet was. Swap the sea for the land, though; the whole robbery angle remains the same. The son of a butcher, he was his father's apprentice, but then took on a different career as part of the Essex gang. In reality, he was executed by hanging at the age of 33. In The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, standing on the gallows provides the opening. From there, the series steps through his time as a thief after being a vegan pacifist didn't gel with the family business. The key things that Dick takes with him when he leaves home, when his father John (Mark Heap, Significant Other) quickly replaces him with his cousin Benny (Michael Fielding, Merry Little Batman): eye-catching purple boots and a sewing machine. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin creators Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane — who've collaborated on Around the World in 80 Days, Timewasters and We Can Be Heroes before this — then puts the mascara-laden, silky-locked, jollily talkative Dick in charge of his criminal colleagues, and at odds with the usual highwayman antics. He falls into his new gig accidentally, becoming the crew's leader in the same way. Dick wants sticking up stagecoaches and dog walkers to be charming, and done with panache. Working with his version of pleather, aka parsnip leather, he's just as certain that his crew needs to be better dressed. Also, toxic masculinity definitely isn't his vibe. As frequently chronicled in pamphlets by local scribe Eliza Bean (Dolly Wells, Pandemonium), so springs an array of episodic adventures for Dick, the wary Nell (Ellie White, Wonka), eager Honesty (Duayne Boachie, You Don't Know Me) and tender Moose (Marc Wootton, High & Dry). Cue magic mittens, a wild twist on a nun's habit as a disguise, capes, a haunted coach, warlock exams, knitting, trying to avoid letting in a witch by not saying her name a set amount of times Candyman-style, pretending to be a time traveller from 15 minutes into the future, suave rivals and other law breakers who are actually villainous, for instance. Usually on Dick's trail is corrupt thief-taker Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey: A New Era). Also interested in his actions is crime bigwig Lady Helen Gwinear (Tamsin Greig, Sexy Beast). Plus, this is an on-screen realm where the pub is run by an eight-year-old called Little Karen (Kiri Flaherty, Darklands). Popping up here and there are Asim Chaudhry (Barbie) as the aforementioned sorcerer, alongside Joe Wilkinson (Sex Education) as a gaoler. The cast list goes on, turning watching The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin into a game of Spot That Recognisable Face. When Fielding's Never Mind the Buzzcocks host Greg Davies (The Cleaner) makes an appearance, their banter could've been taken straight from the Spicks and Specks-inspiring music game show. The Mighty Boosh's Simon Farnaby (Ghosts) and Rich Fulcher (Still Up), Cunk on Earth's Diane Morgan, Spaced favourite Jessica Hynes, Matilda the Musical's Sindhu Vee, another Barbie and Sex Education link via Connor Swindells: one of them is never far away, all having as much of a blast as Fielding. Breezy, goofy, impish and oddball fun bounds through the series no matter who else is on-screen with The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin's lead — and while fleshing out its frames with such top talents is among its achievements, Fielding is always the star attraction. He's also the reason that its thematic dive into finding your chosen family and being accepted for who you are still feels potent, as slight as it is. As the show builds its romp around its him, it also ensures that an inescapable sentiment lingers at every moment: 17 years since The Mighty Boosh's last episode, it's a pleasure to have Fielding taking a sitcom's centre stage and loving it once more. Here's hoping that a second season of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin promptly follows. Check out the trailer for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin below: The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin streams via Apple TV+ from Friday, March 1, 2024.
The lineup for Australia's most highly anticipated music festival, Splendour in the Grass, was announced early this morning via the Breakfast Show with Tom & Alex on Triple J. Headlining the 2011 edition of the festival, to be held at Woodfordia in South-East Queensland for the second time, are Kanye West, Coldplay, Jane's Addiction, Pulp and Regina Spektor. The full Splendour In The Grass 2011 lineup is as follows: Kanye West Coldplay Pulp Jane's Addiction Modest Mouse Gomez Elbow Friendly Fires The Living End Foster the People Regina Spektor (only show for 2011) The Hives Architecture in Helsinki Bliss 'n Eso Grouplove The Kills Glasvegas Cornershop The Vaccines The Mars Volta Mogwai DJ Shadow The Grates James Blake Eskimo Joe Cut Copy Boy and Bear Sparkadia Muscles The Jezabels Isobel Cambel and Mark Lanegan The Panics Jebadiah British Sea Power Seeker Lover Keeper Black Seeds Liam Finn Wild Beasts Garath Liddiard Lanie Lane Kan Festival dates: Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July Tickets cost: $390 (inc gst) Event + $120 (inc gst) Camping + booking fees, which gives you entry to the festival for 3 days, from Friday 29 July to Sunday 31 July. Tickets go on sale at 9am AEST on Thursday 5 May. For more info visit the Splendour in the Grass site. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yQ7YTVop-hE
There's a look that comes over Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley's faces when they enter certain establishments in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. It's a look of pure wonder that stores dedicated to magical creatures, wizarding wands, enchanted sweets and more actually exist. You probably shared the same expression when you devoured J.K. Rowling's books and glued your eyes to their big-screen adaptations — and while us ordinary muggles can't actually peruse the shelves of the Magical Menagerie, Ollivanders, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes or Honeydukes (sorry), we can stock up on all things Harry Potter at The Store of Requirement. Named after Hogwarts' Room of Requirement, The Store of Requirement first opened in Samford, outside of Brisbane, last year. And, this week, its second store opened on Smith Street in Collingwood. Yes, it opened yesterday, on Harry Potter's birthday, which is the same date that the Brisbane store opened last year. For those counting at home, the Boy Who Lived will be 38 in 2018 (although the novels that tell his tale first hit stores in 1997, and the film adaptations came to cinemas from 2001). The magical store specialises in the kind of objects that'll please even a dark wizard. If you'd like to wave Newt Scamander's wand around, dress in Triwizard Tournament uniforms, try to defy temporal boundaries with your own time-turner or carry around your belongings in a Gryffindor tote, you'll find them here. Cauldron-shaped cookie jars, Slytherin umbrellas, golden snitch pens, your own Marauder's Map — they're on offer as well. While you're perusing the store, you can even sip on a mug of Butter Brew. The unsurprisingly popular spot has an equally unsurprisingly popular online shop, so if you can make it to the physical store, you can stock up on Quidditch equipment, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and more. And, thankfully, even muggles have free shipping (though we can't promised it'll come down the flue). In Brisbane, The Store of Requirement also hosts events, including birthday parties for young HP buffs as well as regular herbology classes. Melburnians, cross your broomsticks that they'll also make the jump down south — and Sydneysiders, start casting those accio spells to get your own store closer to home, or just keep practising your apparating. Find The Store of Requirement at 6 Smith Street, Collingwood. It's open from 12pm–7pm Wednesday–Friday, and 10am–5pm Saturday and Sunday. Images: Giulia Morlando
When you work in the most iconic building in the country, you need an eye-catching uniform to match. That'll soon be the case for the folks making sure that Sydney Opera House runs smoothly, with one of Australia's top designers given the task of coming up with their new threads. In Sydney to open Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia, Lee was named as the fashion figure responsible for Opera House's next uniforms, which will be worn by more than 600 staff. Working closely with the venue's employees over the next 12 months, he'll come up with a fresh look for their tour guides, box office and front-of-house attendants. Given his acclaimed architectural and sculptural aesthetic, he couldn't be a better fit for the job. Indeed, Lee has long admired — and been inspired by — the famous structure. "I first visited the Opera House as a child to see theatre and contemporary dance and I have been a regular ever since," he said. "Meeting the needs of the Opera House's very diverse workforce and making sure the clothes combine elegance and utility, inspiration and practicality is critical. It is important that a cultural icon such as the Opera House projects an image that parallels the architecture of the building." Since 2010, Lee has displayed his wares at the Opera House on four occasions, starting in 2010 when he became the first designer to show in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer, and including this year's headlining Fashion Week show. Long pegged as one of the country's hottest young design talents, over the past seven years he has won the Woolmark Designer Award at Melbourne Fashion Week, the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, and Best Designer awards for GQ and Marie Claire magazines, as well as designing a range for Target. Images: Dion Lee's 2010 Fashion Week show / Bowen Arico.
Need a bit of extra motivation to exercise while you're spending more time at home? Would the chance to dress up and step back in time make you more eager to burn some calories? If so, hop to Retrosweat VHS Workout Club — an online series of themed workouts inspired by 80s and led by Shannon Dooley of Physique Aerobics, who's 'saving the world one grapevine at a time' and injecting a lot more fun (and eye shadow) into exercising. Her usual Sydney classes celebrate the glorious music and dance moves of the 80s — think Prince and Madonna — and now she's bringing it all to your living room. Best of all, it's free. Sessions are about an hour long and all experience levels are welcome, so don't rule yourself out if you think you have two left feet. Pop on your finest g-string leotard, pull back your teased hair with a scrunchy and pull up those leg warmers because it's time to shvitz. To join the club, just head here and enter your details. Classes are added weekly and each will have a different theme such as Palm Springs pool party and #SynthWaveSweat, too, to keep things interesting. While you can get your buns burning for free, donations are encouraged to make sure the fun-fuelled workouts keep coming. https://youtu.be/6cuVw89shw0
Kraken Rum is giving UK bartenders the chance to mix drinks at the mother of all pop-up bars. The Black Ink Society will be hosting a bar at the Red Sand Sea Forts, a lonely 14km off the coast of Kent, for one day only on October 14. Hopeful bartenders will compete in the Think Ink competition for the chance to strut their stuff in the creepy abandoned pillboxes. The Red Sand Sea Forts were built during World War II as anti-aircraft defences and fell into disuse after the war. They were occupied by various pirate radio stations during the 1960s, but have since been abandoned and fallen into the depths of dilapidation. But Kraken Rum wants to change that. They want to restore the forts to their former glory — then throw a huge party in them. The competition itself carries only one proviso — in order to be considered a cocktail "as dark as the Kraken’s ink", bartenders must use at least 35ml of Kraken Black Spiced Rum. Otherwise, competitors are free to go for broke by mixing their own concoction in order to secure their place at this "unique, if terrifying" shindig. The finals are to be held on October 8. Via www.psfk.com. Picture by Russ Garrett.
You may know the Grampians as home to sandstone mountains, abundant wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and plenty of walking tracks. But this rugged landscape has more than meets the eye. Dotted among the vineyards and wondrous vistas are some pretty out-there experiences that set it aside from other parts of regional Victoria — and make it a great place to escape to when you want to get out of the city. Read on for ten things you mightn't expect from a trip to the Grampians. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Some of the places mentioned below may be operating differently due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check the relevant websites before making any plans. GO ON A LANTERN GHOST TOUR AT A CRIMINAL ASYLUM Located in the former gold-mining town of Ararat is a former gaol-turned-asylum for the criminally insane. J Ward once housed some of Victoria's most troubled and dangerous men — including Chopper Read, Garry David (Webb) and Bill Wallace — under the highest security and in fairly horrific conditions. It's a pretty bone-chilling place. Closed in 1991, the defunct building now contains a museum, with tours running most days. But, if you want the full shake-in-your-boots experience, wander the halls at night on a lantern ghost tour. Kicking off at 9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the two-hour tour lets you explore the hangman's gallows, governor's bathroom, the original kitchen, shower block, grave sites, west wing, exercise yards and, of course, the J Ward block. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, J Ward at night is sure to get you a little spooked. [caption id="attachment_681276" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Reed[/caption] SEE LARGE-SCALE MURALS AT AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST OUTDOOR GALLERY Running through a stretch of western Victoria is Australia's largest outdoor gallery — the Silo Art Trail. The 200-kilometre gallery showcases portraits depicted on old grain silos, celebrating the region and its people — sort of like a rural (and much larger) version of the Archibald Prize. Running from Rupanyup to Patchewollock, the Silo Art Trail is a partnership between the local council, the Victorian Government, the Australian Government, international street art agency Juddy Roller and GrainCorp, plus a host of local and international street artists. Rupanyup should be your first stop. The silo, located a 30-minute drive from Horsham (or 3.5 hours from Melbourne), boasts a double portrait of two young sport players, capturing the town's community spirit and an accurate depiction of rural youth culture. Venture a little further to Sheep Hills and you'll come across Melbourne-based artist Adnate's mural, which depicts the region's Indigenous peoples, their stories and their native lands. A little further along, you'll find Brim. This mural (pictured) was the first silo artwork in Victoria and depicts four farmers in tribute to the local community's strength. WALK THROUGH A WINERY'S HISTORIC UNDERGROUND TUNNELS Best's Great Western is one of the oldest and continuously family owned and operated wineries in the country, making it one of the best vineyards to stop by while you're in the Grampians. Kick off your visit to this old spot (it's over 150 years old) with a Concongella Cellar Walk, where you can see the 1860s-built, hand-dug tunnels and explore the cobwebbed passages. Although it was renovated in the 1940s for white wine maturation and bottling, the underground cellar sections are still a great insight into the winery's heritage. After your brief history lesson, head back up into the cosy cellar door (if it's cool, the wood fire will be crackling away in the corner) and enjoy a relaxed tasting of what's on offer for the day. SLEEP AMONG THE VINES Another historic winery in the region is Seppelt. Established in 1863, Seppelt is the birthplace of Australian sparkling shiraz and is basically synonymous with Victorian viticulture. Boasting heritage-listed cellars, a cafe, a cellar door and 105 hectares of rolling vineyard, Seppelt produces some top-notch cool-climate wines. And you can actually rest your noggin right here in the vineyard. Run by Wanderlust Glamping, the accommodation here is a great option for those wanting to experience the great outdoors with the comfort of an Airbnb — plus, have the bonus of wines galore right next door. There are three tents — one designed for couples, one designed for three people, and another to share between four mates. Optional extras include hampers, a bottle of bubbly on arrival and electric blankets if you're visiting in winter. PICNIC AT A VINEYARD At Mount Langi Ghiran, you can sip on the sweet nectar of the gods and look out across some stunning countryside as you snack. Its Picnic Idyll weekends are currently on pause, but when the weekend events are up and running again you can bring your own feast and set up a spread under the chestnut orchard, with sweeping views of Mount Cole. For those keen to sit inside, the cellar door is open for seated tastings daily (10am–5pm) and you can sample your way through five of Mount Langi Giran's vinos. When social restrictions are lifted, we're hoping the vineyard brings back its bocce and bikes for hire, too. [caption id="attachment_773157" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] GET A HIGH-FLYING FEED AT A RESTAURANT WITH A 28,000-STRONG WINE CELLAR Found in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, the Royal Mail Hotel, with its restaurant Wickens, is Dunkeld's headline dining destination. Home to Australia's largest working restaurant kitchen garden and a sprawling cellar that houses 28,000 high-quality bottles of wine, the Royal Mail Hotel is a countryside dream for gastronomes. The menu shifts with the seasons and is a five-course ($190) degustation. If you can stretch the wallet as much as your stomachs, there are pairings of cellar or French wines available, too. Considering the restaurant's grand cellar, it'd be rude not to. [caption id="attachment_726920" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CATCH AMAZING SUNSETS AT THE BALCONIES With its own namesake national park, the Grampians is a natural paradise with plenty of hikes and sites to keep you busy. Home to impressive sandstone mountains and Victoria's largest waterfall — MacKenzie Falls — the Grampians National Park boasts natural beauty by the bucketload. Even more so come sundown. Just a quick, one-kilometre walk will get you to a unique rock formation called the Balconies. Here, you'll catch sweeping views across Victoria Valley with Mount Victory standing proudly in the distance. Start from Reed Lookout car park and walk along the relatively easy track through native shrub and rocky paths to get to the panoramic lookout point. If it's a clear evening, the sunset over the valley will be worth the trek. Just remember to pack your camera and a torch for the walk back. [caption id="attachment_726813" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TAKE A HIKE AND WALK ALONG THE NEW GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL One of the Walk Victoria's Icons' long-distance trails, the Grampians Peaks Trail, once completed, will be a 160-kilometre trail like no other. When it's open (planned for December 2020), it'll be a 13-day, 12-night walk. Right now you can trample 36 kilometres of it in a three-day, two-night trek departing from Halls Gap. First up, you'll pass the Venus Baths track, which you can take a short and easy detour to in order to see the deep, sandstone rock pools. Proceed to Splitters Falls, then through a rocky gully to the ancient rock formations of the Grand Canyon. From here, you'll approach Pinnacle Lookout, with spectacular views over Mount William, Halls Gap and Fyans Valley. Continue along Grampians Peaks Trail to your campsite for the night at Bugiga. Day two brings an ascent to Mount Rosea summit and, at 991 metres elevation, you'll cop 360-degree views over the Serra and Mount William Ranges, before settling in at Borough Hut Campground for your second night's stay. Round off the trek with a six-hour amble back to Halls Gap. LEARN HOW TO FLY A PLANE IN A GLAMPING TENT Sure, you've likely heard of glamping, but have you ever heard of aero-glamping? Fair, it's pretty weird. At Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, you'll find plenty of campsites, cabins, caravans and stock-standard safari tents, but you'll also find a glamper with an attached flight simulator. The aero glamper really takes glamping to new heights. Inside the canvas walls is a decked out timber-clad pad with all the amenities. Equipped with a bed, kitchenette and full bathroom, it's got everything, including the kitchen sink and a fully functional 737 flight simulator. Priced at $149 per night, the aero glamper includes one complimentary hour of fly time, with additional hours available for purchase at $50 an hour. MAKE SNOW ANGELS ON MOUNT WILLIAM Mount William is the highest peak in the Grampians National Park. It stands 1167 metres tall and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Although the valley rarely gets blanketed in snow, Mount William is a winter wonderland almost every chilly season. Perfect for building snowmen, making snow angels or having a cheeky snowball battle, Mount William should be at the top of your list if you want a little winter jaunt in the Grampians. Plus, it will make stopping into one of the many wineries for a full-bodied, cool-climate shiraz even sweeter. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Mount William by Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria.
What happens when New Zealand's own Rose Matafeo (Baby Done) takes on British romantic comedies? In 2021, the answer was Starstruck. It's the rom-com sitcom that doesn't just fit the genre, but also loves it, unpacks it, and knows how to adapt its tropes in a smart and hilarious way. In fact, it was a delight in its first season, and then again in its second run in 2022. Here's hoping that when September rolls around, it'll prove the same once more in season three. One of the best of new shows of its debut year and best returning series of its second year, Starstruck was renewed for a third shot of love in London last year — and now the latest season arrives when romance is usually in the air, aka spring Down Under. This time, Matafeo's Jessie is single after breaking up with famous actor Tom (Nikesh Patel, Four Weddings and a Funeral), and now navigating what that all means. No matter who's starring in them, when and where they're set, and whether they're showing on the big or small screen, romantic comedies do adore telling tales about trying to hold onto a good thing. Two people meet, fall for each other — whether immediately or eventually — and work through whatever it takes to enjoy their romantic bliss: that's it, that's the genre's familiar formula. It's a setup that TV series Starstruck has been both adhering to and interrogating over its run so far, too, but the show is branching out narrative-wise when it returns in Australia via ABC iView from 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 6 and in New Zealand via TVNZ+ from 8.30pm on Saturday, September 2. If you're new to the series, New Zealander Jessie didn't realise that Tom was so well-known when they met. Once she was aware, that fact was inescapable as they tried to make their fairy tale relationship work. And yes, before the show entered its post-Tom era (although he still pops up) as its just-dropped season-three trailer notes, Matafeo — who stars, writes and created the series — well and truly knew that Notting Hill got there first. To-date, the series has proven a wonderful showcase for Matafeo, and also a savvily smart exploration of rom-com tropes as well, embracing and subverting them as needed. Nodding to romantic comedies such as The Graduate, Love Actually and Bridget Jones' Diary has also come with the territory, amusingly, affectionately and astutely so. Matafeo co-writes Starstruck with fellow comedians Alice Snedden and Nic Sampson, with Matafeo and Snedden also directing the third season. Check out the trailer for Starstruck season three below: Starstruck season three will stream in Australia via ABC iView from 9.30pm on Wednesday, September 6 and in New Zealand via TVNZ+ from 8.30pm on Saturday, September 2. Starstruck's first and second seasons are available to stream in Australia via ABC iView and in New Zealand via TVNZ+. Read our full review of Starstruck's first season — and our full review of its second season, too. Images: Mark Johnson/HBO Max.
Perhaps you were one of the many folks who turned to clay to knead out their lockdown frustrations last year, or maybe you're just looking for a new creative outlet to add to your repertoire. Either way, newly-opened ceramics teaching studio Clae Space is destined to be one of your new happy places. A bright, friendly space situated in the leafy pocket of Research in Melbourne's northeast, Clae is the brainchild of ceramicist Daisy Cooper (Daisy Cooper Ceramics) and partner Joseph Smaje. [caption id="attachment_844598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daisy Cooper & Joseph Smaje, by Catherine Elise[/caption] The pair has transformed part of their label's light-filled warehouse studio into an inviting teaching space. Here, on the doorstep of the Yarra Valley and Warrandyte, budding ceramic artists can disconnect from the world to immerse themselves in the practice and hone their skills. Under some expert tutelage, no less. Clae Space currently runs a handful of classes, including a six-week Intro to Hand Building course that guides students through the fundamentals of the art, dives into different techniques and sees them each creating their own personal ceramics project. [caption id="attachment_844597" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Catherine Elise[/caption] If you'd rather just get your hands dirty and blow off some steam with a one-off workshop, you'll also find regular 90-minute Taster Sessions, plus themed workshops, and the odd Clay, Wine and Cheese night. Cooper's also hosting regular workshops in the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi, which is centred on the idea of emphasising or celebrating an object's imperfections. In this class, you'll be taught how to use the practice to artfully repair broken ceramics pieces with bold golden seams, creating some unique new homewares for your own pad. Various private classes are available, too, if you fancy a mates' activity that's a little more creatively charged than bottomless brunch. Find Clae Space at Unit 6, 1625 Main Road, Research. Images: Catherine Elise
One very visionary, mad-scientist type of ice-cream maker, Britain's Charlie Francis of Lick Me I'm Delicious, recently had a sudden flash of inspiration while casually reading a research paper on the properties of underwater invertebrates (as you do). Why don't I hire a Chinese scientist to synthesise luminescent jellyfish protein with ice cream?, he mused. It all seemed so blindingly obvious. And thus, just in time for Halloween, a spooky glow-in-the-dark ice cream was born. So how does it work? The chemically recreated, calcium-activated protein, sourced from jellyfish, suffuses the dairy delight with an unmistakable iridescence, far stronger than the subtle blue glow of quinine. (Were you even aware that quinine has a fluorescent quantum yield that's visible under a UV light? That's fancy-talk for it glows in the dark. Your humble gin and tonic can glow in the dark.) Adorably, the pH of your tongue affects the protein, such that the ice-cream grows more luminous the more you lick it. Just like the beautiful phosphorescence you might have seen at night on a tropical holiday — tiny specks of plankton that glow whenever waves break over them. The cost of a scoop of this insane novelty experience? A mere $225. We don't think it will appear at Gelato Messina anytime soon, but we are hoping that the trend for glowing food catches on, and brings the price down so we can all have more fun when the lights go out. In the meantime, Francis offers a much cheaper gin and tonic-flavoured sorbet, using the above mentioned high-tech quinine technology. Just imagine all the types of dessert innovation this invention could catalyse. Francis has a lot of other exciting plans and ideas for future treats, including "invisible ice cream". Could this have anything to do with recent developments on the light-bending invisibility cloak front? We can but speculate. His blog gives a shout-out to any scientist interested in helping with the project, so if you're of such a stripe, get involved. Dessert-lovers of the world need you. Via PSFK.
Melbourne is littered with public outdoor pools and great beaches, but sometimes you want the luxe private pool experience. This usually comes with booking a room at one of Melbourne's best hotels or signing up to an exorbitantly priced private members' club, but most of us don't want to go that far for a little dip. To solve this problem, W Melbourne has started up its midweek Swim Club, which runs 8am–8pm from Monday–Friday. During these times, you can book a poolside session at the sky-high indoor pool WET and stick around for as long as you like. You'll have access to the pool, steam room and fully equipped gymnasium FIT, plus you'll get a mocktail, bottle of water and fruit platter delivered to your sun lounger. This doesn't come cheap, at $98 per person, but it's the price you pay for semi-private luxury. If you're on a budget and want to swim on a cold day, these heated Melbourne pools are a heap cheaper. But those of you seeking a day of swimming and relaxing without crowds — while looking out over the city skyline — can consider booking a spot at WET's Swim Club.
The North Fitzroy Arms Hotel has been sitting on Rae Street near Edinburgh Gardens for 150 years now, with the classic old-school boozer garnering generations of loyal fans. But when it recently changed hands and construction started inside, locals were understandably worried. In the last few years, too many Aussie pubs have undergone extensive refurbs that totally gutted the interiors, replacing their classic pub charm and warmth with cold, contemporary finishes. It can feel like a kick to the gut when this happens to your local. But we're glad to report that such a fate hasn't befallen the Arms. The front bar has mostly remained untouched. Carlton Draught remains on tap. You can still play pool. And the teles streaming footy have been reconnected. The 45-person beer garden is also set to get a retractable awning and outdoor heaters, so punters can hang outside no matter the weather, and a handful of tables line the street for those wanting to do a spot of people-watching. But it's the dining room out back that's had the biggest update. Therefore Studio (Marquis of Lorne, The Corner Hotel and Union House) was brought in to reinvigorate the space without making it too "high-brow". It did this by knocking down some walls, popping up some wooden-framed mirrors and adding a heap of vintage posters. The end result gives off classic bistro vibes. And when the sun goes down, waiters light tall candles on the white tablecloth-covered tables and dim the lights for some romantic moodiness. All up, it's a simple but effective redesign. The food offerings, however, have been totally overhauled. Sadly, you won't find your classic parma on the menu, but there are stacks of classic British and European plates. Head Chef Barney Cohen (ex-Bar Bellamy) is cooking up the likes of beef cheek and ale pie served with mashed potato and pea soup, whole crumbed garfish and chips with tartare sauce, house-made and woodfired pork and sage sausages with cabbage, mash and lashings of homemade gravy and more. If you're after a cheap dirty pub meal, this is no longer the place to get it. But it's far from being so posh that locals and regulars will feel alienated. Hayley McCarthy (ex-Ides) has also been brought in to run the bevs program, which includes plenty of by-the-glass options that won't make you wince when looking at the price. Victorian and European drops are the focus here, with plenty of new-wave skin contact and natty options also making the cut. At the front bar, you'll find a dependable selection of tap, bottled and canned beers, as well as an impressive selection of signature cocktails — we're particularly curious about the espresso martini that can be spiked with Guinness for an extra dollar. All in all, it looks like the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel has managed to pull off a fairly light-handed makeover. The team has focused on modernising the dining options while leaving most of the other classic pub features as they were. You'll find the North Fitzroy Arms Hotel at 296 Rae Street, Fitzroy North, open 4pm–late, Monday–Thursday, and 12pm–late, Friday–Sunday. For more information and to book a table, visit the venue's website. Images: Jana Longhurst
Complaining that you don't have anything to watch is impossible in the streaming age. Spending too much time trying to pick something because you're spoiled for choice? That's the current dilemma. With every new online platform, your viewing options expand — especially when Pluto TV has finally hit Australia with more than 50 streaming channels. Up and running in the US for almost a decade, this streaming service is completely free to watch — and, after announcing that it was heading our way, it launched Down Under in late August. To view Pluto TV, all you need to do is head to Network Ten's 10 Play platform, with its new channels built into the existing platform. (Just make sure that you've updated your 10 Play app to access it.) The catch: Pluto TV is a FAST service, aka free ad-supported streaming television. So, just like in the days before anyone had even dreamed up Netflix and the like, or pay TV, you won't pay a cent to watch; however, you will have to see commercials. As well as the cost — or lack thereof — Pluto TV's big drawcard is delivering its smorgasbord of content via channels, rather than just having audiences scroll through hundreds or thousands of shows and movies to decide what to watch. Basically, it replicates the linear TV experience on free-to-air, but via streaming. You'll still need to do some choosing, though, given that there's a lengthy roster of themed channels to pick from. Fancy only viewing South Park? I Love Lucy? Happy Days? Dynasty? MTV's reality shows? Nickelodeon classics? They all now have their own channels. Nickelodeon and MTV fans, you're particularly well-served. If you're keen on the former, you've got six channels to flick between: Nick Classics, Nick Jr, Nick Movies, Nick Rewind, NickTeen and NickToons. For the latter, there's eight: MTV Biggest Pop, MTV Dating, MTV Drama, MTV Entertainment, MTV Love, MTV Reality, MTV Retro and MTV The Shores. Accordingly, tuning into Pluto TV can mean watching non-stop Daria, Pimp My Ride, Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rocko's Modern Life and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Two of the MTV channels — MTV Biggest Pop and MTV Love — are also filled with music videos. Prefer Baywatch all day? The OG Beverly Hills 90210? Getting eerie with The Twilight Zone? There's now a dedicated channel for all of them as well. The list also includes The Brady Bunch, Hawaii Five-O, Merlin, Becker, Matlock, Mission: Impossible (the TV show, not the movies), The Drew Barrymore Show, The Graham Norton Show, America's Next Top Model, Survivor and Survivor US, MasterChef, and classic The Bold & The Beautiful episodes. Also, Moviesphere is your destination for flicks, Haunt TV is on hand for scares, True Stories serves up exactly that, and both Nature Time and Xtreme Adventure are as self-explanatory as they sound. Already up in running in more than 35 markets before it arrived in Australia, Pluto TV draws from the Los Angeles-based company's partnerships with 400-plus international media outfits. This is clearly a great time to be fond of Nickelodeon in particular — Network Ten also recently added a free-to-air channel devoted to the brand, the first in Australia outside of pay TV, separate to Pluto TV's online options. Pluto TV's channels are now available to stream in Australia via 10 Play.
Guillermo del Toro will be the first to tell anyone, as he did at Neflix's annual Tudum event for 2025, that he's long had an obsession with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, that he's been weaving that affection for it into his work since he first hopped behind the camera and that making his own adaptation of the gothic-horror masterpiece is a dream come true. "This is, for me, the culmination of a journey that has occupied most of my life," the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water filmmaker told the crowd on Sunday, June 1, 2025 Down Under. "I first read Mary Shelley's book as a kid, and saw Boris Karloff in what became, for me, an almost-religious stage," he continued while onstage, accompanied by Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight) and Mia Goth (MaXXXine). "Monsters have become my personal belief system. There are strands of Frankenstein throughout my films — Cronos, Blade, Hellboy, big time on Pinocchio, and a long, long [list], et cetera." It's alive, then: del Toro's version of Frankenstein, that is. Audiences will be able to watch the Netflix film from sometime in November 2025, with an exact release date not yet confirmed. Zapped into existence already, however, is the first teaser trailer for the movie, which demonstrates how much its writer/director adores Shelley's now 207-year-old text, all of the love and care that he has taken with bringing it to life, and how well he has cast its characters. Isaac portrays the feature's namesake, aka Victor Frankenstein, the scientist driven by tragedy to attempt to conquer the line between life and what exists beyond it. As the trailer notes, "only monsters play god". As Victor advises himself, "in seeking life, I created death". Also uttered in the movie's first sneak peek, reinforcing its theme: "what manner of creature is that? What manner of devil made him?". Goth is Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée. From there, Christoph Waltz (Old Guy), Ralph Ineson (Nosferatu), Charles Dance (The Day of the Jackal), Lars Mikkelsen (Dalloway) and del Toro regular Burn Gorman (Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, Pinocchio) are also part of the cast. One of the film's biggest names belongs to the actor portraying Victor's creation, however, with Jacob Elordi taking on the role after already adding The Narrow Road to the Deep North to his resume this year. Frankenstein will never stop entrancing filmmakers, as it has James Whale back in 1931 when Karloff played the monster, Mel Brooks (Dracula: Dead and Loving It) with 1974 comedy Young Frankenstein, Kenneth Branagh (A Haunting in Venice) on his 1994 take, Danny Boyle (Yesterday) with his stage adaptation, Tim Burton (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) via Frankenweenie and Yorgis Lanthimos (Kinds of Kindness) in Poor Things, plus Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter) with 2026's The Bride!, just to name a few examples. But, based on the first trailer, seeing del Toro take on Shelley's work looks set to dazzle. Check out the initial teaser trailer for Frankenstein below: Frankenstein will release via Netflix sometime in November 2025 — we'll update you when an exact date is announced. Images: Netflix.
A massive industrial fire broke out earlier this morning at a factory in Campbellfield, in Melbourne's north. Over 100 firefighters were called to the site and are expected to remain on the scene for some time. Located at 16 Thornycroft Street, the factory currently ablaze is registered to Bradbury Industrial Services — a hazardous and industrial waste storage facility — and is generating large plumes of black smoke, which is travelling south west towards Broadmeadows, Campbellfield, Coolaroo, Dallas and Somerton. Authorities have warned locals to avoid the area and to close all windows, doors and vents, and turn off any heating and cooling systems. They're also suggesting those impacted by the smoke seek medical advice. https://twitter.com/MFB_NEWS/status/1113916881025490944 Just weeks ago, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria announced it had suspended the licence of Bradbury Industrial Services after an inspection found the facility was storing more waste than permitted, as well as other misconducts. Vic Emergency has reported that traffic in the area is affected, so to leave extra time if you're travelling nearby. EPA is currently on-site monitoring air quality, too, and has deployed booms to protect water drains and waterways from potential spillage from the site. No injuries have been reported so far. For more information and updates follow the Metropolitan Fire Brigade's twitter. To check on local traffic in the area, head to Vic Emergency. If impacted by the smoke, seek medical advice or call the Victoria Government's health advice hotline 1300 606 024. Top image: EPA Victoria.
It happened with The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Frozen II, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, just to name a few past Disney movies, and it's occurring again for Snow White: to immerse everyone in the world of the Mouse House's new film beyond cinemas, The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney has given itself a temporary makeover. Expect social media feeds to be filled with snaps of this enchanted garden, plus the themed dishes now on the menu for the next couple of months — and expect Harbour City locals and visitors alike to flock in. How have all things Snow White taken over? With scenery that looks like it's been transported out of the film — greenery aplenty, plus woodland creatures as well — and everything from red apple mocktails to sweet treats inspired by the movie on offer. Yes, there's a magic mirror on the wall. And also yes, you'll spot more than a few apples. You've got until Sunday, May 25, 2025 to head by, and to sip that Evil to the Core drink (made with red apple, raspberry and citrus) at The Cafe, The Garden and The Potting Shed at The Grounds of Alexandria. Food-wise, Waiting on a Wish (a toasted almond sponge with pear cream and blackberry compote) is on the menu in The Cafe and the Poison Apple for two (spiced caramelised apple, dulcey crèmeux and mascarpone cream) is available in The Potting Shed over the same period. The film in the spotlight releases in cinemas on Thursday, March 20, starring Rachel Zegler (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Heart of Stone) as her evil stepmother. Marc Webb (The Only Living Boy in New York, Gifted, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro) is behind the lens. Remaking Disney's 1937 animated hit, Snow White joins list of the company's cartoon classics given a live-action or photorealistic do-over. See also: The Jungle Book, Maleficent and its sequel, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Dumbo, Aladdin, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Mulan, Pinocchio, Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid so far, with Lilo & Stitch and Moana also to come. It's been a great time to be a pop-culture fan in Down Under of late, and to take that love beyond the screen, following multiple Squid Game pop-ups, plus a Stranger Things experience on the way. Snow White at The Grounds runs at The Grounds of Alexandria, Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria, Sydney until Sunday, May 25, 2025 — head to The Grounds of Alexandria's website for further details. Images: Scott & Co.
Australians looking to travel to New Zealand must consider the current COVID-19 advice. For information on quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub. You don't need to ski or snowboard to have a great time on New Zealand's powder-topped slopes. Alpine resorts across the country have a huge variety of other snow-based activities to choose from during the magical winter months. All you have to decide is whether you'd rather take a high-performance vehicle around a snow-covered race track, drive your own team of sled dogs, or ride a high-speed gondola through the clouds. FLOOR IT AROUND A SNOW-COVERED RACE TRACK Ice Driving is considered the ultimate winter driving challenge. The tyre-sliding experience invites anyone with a drivers licence and a wad of cash to jump in the hot seat and hoon around more than 40 hectares of snow-capped alps. It happens in the deep south from July to August every year with participants invited to take the wheel of a high-performance vehicle on a snow-covered race track. The experience is held at the iconic Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds on Mount Pisa, which sits 1500 metres above sea level between Queenstown and Wanaka. The snow track is the winter test centre used to test cars around the world. It's suitable for groups of ten and up who are keen to learn what it takes to drift around a snow circle, weave around a slalom course and bury the accelerator on ice. TUBE DOWN A 150-METRE SLOPE IN TEKAPO Tekapo Springs is the nerve centre for alternative winter activities in the South Island's Mackenzie Basin. Open from June until mid-September, the snow tubing park is just one attraction on offer, taking thrill-seekers on a slippery ride down a 150-metre slope. And there's no uphill walking involved once you're ready for another run — simply hop aboard the magic carpet back to the top. Once you've completed your one-hour tubing session, there's plenty to keep you occupied at the resort. Hit the outdoor ice rink, unwind in the on-site sauna and steam room, or soak in stunning lake and mountain views from one of three hot pools. [caption id="attachment_757146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism New Zealand.[/caption] RIDE NEW ZEALAND'S NEWEST, LONGEST AND FASTEST GONDOLA Riding Mt Ruapehu's newly opened Sky Waka will take you on a journey into the clouds. Called New Zealand's largest and most technically advanced gondola, the high-speed Sky Waka travels 1.8 kilometres in just five minutes above the snow-capped terrain of Whakapapa. From the Top of the Bruce base station you'll traverse over icy waterfalls and ancient lava flows and catch a glimpse of Ruapehu and its neighbouring volcanoes, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, through the floor to ceiling windows. Touch down will bring you to the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet where a selection of dining options await. DRIVE YOUR OWN TEAM OF SLED DOGS Cardrona's home of cross-country skiing is also where you can carve trails with a pack of friendly malamutes and huskies. UnderDog New Zealand has been practising the northern tradition of dogsledding in the Southern Alps since 2013, and allows visitors to drive their very own team of dogs or sit back and enjoy the ride. Exhilarating experiences start from $255 and range from one-hour high country journeys to after-dark runs and full-blown overnight stays. SNOWSHOE TO A SECLUDED BACKCOUNTRY HUT Snowshoeing is nearly as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. At Cardrona Valley's Snow Farm you can make a night of your winter adventure by trekking to a backcountry hut in the Pisa Ranges. Overnight snowshoe rental and the trail pass will set you back $29, while a spot in one of the secluded huts starts from $35. There are three to choose from: Meadow, Bob Lee and Daisy Lee. While each features a gas cooker and log burner, the former has room for 20 people. All you need to bring is food, drinks, a sleeping bag and your overnight things. For those who haven't been to a backcountry hut before, don't expect electricity and running water. WHIP AROUND THE MOUNTAIN ON A SNOWMOBILE Queenstown Snowmobiles offers the only heli-snowmobiling experience in New Zealand. The company has access to trails and backcountry riding, only by way of helicopter. The snowmobiles are easy to operate and no previous experience is required. Each wilderness tour is around two and a half hours and includes a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight each way. All of the tours come with an experienced guided and can cater for both individuals and small groups. In no time you'll be cruising across pristine snow at an altitude of up to 6000 feet above sea level. Just don't forget your camera. HAVE LUNCH ON TOP OF A GLACIER An outing with Mount Cook Ski Planes lets you toast the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki National Park with a glass of bubbly. The operator offers a range of experiences through the Southern Alps, including private ski plane flights over snow-capped peaks and chopper excursions to ice caves — which, depending on snow and ice conditions, can be explored with a guide. Once you've taken in all that mountain air, your pilot will land on one of the region's many glaciers for a private picnic on the snow. From there, you'll fly towards Mount Cook to give you a better view of the highest peak in New Zealand.
Board games are back in vogue and Fitzroy's newly opened Queen of Spades has got all your tabletop games needs sorted. Following a successful pop-up stint in 2016, owner David Quin found the café and bar a permanent home on Smith Street this past July, quickly becoming a hit amongst locals. We aren't just talking Connect 4 and Jenga here, but an assortment of board and card games that caters to everyone – from those just after a simple game of Uno, as well as seasoned 'tabletopers' battling in advanced games such as Settlers of Catan, The Princes of Florence and A Game of Thrones. Queen of Spades knows that outwitting your opponents can be strenuous work and they've got you covered with expertly made coffee and an evening menu that features a range of hearty burgers, deep-friend crumbed brie and Georgian meatballs. Staff are always on hand to keep you topped up – as well as settle any disputes over the rules.
Over Easter, KFC spread some paschal cheer — and some of its finger lickin' good fried chicken — with free delivery. This weekend mightn't be a special occasion or include any public holidays, but now it's McDonald's turn to share the fast food love. If you're craving a Quarter Pounder or a box of chicken McNuggets and you don't fancy leaving the house, Maccas is offering free home delivery on orders over $25 via UberEats. The limited-time offer is available nationwide and runs until Sunday, April 19. To get your hands on a burg, some fries, a Happy Meal, McFlurry or a hot fudge sundae — or anything else on the chain's regular menu — with no extra delivery cost, head to UberEats' website or use the UberEats app and enter the code MACCASWEEKEND. The entire transaction will be contact-free, including when it hits your doorstep. And, if you're after a few household staples, Maccas is also delivering milk, plus six-packs of English muffins and its gourmet buns. Or, of course, you can ignore whatever time of day it is and go straight for a McMuffin, hash brown and some hot cakes. McDonalds is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $25 made via UberEats, with the special available until Sunday, April 19. To order, head here and use the code MACCASWEEKEND. Images: McDonalds.
Life became wildly unpredictable and messy for a moment there, but Collingwood's newly opened massage and mindfulness studio might be just what you need to give stress the flick and start the year off strong. In the top levels of a converted Easey Street warehouse, Mary Minas and Freya Berwick have opened the first stage of their wellness hub Sense of Self, with its much-anticipated bathhouse set to launch downstairs in the coming months. The duo is out to flip the script on the usual wellness concept, with an unpretentious offering that's focused on connection, inclusivity and restoration. As Minas says, they're here to "offer a more approachable, no-BS approach to self-care as a practice, rather than a performance". So, put the phone away, get off the 'Gram and give yourself some much-needed attention. Within the new massage and mindfulness studio, this ethos translates to a careful spread of body treatments for relaxation, remediation and pregnancy, backed by a soothing lounge area where naps are not just welcomed, but encouraged. [caption id="attachment_799061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oli Sansom[/caption] There's a pared back menu of elevated massage treatments, featuring customisable options for the feet, scalp, arms and body. You can treat your post-iso bod to a mix of Swedish massage, aromatherapy and meditation — this service fittingly dubbed The Hiatus — or maybe a deep remedial massage finished with a dry body brush or foot treatment. Outside of face mask restrictions, you can settle into a stimulating gua sha facial, too. The space itself has been transformed into a haven of calm and tranquility, thanks to abundance of creamy hues, lots of soft textiles and massage rooms decked out in natural timbers. Guests are encouraged to take time out and really relax for as long as they need before and after treatments, emerging back into reality at their own pace. And, while there's a tidy retail selection on offer featuring plenty of high-quality Sans Ceuticals products, the owners are adamant to avoid any pushy sales element that might interfere with that relaxation and self-care time. Once the bathhouse opens, Sense of Self's offering will expand to include a Finnish-style sauna, large mineral bath and cold plunge pool. Find Sense of Self at 30–32 Easey Street, Collingwood from 4.30–9pm Wednesday–Friday and 10am–6pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Oli Sansom
It was already flying the flag for India, China, and Peru, now, the cobbled stretch of Duckboard Place and ACDC Lane has added a Danish offering to its multicultural collection of eateries. Melbourne's A Hereford Beefstouw is Australia's second iteration of the Danish steakhouse, and marks a second joint venture between local dry aged beef producer Tim Burvill and Danish restaurateur Lars Damgaard. The pair launched Adelaide's A Hereford Beefstouw back in 2011, while the Damgaard family owns 14 of the restaurants, sprinkled throughout Scandinavia. The new laneway restaurant oozes Nordic sophistication, with the smart, Danish designed fitout proof of some serious attention to detail. A Danish contingent of chippies was flown over to help with the build, while elements like cutlery, plates and furniture were designed and crafted exclusively for this dining room. It's all there to best showcase the seasonal food offering, which sees head chef Daniel Groom celebrating top-quality beef from the group's own South Australian farm, and nods to Burvill's reputation as a dry aged beef specialist. Simply handled steaks are the stars of the show, while the rest of the menu offers a modern reworking of some classic Danish flavours. "Our own dry aged beef will be the hero, raised on grass in the 'Green Triangle' of South West Victoria and South East South Australia, including Herefords from our family farm near Lucindale in South Australia's Coonawarra region," says Burvill. "Choice cuts are dry aged for between 40 to 100 days in our state of the art facility in the Adelaide Hills, then cooked simply and with restraint by our chefs." Find A Hereford Beefstouw at 22 Duckboard Place, off Flinders Lane, adjoining ACDC Lane, Melbourne CBD. Open Monday-Thursday 11.30am-2pm and 5.30 pm-11.30pm, Friday 11.30am - 11.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 5.30pm - 11.30pm.
Fitzroy has welcomed a new haven of 70s disco dazzle, as The Lame Duck arrives to heat things up this summer. Behind a glittering gold door and up a flight of stairs on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Streets, this newbie's rocking a retro pool room aesthetic with a definite disco edge. Cementing those old-school party vibes, expect a healthy dose of wood panelling, a shrine to the one and only Cher, a working photo booth for late-night happy snaps, and a Billy Bass presiding happily over the room. A vintage purple pool table snookers all the others in town, and enormous booths — decked out in hot pink palm trees, no less — are primed for group festivities. With a nifty 4am licence, and a couple of hospitality veterans at the helm, it's a place where letting your hair down is most certainly encouraged. The cocktail offering is embracing the very best of eras past, slinging new-school takes on some of the 70s' best-known daggy drinks. There's the daring Mezcal Sunrise ($18) with pink grapefruit juice, a piña colada-margarita mash-up ($18) and the signature Lame Fluffy Duck ($18) — a gin and Aperol sour. More retro classics pepper the snacks menu; you'll find yourself stepping back in time with bites like pickled onions, hot dogs and an oozy baked camembert fondue. Meanwhile, the DJ tunes will be spinning nightly, with residents like JNETT and Capt'n Shergz throwing down a hearty mix of disco, funk and soul jams. Be sure to bring your party shoes — dancing on the tables is a-ok at The Lame Duck. At least for the time being. Find The Lame Duck at 1/247 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. It's open 4pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, 3pm-late Friday, and 2pm–late Saturday and Sunday. Images: Jess Middleton.
Restaurant space on Greville Street doesn't come along very often so when Good Company director Nick Young noticed the old Ladro TAP was for sale, he jumped at the chance. Rossi was the result. It's a big-hearted Italian-French diner powered by woodfired pizzas and plenty of Aperol Spritz. There are some big names in the kitchen, too. French-born head chef Thibault Boggio runs the show with a Michelin star under his belt, and Gaetano Cioffi draws on his Amalfi Coast heritage to work the pizza oven, churning out Napoletana classics like lobster spaghettini and diavola. No big surprises on the menu, but the food is executed well. "We want to create a hot new vibe, a happening place where people come for delicious food, a great time, and kick on for a drink. Our aim is to make Rossi the pulse of Greville Street," Nick Young said. Ladro's industrial vibe has survived the transition, but Young and the team added a virtual forest, including trees in the dining room, a courtyard bar, and a cascading green wall. Throw in some red neon, and you have Gertrude Street in a nutshell: cool, modern, cashed-up, and out for a good time. The restaurant hosts regular events and specials too, with Tuscan roasts and live music every Sunday lunch, $35 gnocchi and vino nights every Wednesday and aperitivo hour from Monday to Friday between 4 and 6pm. Check the website for the latest events. Image: Supplied
Melbourne's already home to a couple of floating bars, including the seasonal Arbory Afloat and year-round drinks spot Yarra Botanica — but we've never had a floating openair nightclub. Well, that's all set to change, and very soon, with the news that ambitious over-water club and events space ATET will be mooring in Docklands this spring. The brainchild of local architect and DJ Jake Hughes, ATET is geared to become a primo destination for electronic tunes, playing host to a bumper lineup of local and international artists. Inspired by the great day clubs of Europe, it takes its moniker from ancient Egyptian mythology, named after the solar barge of the sun god Ra. Built atop a repurposed barge and initially making its home at North Wharf, the 570-square-metre club will boast space for 550 partygoers across its two levels. The openair venue is decked out with high-tech sound and visual elements, including fully programmable pixel strip LED lighting, and will even feature clear PVC roof and wall panels that can be rolled out when Melbourne's sketchy weather sets in. And of course, the views will be something else. ATET's a versatile beast, too, with two bars, a commercial kitchen, and modular furniture that's easily rearranged to suit whatever party or event is gracing the decks on any given day. Handy, because according to Hughes, there's already been loads of interest from festival promoters and event planners keen to make use of the unprecedented floating venue. ATET will call Docklands home from spring and through this coming summer, though since it's relocatable, you'll likely see it travel to other locations down the track. ATET is set to moor at Shed 2, North Wharf Road, Docklands, from spring.
Honest, home-style Italian food is the name of the game at this all-day spot. A northside favourite for over a decade, the 200-seat diner exudes a warm old-world charm, and includes balcony and bar seating as well as private rooms where you can tuck into a range of excellent prepared classics for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Come in early for the likes of zucchini and sage scrambled eggs on ciabatta with spicy pork and fennel sausage and butter thyme mushrooms, or a little later for the daily rotating range of panini. The dinner menu also changes by the day, with recent specials including a tender osso bucco with polenta, but the house-made pasta is the must-try here. Wash it down with a selection from the neat wine list, featuring a considered selection of Italian and Australian labels. Images: Hi Sylvia Photography
Hello, sunshine and goodbye cold winter nights — that's right, summer is right around the corner, which means we can finally get our tan on at the beach or enjoy a sunny Sunday (boozy) brunch. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when planning a day out in the heat, so we've joined forces with Mr Black to compile a list of things for you to take note of to further elevate your summer experience. From revamping your picnic setup to stocking up on ready-to-drink Mr Black Espresso Martinis, here's your cheat sheet on how to be best prepared for the warmer days ahead. [caption id="attachment_870994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chloe Smith[/caption] UPGRADE YOUR PICNIC GEAR WITH A MULTI-PURPOSE BASKET Picnics usually happen on the spur of the moment, so having a multi-purpose basket on hand — like one of these sturdy, insulated ones by Picnic Season — is always a good idea. Consider opting for one with sturdy straps to keep cutlery, cups, plates and more in place, as well as a built-in thermally-insulated cooler bag to store your cold drinks (like a pack or two of Mr Black Espresso Martinis). A good rule of thumb: have a basket on hand that looks bigger than what you think you'll need. [caption id="attachment_870827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] INVEST IN A PICNIC TABLE WITH DRINK HOLDERS If there's one thing more heartbreaking than dropping your picture-perfect sanga on the ground, it's spilling your drink all over your picnic setup. To avoid potential disaster (and clutter), consider investing in a picnic table that comes with drink holders. Whether it's for your canned espresso martini or – if you're taking a break from alcohol – iced latte, a table like this one from Temple & Webster will save you from cleaning up a mess. Trust us, you'll thank us later. CATCH THE SUN WITH A SUNSET APP — AND MAKE SURE THERE'S PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN Admit it, there's a 99% chance that you've got at least one sunrise or sunset photo on your phone or camera. To make life a little easier for you and not disappoint your next sunrise or sunset adventure, download the Sun Chaser app to keep track of when the next Instagram-worthy sunrise or sunset will happen in your current location. The platform provides details like the intensity of the clouds and how colourful the light rays will be on any given day. And if you're chasing the sun, don't forget the sunscreen, too! [caption id="attachment_870828" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] OVERSTOCK ON THE ICE (ESPECIALLY TO KEEP YOUR CANNED ESPRESSO MARTINIS COOL) The weather has been exceptionally unpredictable recently, so you've got even more reason to be prepared for the unexpected. Despite what your weather app says, you'll never know how hot the day could get. So if you're at the beach (or basically anywhere outdoors) this summer, always bring more ice than you need — especially if you're storing drinks that are best consumed cold, like a Mr Black Espresso Martini. [caption id="attachment_870830" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] KEEP IT INTERACTIVE WITH ACTIVITIES LIKE FINSKA, KUBB OR A FRISBEE While sunbathing, eating and drinking sound like the perfect combination, why not kick it up a notch by taking part in an activity with your crew? Stick to the classics like Finska or Kubb, which will without a doubt unleash everyone's competitive side while also getting the endorphins going. You could also go for a laid-back activity like frisbee to get your fur baby involved as well. [caption id="attachment_871154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] SEATING, BLANKETS AND CUSHIONS KEEP THINGS COSY AND COMFORTABLE Don't neglect your comfort. Be sure to always have a quality picnic blanket if you plan to spend the day at the garden or beach — we love the colourful, waterproof and eco-friendly designs by Central Coast maker Saltwater Picnic Co (pictured above). Spruce your setup with cosy cushions and extra blankets in case you decide to extend your stay. [caption id="attachment_870834" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] PREPARE ONE-BITE FOOD THAT'S EASY TO EAT Some of you might love to go the extra mile and prepare a hearty spread when you're out and about. However, if you aren't in the mood to go through a 12-step recipe, you could always put together something simple like a hearty, veggie-filled sandwich or wrap. After something sweet that won't melt? On the morning of your trip, chop up fresh seasonal fruit and store them in a reusable container, with an ice block or two to keep it cool. [caption id="attachment_870835" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artur Lewandowski (Unsplash)[/caption] A GOOD SPEAKER TO CREATE THE PERFECT VIBE Music not only brings people together, but it's the easiest way to set a mood. Which makes a speaker an essential item to bring when you're out with your crew. If you want to go the extra mile, curate a playlist for the day, too. If you currently don't have a portable speaker, look into the Marshall Emberton Portable Bluetooth Speaker or a UE MEGABOOM 3, which bring both style and good vibes to any gathering. [caption id="attachment_870847" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] MAKE SURE THERE'S REAL CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE (PERFECT FOR ESPRESSO MARTINI O'CLOCK) Sipping on an espresso martini out of a lovely glass just hits different and you can't deny that. Treat yourself and your crew by elevating your picnic setup with stainless steel flatware, ceramic plates and wine or cocktail glasses for an upgraded experience. This is where your multi-purpose basket will come in handy as you won't need to worry about your cutlery and glassware shattering into pieces during your commute. Looking for more easy ways to elevate your summer gatherings — especially when espresso martini time hits? Head to the Mr Black website. Top image: Declan Blackall
Netflix might be making a docu-soap about Byron Bay influencers, but it isn't the only streaming service set to beam the area's scenic backdrops into Australian homes. Stan will soon unveil Eden, a new eight-part series shot in the coastal town and New South Wales' Northern Rivers region. It's unlikely that this fictional mystery-drama will receive the same backlash that Netflix's reality TV show has been garnering since its announcement, though. Eden does sound somewhat familiar, however. Like plenty of TV shows — Twin Peaks and The Killing, just to name two — it begins with a missing person. From there, it also charts the secrets and revelations festering beneath the surface of its small-town setting. In this case, a young woman has disappeared, with the series chronicling the aftermath over the course of a summer. The just-released first teaser sets the mood — and if you're wondering when the whole show will drop, Stan is yet to reveal an exact date. But, sometime this year (and likely to be sooner rather than later), you'll be able to watch a cast that includes BeBe Bettencourt (The Dry), Sophie Wilde (Bird), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), Cody Fern (American Horror Story), Samuel Johnson (Molly), Christopher James Baker (True Detective), Rachael Blake (Cleverman), Leeanna Walsman (Penguin Bloom), Simon Lyndon (Mystery Road) and Maggie Kirkpatrick (The Letdown) step through Eden's twisty tale. Behind the camera, the show stems from head writer Vanessa Gazy (Highway) and writing team Jess Brittain (Clique), Anya Beyersdorf (Shakespeare Now), Clare Sladden (Freudian Slip) and Penelope Chai (Other People's Problems) — and directors John Curran (Chappaquiddick), Mirrah Foulkes (Judy & Punch) and Peter Andrikidis (Alex & Eve). And, the creator of Skins, Bryan Elsley, helped created Eden, too, with Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries). Check out the first teaser trailer for Eden below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaPeDr3DoMA Eden will hit Stan sometime this year — we'll update you with an exact date when it is announced. Top image: Every Cloud Productions.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are back in business — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. IN THE HEIGHTS Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't the first lyricist to pen tunes so catchy that they get stuck in your head for years (yes, years), but his rhythmic tracks and thoughtful lines always stand out. Miranda's songs are melodic and snappy, as anyone who has seen Hamilton onstage or via streaming definitely knows. The multi-talented songwriter's lyrics also pinball around your brain because they resonate with such feeling — and because they're usually about something substantial. The musical that made his name before his date with US history, In the Heights echoes with affection for its eponymous Latinx New York neighbourhood. Now that it's reverberating through cinemas, its sentiments about community, culture, facing change and fighting prejudice all seem stronger, too. To watch the film's characters sing about their daily lives and deepest dreams in Washington Heights is to understand what it's like to feel as if you truly belong in your patch of the city, to navigate your everyday routine with high hopes shining in your heart, and to weather every blow that tries to take that turf and those wishes away. That's what great show tunes do, whisking the audience off on both a narrative and an emotional journey. Miranda sets his words to hip hop beats, but make no mistake: he writes barnstorming songs that are just as rousing and moving, and that've earned their place among the very best stage and screen ditties as a result. Watching In the Heights, it's hard not to think about all those stirring tracks that've graced previous musicals. That isn't a sign of derivation here, though. Directing with dazzling flair and a joyous mood, Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker Jon M Chu nods to cinema's lengthy love affair with musicals in all the right ways. His song-and-dance numbers are clearly influenced by fellow filmic fare, and yet they recall their predecessors only because they slide in so seamlessly alongside them. Take his staging of the tune '96000', for instance. It's about winning the lottery, after word filters around that bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos, a Hamilton alum) has sold a lucky ticket. Due to the sweltering summer heat, the whole neighbourhood is at the public pool, which is where Chu captures a colourful sea of performers expressing their feelings through exuberantly shot, staged and choreographed music and movement — and it's as touching and glorious as anything that's ever graced celluloid. Of course, $96,000 won't set anyone up for life, but it'd make an enormous difference to Usnavi, In the Heights' protagonist and narrator. It'd also help absolutely everyone he loves. As he explains long before anyone even hears about the winning ticket, or buys it, every Heights local has their own sueñitos — little dreams they're chasing, such as his determination to relocate to the Dominican Republic. And that's what this intoxicating, invigorating, impassioned and infectious captures with vibrant aplomb. Read our full review. TALL POPPY — A SKATER'S STORY When skateboarding makes its debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo this winter, it'll do so with Poppy Starr Olsen flying the flag for Australia. A world champion since her teens, she first hit the Bondi Skate Park at the age of eight, and proclaimed at the time that she'd like to spend her adult life carving, ollieing, flipping and grinding — one of those childhood wishes that, in this case, has proven more than just a kid's outlandish fantasy. Audiences know about this youthful exclamation because it was caught on camera. Yes, Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story belongs in the camp of documentaries that are inescapably blessed by the constant lens through which many of our lives have been captured since video cameras became a household gadget and then a standard mobile phone feature. Accordingly, making her first feature-length doco, filmmaker Justine Moyle has ample material to draw upon as she weaves together a portrait of Olsen's life from pint-sized bowl-rider to Australia's best female skater, the fourth best woman on a board in the world and an Olympian, all by the age of 21. This isn't just a film compiled from home videos, though, although the feature. In front of Dane Howell's (Without a Tracey) lens as she has grown up, Olsen is candid, open and relaxed as she literally comes of age before the camera, and her skateboarding skills are just as riveting to watch. You can tell much about Olsen by just seeing her in the bowl or on the park, no matter her age, wherever she happens to be at the time, or if she's competing, practicing or just skating for fun. It hardly comes as a surprise that she takes to the pastime because it feels so freeing; as she rolls up and down in Bondi after first giving skateboarding a try, she may as well be flying. Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story captures the rollercoaster ride from there, as she's eager and enthusiastic at both local and international competitions, visibly nervous at her first X Games, and also a little disillusioned once she's put on an Olympic path. She's a teenager, in other words, and her emotional ups and downs mirror those on the board. This is a film about resilience, perseverance and taking on the world on your own terms, however, as Olsen works out who she wants to be and how that ripples through in her skateboarding. She's already a role model, whether or not you want to follow in her footsteps. Here, she's doubly so for her personal ebbs and flows, including through COVID-19, as much as her professional achievements. Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story is an affectionate movie, of course. Its release is also impeccably timed, it's as deservedly loving towards female skaters as the fictional Skate Kitchen and its TV spinoff Betty, and it shows the beauty in every commonplace and exceptional skateboarding trick. But Olsen's presence, passion and prowess drive this rousing documentary above all else. THREE SUMMERS Not to be confused with the 2017 Ben Elton-directed Australian rom-com of the same name, Brazilian drama Three Summers takes its title literally: in writer/director Sandra Kogut's (Campo Grande) film, the action takes place across a trio of consecutive Decembers. In the first chapter, set in 2015, the lively Madá (Regina Casé, The Second Mother) flits around the opulent condominium that she oversees on behalf of the wealthy Edgar (Otávio Müller, Silence of the Rain) and his wife Marta (Gisele Fróes, Edge of Desire) — a space that's soon a hive of activity due to the family's Christmas party. She keeps her staff bustling as her employers, their relatives and their friends relax, all so that she can work towards her own dream of opening a roadside kiosk. For the latter, she needs Edgar, who agrees to buy her the land she needs. He's also more interested than anyone should be in her out-of-date pre-paid mobile phone, which ties into the changed state of play come summer 2016. By then, the family has fallen from grace. Only Edgar's elderly and kindly father Lira (Rogério Fróes, Magnífica 70) remains alongside Madá, her staff, and the police who show up to search the house in the wake of a corruption scandal. Next, in 2017, the housekeeper has adapted to the new normality, teaming up with Lira to rent out the condo on Airbnb. Largely confining the action to her chosen setting, Kogut hasn't quite made a savage eat the rich-style indictment of Brazil's class disparities — but she does have a probing eye for what the country's chasms between the haves and the have nots means for the latter. Madá goes from being reminded that she couldn't pay for the condo's decor in a lifetime to hustling to turn the space to her advantage; in a world where everyone is either striving to make more money or just enough, trying to make the most of every opportunity is as much the domain of the working class as the well-to-do. For those just attempting to get by, it's a necessity, though. For their bosses, it's all about greed, power and status. Three Summers saves its sympathies for Madá and her colleagues, and never for Edgar and his family, although it doesn't always have the bite the story, subject matter and real-life situations it parallels call for. Still, this is an involving character study of a woman continually placed at the mercy of others, and just as constantly battling to retain what control she can over her own destiny. And, as she was in The Second Mother, Casé is superb, this time playing a talkative, determined but haunted everywoman who is always trying to make the best of whatever she's saddled with. THE HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD Someone involved with The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard must really love paperwork; that's the only reason anyone could've given its script the go-ahead. Perhaps Australian filmmaker Patrick Hughes, who also directed 2017's The Hitman's Bodyguard, likes nothing more than keeping his documents in order. Maybe returning screenwriter Tom O'Connor (The Courier) falls into that category, or his debuting co-scribes Phillip and Brandon Murphy — they all made the subject the focus of their screenplay, after all. Whoever fits the bill, their attempt to force audiences to care about bodyguard licensing falls flat. So does the misguided idea that the certification someone might need to unleash their inner Kevin Costner would ever fuel an entire movie. Instead, what was already a needless sequel to a terrible action-comedy becomes even more of a dull and pointless slog, with this by-the-numbers follow-up showing zero signs that anyone spent more than a few seconds contemplating the story. A significant plot point here: that Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds, The Croods: A New Age) has lost his official tick of approval. He's no longer triple A-rated after a mishap in the line of duty, and he isn't coping well. To be fair, no one watching The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard will handle that news swimmingly either, but only because they're made to hear about it over and over, all as Bryce rekindles his begrudging association with assassin Darius Kincaid (Samuel L Jackson, Spiral: From the Book of Saw) and the latter's con artist wife Sonia (Salma Hayek, Bliss). When Darius gets snatched up by nefarious folks during his belated honeymoon with Sonia, only Bryce can help — or so says the angry Mrs Kincaid. She interrupts the latter's vacation with swearing, shouting and shootouts, because that's the kind of feisty Mexican wife that Hayek plays. From there, Reynolds primarily complains, Hayek sticks with stereotypes and Jackson attempts to exude his usual brand of couldn't-care-less cool; however, even more than in Spiral: From the Book of Saw, he's on autopilot. As also seen in Jackson's last big-screen appearance, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard insists on reminding its audience about its stars' better movies. You don't cast both Hayek and Antonio Banderas (who plays a European tycoon plotting the world's demise) if you don't want to bring Desperado and Once Upon a Time in Mexico to mind (and Frida and even Spy Kids 3, too). Thinking about the pair's shared past highlights is far more enjoyable than enduring their current collaboration, unsurprisingly. Making fun of accents is considered the height of comedy here, women can only be hot-headed nags and manchild daddy issues get almost as much love as paperwork. The jokes aren't just scattershot; they're non-existent. The messy, incoherent and over-edited action scenes fare just as badly. None of the above is likely to save us from a third movie, though, which'll probably be called The Hitman's Wife's Baby's Bodyguard's Lost Birth Certificate. BUCKLEY'S CHANCE When a film saddles Bill Nighy with an Aussie twang and has him threaten to throw someone into a billabong, it isn't a great sign. When the same movie makes a big deal about a kangaroo less than three minutes in and stresses the dangers of dingoes just as quickly, it's clear that it has only been made with overseas viewers in mind. The dingoes don't eat anyone's babies, but it must've taken quite the self-restraint on Canadian writer/ director Tim Brown (Treasure Hounds) and screenwriter Willem Wennekers' (From the Vine) parts to leave that plot development out. They definitely haven't held back on the hackneyed and banal inclusions otherwise, though. The pair seems to have seen the Crocodile Dundee movies, The Simpsons' much-mocked Australian episode and the Red Dog films, then decided that they had all the tools they needed to make a outback adventure-thriller in the mould of Wake in Fright, Razorback and every other flick about overseas arrivals confronting the Great Southern Land's vast expanse — but in family-friendly packaging. From that dubious starting point, Brown and Wennekers are only interested in trading in Aussie cliches. In other words, they're only making a Down Under-set flick for audiences anywhere but here. That's why Nighy is stuck struggling with an unconvincing accent and roaming around in the dust: he's a recognisable, big-name star known the world over who'll help entice eyeballs, and he's also an outsider who wouldn't instantly grimace at every overdone stereotype. Here, the title has it — because there really is Buckley's chance that local viewers, even children, will find much to enjoy. Relocating to the titular property with his recently widowed mother Gloria (Victoria Hill, The Secrets We Keep), 13-year-old New Yorker Ridley (feature first-timer Milan Burch) doesn't think he'll discover much to his liking either. He certainly doesn't warm to his grandfather Spencer (Nighy, Minamata), even before he's forced to accompany the no-nonsense station owner on an overnight wander through the surrounding outback. That camping trip does see the boy save and befriend a dingo, at least. And, when he's later lost in the desert after spying a couple of dimwitted locals (Top of the Lake's Ben Wood and Packed to the Rafters' Anthony Gooley) trying to burn down his grandpa's property over a land feud — and then hides in the back of their ute, gets caught and is forced to escape their bumbling clutches — said canine becomes Ridley's trusty offsider. Every turn that Buckley's Chance takes steers it into been-there, done-that territory. Every film this stale retread resembles did it better, too, including last year's crims-and-kids comedy A Sunburnt Christmas. The one shining light, in a movie with few high points and largely monotonous performances: Kelton Pell (The Heights). Playing Spencer's righthand man, he's the only actor who plays anything approximating an engaging character, even in his brief screentime. RHAPSODY OF LOVE Her best friend Ben (Benjamin Hanly, Janet King) is getting married, she's the best man, and she's running late — so much so that she's doing her hair and makeup while chatting on the phone with her sister Jade (Joy Hopwood, also the film's writer and director). She also finishes getting dressed in the car to the ceremony, too, while asking her driver to get her there as speedily as possible. That's how Rhapsody of Love introduces Sydneysider Jess Flowers (Kathy Luu, The Script of Life), in one of those pure rom-com scenes that aims to make all the chaos seem charming and whimsical rather than disorganised and messy. Indulging in romantic comedy tropes is this film's glue, and it pastes those well-worn cliches around everywhere it can. At the wedding, the stereotypically bubbly Jess meets photographer Justin (Damien Sato, At First Hello), and of course sparks fly over awkward then flirty banter. The PR whiz also finds a new friend and client in baker Victoria (Lily Stewart, Ascendant), who has whipped up the cake for Ben and his bride Natasha (Jessica Niven, Dirt Music), and is also instantly attracted to waiter Hugh (Tom Jackson, Bloom). Unbeknownst to Jess, though, Victoria happens to be Justin's long-term girlfriend — resulting in several waves of personal and professional pandemonium. In a tongue-in-cheek scene partway through the film, the Flowers sisters try to pick a rom-com to watch one evening. They're both fans, obviously. Among the DVDs scattered across Jade's floor: the wholly fictional Sleepless in Sydney and Crazy Middle Class Asians. Even from just their monikers, those two faux flicks say plenty about Rhapsody of Love — that's exactly how it pitches itself, after all, and with more enthusiasm than the over-the-top zeal oozing from Luu's performance. Adding an Asian Australian focus to the nation's small and hardly diverse collection of romantic comedies is a welcome and important feat. Leaning on all the genre's hallmarks, especially when sporting a tone that oscillates between winking and earnest, tempers the film's impact, though. Even when a formulaic new entry in an overpopulated genre splashes much-needed diversity across the screen, coats on its eagerness just as thick and is visibly warm to look at, there's no escaping the by-the-numbers air. Rhapsody of Love's wooden performances don't do it any favours, either, and neither does the rote dialogue, or the predictable complications that blight not only Jess and Justin's path to true love, but Ben and Natasha's, Victoria and Hugh's, and Jade and her new trainer Phil's (Khan Chittenden, Book Week) as well. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on January 1, January 7, January 14, January 21 and January 28; February 4, February 11, February 18 and February 25; March 4, March 11, March 18 and March 25; and April 1, April 8, April 15, April 22 and April 29; May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27; and June 3, June 10 and June 17. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Nomadland, Pieces of a Woman, The Dry, Promising Young Woman, Summerland, Ammonite, The Dig, The White Tiger, Only the Animals, Malcolm & Marie, News of the World, High Ground, Earwig and the Witch, The Nest, Assassins, Synchronic, Another Round, Minari, Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra, The Truffle Hunters, The Little Things, Chaos Walking, Raya and the Last Dragon, Max Richter's Sleep, Judas and the Black Messiah, Girls Can't Surf, French Exit, Saint Maud, Godzilla vs Kong, The Painter and the Thief, Nobody, The Father, Willy's Wonderland, Collective, Voyagers, Gunda, Supernova, The Dissident, The United States vs Billie Holiday, First Cow, Wrath of Man, Locked Down, The Perfect Candidate, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, Ema, A Quiet Place Part II, Cruella, My Name Is Gulpilil, Lapsis, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, Fast and Furious 9 and Valerie Taylor: Playing with Sharks.
Windsor watering hole Galah might have flown off on its merry way, but the lofty High Street space it called home is being brought back to life by the mind behind one of the suburb's other beloved bars. For his next project, Neptune Food & Wine's Nic Coulter is reviving the second-floor site with plans to create a place for wining, dining, music and art that's built on ever-rotating offerings. Slated to open in April just a couple of doors up from Neptune, Young Hearts is set to be a multi-faceted venue that promises to deliver something fresh each time you visit. Master of change, it'll serve up an evolving arts program, championing local creatives across its vinyl-led DJ booth, the gallery space that graces its walls and its central circular stage. [caption id="attachment_655181" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Galah[/caption] Meanwhile, the bar will be stocked with a top-quality curation of favourites, the wine list centred on natural drops and locally made creations, and a fuss-free offering of beers and spirits also heroing homegrown tipples. There'll be a lineup of both signature and classic cocktails, too. As for the food side of things, that'll be getting a regular shake-up of its own. Expect a fresh kitchen residency taking the reins every six months, with the rotation set to span chefs both new and emerging, across a slew of different dining genres and cuisines. "I saw an opportunity to re-inject some new energy into the street," explains Coulter, describing Young Hearts as "a venue that lives at the cross-section of great drinks, music, food and culture. A destination for anybody, any time." Find Young Hearts at 216 High Street, Windsor, from April. We'll share more details as they drop.
Twelve months after State of Grace served its last drinks on Collins Street, shutting up shop along with its secret cellar bar Fall From Grace, the city hot-spot has made a triumphant return. Resurrected in style, this time sporting a new King Street address, the well-loved venue has made one hell of a comeback. Here, old-world decor meets contemporary flair with a touch of the experimental. Mirrors, marble and chandeliers abound through both the European-style restaurant at street level and the hidden drinking den tucked below. Like the original, the latter is accessed through a bookshelf, though it's swapped the soaring ceilings for an intimate den, scattered with lounges and vintage knick-knacks. From the kitchen comes a share-friendly, modern Australian offering with a European edge. It's a modern take on bistro fare, sporting dishes like Aylesbury duck breast with crispy duck leg, rhubarb and freekah ($36); gnocchi with sage and black garlic purée ($28); and scallops teamed with apple, black pudding and candied bacon ($23). An extensive selection of grazing bites is sure to prove a hit with the after-work crowds, featuring bites like freshly shucked oysters ($5 each), prawn and prosciutto croquettes ($14), and a chicken liver pâté matched with jammy orange curd and brioche ($17). Behind the bar, classic cocktails sit alongside clever signatures, like the Little Hell ($19) — a blend of gin, Campari, apple and blood orange with a hint of rosemary — a Charged Negroni ($24), with dark rum and coffee, and the Saving Grace ($19), a salted caramel-spiked espresso martini. Find the latest iteration of State of Grace, and Fall From Grace, at 27 King Street, Melbourne. It's open from 12pm till 1am daily.
With vegan options galore, locally made gluten free bases available and solid lineup of Victorian beers and wines, Brunswick's latest pizzeria is sure to please the whole family (and friendship group). Located on Victoria Street, across the road from Small Axe Kitchen, Green Acre was scheduled to open right when COVID-19 lockdown hit. Instead of hitting pause, though, co-owners Rob McKenzie (Hard Pressed Coffee) and Phil Gijsbers (Burnley Brewing, East End Wine Bar, Small Print Pizza in Windsor) ran a Small Print Pizza pop-up in the space until restrictions eased on June 1. Now, the duo has unveiled the OG idea for the space: Green Acre. Designed by Sash Design and built using mostly salvaged and upcycled materials, the space has cosy leather booths, a fairy light-lit courtyard area, polished timber tables and rustic gold light fittings. Wherever you choose to sit, you'll be digging into one of 14 stone-fired sourdough pizzas. Vegans will find joy in The Grass is Greener (roast zucchini, spinach, chilli and smashed peas) and Shroom (field and enoki mushrooms, truffle oil and rocket), as well as the various pizzas topped with dairy-free cheeses and vegan salami. Meat-eaters also have plenty to choose from, including the controversial ham and pineapple, a chilli chicken number and one topped with prosciutto and pear. If you prefer your pizza topped with neither vegetables nor meat but, in fact, sweets, we suggest you go straight for the dessert pizza, which comes with Nutella, smashed Oreos and strawberries. Plus, pizzas are just $15 on Tuesdays. As well as being built relatively sustainably, the pizzeria has a commitment to low waste and locally sourced produce. Wines are almost exclusively soured from Victoria — with a few numbers from across SA and WA — and there's nothing above $64 a bottle, while beers feature Burnley (understandably) and other Brunswick locals, such as CoConsiprators and Foreigner. While the duo encourages dining in where possible, to help minimise packaging waste, if you do takeaway, you can do so knowing your pizza box is made from recycled cardboard and can itself by recycled thanks to a piece of 'sacrificial' paper that catches the grease. Find Green Acre at 328 Victoria Street, Brunswick from 4–9pm Sunday–Thursday and 4pm–late Friday–Saturday.
When it comes to summer, Australia hits it out of the park. Proof? Just look at how many high-quality festivals are held in the sunny months. From camping festivals with a secret lineup in a dairy farm, to a one-day inner city dance parties, there's pretty much something for every inclination (and intensity) this summer. And with all the frivolity and letting loose that happens on festival grounds, it's forgivable to forget who'll be gracing the stages. The 2018–19 season shows off an incredible crowd of Aussie musicians, with names almost eclipsing the international talent they'll be playing alongside. Courtney Barnett, Gang of Youths and Flight Facilities are a representation of the hundreds of Aussies doing the rounds, joined by international artists such as Cardi B, Anderson .Paak and Nicki Minaj headlining. But it's not just about the music. There'll be no shortage of visual art and the food offerings, like every year, are more and more gourmet and accommodating to dietaries (even at some of the more remote locations).
