Before the pandemic, when a new-release movie started playing in cinemas, audiences couldn't watch it on streaming, video on demand, DVD or blu-ray for a few months. But with the past few years forcing film industry to make quite a few changes — widespread movie theatre closures and plenty of people staying home in iso will do that — that's no longer always the case. Maybe you've been under the weather. Perhaps you haven't had time to make it to your local cinema lately. Given the hefty amount of films now releasing each week, maybe you simply missed something. Film distributors have been fast-tracking some of their new releases from cinemas to streaming recently — movies that might still be playing in theatres in some parts of the country, too. In preparation for your next couch session, here are 13 that you can watch right now at home. CRIMES OF THE FUTURE It takes a brave filmmaker to see cancer and climate change, and think of art, evolution and eroticism in a possible future. It takes a bold director to have a character proclaim that "surgery is the new sex", too. David Cronenberg has always been that kind of visionary, even before doing all of the above in his sublime latest release — and having the Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly helmer back on his body-horror bent for the first time in more than two decades is exactly the wild and weird dream that cinephiles want it to be. The Canadian auteur makes his first movie at all since 2014's Maps to the Stars, in fact, and this tale of pleasure and pain is as Cronenbergian as anything can be. He borrows Crimes of the Future's title from his second-ever feature dating back 50-plus years, brings all of his corporeal fascinations to the fore, and moulds a viscerally and cerebrally mesmerising film that it feels like he's always been working towards. Long live the new flesh, again. Long live the old Cronenberg as well. In this portrait of a potential time to come, the human body has undergone two significant changes. Three, perhaps, as glimpsed in a disquieting opening where an eight-year-old called Brecken (debutant Sotiris Siozos) snacks on a plastic bin, and is then murdered by his mother Djuna (Lihi Kornowski, Ballistic). That incident isn't unimportant, but Crimes of the Future has other departures from today's status quo to carve into — and they're equally absorbing. Physical agony has disappeared, creating a trade in "desktop surgery" as performance art. Also, a condition dubbed Accelerated Evolution Syndrome causes some folks, such as artist Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen, Thirteen Lives), to grow abnormal organs. These tumours are removed and tattooed in avant-garde shows by his doctor/lover Caprice (Léa Seydoux, No Time to Die), then catalogued by the National Organ Register's Wippit (Don McKellar, reteaming with Cronenberg after eXistenZ) and Timlin (Kristen Stewart, Spencer). Crimes of the Future is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. NOPE Kudos to Jordan Peele for giving his third feature as a writer/director a haters-gonna-hate-hate-hate name: for anyone unimpressed with Nope, the response is right there. Kudos, too, to the Get Out and Us filmmaker for making his third bold, intelligent and supremely entertaining horror movie in a row — a reach-for-the-skies masterpiece that's ambitious and eerie, imaginative and expertly crafted, as savvy about cinema as it is about spectacle, and inspires the exact opposite term to its moniker. Reteaming with Peele after nabbing an Oscar nomination for Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya utters the titular word more than once in Nope. Exclaiming "yep" in your head each time he does is an instant reaction. Everything about the film evokes that same thrilled endorsement, but it comes particularly easily whenever Kaluuya's character surveys the wild and weird events around him. We say yay to his nays because we know we'd respond the same way if confronted by even half the chaos that Peele whooshes through the movie. As played with near-silent weariness by the always-excellent Judas and the Black Messiah Oscar-winner, Haywood's Hollywood Horses trainer OJ doesn't just dismiss the strange thing in the heavens, though. He can't, even if he doesn't realise the full extent of what's happening when his father (Keith David, Love Life) suddenly slumps on his steed on an otherwise ordinary day. Six months later, OJ and his sister Emerald (Keke Palmer, Lightyear) are trying to keep the family business, which dates back to the 1800s, running. The presence lurking above the Haywoods' Agua Dulce property soon requires just as much attention, though. Just as Get Out saw Peele reinterrogate the possession movie and Us did the same with doppelgängers, Nope goes all in on flying saucers. So, Emerald wants the kind of proof that only video footage can offer. She wants her "Oprah shot", as well as a hefty payday. Soon, the brother-sister duo are buying new surveillance equipment — which piques the interest of UFO-obsessed electronics salesman Angel Torres (Brandon Perea, The OA) — and also enlisting renowned cinematographer Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott, Veni Vidi Vici) to capture the lucrative image. Nope is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. THE BLACK PHONE The Black Phone didn't need to star Ethan Hawke. In a way, it doesn't really. Fresh from Moon Knight and The Northman, Hawke is definitely in this unsettling 1978-set horror film. He's also exceptional in it. But, his top billing springs from his name recognition and acting-veteran status rather than his screen time. Instead, superb up-and-comer Mason Thames gets the bulk of the camera's attention in his first feature role. After him, equally outstanding young talent Madeleine McGraw (Ant-Man and The Wasp) comes next. They spend most of their time worrying about, hearing rumours of, hiding from, battling and/or trying to track down a mask-wearing, van-driving, child-snatching villain — the role that Hawke plays in a firmly supporting part, almost always beneath an eerie disguise. Visibly at least, anyone could've donned the same apparel and proven an on-screen source of menace. There's a difference between popping something creepy over your face and actually being creepy, though. Scary masks can do a lot of heavy lifting, but they're also just a made-to-frighten facade. Accordingly, when it comes to being truly petrifying, Hawke undoubtedly makes The Black Phone. He doesn't literally; his Sinister director Scott Derrickson helms, and also co-wrote the script with that fellow horror flick's C Robert Cargill, adapting a short story by Stephen King's son Joe Hill — and the five-decades-back look and feel, complete with amber and grey hues, plus a nerve-rattling score, are all suitably disquieting stylistic touches. But as the movie's nefarious attacker, who has been terrorising north Denver's suburban streets and soon has 13-year-old Finney Blake (Thames) in his sights, Hawke is unnervingly excellent, and also almost preternaturally unnerving in every moment. Whenever he opens his mouth, his voice couldn't echo from anyone else; however, it's the nervy, ominous and bone-weary physicality that he brings to the character that couldn't be more pitch-perfect. The Black Phone is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. OFFICIAL COMPETITION Every actor has one, albeit in various shades, lengths and textures, but sometimes one single hairstyle says everything about a film. Wildly careening in whichever direction it seems to feel like at any point, yet also strikingly sculptural, the towering reddish stack of curly locks atop Penélope Cruz's head in Official Competition is one such statement-making coiffure. It's a stunning sight, with full credit to the movie's hairstylists. These tremendous tresses are both unruly and immaculate; they draw the eye in immediately, demanding the utmost attention. And, yes, Cruz's crowning glory shares those traits with this delightful Spanish Argentine farce about filmmaking — a picture directed and co-written by Mariano Cohn and Gastуn Duprat (The Distinguished Citizen), and also starring Antonio Banderas (Uncharted) and Oscar Martínez (Wild Tales), that it's simply impossible to look away from. Phenomenal hair is just the beginning for Cruz here. Playing filmmaker Lola Cuevas — a Palme d'Or-winning arthouse darling helming an ego-stroking prestige picture for rich octogenarian businessman Humberto Suárez (José Luis Gómez, Truman) — she's downright exceptional as well. Humberto decides to throw some cash into making a movie in the hope of leaving a legacy that lasts, and enlisting Lola to work her magic with a Nobel Prize-winning novel called Rivalry is quite the coup. So is securing the talents of flashy global star Félix Rivero (Banderas) and serious theatre actor Iván Torres (Martínez), a chalk-and-cheese pair who'll work together for the first time, stepping into the shoes of feuding brothers. But before the feature can cement its backer's name in history, its three key creatives have to survive an exacting rehearsal process. Lola believes in rigorous preparation, and in testing and stretching her leading men, with each technique she springs on them more outlandish and stressful than the last. Official Competition is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING No one should need to cleanse their palates between Mad Max movies — well, maybe after Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, depending on your mileage with it — but if anyone does, George Miller shouldn't be one of them. The Australian auteur gifted the world the hit dystopian franchise, has helmed and penned each and every chapter, and made Mad Max: Fury Road an astonishing piece of cinema that's one of the very best in every filmic category that applies. Still, between that kinetic, frenetic, rightly Oscar-winning movie and upcoming prequel Furiosa, Miller has opted to swish around romantic fantasy Three Thousand Years of Longing. He does love heightened drama and also myths, including in the series he's synonymous with. He adores chronicling yearnings and hearts' desires, too, whether surveying vengeance and survival, the motivations behind farm animals gone a-wandering in Babe: Pig in the City, the dreams of dancing penguins in Happy Feet, or love, happiness and connection here. In other words, although adapted from AS Byatt's short story The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye, Three Thousand Years of Longing is unshakeably and inescapably a Miller movie — and it's as alive with his flair for the fantastical as most of his resume. It's a wonder for a range of reasons, one of which is simple: the last time that the writer/director made a movie that didn't connect to the Mad Max, Babe or Happy Feet franchises was three decades back. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that this tale about a narratologist (Tilda Swinton, Memoria) and the Djinn (Idris Elba, Beast) she uncorks from a bottle, and the chats they have about their histories as the latter tries to ensure the former makes her three wishes to truly set him free, is told with playfulness, inventiveness, flamboyance and a deep heart. Much of Miller's filmography is, but there's a sense with Three Thousand Years of Longing that he's been released, too — even if he loves his usual confines, as audiences do as well. Three Thousand Years of Longing is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. BULLET TRAIN Buy the ticket, take the ride, strap in for an onslaught of frenetic locomotive-bound fights: that's high-octane action-comedy Bullet Train on- and off-screen. Set on a shinkansen hurtling from Tokyo to Kyoto, in as stylised a vision of Japan that anyone not named Quentin Tarantino has ever thought of, this neon-lit adaptation of Kōtarō Isaka's 2010 page-turner Maria Beetle couldn't be more onboard with its central concept. That premise isn't snakes on a plane, but rather assassins on a train — plus one snake, one of nature's hitmen, actually. Cramming all those killers onto a single engine sparks mayhem, banter and bodies, not to mention chaotic frays in the quiet car and almost every other space. And when it works, with John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch steering the show, Tarantino and Guy Ritchie alum Brad Pitt as his main passenger, and a lifetime's worth of references to Thomas the Tank Engine slotted in, Bullet Train is as OTT and entertaining as it overtly wants to be. It doesn't always completely work, however; every journey, zipping along on a high-speed train or not, has its dips. Still, there are plenty of moving parts trying to keep the movie in motion — and plenty of plot, for better and for worse in both instances. In his second 2022 action-comedy after The Lost City, Pitt plays Ladybug, who is back riding the hired-gun rails after a zen break packed with new-age self-help platitudes. That's what he spouts to his handler (Sandra Bullock, The Unforgivable) by phone, in-between rueing his bad luck, as he tries to carry out what's supposed to be an easy job. All that Ladybug needs to do is take a briefcase, then disembark at the next station. But that piece of luggage is being transported by British assassin double-act Tangerine (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The King's Man) and Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry, Atlanta), as they escort a Russian mobster's son (Logan Lerman, Hunters) home. To up the hitman ante, the shinkansen is also carrying The Prince (Joey King, The Princess) and Kimura (Andrew Koji, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins), who have their own beef, as well as the revenge-seeking Wolf (Benito A Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny, Fast and Furious 9). Bullet Train is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. BEAST Idris Elba fights a lion. That's it, that's Beast, as far as film pitches go at least. This South Africa-set thriller's one-sentence summary is up there with 'Jason Statham battles a giant shark' and 'Liam Neeson stares down wolves' — straightforward and irresistible, obviously, in enticing audiences into cinemas. That said, the latest addition to the animals-attack genre isn't as ridiculous as The Meg, and isn't a resonant existential musing like The Grey. What this creature feature wants to be, and is, is a lean, edge-of-your-seat, humanity-versus-nature nerve-shredder. Director Baltasar Kormákur (Adrift) knows that a famous face, a relentless critter as a foe, and life-or-death terror aplenty can be the stuff that cinema dreams and hits are made of. His movie isn't completely the former, but it does do exactly what it promises. If it proves a box office success, it'll be because it dangles an easy drawcard and delivers it. There is slightly more to Beast than Idris Elba brawling with the king of the jungle, of course — or running from it, trying to hide from it in a jeep, attempting to outsmart it and praying it'll tire of seeing him as prey. But this tussle with an apex predator is firmly at its best when it really is that simple, that primal and, with no qualms about gore and jump scares, that visceral. Elba (The Harder They Fall) plays recently widowed American doctor Nate Samuels, who is meant to be relaxing, reconnecting with his teenage daughters Mare (Iyana Halley, Licorice Pizza) and Norah (Leah Jeffries, Rel), and finding solace in a pilgrimage to his wife's homeland. But Beast wouldn't be called Beast if the Samuels crew's time with old family friend Martin (Sharlto Copley, Russian Doll), a wildlife biologist who oversees the nature reserve, was all placid safaris and sunsets. Beast is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER What do you call a movie filled with giant screaming goats, magic weapons vying for attention like romantic rivals, a naked Chris Hemsworth and a phenomenally creepy Christian Bale? Oh, and with no fewer than four Guns N' Roses needle drops, 80s nostalgia in droves, and a case of tonal whiplash as big as the God of Thunder's biceps? You call it Thor: Love and Thunder, and also a mixed bag. The fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to focus on the now 29-title saga's favourite space Viking, and the second Thor flick directed by Taika Waititi after Thor: Ragnarok, it welcomely boasts the New Zealand filmmaker's playful and irreverent sense of humour — and the dead-serious days of the series-within-a-series' first two outings, 2011's Thor and 2013's Thor: The Dark World, have definitely been banished. But Love and Thunder is equally mischievous and jumbled. It's chaotic in both fun and messy ways. Out in the cosmos, no one can swim, but movies about galaxy-saving superheroes can tread water. Thor Odinson (Hemsworth, Spiderhead) has been doing a bit of that himself — not literally, but emotionally and professionally. Narrated in a storybook fashion by rock alien Korg (also Waititi, Lightyear), Love and Thunder first fills in the gaps since the last time the Asgardian deity graced screens in Avengers: Endgame. Ditching his dad bod for his ultra-buff god bod earns a mention. So does biding his time with the Guardians of the Galaxy crew (with Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper and company popping up briefly). Then, a distress call from an old friend gives Thor a new purpose. Fellow warrior Sif (Jaimie Alexander, Last Seen Alive) has been fighting galactic killer Gorr the God Butcher (Bale, Ford v Ferrari), who's on a mission to do exactly what his name promises due to a crisis of faith — which puts not only Thor himself but also New Asgard, the Norwegian village populated by survivors from his home planet, at grave risk. It also puts Thor on a collision course with his ex-flame Dr Jane Foster (Natalie Portman, Vox Lux), who's changed dramatically since last they crossed paths. Thor: Love and Thunder is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. ORPHAN: FIRST KILL What's more believable — and plot twists follow: a pre-teen playing a 33-year-old woman pretending to be a nine-year-old orphan, with a hormone disorder explaining the character's eerily youthful appearance; or an adult playing a 31-year-old woman pretending to be a lost child returned at age nine, again with that medical condition making everyone else oblivious? For viewers of 2009's Orphan and its 13-years-later follow-up Orphan: First Kill, which is a prequel, neither are particularly credible to witness. But the first film delivered its age trickery as an off-kilter final-act reveal, as paired with a phenomenal performance by then 12-year-old Isabelle Fuhrman in the pivotal role. Audiences bought the big shift — or remembered it, at least — because Fuhrman was so creepy and so committed to the bit, and because it suited the OTT horror-thriller. This time, that wild revelation is old news, but that doesn't stop Orphan: First Kill from leaning on the same two key pillars: an out-there turn of events and fervent portrayals. Yes, a big twist is again one of the movie's best elements. Fuhrman (The Novice) returns as Esther, the Estonian adult who posed as a parentless Russian girl in the initial feature. In Orphan: First Kill, she's introduced as Leena Klammer, the most dangerous resident at the Saarne Institute mental hospital. The prequel's first sighted kill comes early, as a means of escape. The second follows swiftly, because the film needs to get its central figure to the US. Fans of the previous picture will recall that Esther already had a troubled history when she was adopted and started wreaking the movie's main havoc, involving the family that brought her to America — and her time with that brood, aka wealthy Connecticut-based artist Allen Albright (Rossif Sutherland, Possessor), his gala-hosting wife Tricia (Julia Stiles, Hustlers) and their teen son Gunnar (Matthew Finlan, My Fake Boyfriend), is filmmaker William Brent Bell (The Boy and Brahms: The Boy II) and screenwriter David Coggeshall's (Scream: The TV Series) new focus. Orphan: First Kill is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. THE FORGIVEN Patience is somewhat of a virtue with The Forgiven. It would be in it, too, if any of its wealthy white characters hedonistically holidaying in Morocco were willing to display the trait for even a second. Another addition to the getaways-gone-wrong genre, this thorny satirical drama gleefully savages the well-to-do, proving as eager to eat the rich as can be, and also lays bare the despicable coveting of exoticism that the moneyed think is an acceptable way to splash plentiful wads of cash. There's patently plenty going on in this latest release from writer/director John Michael McDonagh, as there typically is in features by the filmmaker behind The Guard, Calvary and War on Everyone. Here, he adapts Lawrence Osborne's 2012 novel, but the movie that results takes time to build and cohere, and even then seems only partially interested in both. Still, that patience is rewarded by The Forgiven's stellar lead performance by Ralph Fiennes, playing one of his most entitled and repugnant characters yet. Sympathies aren't meant to flow David Henninger's (Fiennes, The King's Man) way, or towards his wife Jo (Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye). Together, the spiky Londoners abroad bicker like it's a sport — and the only thing fuelling their marriage. Cruelty taints their words: "why am I thinking harpy?", "why am I thinking shrill?" are among his, while she counters "why am I thinking high-functioning alcoholic?". He's a drunken surgeon, she's a bored children's author, and they're venturing past the Atlas Mountains to frolic in debauchery at the village their decadent pal Richard (Matt Smith, Morbius) and his own barbed American spouse Dally (Caleb Landry Jones, Nitram) have turned into a holiday home. Sympathy isn't designed to head that pair's way, either; "we couldn't have done it without our little Moroccan friends," Richard announces to kick off their weekend-long housewarming party. But when the Hennigers arrive late after tragically hitting a local boy, Driss (Omar Ghazaoui, American Odyssey), en route, the mood shifts — but also doesn't. The Forgiven is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING Timing is everything in Where the Crawdads Sing, the murder-mystery melodrama set in America's Deep South that raced up bestseller lists in 2018, and now reaches cinemas a mere four years later. Its entire narrative hinges upon a simple question: did North Carolina outcast and recluse Kya Clark (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Fresh), cruelly nicknamed "the marsh girl" by locals, have time to speed home from an out-of-town stay to push star quarterback Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson, The King's Man) from a fire tower, then resume her trip without anyone noticing? On the page, that query helped propel Delia Owens' literary sensation to success, to Reese Witherspoon's book club — she's a producer here — and to a swift film adaptation. But no timing would likely have ever been right for the movie's release, given that Owens and her husband are wanted for questioning in a real-life murder case in Zambia. Unlike the film, those off-screen details aren't new, but they were always bound to attract attention again as soon as this feature arrived. One of the reasons they're inescapable: the purposeful parallels between Owens' debut novel and her existence. Like Kya, Owens is a naturalist. The also southern-born author spent years preferring the company of plants and animals, crusading for conservation causes in Africa. Where the Crawdads Sing is timed to coincide with Owens' own life as well; it's set in the 50s and 60s and, as a child (played by Jojo Regina, The Chosen) and a teenager, Kya is around the same age that Owens would've been then. Another reason that the ways that art might link with reality can't be shaken, lingering like a sultry, squelchy day: what ends up on-screen is as poised, pristine and polished as a swampy southern gothic tale can be, and anyone in one. There's still a scandal, but forget dirt, sweat and anything but lush, vivid wilderness courtesy of filmmaker Olivia Newman (First Match), plus a rustic hut that wouldn't look out of place on Airbnb. Where the Crawdads Sing is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. MURDER PARTY If Amelie and Knives Out combined, the end result would look like Murder Party. If Wes Anderson and Agatha Christie joined forces, the outcome would be the same. It's highly unlikely that first-time feature writer/director Nicolas Pleskof and his co-scribe Elsa Marpeau (Prof T) were ever going to call this feature Murder in the Game-Filled Mansion or Death While Rolling the Dice, but that's the overwhelming vibe. There's an escape room element, too — thankfully, though, nodding towards the Escape Room franchise isn't on the agenda. Murder Party's characters get stuck in intricately designed locked spaces and forced to piece together clues to secure their freedom, and are only permitted to remain breathing by keeping their wits about them, but no one's in a horror movie here. The feature starts with a killer setup: an eccentric crew of relatives, their brightly hued home on a sprawling country estate, an usual task given to a newcomer and, naturally, a sudden passing. Architect Jeanne Chardon-Spitzer (Alice Pol, Labor Day) is asked to pitch a big renovation project to the Daguerre family, transforming their impressive abode so that living there always feels like playing a game (or several). Patriarch César (Eddy Mitchell, The Middleman) already encourages his brood to enjoy their daily existence with that in mind anyway, including dedicating entire days to letting loose and walking, talking and breathing gameplay. But he's looking for a particularly bold next step. He's unimpressed by Jeanne's routine proposal, in fact. Then he drops dead, the property's doors slam shut and a voice over the intercom tells the architect, plus everyone else onsite, to undertake a series of challenges to ascertain the culprit among them — or be murdered themselves. Murder Party is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Read our full review. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN If The Phantom of the Open was part of a game of golf, rather than a movie about the club-flinging, ball-hitting, bunker-avoiding sport, it wouldn't be a hole in one. It couldn't be; perfection doesn't suit the story that director Craig Roberts (Eternal Beauty) and screenwriter Simon Farnaby (Paddington 2) are telling, which is as real and as shaggy — as so-strange-it-can-only-be-true, too — as they can possibly come. That other key factor in spiriting dimpled orbs from the tee to the cup in a single stroke, aka luck, is definitely pertinent to this feel-good, crowd-pleasing, happily whimsical British comedy, however. Plenty of it helped Maurice Flitcroft, the man at its centre, as he managed to enter the 1976 British Open despite never having set foot on a course or played a full round of golf before. It isn't quite good fortune that makes this high-spirited movie about him work, of course, but it always feels like a feature that might've ended up in the cinematic long grass if it wasn't so warmly pieced together. When Maurice (Mark Rylance, Don't Look Up) debuts on the green at the high-profile Open Championship, it doesn't take long for gap between his skills and the professionals he's playing with to stand out. In the words of The Dude from The Big Lebowski, obviously he's not a golfer — although what makes a golfer, and whether any sport should be the domain of well-to-do gatekeepers who reserve large swathes of land for the use of the privileged few, falls into The Phantom of the Open's view. So does a breezily formulaic yet drawn-from-fact account of a man who was born in Manchester, later settled in the port town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and spent much of his life as a shipyard crane operator, providing for his wife Jean (Sally Hawkins, Spencer), her son Michael (Jake Davies, Artemis Fowl), and the pair's twins Gene (Christian Lees, Pistol) and James (Jonah Lees, The Letter for the King). Maurice had never chased his own dreams, until he decided to give golfing glory a swing. The Phantom of the Open is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. Looking for more at-home viewing options? Take a look at our monthly streaming recommendations across new straight-to-digital films and TV shows — and our best new TV shows, returning TV shows and straight-to-streaming movies from the first half of 2022. Or, check out the movies that were fast-tracked to digital in January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August.
Carlton's John Curtin Hotel — mostly known as simply The Curtin — is a stalwart in Melbourne's live music scene. It hosts gigs all through the week — international bands (Girlpool and The Libertines have recently graced the stage) fill in the schedule along with Melbourne faves and up-and-comers launching EPs. Plus, there's some great pub grub. Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers currently has a residency in the pub's kitchen, matching its loaded gig lineup with an offering of American-style chicken. The signature bird is brined for 24 hours, then pressure fried for a perfectly crisp finish. It's a true connoisseur's menu with a fix for any sort of chicken craving, from a two-piece feed of dark or white meat, to a full bird divvied up into "eight pieces of awesome". There are also more sides than you can poke a drumstick at, including Southern-style classics like smokey slow-cooked beans, a zesty bean salad and creamy mash drenched in house gravy.
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) has announced its program for 2017 — and, well, we hope you're hungry. Come March 31, the festival will take over the city for ten days of delicious dinners, long lunches, wine weekends, parties, masterclasses and more. And while it's their 25th year, they haven't just rolled out a program of the same old thing. For the first time ever, MFWF will have their own House of Food and Wine, a more concrete answer to the pop-up hub they've had down at Queensbridge Square in the past. When they call it a house, they mean that very literally — the CBD space will be styled to feel like a home, featuring a dining room (the main event space), a lounge room (the bar) and garden in the laneway. Deviating slightly from your average house, it will also feature a gallery of illustrations by Anna Vu (from Good Food Crap Drawing) of some of the city's favourite MFWF dishes from the last 25 years. The lounge room bar will be open every day of the festival and feature a curated list of artisan Victorian wines, while the dining room will play host to a number of special events. Spend opening night (Friday, March 31) at an Italian disco and dining party and closing night (Sunday, April 9) at the Burger Block Party, which will bring together Australia's best burger-makers — think Marys from Sydney, Short Order Burger Company from Perth, and Rockwell & Sons and Beatbox Kitchen from Melbourne. There's also a whole host of exciting events happening outside the House. This year MFWF will coincide with the World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards, which are being hosted by Melbourne for the very first time. They've managed to nab some of the world's best chefs to run some masterclasses at the festival — which is a pretty big deal. Among them will be classes from sensory chef Grant Achatz from Chicago restaurant Alinea (ranked #15), Jorge Vallego from Mexico City's Quintonil (ranked #12) and Australia's David Thompson, who runs Bangkok's Nahm (ranked #37) and is set to open Long Chim in Melbourne next year. On Friday, March 31 the Bank of Melbourne is hosting the annual world's longest lunch on Melbourne's iconic Lygon Street. 1600 diners will sit along a 580-metre tables to enjoy an autumnal Italian menu from Antonio Carluccio. Unfortunately it's already sold out, but if you still want to enjoy a long lunch and don't mind spending it in a vineyard or along a riverbank, there are another 20 happening in regional Victoria. On Saturday, April 8, get armed with a myki and take tram route 72, which will become Melbourne's answer to Burgundy's Route Nationale 74 for the day. It will take you on a tram-crawl of three of the southeast's best wine bars: Milton in Malvern, Toorak Cellars in Armadale and The Alps in Prahran. On Friday, April 7, they're also hosting a culinary tour of the Melbourne General Cemetery. With many of Melbourne's best chefs and wine makers and merchants buried here, chef Allan Koh — from Springvale Botanical Cemetery's cafe-flower shop hybrid Cafe Vita et Flores — will recreate the deceased's signature dishes for guests to sample at notable grave sites. The festival will also host usual favourites like their Crawl 'n' Bite food tours, lunch specials, wine tastings and masterclasses. You can check out — and buy tickets for — the full program here. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will run from March 31 to April 9, 2017. For more information, visit melbournefoodandwine.com.au.
It's set in Canada. It pays tribute to iconic Iranian filmmaking. It took home Cannes Directors' Fortnight's inaugural Audience Award. It's now the recipient of the Melbourne International Film Festival's Bright Horizons accolade, too. The movie to put on your must-see list if you haven't already caught it at MIFF 2024: Matthew Rankin's Universal Language, the picture chosen by the event's 2024 jury as the pick of the fest's competition titles. It was back in 2022 that the Victorian film festival, which is Australia's oldest, revealed that it was introducing a prize for standout new filmmaking talents. The Bright Horizons Award heroes both first-time and sophomore directors — and gives each year's winner a cool $140,000 for their troubles. Nabbed by Afrofuturist musical Neptune Frost in its initial year and Senegalese-French love story Banel & Adama in 2023, that hefty amount of prize money makes the gong one of the richest film fest awards in the world. Debuting at Cannes, and also set to make its North American premiere on home soil at this year's Toronto International Film Festival, Universal Language explores a vision of Winnipeg that resembles Iran in the 80s — and where Farsi as well as French are the official tongues. Alongside helming his second feature after 2019's The Twentieth Century, Rankin also appears in one of the movie's stories, as he spins absurdist tales about two kids on an adventure started by a random banknote, an unhappy teacher and a filmmaker. "Our task as jury was joyful, invigorating and inspiring. It was also incredibly arduous, heartbreaking and some might even say cruel, because how could anyone choose a favourite or pick a winner from such an incredible lineup of films, all worthy of accolades in their own ways, all testaments to the fact that the future of cinema is bright indeed?" said 2024's MIFF Bright Horizons jury, which was led by Australian filmmaker Ivan Sen (Limbo). "One movie represented all of the facets of the Bright Horizons Award: a film whose cultural specificity transcends borders; whose cinematic playfulness is matched equally by its sensitivity; and whose very form is in conversation with cinema past, present and future. This is why the Bright Horizons Award goes to Universal Language by Matthew Rankin," continued the group's statement, with director David Lowery (Peter Pan & Wendy), producer Yulia Evina Bhara (Tiger Stripes), costume designer Deborah L Scott (Avatar: The Way of Water) and actor Jillian Nguyen (White Fever) joining Sen. The quintet also gave a Special Jury Award to Flow, an animation about animals on a boat, when selecting Universal Language from a packed pool of contenders. Other films in the running included Janet Planet, the debut movie from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker; Inside, a prison drama with Guy Pearce (The Clearing), Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun) and Toby Wallace (The Bikeriders) that's directed by Charles Williams, who won the 2018 short film Palme d'Or for All These Creatures; and The Village Next to Paradise, the first-ever Somali film play Cannes. Also since 2022, MIFF's lineup of prizes spans the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award as well, which recognises an outstanding Australian creative from one of the festival's movies. 2024's recipient to the tune of $70,000: Jaydon Martin for Flathead. "We were captivated and affected by Jaydon Martin's visually arresting and very moving portrait of individuals often forgotten about in society — in this case, the real people of small town Bundaberg," advised the jury. "Flathead's seamless merging of realities and fiction, both so raw yet so cinematic, had a profound effect on our jury. We hope all of you have a chance to watch this brilliant, sensitive examination of survival, of humanity and of mortality, which will stay with you for days to come." In 2023, MIFF launched its First Nations Film Creative Award, which is now named the Uncle Jack Charles Award — with April Phillips winning for XR piece kajoo yannaga (come on let's walk together) in 2024. As chosen by festival attendees having their say as they're spending all of their spare time in a cinema, 2024's MIFF Audience Award went to two Australian movies: documentaries Voice and Left Write Hook, with the first about seeking support across the country for the Indigenous Voice referendum, and the second stepping into a boxing and creative writing program for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25. For more information, visit the MIFF website.
Do you have a whole shrine filled with gin? A shelf? A decent section of your liquor cabinet? If so, it's likely that many of those bottles hail from Australia's own Four Pillars. And, thanks to the gin-making superstars' next two tipples, you might be about to add to them. The latest additions to the award-winning brand's range both play with its original gin — and one that has quite the following. So, if you've sipped Four Pillars' Rare Dry Gin, you'll want to try its new Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin. The first is made with yuzu, the second features bergamot, and obviously no one stretched themselves too much thinking of these gins' names. Still citrus-heavy like the OG tipple, Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin came about after the Four Pillars' team discovered some locally grown yellow yuzu and green bergamot — and then started tinkering. Where the Rare Dry Gin uses nine botanicals in the pot and oranges in the vapour basket that sits above the pot, these two newbies swap in their different types of citrus. That's it, that's the change. While Four Pillars still recommends that you drink the original in G&Ts, it's suggesting that these two newcomers also suit the cocktail — or you can add the Rarer Dry Gin to a gin and soda highball if you're after something different. Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin will be available from Saturday, September 11 from the distillery's website, costing $75 each per bottle. And, because Four Pillars likes to put the bi-products from the distillation process to good use, this time it has whipped up a Made from Gin Yuzu & Bergamot Shred Marmalade that'll be available for $12 for a 160-gram jar. For more information about Four Pillars' Rarer Dry Gin and Rarest Dry Gin, or to buy them from Saturday, September 11, head to the distillery's website.
Celine Song understands the power of a moment. Past Lives, her debut feature, is filled with scenes and meetings — minutes and mere seconds, too — that are so potent they're almost overwhelming. Making the leap to cinema from the stage, the playwright-turned-filmmaker has crafted a quiet, patient, contemplative and deeply felt romantic drama that knows intimately how emotions can swell to bursting point in something as simple and commonplace as a glance, walk, Skype call or drink at a bar. One of the movies that had 2023's Sundance Film Festival talking, plus everywhere from Berlin to Sydney to New Zealand since — and is destined to be showered in awards love, too — Past Lives is well-aware of what it's like to spend oh-so-many moments wondering what could've been or still might, and about what's meant to. Arriving after focusing on the stage, getting experimental with Chekhov live and online with The Seagull on The Sims 4 and writing for the initial season of streaming series The Wheel of Time, Song's first effort as a filmmaker springs from a specific moment, in fact — and one that she also recreates on-screen with her characters Nora (Greta Lee, Russian Doll), Hae Sung (Teo Yoo, Decision to Leave) and Arthur (John Magaro, The Many Saints of Newark). Past Lives takes inspiration from the writer/director's own experiences in a number of ways. "I would say it's an adaptation of my life, or inspired by," she tells Concrete Playground. It was the power of a moment sat in a New York bar with her American husband and Korean childhood sweetheart, however, that helped put the picture in motion. "I wasn't sure if there was a movie in it, but I think that what I really did feel is that it did feel like a significant and special moment, and a very revelatory moment in my own life," Song shares, chatting in August when she was in Australia for the Melbourne International Film Festival. "I feel like living your life as an ordinary person, I think that there are moments in your life where your life suddenly feels completely extraordinary — and it's totally epic, too. Then you just suddenly feel the total sheer scale of your life expand." "That kind of was this weird moment where I was like 'huh, nobody in this bar probably knows this or feels this, but I think that I just am feeling so massive sitting here in this little bar with these two people'," Song continues. "I think that it made me feel like 'maybe this is something that might connect with other people?'. And then, more and more, I learned that it does connect with a lot of people, and that honestly has made me feel less lonely more than anything." Past Lives begins with Nora, Hae Sung and Arthur sipping and chatting as fellow bar patrons observe, guessing about who the trio are to each other. From the outset, the film connects with that powerful moment in Song's own existence, with the three figures that'll wander through her feature's frames coping with love and life, and with viewers doing their own watching and pondering as well. From there, the movie heads backwards, first to Nora (Moon Seung-ah, Voice of Silence) and Hae Sung's (Leem Seung-min, Good Deal) time together as pre-teens, before the former and her family move to Canada. Then, it jumps forward twice in 12-year increments, checking in wth the pair — and Arthur once he enters Nora's life — as time passes on and distance stretches their youthful bond. As this tender and heartbreakingly honest picture unfurls, Past Lives' audience doesn't just experience an affinity with folks realising that they're having a moment, but with the "what if?" questions in life, being torn between the past and the present, and trying to work out who you truly are. With its title drawn from the Korean concept of in-yeon, aka the fate that connects anyone who crosses paths, Past Lives' viewers feel a date with destiny as well. Getting swept away by Past Lives is easy; making it play that way wasn't, of course. Song chatted us through the details, including subjectivity, authenticity, getting the personal to feel personal to everyone else, and the ins and outs of casting when you're taking cues from your own life. ON MAKING SONG'S FIRST FEATURE "I wish that I could give you some a lofty thing that I was trying to do. But honestly, I think because it was my first movie, it was just getting through the day and getting a movie made more than anything. I think that every day, the number-one goal that you're facing is just 'okay, how do I make this movie — how do I get through today, and get the footage and get the performances I need?'. That really was the primary drive. I wish I had big, lofty dreams for things, but it was so much more like I was like learning how to do it as I go because it was my first movie. That really was so fully occupying me that it was hard actually for me to feel like I could have any goals beyond making the movie." ON TAKING INSPIRATION FROM REALITY, AND FROM SONG'S OWN STORY "It really does start from that amazing subjective place — that is the part that is the autobiographical moment, which is that moment in the bar. But then, of course, in turning it into a script there is an objectification of the subjective moment, where it becomes a script that you're writing. And then from there, there's another layer of objectification, where you, with hundreds of people who are working on the movie, turn it into a film — which is then a whole other set of objectification. And, part of it is the subjectivity of the actors, for example: they come into the picture and you're working with the actors to create these characters. So, by the time that I was making the movie properly and then finishing the movie and all that, I really was looking at the thing as making this movie. I think that at that point I felt pretty distant from the aspects of the movie that were that started from an autobiographical place. But now that what I really love is it's kind of full circle now — the audience is coming to meet this movie, and they're actually then able to experience it subjectively. They feel like it connects with them autobiographically on their own, too. I think that's the process of making personal work, and I think that's really what the process was for this. I really do think of it as a very personal film because of that. And the words I would usually use, I would say it's an adaptation of my life, or inspired by, or something like that." ON MAKING A PERSONAL FILM THAT FEELS PERSONAL TO AUDIENCES, TOO "That's always the dream and goal for it, because I feel like I have to believe that if I'm being as honest and authentic with the experience of what it's like to be a person, I just know that there is an audience that's going to also connect to it like that. I've really treated it very much as a test of how real can I be with the audience, and how real can the filmmaking be. Of course, I'm talking about the truth of the thing, rather than the facts, because some of it is about the truth of what it's like to be a person. As long as it is communicated in the best way, as clearly as possible — I think I used the word 'clearly' often, as you want to be able to tell the story as clearly as possible — at the end of it you really do want the audience to come along for this journey. And even though it's really specific, I think that the dream is that you're able to see yourself in it and you're able to connect it to your own life. This movie doesn't have conventional ideas of spectacle. We don't have wild costumes. We don't have VFX. We don't do anything that is outside of what is likened to human experience. So I think some of it just had to be relying on the authenticity of performance, and that's where the story is going to be. That's how the story was going to connect with the audience — they're going to feel how real the movie is going to be, the way that the movie is going to reach everyone. I've been finding that no matter what walk of life you come from, you're going find something in the movie that you feel connected to." ON MAKING AN AUTHENTIC "WHAT IF?" STORY WHEN EVERYONE SHARES THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT "That really is the the part that is difficult about making a movie where you can really feel connected to it. It's going to live and die on if the audience will come along for the journey and believe it, and believe the characters and believe the story. I think without question, that's where you're going to be able to see very, very high emotional standards. We do, of course, all experience 'what could have been?'. Sometimes it's the person, but sometimes it's a city — and sometimes it's a lifestyle or a job. If you ever have had an experience like that, I think you're going to connect to the movie." ON THE INTRICACIES OF CASTING WHEN YOU'RE TAKING CUES FROM YOUR OWN LIFE "I don't think that I was looking for actors who were going to play basically those people [IRL]. I was looking for people who were going to play the characters that I've written. So something that I wanted is to make sure that none the actors thought that what they were trying to do is to replicate people who exist. I wanted then to come with me in finding the characters that we're trying to to pick for the screen, because it's a completely different thing altogether — characters in movies are very different than people in real life. People in real life, it's not so clear what their arc is. In our lives, I don't think that we know what our arc is in our real life, because we don't live in narrative. We live in a life, compared to characters in a film who have to live in a narrative, because that's what we're going to be watching. Without question, the actors were not being asked to replicate real people. What they were being asked to do is the scenes, and part of the thing that I was looking for in the actors is, first of all, are they great actors? The way that I wanted to make the movie, sometimes I would ask the actors to just do the whole scene — which is, of course, something that comes from my background as a playwright — and I really wanted them to be able to do the whole scene if I asked them to. That's something that only actors that are really excellent actors are able to do. So, that was the first thing that I was looking for. The other thing I'm looking for is what I would call a soul match to the characters, where I really wanted the actors to have some deep kind of soul connection to the characters — it has to do with the way they're talking about the characters, but it's also, more importantly, the engine or the fire that a character has to have. It is something that the actors themselves could have — that the heart of Nora is going to be found in Greta's heart as well. I think you could really feel that in the film, where Nora is showing up but it's not just that Greta is playing Nora. I know that for the film, the only way that this movie can work is that Greta had become Nora. That's what's both amazing about casting and also what's very difficult." ON THE RESPONSE TO PAST LIVES SO FAR — AND THE SUNDANCE EXPERIENCE "You just hope for the best for the movie that you're making kind of in secret. I really did think about it as something that was a bit of a secret between me and everybody who was working on the movie. Then, as for how the world was going to receive it, that's been an amazing part — it's just nothing but joy and like excitement. I remember at Sundance, I'd been working on the movie again in secret with the people who worked on the movie with me for many years. Then I remember waiting at the backstage of Sundance, knowing that it's going to be in the in the public's hands from this moment on. I remember really feeling in that moment like everything's going to change, and this is going to be a moment where I'm going to have to let go of control or let go of everything. It really was like wandering into the unknown. I think that every time that there has been such a warm response, which is how it been, it's just such an exciting thing — because great word of mouth means that more people are going to come see the movie, and I think that's always the dream for it. You want to be able to share this thing that you made." Past Lives opened in cinemas Down Under on August 31. Read our review. Images: courtesy of A24.
When it comes to festivals, 2023 is gearing up to be a non-stop party all across the Sunshine State, right up to the year's end. We're looking at a jam-packed calendar of cultural events, from long-running festivals to exciting newcomers and immersive experiences. Whether you're into classical, country or blues, or folk and rock 'n' roll — or you simply want to discover the hottest emerging artists in the country — there's a good chance you'll find a fest that hits your chosen genre (or lets you delight in something new). And there's more than just tunes on offer. There's cultural spotlights and event programs highlighting fantastically unique communities, as well as activities bringing together artists and performers across different media forms for thought-provoking creative collabs. Plus, these festivals are in some pretty amazing locations, from the desert to the forest, seaside or sprawled across a vibrant city suburb — ideal for an adventure that mixes music with some travel. It's time to make space in the calendar, culture vultures — Queensland calls. [caption id="attachment_878012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] CMC ROCKS QLD Now in its 16th year, CMC Rocks QLD is a pilgrimage for every country-lovin' cowpoke. From March 17–19, the biggest country acts (and fans) will descend on Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich — just a short drive from Brisbane — for a three-day hoedown. The lineup this year features some real heavy hitters, plus Zac Brown Band's only Australian show. There's big representation from US artists, including Kip Moore and Morgan Wallen, as well as a truly standout suite of homegrown talent. While the 2023 edition is sold out, this red-hot event is one to keep on your music bucket list. Hopefully you can mosey on up in the future for three days of tunes, local markets and fully stocked food stalls and bars. Go enjoy some good old country hospitality. CMC Rocks QLD, Friday, March 17 till Sunday, March 19, 2023 BLUES ON BROADBEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL From May 18–21, Broadbeach is taken over by one of the biggest free, all-ages music festivals in the country. Blues on Broadbeach is in its 22nd year, and this celebration of blues and blues-inspired sound has some true legends hitting the stage — including two-time Grammy nominated acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame-er Don Walker, and acclaimed act Emma Donovan and The Putbacks. There's blues straight outta Memphis as well as a solid contingent of all-Aussie performers dominating the impressive roll call. The sprawling festival boasts multiple stages and venues around Broadbeach, so you can easily check out the local bars and restaurants between gigs. Blues on Broadbeach, Thursday, May 18 till Sunday, May 21, 2023 BIRDSVILLE BIG RED BASH Run away from the cold this winter and hit the desert. Birdsville Big Red Bash has been going strong for a decade, drawing folks from all over out to the Simpson Desert. At 35km from Birdsville, it's the most remote music festival in the world. From Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6, this little patch of desert will become Bashville, the home of concerts, campsites and a festival community all beneath the Big Red Dune. The team have even got the nifty Bash App to help you navigate the massive site, epic lineup and vast array of food trucks and activities. This year's festival features headliners Icehouse, John Williamson, Hoodoo Gurus, Pete Murray and Kate Ceberano. As well as being an all-ages event, it's also dog-friendly and BYO friendly. Nice one. Birdsville Big Red Bash, Tuesday, July 4 till Thursday, July 6 AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC A festival for the classical connoisseurs, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a massive 10-day celebration of the genre — and it just so happens to take place in the gloriously idyllic tropics. From Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6, performers and composers from all over the world join Australia's finest chamber musicians in Townsville-Gurambilbarra. The celebration covers a broad range of chamber music — from full orchestras performing classic pieces to beachside acoustic sessions, solo singers, quartets, concert pianists and more. Stimulate your intellect and be stirred by old works, new commissions and collaborations, which explore many stories and themes, both modern and timeless. All that right by the beautiful northern beaches of Queensland? Perfect. Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Friday, July 28 till Sunday, August 6 GYMPIE MUSIC MUSTER Penned as the "festival in the forest", this gathering has been going strong since 1982. And excitingly, after being on hold for 2020 and 2021, the Muster returned last year with a bang (and a hoot 'n' holler). This year, over four days and six venues, more than 100 artists, including country legends Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Troy Cassar-Daley, will perform in Amamoor State Forest on Kabi Kabi country. They're part of a huge lineup covering country, blues, folk and rock, which includes workshops and bush poetry too. This here is real country — proper bush — so bring your tent and your true-blue music passion and get in on this unmissable forest party. Gympie Music Muster, Thursday, August 24 till Sunday, August 27 [caption id="attachment_809942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas, Kymie at BIGSOUND 2019[/caption] BIGSOUND Here it is: a mid-week music fest right in the heart of the big city. More than 180 exciting emerging artists will perform across 23 stages in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8. Well-known up-and-comers like Budjerah, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans lead the way, but there are also so many fresh acts to discover across all genres. There's everything from indie pop, R&B, soul and electronic to heavy rock, country and an Auslan-incorporated performance from Alter Boy. There's a full First Nations program, with music, workshops, talks and gatherings, and a special After Midnight program of late night performances and parties. The festival runs alongside the BIGSOUND conference, which is the biggest music industry gathering in the southern hemisphere. Discover the future of Aussie music — the next big sound starts here. BIGSOUND, Tuesday, September 5 till Friday, September 8 [caption id="attachment_892555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cynthia Lee[/caption] CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL A huge three days of "sun, surf and soul", the Caloundra Music Festival is a diverse showcase of the Aussie music industry that celebrates homegrown talent at the seaside Kings Beach Amphitheatre. Last year saw some of Australia's hottest acts, including Baker Boy and Client Liaison, and long-time faves Ben Lee and Missy Higgins, take to the stage, and this year's artists are sure to be just as impressive — keep your eyes peeled for the announcement. Both family friendly and not for profit, this festival has real heart, prioritising the support of all things local and welcoming excited festival-goers from all over Australia. Come for the music, stay to experience the unique Caloundra community and environment, from its natural beauty to its local vendors, makers and creative spirit. It's a one-of-a-kind weekend and well worth a visit. Caloundra Music Festival, Friday, September 29 till Sunday, October 1 [caption id="attachment_892225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Troy Cassar-Daley performing at Savannah in the Round[/caption] SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND From Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8, Savannah in the Round brings three days and nights of rootin' tootin' country music to tropical north Queensland's Mareeba, in the Cairns Hinterland. Although this is one of the newer festivals on the scene, it's already making its mark. In 2022, it brought in big names from overseas, including Brad Paisley, as well as local acts like Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins and The Waifs. The lineup for 2023 is yet to be announced, but promises to be packed with world-class country, rock and pop acts. What we can tell you is that music on the main stage kicks off late on Friday arvo, but the two support stages (Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar) start in the morning and finish late. There's also plenty of art and cultural activities running over the long weekend. Expect a chockers First Nations-led cultural program complete with hands-on workshops, art installations, dance performances and storytelling. For your thrills, you can hit the fun fair's Ferris wheel and carnival games; and if you're a foodie, the paddock-to-plate experience will serve you the best of the region. Once you're there, you'll be just a moment from the gorgeous beaches and towering rainforests of the tropics — so it's well worth taking a few extra days to explore en route to the rodeo. Savannah in the Round, Friday, October 6 till Sunday, October 8 [caption id="attachment_891347" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL Throw on your cowboy hat and tropical shirt, you're goin' to where the country meets the sea for three days this October. Each year, this award-winning three-day event delivers free live music via an exceptional mix of performers from all over. Whether you prefer traditional country, rock or laid-back acoustic sessions, you'll find it on the beachside main stage or other venues around Broadbeach's stunning locale. This seaside hoedown has something for everybody, including markets, food stalls and fairground rides, with a big focus on celebrating the local community and spotlighting everything that makes it unique. Groundwater Country Music Festival, Friday, October 20 till Sunday, October 22 WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL This immersive, magical — and quite frankly, iconic — festival is the perfect way to close out the year. Over 25,000 people gather annually in the temporary village of Woodfordia, on regenerated native habitat, to experience music, art, culture, craft and convivial camping in an eco-friendly setting. It's a massive event, with more than 2000 performers from around Australia and abroad bringing high vibes — as well as writer's talks, circus arts, parades, an environmental program, a children's festival and workshops where you have the chance to flex your own creative muscles. Woodfordia itself becomes a thriving little community, complete with cafes and bars, with activities all day and into the night. Woodford Folk Festival, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 till Monday, January 1, 2024 To explore more arts and culture events taking over Queensland in 2023, head to the website. Top images: Andrew Rankin (third); Matt Williams (fourth); Jess Gleeson (fifth).
When a TV show or movie franchise returns years and years after its last instalment, there's no longer any point being surprised. It happens that often these days, with Veronica Mars, Twin Peaks, Star Wars and Jurassic Park just a few recent examples. The latest past pop culture hit set to make a comeback: Sex and the City. Thankfully, as anyone who sat through the terrible 2008 and 2010 movies of the same name will be hoping, the Sarah Jessica Parker-starring series is returning to the small screen this time around. Parker is back, as are her co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, all starring in a new HBO show called And Just Like That.... The new ten-episode series is a spinoff, rather than an additional season of the existing 1998–2004 program — and there's one big difference. As revealed in the official announcement, the show will follow Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Nixon) and Charlotte (Davis). That means that the character of Samantha isn't part of the revival, and neither is actor Kim Cattrall, who played her. Parker, Davis and Nixon are also named as producers on And Just Like That..., alongside Michael Patrick King, who worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original (and on the two movies). HBO hasn't released too many other details; however the US network has advised that the series will follow its three main characters "as they navigate the journey from the complicated reality of life and friendship in their 30s to the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s". In America, And Just Like That... is headed to HBO Max, the network's streaming platform. Just when the program will hit and where it'll be available elsewhere (including Down Under) haven't yet been revealed. While you're waiting for the new series, you can check out a clip from the original below — or, in Australia, you can stream Sex and the City's six seasons via Binge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fFNOGU_QRU And Just Like That... doesn't currently have an airdate, either in the US or Down Under, but we'll update you when one is announced.
Here's news that no Usher fan will be saying "yeah!" to: the R&B singer is no longer touring Australia in 2025. After announcing his first solo headlining gigs in the country since 2011 back in May, then swiftly adding more gigs before general tickets had even gone on sale, the 2024 Super Bowl headliner has cancelled his entire trip Down Under. Usher was slated to play six concerts each in Melbourne in November and in Sydney in December. All 12 shows have been scrapped. A statement on the Ticketek website notes that the eight-time Grammy-winner's tour is cancelled, and that "the promoter of Usher's Australian tour regrets to advise that the scheduled shows to take place in November–December will no longer be proceeding". The Past Present Future tour's Aussie leg was set to hit Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, November 19–Thursday, November 20, then again on Saturday, November 22–Sunday, November 23 and then across Tuesday, November 25–Wednesday, November 26. At Qudos Bank Arena, it was slated for Monday, December 1–Tuesday, December 2, then on Thursday, December 4–Friday, December 5 and finally on Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11. Ticketholders will receive automatic refunds via the payment method they used to make their purchase within approximately 30 business days, the Ticketek website advises. Usher was due to celebrate his three-decade career at his Australian shows — going all the way back to his first single 'Call Me a Mack' from 1993, also playing tracks off of his latest 2024 album Coming Home, plus working his way through plenty in-between. The initial US concerts on the Past Present Future tour were announced just days before Usher's Super Bowl set, which worked through hits from across his lengthy career itself. From August–December 2024, the Texas-born singer made his way across North American stages, before heading to Europe (including England, France, the Netherlands and Germany) from March 2025. Also popping up on his setlist across the tour: 'Yeah!', of course, plus everything from 'Can U Get Wit It', 'Nice & Slow', 'U Remind Me' and 'U Got It Bad' to 'Burn', 'OMG', 'Euphoria' and more. Usher's Past Present Future World Tour Australia 2025 Dates Wednesday, November 19–Thursday, November 20, Saturday, November 22–Sunday, November 23 + Tuesday, November 25–Wednesday, November 26 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne — CANCELLED Monday, December 1–Tuesday, December 2, Thursday, December 4–Friday, December 5 + Wednesday, December 10–Thursday, December 11 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney — CANCELLED Usher is no longer touring Australia in November and December 2025. Tickets will be automatically refunded via the payment method used for purchase— head to the tour website for more details. Images: Bellamy Brewster / Marcus Macdonald.
In true Fitzroy style, The Brunswick Street Bookstore is sandwiched between an Italian cafe and Vietnamese restaurant and sits on a footpath packed with foot traffic. By the time you get through the front door, you'll be desperate for peace and silence, which is exactly what this dreamy bookstore dishes up. It began trading in 1987, pre-Fitzroy renaissance, making it an artefact of a time before Brunswick Street was a trendy, slick hotspot. Despite the changing times, its reputation prevails as a bookstore that riles against the mainstream and stocks a huge selection of non-fiction titles, concentrating on history, politics, biography, science, literature and cultural studies instead. The top floor is devoted to visual arts, and fittingly, was designed by Melbourne architect Peter Brew.
It can be tricky to do something truly new in Melbourne's packed dining scene, but recently opened Ms Parker in The Motley is well on their way to achieving just that. Nestled on the ground floor of the bold and eclectic Motley Hotel, the menu celebrates seasonality and locally-sourced produce, taking cues from chef Steve Harry's rich and diverse culinary experience. Earlybirds can tuck into the likes of wattleseed sourdough, 'nduja shakshuka with dukkah, and even a brekkie pavlova paired with coconut sorbet. But while Ms Parker serves up coffee and excellent cafe fare by day, it's the transition into a clever yet unpretentious diner in the evening where the menu really shines. Guests will spot a healthy dose of Australian nostalgia, from a kangaroo tartare on top a vegemite cracker and a reimagined Dagwood dog, spiced with 'nduja and pickled mustard seeds. Diver deeper into the menu to indulge on plates that might touch on Harry's experience in Japanese kitchens, nod to his Northern African heritage or showcase traditional French technique. Bone marrow is elevated with a miso brûlée and fermented daikon, while rainbow trout is done up with roe and a beurre blanc. Grilled tiger prawns are tossed through tamarind and curry leaf, while duck liver parfait profiteroles showcase the team's creativity and culinary flare. Pavlova makes another welcomed appearance in the dessert section, and a small but curated menu of wines, cocktails and local beers are available throughout the day. Ms Parker is open daily 6.30am–late Monday–Friday, 7am–late Saturday–Sunday at 205 Bridge Road, Richmond. You can book via the Ms Parker website.
It's a great privilege to experience the homelands of Traditional Owners — and it's even more exceptional when you have a local to guide you along the way. Tropical North Queensland is blessed with many experiences that'll allow you the opportunity to connect and learn from Traditional Custodians as they generously share their art, food, dancing and customs. We've teamed up with Tropical North Queensland to share one-of-a-kind experiences to add to your hit list if you're passionate about travelling consciously. By supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses like those mentioned below, you're helping to preserve sacred practices that have been passed down for thousands of years. SEEK OUT SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL INDIGENOUS ART This year, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be held from July 6–10. This annual festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors to the city to celebrate Indigenous artists and their latest works. The program includes a visual feast of artwork and performances, alongside fashion shows, workshops and symposiums. While it honours Indigenous culture and traditions, the event also provides economic and personal development opportunities for the artists. Some artworks are acquired by private collectors, while others are purchased for display across the world. Previous years have seen impressive buyers representing the Harvard University Art Museum and the National Gallery of Canada. TAKE A THREE-DAY 4WD TOUR THROUGH THE REGION The team at Culture Connect prides itself on providing visitors with authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences from Cairns to Cooktown. The small tour group sizes allow for an intimate opportunity to explore the region, with local Aboriginal guides who are passionate about their homeland and history. Experiences range in length from half-day nature walks to a full-day scenic flight adventure. There's also a three-day 4WD tour on offer with meals and accommodation included. Guests have the opportunity to explore ancient rock art galleries, learn traditional coastal survival skills or or learn to paint from an acclaimed local Indigenous artist. [caption id="attachment_846219" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Island Stars Cultural Experience[/caption] EXPLORE THE REGION WITH THE HELP OF AN INDIGENOUS GUIDE Hundreds of islands make up the Torres Strait region and just 17 are currently inhabited. Touring this area without local knowledge is tricky, which is where Strait Experience steps in to help. This Torres Strait-owned business offers incredible opportunities to explore remote destinations such as Thursday Island and Horn Island. Strait Experience connects visitors with exclusive accommodation options, unique beachside activities and tours focusing on historical sites and ancient traditions on some of the islands in the Torres Strait. And, if you time it just right, you might even be lucky enough to observe turtles nesting on the beach. TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO A TRADITIONAL SMOKING CEREMONY The traditional lands of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People cover an impressive 10,000 hectares, which allowed ancient ancestors to develop an impressive range of survival and conservation skills. Just a short river cruise with Mandingalbay Ancient Indigenous Tours will transport you thousands of years back in time. Departing from Cairns Marlin Marina, a 15-minute boat journey will take you from Trinity Inlet to Hills Creek. Once arriving at the destination, guests are welcomed with a traditional cleansing smoking ceremony. Other tour options include eco walks, overnight camping expeditions and dance performances. The famous 'Deadly Dinners' give you the opportunity to sample delicious local ingredients such as kangaroo, crocodile and mud crab. [caption id="attachment_829657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WANDER THROUGH THE WONDERS OF KUKU YALANJI COUNTRY Did you know that two World Heritage-listed sites meet in Tropical North Queensland? Yep, in Kuku Yalanji Country, you'll see where the epic Daintree Rainforest juts up against the iconic Great Barrier Reef. And you can explore all the wonders of this area on a half- or full-day tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. This 100-percent First Nations-owned and operated cultural tour company offers you the opportunity to learn about this unique environment and the foods and medicines that are produced here. You'll get to sample bush tucker, swim in freshwater streams and maybe even try spear and boomerang throwing. Your tour guide takes care of everything — all you need to do is wear comfy shoes. [caption id="attachment_830381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] PLUNGE INTO THE DEEP BLUE Experiencing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is an irrefutable addition to any TNQ itinerary. But doing so with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel will leave you with an even greater understanding and appreciation of this natural beauty and the connection that local First Nations people have with it. Across a five-hour tour, you'll get to hear the creation story of the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel or dive in two outer reef sites, sample native bush food and be entertained by a traditional dance. The tours are run by First Nations sea rangers whose passion for reef preservation and sustainable tourism is evident. TAKE A DIP IN AN OUTBACK POOL Update: Talaroo Hot Springs 2022 season will run from April 1-October 31. It may take about 4.5 hours to drive from Cairns to this outback pool in the heart of Ewamian Country. But boy, oh, boy is it worth it. The hot springs here formed millions of years ago with the water seeping from underground and heated by granite rocks along the way. When it reaches the pools, it's a whopping 68 degrees celsius and cools as it flows across the rippled travertine terraces. You can't directly enter the natural hot springs, but you can take a dip in one of the site's private soaking pools which can be accessed via a timber boardwalk on a First Nations-led tour. Talaroo Hot Springs also has an outback caravan park and campground if you'd like to stay a little longer (and we wouldn't blame you if you did). [caption id="attachment_842421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] GET A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE TROPICS Located in Burketown, Yagurli Tours is a First Nations-owned and operated tour company. With local Gangalidda and Garawa guides, these experiences offer a unique opportunity to learn about Gulf Savannah country from the Traditional Custodians of the land. Yagurli Tours offer five different immersive adventures, like Yaliya's Stories (Stargazing) on Australia's largest salt pans and the Gambumanda Sunset Cruise with dinner and drinks. Also on offer is the Marrija 4WD Cultural Tour and Aloft Hot Air Balloon flights showcasing the Albert River, salts pans and the Arafura Sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria. [caption id="attachment_845212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] DISCOVER HISTORY THROUGH MAGNIFICENT ROCK ART Jarramali Rock Art Tours are perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and experience an intimate and rugged adventure. This authentic Aboriginal cultural experience will commence with either a 4WD drive with a Traditional Owner or a scenic helicopter flight depending on if you want a day trip or would rather embark on an overnight stay. We suggest an overnight stay where you will camp in an exclusive location, only accessible to Jarramali guests. Discover the history of the Kuku Yalanji people through magnificent Quinkan Rock Art. Traditional Owners will guide you through the 20,000 year old art found among sandstone escarpments near Laura in North Queensland. You will gain a deeper understanding of Australia's Indigenous history while soaking in the beauty of the remote wilderness - making this definitely, a once in a lifetime experience. [caption id="attachment_844022" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tropical North Queensland[/caption] FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES WITH AN INDIGENOUS PAINTING WORKSHOP Owned by renowned First Nations artist Brian 'Binna' Swindley, Janbal Gallery offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture through art and storytelling experiences. Binna is a local Kuku Yalanji man from Mossman and the gallery is lovingly named after his late mother. Binna hosts painting workshops on weekdays, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Choose from either a small boomerang or canvas to paint, with all paints and tools supplied. An impressive range of Aboriginal artwork is on display at the gallery, with items available for purchase, too. Ready to plan a trip to the tropics? For more information visit the Tropical North Queensland website.
Before it all began, Poor Toms' Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy knew a few things for sure — they had a shared hatred of fedoras, they didn't want to spend the best years of their lives working for the man and they loved drinking gin. Coming up to three years in the gin-making biz, the duo has created a well-loved, local business that's set to open its own bar by March — which we got the tiniest sneak peek of. We've teamed up with Squarespace to talk to Griffin and Jesse about why they started Poor Toms and how they've gotten to where they are today. TURNING DISILLUSIONMENT INTO INSPIRATION In 2015, the Canberran school friends lived in a sharehouse in Sydney's inner west. Jesse was working as a suit at Macquarie Bank, while Griffin was a budding actor trying to make ends meet. Both found their consumption of gin was proportional to their sense of disillusionment with spending the next 30 years living a predictable life. So, one evening over a few strong drinks, the two made the decision to kick their careers to the curb. "I was disillusioned by the idea of capitalism, and Jesse was disillusioned by the practice of it," says Griffin. Over breakfast in one of those aggressively twee converted warehouse cafes, the duo chatted about what they would do if they could get their mitts on an equally twee warehouse space. Griffin went highbrow saying he would open a performance space and put on plays with his pals, while Jesse just thought it would be pretty cool to have a place to hang out and make gin. Fast forward a few years and (fortunately for us) it was Jesse's idea that stuck. Together the two pooled their dimes and invested in a low-key warehouse space in the backstreets of Marrickville. WHAT'S IN A NAME? Despite not having any real professional chops when it came to the distilling process, Jesse and Griffin definitely had gumption and had sampled enough gins between them to have a clear idea of how they wanted their product to taste and how they wanted people to feel when they drank it. They admit, coming up with a name was a rough process."It's kind of like naming a baby, at first any name sounds bad but eventually people will accept it," says Griffin. They knew they wanted to include 'Tom' in their gin baby's name, as (adorably) it's both of their middle names. Serendipitously, Griffin was doing a reading of King Lear with Bell Shakespeare at the time, and, on the hunt for literally any 'Tom'-themed words, he came across the character Edgar, a kind of clueless aristocrat who — in a very small nutshell — was forced to cast off his riches and disguise himself as the charming philosophical vagrant Poor Tom in order to avoid being falsely accused of plotting to kill his father. The act of throwing off your fakery and pretension to reveal one's trueself became a guiding principle that informed Poor Toms creative direction and brand ethos, "most marketing advice is 'make something with broad appeal or something that is generically interesting to a lot people'" says Griffin, "but we decided to take the opposite approach by making something that appeals to us… and hoped other people would like it." HOW TO BECOME LEGIT Regardless of what you think of Mark Zuckerberg and his social network conglomerate, any business operating in this day and age needs to have some semblance of an internet presence. Before starting Poor Toms, both Jesse and Griffin used social media like any average millennial — "to look at people and not miss parties" — but, despite their shared hatred of photos of drinks on Instagram, they knew if they wanted Poor Toms to be successful they needed to up their online ante. "One of the hard parts was translating the very clear brand identity into an online voice...all of a sudden we had to have a social media presence and a website," says Griffin. "These days, having a website is like having a business card…you need one to be trusted." The two had been binge-listening StartUp, a podcast about starting a business, and as a result, were exposed to a world of audio ads from Squarespace. They elicited the help of a designer friend to whip up a schmick website using a Squarespace template, and started an Instagram account, which, according to Jesse, was "largely to demonstrate that they were normal enough that other people would take photos with them" and with that, Poor Toms became legit. THE MARKER OF SUCCESS IS NEVER FIXED As Poor Toms continues to grow as a business, the definition of success constantly evolves. There wasn't really an exact moment when the pair knew they made it, but they're now producing grade-A gin on a full-time basis, and don't even have to think about returning to those 9–5 jobs that they left behind. Though there's not a lot of time for them to pause and reflect, "you become addicted to the hustle," says Jesse. "There's so much hustle involved in stepping away from a consistent salary." They're busy working on a number of new projects and collaborations including opening a bar in their Marrickville distillery in Sydney, "we weren't ready to open a bar when we first started. We just weren't old enough," says Jesse. "It took six months to figure out how to make gin, and now we're finally ready to have people here." For Jesse and Griffin, starting Poor Toms was never about making bank; the pair is just happy to be working for themselves and producing something they're truly passionate about. "We created something new that people love," says Griffin. "We always wanted our gin to be loved — it's not about revenue or profit. We want to be Australia's most loved gin; we want people to be invested in our story." Discover more of the Poor Toms story here, and stay tuned for more news on the launch of their first bar. Looking to embark on an entirely new venture? You'll need to let people know about it. That's where Squarespace comes in. Kickstart your new biz with a website, and use the code CP for 10% off your first Squarespace purchase. Images: Kitti Smallbone
Three years might not seem like a long time between albums. But when your debut release hits as hard as Wet Leg's self-titled LP in 2022, fans feel like they've been waiting an eternity to sink their teeth into a new set of tunes. Fortunately, the wait is over, as Wet Leg's sophomore release, moisturizer, lands on Friday, July 11. To celebrate, the self-described "little country bumpkins" are taking over Collingwood Yards with a one-day pop-up that extends across the community. From 9am–8pm, pop into CY Space on the upper level of the Johnston Street hub to find an immersive fan experience stocked with exclusive merch. Here, you'll find the new album in rare formats, including some of the only Australian stock of the green vinyl, and a spot to recreate the band's attention-grabbing press photo. Plus, keen indieheads who get down early might score a bundle giveaway or a special surprise. Yet what sets this activation apart is how stores across the entire neighbourhood are getting involved. With a helpful map to guide you, you're invited to navigate 'moisturizer valley' — aka various spots around Collingwood Yards and the nearby streets of Collingwood — to discover Wet Leg-inspired food, drinks and experiences. At Dua Bakehouse — Collingwood Yard's 'Scandinasian' bakery — the team is whipping up moisture-icing cream buns, topped with hot pink frosting, and a pink soda matcha for your sipping pleasure. For even more drinking fun, take a trip upstairs to Runner Up Rooftop, where a moisturizer sour is the bespoke cocktail of the day. Then, it's just a short stroll back to Stefanino Panino, where it's time to bite into a moisturizer mortadella bologna and pink stracciatella speciale panini. Beyond food and drink, there's loads more for Wet Leg fans to explore. Secondhand vinyl specialists Licorice Pie have the album's exclusive vinyl and a goodies bag. At the same time, just around the corner on Smith Street, fans can't miss Happy Valley — the only Australian stockist of the album in green vinyl. Finally, Sound Merch on Oxford Street has sweet Wet Leg keepsakes and a photo booth for recreating the band's family portrait. Though the duo isn't in town for the pop-up, this above-and-beyond album release activation will give fans the engagement they've been craving. Serving as a cheeky extension of the band's offbeat spirit, getting down for the day is a great way to celebrate one of the indie scene's most significant successes in recent years. We just hope there's a chaise lounge and someone to butter our muffins. Wet Leg's Moisturizer Valley activation is happening on Friday, July 11, at Collingwood Yards and various nearby locations. Head to Instagram for more information.
It may be famous for its snappy inhabitants, but there's more to do in Darwin than simply spot crocs. This warm tropical city is home to a swag of attractions, from its striking sunsets to its authentic Asian eats and relaxed beachside bars. And for those who love the great outdoors, well, there's more nature here than you can poke a stick at. What's more, when exploring a tropical destination like Darwin, it's important to lock down some comfortable accommodation, a place where you can wash off the red dirt and escape the heat and mozzies for a night of solid sleep — and a place that'll give you a nice, warm 'welcome cookie' to make you feel at home. That's why we teamed up with DoubleTree by Hilton to curate this guide. Book a room to set up a home base — with harbour views and an outdoor pool set in lush tropical gardens to boot — then get exploring. Need some recommendations on where to start? Here's our list of the top ten things to do in Australia's Top End. GO SWIMMING AT BERRY SPRINGS If Kakadu or Litchfield are too much of a mission, try Berry Springs for a pocket of wilderness just 40 minutes from the city. This lush nature reserve is home to clear swimming holes, mini waterfalls and dense jungle greenery, set to the soundtrack of native bird calls. After a dip in the water, take the looped walking track which will lead you through woodlands and a monsoon forest. You can either bring a picnic with you or try a homemade mango ice cream from the Crazy Acres Kiosk. Come during March and April to enjoy the wildflowers. TRY THE BARRA AT THE DARWIN SKI CLUB While technically a watersports clubhouse, this waterside spot attracts the locals for beer drinking and sunset watching more so than the jetski hire. Sure, the furniture is of the plastic garden variety and the bistro looks a bit like a shed, but the views of Darwin harbour are worth a million bucks — and to be able to enjoy it in thongs, well that's priceless. What's more, the food is great too, with plenty of freshly caught options, including the juicy Arafura prawns, beer-battered Threadfin salmon and, of course, the grilled local barra. Come on the right night and you may even be treated to some local live music. CUDDLE A CROC AT CROCOSAURUS COVE This popular Darwin attraction is choccas with croccas, and trust us, this is as close as you're going to want to get. Inside, you'll find plenty of impressive specimens, including the perpetually bad-tempered Dirty Harry, the battle-scarred Chopper and confirmed bachelor Burt — who ate his last three girlfriends. But they're not all frightening. Head to the World of Crocs exhibit where you can hold a baby saltie, we promise those big unblinking eyes will steal your heart forever. Or for something a bit more exhilarating, why not give the Cage of Death a go. It makes for a great experience (if you live to tell the tale). EAT DOUGHNUTS AT RUBY G'S CANTEEN AND BAKERY Every town has a great bakery and in Darwin this is it. Ruby G's selection includes flaky pastries, such as cherry danishes and lemon meringue cruffins, as well as homemade organic breads. Their specialty is doughnuts, with mouthwatering options such as the pomegranate and rose petal ring and the vanilla glazed doughie with volcanic black salt flakes. And if you don't like wastage, well you better get a container of doughnut holes slathered in dark chocolate, too. Ruby G's is hard to miss, with a bakery in Coconut Grove as well as canteens at the Mindil and Parap markets. SEE THE SUNSET AT THE MINDIL BEACH SUNSET MARKETS Darwin is famous for their electric sunsets and the best place to drink them in is at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a palm-tree lined strip just two kilometres from town centre. Held during 'the dry', the Mindil Markets showcase the best of local arts and crafts, including indigenous artworks and didgeridoos, fashion, jewellery and handwoven rugs. Want a model plane made out of a Jim Beam can? Well, you can find those here, too. There's also plenty of delicious street eats, from Indonesian satays to Greek souvlaki — and croc burgers for the curious (may as well get in first). Once you've made your selection, take your parcel of food to the sand for a relaxed evening spent sky-gazing. FEAST AT LOCAL FAVOURITE HANUMAN Ask any Territorian for a restaurant recommendation, and they'll be sure to tell you Hanuman. Named after the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman is a shrine to Indian, Thai and Nonya cuisines. The bright, tropical curries are their specialty with options such as the Mean Moolie made from freshly caught barra simmered with coconut milk, curry leaf and turmeric and their red duck curry with sweet local pineapple. If you can, nab a table on the front deck, which is kept pleasantly cool by an army of fans. CATCH A FILM AT THE DECKCHAIR CINEMA Darwin's balmy evenings are perfect for an outdoor movie, especially one with cosy deckchairs. Organised by the Darwin Film Society, the Deckchair Cinema screens a diverse program of films, with a number of local, indie and foreign options not usually shown elsewhere. Come early, not just to save a seat, but also for dinner — local restaurants (including Hanuman) cater from 6pm, before the film starts at 7.30pm. Plus, it's fully licensed with beers and wines available from the kiosk. EXPLORE THE GEORGE BROWN BOTANIC GARDENS You don't have to wade into croc-infested waters to take in the unique flora and fauna of the region. Hop on a bike and make the short cycle to the stunning George Brown Botanic Gardens, just two kilometres from the city centre. Located on an impressive 42-hectare site, the 130-year-old gardens feature various ecosystems, including mangroves, woodlands and a monsoon forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident rufous owls. BRUSH UP ON HISTORY AT THE DARWIN MILITARY MUSEUM You may not be a guns and tanks-type person, but history buffs will be fascinated by this comprehensive military museum documenting Darwin's involvement in WWII. Built around original concrete bunkers and an intelligence command centre, the museum contains wartime artefacts, military vehicles and artillery, as well as firsthand accounts and original footage of the infamous Darwin bombings. Don't miss their permanent exhibition, the Defence of Darwin, that uses state-of-the-art immersive displays to recreate that fateful day. ADMIRE INDIGENOUS ART AT THE MAGNT The Top End is responsible for some amazing indigenous artworks, many of which can be admired at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). Both contemporary and traditional indigenous artists are represented in this ever-changing gallery, with celebrated works by Jukuja Dolly Snell and Emily Kame Kngwarreye often making an appearance. Other permanent collections include the Cyclone Tracey exhibit, which lets you listen to the screeching winds in a sound booth, plus there's a stuffed five-metre croc called Sweetheart who was the local troublemaker in the 70s. Explore some of the very best things around Darwin, and when you need a place to refresh, find your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton.
Melbourne's rotating Asian market HWKR has revealed its next pop-up concept — and, boy, is it a good'un. The team has joined forces with Australia's favourite instant noodle brand Indomie to bring Melburnians the Jakarta-inspired Warung Stall. It's launching today, Friday, March 8. The menu is 'pimp mie goreng' themed, so Indomie's classic instant noodles will be used as the base for the dishes — but they definitely don't resemble what you would cook up at home at 2am. Expect mie goreng with fried chicken ribs, telur balado (chilli sauced egg), anchovies and peanuts; spicy mie goreng with Balinese beef, tofu, shrimp crackers and sambal; and corned beef and egg-topped noodles. [caption id="attachment_711030" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The loaded mie goreng.[/caption] There are also a few noodle soups on offer, like the curry chicken version with corn fritters, or the fried chicken ribs option with egg, Asian greens and homemade cabe ijo (pickled green chilli paste). If you're just after a snack, you can grab an egg-stuffed martabak (that is, a savoury crepe), mie goreng-dusted potato crisps and a chicken and potato pastel jadul — a street snack that resembles an empanada. Large dishes range from $10.50–13.50, and snacks are around $7–8. The menu is completely halal, vegetarian-friendly and some dishes can be made vegan, too. If you get in quick, Indomie is also giving out 100 vintage tote bags with any order. Best hop to it. The Indomie Warung Stall will pop up from March 8 through June 30 at HWKR, 137 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne. It'll be open daily from 11.30am–10pm and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Before anywhere else in Australia, Melbourne became home to a major annual celebration of movies. That was over 70 years ago, when MIFF debuted. Then in 1991, the Victorian capital made flick-watching history again, this time in the queer cinema space. Now, Melbourne Queer Film Festival is the nation's oldest such fest, and it too keeps delighting audiences, this year with the theme of Searching for Queer Utopia. Running from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 23, this year's festival celebrates 35 years of joy, creativity and liberation in queer filmmaking, with more than 130 films and 100 sessions screening at Cinema Nova, Collins Place, Melbourne Town Hall and The Capitol Theatre. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gUjCvASN4[/embed] Everything kicks off with an opening night extravaganza around the Victorian premiere of Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero, daughter of the late pioneer of zombie filmmaking, George Romero. Lead actress Dominique Jackson will be in attendance, too, before leading a keynote discussion with FlexMami the following night. There's another keynote and Victorian premiere on Saturday, November 15 with Sophie Hyde, director of the Olivia Colman and John Lithgow-starring Jimpa, leading a keynote address ahead of the film's screening. [caption id="attachment_1034825" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Jimpa', directed by Sophie Hyde[/caption] Other screenings include the Tehran-shot guerrilla-style film The Crowd (directed by Sahand Kabiri) about a queer youth-led resistance against patriarchal norms; Hot Milk, a Greek Island-set story of intergenerational desire starring Emma Mackey (Sex Education) and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve); a documentary portrait of paralympian and veteran Angela Madsen in Row of Life and The Serpent's Skin, a blend of magic, romance and dark humour in goth-trans cinema from Australian director Alice Maio Mackay. There's also a tale of post-breakup chaos in Departures; a dive into the lives of young queer women in Greece in Bearcave; a trans-led reimagining of our favourite 90s movies in She's The He; a regional India-set, multi-award-winning story of grief and love in Cactus Pears, and Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary about the ongoing fight for transgender rights in the United States. [caption id="attachment_1034824" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Hot Milk', directed by Rebecca Lenkiewicz[/caption] Like other film festivals, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival will also host awards shows and retrospectives for films that have passed their premieres, celebrating not just the new but also the endearing favourites and shining stars in queer cinema from around the world. Melbourne Queer Film Festival runs from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 23. Discover the full program or get tickets via the website.
It's about time for her arrival: Christina Aguilera's, that is, with the 'Dirrty', 'Genie in a Bottle', 'What a Girl Wants', 'Lady Marmalade' and 'Beautiful' singer heading Down Under this November for a one-night-only gig. Hitting Australia for the first time since 2007, the singer headlines Victoria's statewide music celebration Always Live, which is returning in 2023 for its second year after a successful debut run in 2022. Aguilera will play Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, November 25, in a show that'll also mark 20 years since her album Stripped. One of pop music's former Mouseketeers, the six-time Grammy-winner leads a bill that spans more than 165 artists at 60-plus events — all in Victoria. In other words, she spearheads a lineup that's designed to get the state's residents hitting up live gigs, and to entice tourists from the rest of the country to make music-filled holiday plans. 2023's leg of Always Live runs for 17 days, from Friday, November 24–Sunday, December 10, with a feast of shows — also including Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz bringing his HOLO set our way in an Australia–New Zealand exclusive; songwriter and producer Jai Paul also playing his only shows in this neck of the woods; and Jessie Ware putting on two intimate evenings outside her Summer Camp headlining stint. Already on the Meredith bill, Caroline Polachek has added a solo gig at Melbourne's Forum Theatre. Also a huge highlight: BLAKTIVISM at Hamer Hall, with King Stingray, Tasman Keith, Emma Donovan, Uncle Bart Willoughby, Deline Briscoe, Sorong Samarai and Suga Cane Mamas. For Swifties, tribute gig Taylor Made will see Alex The Astronaut, Charley, Clare Bowditch, Emily Wurramurra, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lisa Mitchell and Sophia J Smith shaking off their best Taylor Swift covers. [caption id="attachment_899478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Returning from last year, Emma Donovan and Friends will again hero acoustic tunes from First Nations artists, while purpose-built pop-up studio SOUNDBOX will be back at the Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt. The jam-packed program also boasts the Tones and I-curated Music In the Park in Mornington, featuring The Cat Empire, The Veronicas, Budjerah, KAIIT and The Pierce Brothers; the Gonna Be Good series, with everyone from Holy Holy, Aleksiah, ILLY and The Temper Trap to Northeast Party House, Casey Barnes and Ruby Fields; Summer Camp, as already announced; and SOULTRAINS, which is getting Lee Fields & The Expressions, plus Surprise Chef, playing four venues along four Metro train lines. Still on a railway theme, there's End of the Line, a festival popping ip at the end of the train lines in Sandringham and Williamstown. Clare Bowditch headlines the former, and Alex Lahey the latter. And, music lovers can look forward to the Jamaican Food and Music Festival at Seaworks, the Ballroom Mix Tapes series at Brunswick Ballroom — which will launch brand-new releases — and a regional tour by Amyl and the Sniffers. Throw in Peter Garrett and The Alter Egos hitting Wangarratta Arts Centre, Cosmic Psychos marking their 40th anniversary and A.B. Original headlining a free show at Victoria Park Lake, and clearly the list well and truly goes on. In fact, there's so much to fit in that an event called Garage Band will pop up on Saturday, October 14, before the Always Live dates, featuring 25 emerging bands playing an original song each on four stages in Federation Square. Always Live 2023 runs from Friday, November 24–Sunday, December 10, with one pre-festival gig on Saturday, October 14. For more information, and to get tickets, head to the festival website. Christina Aguilera will play Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, November 25, with pre sales from 12pm AEST on Tuesday, August 29 and general sales from 12pm AEST on Wednesday, August 20.
Star Wars fandom has taken over the galaxy, from concert screenings and battle parties to boozy cantinas and saucy burlesque shows. Loving the George Lucas-created space opera isn't just about heading out to see multiple interpretations of the hit franchise, however — you can also wear your affection thanks to BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars collection. Pop culture-themed apparel is far from new, of course, and neither is Star Wars clothing. BlackMilk first took inspiration from jedis, rebels, siths and wookiees back in 2012, as its very first licensed collection, to massive sell outs. Now it's doing it all over again, unleashing the range for the third time. But in this collection, everything from leggings to dresses to swimsuits draws upon both the film series' beloved classic characters and on newcomers such as Daisy Ridley's Rey. If you're keen on a R2-D2 one-piece just in time to hit the pool this summer, fancy a pair of cuffed pants filled with droits and sentients that you are actually looking for, or need to get comfy in a big t-shirt adorned with Chewie and a few porgs, you'll find them all here. In total, the range spans 22 pieces, and they all go on sale from 9am on Tuesday, September 18. Unsurprisingly, the clothing items are expected to be popular — this is the company that turned exercise into something magical with its Harry Potter activewear, after all. BlackMilk Clothing's new Star Wars range goes on sale at 9am on Tuesday, September 18. For more information, head to the brand's website.
Francophiles rejoice: a new community hotspot is set to launch in the coming days, as the Alliance Française de Melbourne opens the French Hub on Bourke Street. Conceived as an inviting cultural and educational space, this new venue is just the latest chapter in the organisation's storied past, which traces back to 1890, when art teacher Berthe Mouchette opened the country's first Australian Alliance Française in Melbourne. Bringing together French language, culture and creativity under one roof, this purpose-designed space spans two expansive levels. Featuring a sunlit 300-square-metre terrace, fully equipped event spaces, classrooms, a library and a digital museum, connecting with and feeling immersed in Victoria's Francophile community comes naturally thanks to this focal point situated in the heart of the city. "We're thrilled to welcome Melburnians to our new home — a warm, inclusive space to learn, connect and celebrate all things French," says Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, President of the Alliance Française de Melbourne board. "The French Hub represents not just a new address, but a renewed vision for our community." Centred around the terrace, the hub's design offers subtle nods to classical French architecture through parquet flooring and elegant ceiling trims. Meanwhile, the main corridor serves as a reference to the Seine — Paris' most famous waterway — connecting visitors to the centre's varied zones while providing a comfortable networking space. Launching on Saturday, June 21, Alliance Française de Melbourne will kick things off at the French Hub with a free, family-friendly open day themed around 'A Warm French Escape'. Running from 12–5pm, visitors can expect live music, French cuisine and interactive cultural experiences. Sip and snack on tasty market-style treats like mulled wine, raclette and crepes, then head over to the croissant bar to enjoy a freshly baked pastry from Noisette, with sweet conserves provided by Bonne Maman. On the terrace, French and New Caledonian artists will serve up tuneful performances. Then, inside the hub, visitors are welcome to take part in free 30-minute beginner French lessons — perfect for those interested in enrolling in a course or just curious to learn langue de Molière basics. "We want people of all ages and backgrounds to feel welcome here," says Boisbouvier-Wylie. "Whether you're a fluent speaker or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone at the French Hub." Alliance Française de Melbourne's French Hub opens Saturday, June 21, at 140 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information. Images: Geena Glass
There you are just standing around minding your own business, going about your day as usual, when you see a tyrannosaurus rex towering over you. Given that the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchise doesn't depict reality, that's the kind of incident that requires either fossils or a bit of creative magic to make happen in the year 2023. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience opts for the latter, thanks to animatronic dinosaur replicas that are life-sized, and also move — as Australians can see for themselves when the exhibition heads Down Under from September. Welcome to... your next date with prehistoric creatures after watching Prehistoric Planet, hitting up Brisbane's Dinosaurs of Patagonia museum showcase, exploring the Lego Jurassic World exhibition a few years back and soaking in every other excuse to scope out the earth's always-fascinating ancient inhabitants. This one will debut locally in Melbourne, kicking off on Friday, September 29. It makes its way to our shores with help from entertainment platform Fever, which is also currently touring a Banksy showcase. At Dinos Alive, you'll peer up at not only a T-rex, but also stegosaurus, ankylosaurus, gorgosaurus, velociraptors and other critters that roamed the planet all those millions of years back. (No, everyone's dad's favourite, aka doyouthinkhesaurus, won't be there.) The exhibition's creatures are designed to look as realistic as possible, with more than 80 specimens covered. Because this is an all-ages affair — kids love dinosaurs, and adults never grow out of loving dinosaurs — there'll also be an educational side if you're keen to up your dino knowledge. As the latest season of the David Attenborough-hosted Prehistoric Planet devoted some time to, the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras weren't just about giants on land. Accordingly, Dinos Alive will also feature a virtual aquarium to showcase the creatures that dwelled under the sea. Virtual reality will also help make parts of the exhibition as lifelike as possible, as part of an experience that'll take attendees between 60–75 minutes to wander through. While Melbourne is Dinos Alive's first Australian stop after proving a hit in the US, there's also a waitlist for a yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. Fingers crossed that these dinosaurs will also rampage elsewhere around the rest of country once they've brought their giant footprints to the Victorian and New South Wales capitals. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience will open at Fever Exhibition Hall, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne from Friday, September 29, 2023, with tickets available now. You can also join the waitlist for the yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. We'll update you with future dates and cities when they're announced.
If you've been making an effort to be kinder to the planet, chances are your daily coffee habits have had a bit of a shakeup of late. Maybe you've said farewell to your last takeaway coffee cup, switched to drinking only fair-trade beans, ditched environmentally harmful coffee pods, or all of the above. Well, now local company Pod & Parcel could just see you change up your coffee game once again. The start-up is the brainchild of three Melbourne business consultants, Ben Goodman, Elliott Haralambous and Jai Felinksi, who wanted to combine the ease of a coffee pod with the quality of specialty coffee — without leaving a nasty impact on the planet. The trio developed a special plant-based pod that is fully biodegradable and compostable, taking just six months to break down, as opposed to the 500 years of its competitors. With an estimated two-to-three million coffee pods consumed daily in Australia alone, that's a whole lot of reasons to switch. Another is the coffee itself. Far from skimping on quality, the trio has collaborated with local coffee roasters to develop its product, so you can enjoy that cafe-level cuppa from the comfort of your home. Choose from a single-origin Guatemalan — with notes of creamy vanilla and blood orange — or a toffee-noted blend of Colombian and Tanzanian beans, among many others. Because it's specialty-grade arabica coffee, it has a back-story, too. Consumers can find out where it came from, how it travelled and exactly when it was roasted. Consider this a budget-friendly alternative to those exxy brews from your local specialty coffee shop, that also challenges big name pod manufacturers like Nespresso. Pod & Parcel's creations come in a swag of different flavours and intensities, available online from around 86 cents per pod. If you fancy saving even more, you can sign up to its Coffee Club, which delivers pods straight to your door.
Melbourne winters mightn't be known for their ice and snow (just yet, anyway), but that doesn't mean you can't slide across a frozen surface in the centre of the city. From June 21 to July 14, the corner of Acland and Barkly streets will become a winter wonderland thanks to the return of the Skating At St Kilda Festival. With the event back for another year, all of the frosty fabulousness Melburnians know and love is back, too: ice skating, obviously, but also music, food and more. It's the next best thing to heading to Europe when Melbourne's at its iciest. Entry to the area is free, but you'll have to pay for all of the fun stuff, with the fest open from 10am–9pm Monday to Sunday. The lineup of events includes not only regular ice skating, but a romance-themed 'date and skate' night each Tuesday, plus a 90s and 00s-themed 'Ice Ice Baby' disco evening every Thursday.
What more fitting date to indulge your inner Francophile, than France's national day of celebration? Break out the beret, because once again, Federation Square is embracing the red, white and blue for Bastille Day, with an extended weekend of French festivities. Descending on the precinct on July 12 and 13, the 2019 Bastille Day French Festival is dishing up a free program of food, entertainment, market stalls and more. You'll catch a mini marketplace stocked full of French favourites, from buttery croissants, dreamy cheese and charcuterie, to crepes, toasty serves of mulled wine and of course, the world's finest bubbly, straight out of Champagne. The entertainment runs from live acoustic tunes to cancan dancers to fencing demonstrations, or you can load up on French history at a series of expert-led talks and masterclasses. Melbourne's own secret French roots will also be explored, with a series of guided walking tours through the city.
It wouldn't be a September in Sydney without the Sydney Underground Film Festival, the city's annual roundup of strange, surreal and subversive cinema. This year, though, it's doing things differently. Yes, it's a familiar story, because SFF and MIFF have already taken this course of action — but SUFF 2020 will be held completely online, and will also be available to stream nationally. This isn't just a case of SUFF transplanting its usual program to the virtual realm, though. In its digital guise, the fest will run more than twice as long as usual, screening online from Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 20. And, it's purely comprised of shorts. In other words, get ready for some mighty out-there flicks in small doses. Highlights include the latest work from The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos, and from acclaimed Canadian The Forbidden Room and The Green Fog filmmaker Guy Maddin and his regular collaborators Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson as well. From the former, you can check out Nimic, which stars Matt Dillon as a cellist who experiences a life-changing confrontation on the subway. From the latter, there's Stump the Guesser, which is an absurdist silent flick about a carnival psychic. With more than 100 films from over 20 countries on offer, SUFF's lineup is screening in specific packages — so you can decide whether you want to binge on Aussie shorts, go for films that'll mess with your mind or opt for the absolute trippiest of cinema offerings. Short documentaries are have their own category, there's an entire program dedicated to horror shorts and another is all about OTT animation for adults. Sydney Underground Film Festival screens online from Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 20, with tickets available now — for $10 per session, or $55 for a full festival pass. Top image: Nimic.
Returning for its second year, The Little Food Market will take over the Royal Exhibition Building for three delicious days in July, spotlighting over 200 of Australia's top tastemakers. The celebration of bold flavours, passionate producers and culinary creativity will kick off on Friday, July 18 and run until Sunday, July 20. Drop in to find producers showcasing their wine, cheese, beer and spirits, alongside stalls run by some of the state's best makers. This year's event features a refreshed design and a new $10 general entry ticket, with every guest receiving a reusable Bettercup to use for tastings throughout the day. There will also be limited-edition wine glasses and tote bags designed by Alice Oehr up for grabs, included in the entry fee, which will have different tiers at $10, $15 and $35. If you're a wine lover or beer fan, you can sip, sample and shop directly from the producers. This year's lineup features names like Zonzo Estate and St Hubert's, alongside emerging stars like NON and Departed Spirits. For cheese lovers, there will be a dedicated cheese precinct to sample a curated lineup, including Milawa Cheese Company, Stone & Crow, Long Paddock, Grandvewe, That's Amore Cheese, and Giorgio's Artisan Cheese. Expanding its regional offering in 2025, there will also be regional hubs offering immersive showcases celebrating the rich food and drink culture of three standout Victorian regions, including Bendigo, Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula. If all the browsing gets you hungry, head to the feasting precinct to find some of Melbourne's most beloved kitchens serving up full-sized signature meals to enjoy on the spot. Think woodfired pizza from D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana, crispy banh mi from Ca Com Banh Mi, and handmade pies from Wonder Pies, just to name a few. There will also be live cooking demonstrations where chefs, producers and flavour-makers share their skills and recipes, from fresh pasta techniques to creating the ultimate cheeseboard. Whether you're a home cook, seasoned foodie, or just looking for something fun to do, head to The Little Food Market to experience some of Melbourne's thriving culinary culture and standout Aussie producers. The event will run from 12–8pm on Friday, July 18; 10am–7pm on Saturday, July 19; and 10am–5pm on Sunday, July 20. Tickets start from $10 and are now on sale at the website. Images: Supplied.
A favourite in Federation Square boasting views over the Yarra and the ideal people-watching spot, Taxi Kitchen remains a staple in Melbourne's hospitality scene. Offering an Asian-influenced, modern Australian menu executed by Executive Chef Tony Twitchett, the space sitting above Fed Square is worth the elevator ride, all these years on. Small plates run to the likes of tempura bug tails with sesame yuzu aioli ($28), candy pork belly with pickled papaya ($24), and Szechuan wagyu dumpling with apple soy dressing ($27). The big guns come out in the form of Szechuan duck with watercress and chilli dressing ($52), and the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with kohlrabi puree and XinJiang spices ($55). The claypot sticky rice with lup chong, shiitake and a son-in-law egg is a must-try ($22). Try the favourites of the menu with Taxi Kitchen's recently launched $45 lunch, where patrons can choose three small plates and a large plate to share. For those with a sweet tooth and a love of nostalgia, Taxi's frozen lemon meringue pie with raspberries is a solid choice ($20), while the yuzu souffle with caremelised white chocolate, burnt orange ice cream ($22) is a stronger nod to the restaurant's Asian influence. Images: Michael Pham. Updated April, 2023
Dig out those once-a-year novelty gumboots, Groovin the Moo has unveiled its 2019 lineup. Taking the large-scale music festival out of the city and into regional centres for another year, GTM will kick things off on Friday, April 26 in South Australia and travel through Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo and Townsville before finishing up in Bunbury on Saturday, May 11. This year sees local talent new and established taking the stage, with the lineup spanning up-and-comers like Jack River, G Flip and Haiku Hands right through to recent Hottest 100 top tenner Billie Eilish, Aussie favourites Nick Murphy and Thelma Plum, Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods and rockers Regurgitator. International talent like Coolio — who'll you'll most likely recognise from his hit track 'Gangsta's Paradise' — Danish pop singer MØ and American rapper A$AP Twelvyy will make their way to the Moo, too. After hosting Australia's first ever pill testing trial in Canberra last year, Groovin the Moo is moving its ACT festival to Exhibition Park for the first time. Pill testing is still a much-debated topic around the country with five people recently dying from suspected overdoses in as many months. Here's the full lineup. GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 LINEUP A$AP Twelvyy (USA) Angie McMahon Aurora (Nor) Billie Eilish Carmouflage Rose Coolio (USA) Crooked Colours DMA's Duckwrth Fisher Flosstradamus (USA) G Flip Haiku Hands Hermitude Hilltop Hoods Holy Holy Jack River Just a Gent MØ (Dnk) Nick Murphy Nicole Millar Regurgitator Rejjie Snow (Irl) Sofi Tukker Spinderella Thelma Plum TOKiMONSTA (USA) Trophy Eyes GROOVIN THE MOO 2019 DATES & VENUES Friday, April 26 — Wayville (SA) Saturday, April 27 – Maitland (NSW) Sunday, April 28 — Canberra (ACT) Saturday, May 4 — Bendigo (VIC) Sunday, May 5 – Townsville (QLD) Saturday, May 11 — Bunbury (WA) Tickets for GTM in Wayville, Maitland and Canberra will go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 31, and Bendigo, Bunbury and Townsville will be released the day after at 8am on Friday, February 1. For more info, go to gtm.net.au. Images: Jack Toohey.
THE Rodriguez is coming back to Australia. Touring nationally this October and November, the 72-year-old enigmatic legend was last here in 1981 playing with Midnight Oil, after touring in the late '70s to small success. Now he's riding a wave of newfound support back to our biggest venues, thanks in part to two South African fans. Most people had no idea who Sixto Rodriguez was until the Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man dropped in 2012, prompting longtime fans to shake a fist and spin a bitter "I told you so." A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez played around the traps in Detroit during the '60s but saw no real success in the States with his two albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming from Reality (1971). Different story in South Africa, where he was pretty much bigger than Elvis — inspiring South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike (unbeknownst to Rodriguez himself). One of music's most mysterious heroes, Rodriguez was even thought to have died until two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom went to find out if the rumours were true (cue Oscar-winning doco). The man also has a cheeky bachelor's degree in philosophy from Wayne State University, he ran for political office and he's had to work construction jobs to support his family. Undeniable and relatively unknown legend. Rodriguez will play Brisbane Convention Centre, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne's Palais Theatre, Adelaide's AEC Theatre and Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qyE9vFGKogs
Unfurl from the depths of your cosy couch and put on your coat because Prahran's College Lawn Hotel is inviting you to embrace the cold this winter at its new garden bar. The Winter Garden Bar has taken over the Lawn's new courtyard and is open every Thursday through Sunday. Running right up until the last day of the chilly season — Saturday, August 31 — the wintry haven has plenty of heaters, warming cocktails and food to keep you toasty 'til spring. Wrap your mitts around a warm glass of booze, like a fireball hot toddy or a hot white russian. Or sample the Lawn's Campfire Sour made with spiced rum, sherry, maple syrup, lemon and rosemary. For food, you can grab a rather unusual snack: a pancake taco. Yep, you read that correctly. The folks at College Lawn have decided to combine two food favourites into one weird dish — and there are both sweet and savoury options. There's a hot dog pantaco, a chickpea curry one and even one with a chicken parma in it. Or, if you're more of a sweet tooth, you can opt for the rhubarb and apple, tiramisu or Nutella and chocolate pantaco. Bookings are recommended as the Lawn can fill up quickly. So, grab your mates (and mittens) and head to the hotel tucked just behind Chapel Street. College Lawn Hotel's Winter Garden Bar pop-up is open Thursdays to Sundays and is running until Saturday, August 31. To book your spot, head here.
Sydney minimalist chill house trio Movement have fired a flare, significantly showing up on All The Radars in the last year. Following a hugely successful run of shows supporting Solange and Nicolas Jaar's Darkside with their self-titled EP, Jesse Ward, Lewis Wade and Sean Walker will embark on their own national headliner tour to herald their shiny new offering, Like Lust, out today via Modular and streaming below. The lads from Movement were kind enough to share their EP celebrations with Concrete Playground, fixing us up with a solid playlist of their go-to tracks right now to kickstart the listening party. We figure you've now got enough beats and smooth vocals to keep you going for the next hour or so, cheers dudes. 1. Earn — Childish Gambino (Violet Frosted Remix) "Somebody on YouTube has pitched shifted Childish Gambino's tracks — got a lot of hate for doing so — but we love it." https://youtube.com/watch?v=gQpMJwpOV9A 2. Kelela — Send Me Out "Quality production and songwriting." 3. Kwabs — Pray for Love "We really value the vocals." 4. Zoo Kid — Out Getting Ribs "Real track with a real sound." https://youtube.com/watch?v=L9wLrAtcd6Y 5. Nathan Adams & Black Coffee — Afraid of the Dark "The harmonies... we adore." https://youtube.com/watch?v=_OlIBzIir6k After that generous dose of influence, Movement's hugely anticipated new EP Like Lust is out today via Modular — and was seriously worth the wait. Just be sure to find a significant pair of cans to crank it with, this is some straight-up smooth production — recorded at home and optimized by Canadian producer and The Weeknd foil Illangelo. Four tracks of laidback chill house with some seriously silky vocals, Like Lust is full of wonderfully unexpected moments (most notably the face-melting guitar solo at the end of 'Ivory'). Take a listen below. CATCH MOVEMENT ON TOUR: 22 May - Shebeen, Melbourne - Tickets available via Shebeen. 23 May - Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide 30 May - Spectrum, Sydney - Tickets available via Oztix. 5 June - Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane - Tickets available via Oztix. 6 June - Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
All The Feels are about to hit Melbourne Festival; German pianist and electronic mastermind Nils Frahm is heading back to Australia. Following his wildly talked-about, sold-out Vivid LIVE debut in Sydney this year, the 31-year-old composer will play a three intimate Melbourne shows in the Foxtel Festival Hub. Frahm respects the keyboard like nothing else; the virtuoso has been likened to a Philip Glass-meets-Thelonious Monk style of piano-loving goodness. The Berlin-based serial collaborator has worked with the dreamy likes of Ólafur Arnalds and Arcade Fire's Sarah Neufeld, as well as Ludovico Einaudi, Anne Müller and Max Richter. Frahm's most recent album, the celebrated live LP Spaces, is a good place to start if you haven't delved into the Frahm before — an epic two year journey through his collected live performances. https://youtube.com/watch?v=dIwwjy4slI8
Like footy? Like comedy? Want to watch the AFL Grand Final without having to put up with the Channel Seven commentators? If you answered any of those questions in the affirmative, On The Mark might just be for you. Taking over the Melbourne Fringe Hub for that one fateful day in September October, comedians Laura Dunemann and Geraldine Hickey are hell-bent on providing the best damn Grand Final coverage around. DJ Mz Rick will keep the fun times going once the final siren sounds. Will he prove more entertaining than Meatloaf? Only time will tell.
Catharsis is crucial in filmmaking, as Jon Favreau clearly knows. The writer, director and star emerges from big-budget cinema to return to the smaller side of Hollywood, seemingly purging his demons and addressing his disappointments in the process. Favreau started his stint behind the lens with Made, and last helmed the underwhelming Cowboys & Aliens, but is best known for Iron Man and Iron Man 2. This journey informs Chef, complete with commentary on the perils of fame, the difficulties of criticism in the digital age, and the creative corruption that comes with working for the big end of town. The parallels are easy and obvious. In Chef, Carl Casper (Favreau) has toiled from humble beginnings to become Los Angeles' premier culinary artist, but a decade working for a profit-focused restaurateur (Dustin Hoffman) sees his menus branded safe, not daring. A scathing review by a prominent food blogger (Oliver Platt) calls out his creative malaise, swirling into a storm of negative press and social media that ushers him out of a job. At first, Carl resists the encouragement of his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) to start his own food van. Soon, he's rediscovering his passion for cooking and reconnecting with his ten-year-old son, Percy (Emjay Anthony), in a road trip across the continent. With the heavy-handed correlations between Favreau's own fortunes and his on-screen alter ego evident, Chef is the filmmaker's opportunity to assemble something reduced in stature but substantial in content. Every aspect of the film reinforces the connection, not just in the narrative that shouts its thematic similarity, the informal aesthetic that rallies against special effects-driven efforts or the indulgent running time, but also in the brief appearances from fellow Marvel alumni Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson, worlds away from their franchise outings. Though the statement of Chef could have easily overpowered any involvement with the characters, Favreau fleshes out Casper's relationship with the idolising Percy in the film's strongest emotional arc. Understated performances also sell the fictional scenario beyond its autobiographical subtext, with the filmmaker leisurely affable in a rare lead role, and youngster Anthony empathetic but not overly sentimental. Laidback turns from Bobby Cannavale and John Leguizamo round out the likeable cast. As blunt and predictable as it always is, Favreau's offering proves appetising in the undemanding manner of the food trucks it covets — and repeatedly invites the comparison. Fine ingredients abound, including finessed visuals of enticing meals on par with the best food-centric efforts; however, poise and polish are swapped for a handmade feel and celebratory outcome. Gourmet filmmaking this isn't, but nor is it a fast food confection. Instead, the therapeutic and thoughtful Chef serves up palatable passion that's pleasantly rough around the edges. https://youtube.com/watch?v=PZ6e51-ie7w
Celebrating its inaugural year in style, NorthCider Festival will be putting on a party for those who like to drink local brews. Although the festival will be predominantly focused on apple cider made in Victoria, there will also be pear and fruit-infused varieties for punters looking to try something even sweeter. For those interested in the process, cider-making workshops are also on the agenda. On top of the freshest cider going around, the day will feature musical performances by Dub Fx, Jakubi, Black Jesus Experience (BJX), Kooyeh, 30/70, Formidable Vegetable Sound System, Reuben Stone Hit Factory, Tash Sultana, Duncographic, and DJ Ethan Manchild. NorthCider Festival is presented by Pink Lady Cider Co. and Strawberry Music Group, and is part of the Sustainable Living Festival.
On an international tour in 2009, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was asked to sing with Sting on a French television program. The song: The Police's 'Every Breath You Take'. As seen in archival footage in the documentary Gurrumul, Sting jokes around and makes clumsy comments about how strange it is to croon the tune with the Indigenous musician, given that the Australian has been blind since birth. The mood is as awkward as anyone would expect, but Yunupingu, when he's not singing, mostly stays silent. Nor does he react to the track's famous line, "I'll be watching you". In fact, before learning the words for the performance, he wasn't familiar with the 1983 hit and didn't even know who Sting was. Yunupingu remains a consummate professional throughout this encounter. Ultimately it's his music — often sung in the Gumatj, Galpu and Djambarrpuyngu languages of his Elcho Island home off the coast of Arnhem Land — that matters to him, not the circus that comes with it. In a documentary filled with moving moments, this segment with Sting speaks volumes. It's not the most mesmerising part of this exceptional and essential picture, which explores Yunupingu's life, work and legacy. It won't move audiences to tears like his tunes, and it won't incite cheers like his concerts. Rather, the scene encapsulates the everyday essence of a quiet talent with a powerful voice, while also outlining his approach to his career, in stark contrast with the industry around him. Make no mistake: as this thoroughly fascinating film makes plain, the late artist was a musician and a man utterly unlike anyone else. Making his first feature, director Paul Damien Williams charts Yunupingu's days from childhood to his passing, painting a captivating portrait of one of the nation's undisputed icons. Thanks to the wealth of materials at the filmmaker's disposal, Gurrumul watches a charming toddler grow up to become a reluctant star — although it doesn't journey from Yunupingu's birth to his death in a linear fashion. It's also a globe-trotting road trip, accompanying the artist as his career takes him well beyond the Northern Territory. All of the requisite details are accounted for, including the singer's early days in Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band, his wariness about pursuing music solo, and the fame that echoed as loudly as his astonishing tenor. Any filmmaker could amass this kind of biography, however Williams' skill is that he doesn't craft an easy ode, but truly endeavours to understand the man at the centre of his movie. Sometimes, the documentary is happy to simply sit and watch as Yunupingu does what he does best: sing and play, his voice ringing out over the top of his own guitar or even paired with an orchestra. Sometimes, it delves deep into his clearly reclusive nature, whether he's keeping mum in interviews, preferring to stay at home, or failing to show up at the airport for what would've been a career-defining trip to America. What detail doesn't spring from Yunupingu's music and actions instead comes from those around him. His aunt Susan Dhangal Gurruwiwi provides personal stories, while producer and collaborator Michael Hohnen expands upon their work together, as well as their close bond. The end result is a dense and insightful documentary modelled in Yunupingu's image, proving as beautiful, intimate, layered and revelatory as the artist's remarkable songs. Unsurprisingly, one specific topic hangs over the film. It isn't discussed on-screen, but the documentary commences with two sorrowful messages. Firstly, it advises that the movie was approved by Yunupingu just three days before his passing in July 2017. Secondly, the movie explains that Yolgnu elders have lifted the usual ban that follows death in their culture, which dictates that the name and image of the deceased should no longer be used. Both serve as an important statement about the doco and Yunupingu, indicating the care that is evident in every frame, the reverence with which he's held by his own community, and the fact that the film forms a welcome part of Yunupingu's body of work. The musician's final album, the just-released chart-topper Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), might be his last recording, but Gurrumul is also one of his final gifts. A heartfelt, affectionate and admiring celebration of Yunupingu's success completely on his own terms, it's not a cinematic eulogy but rather a rare and haunting glimpse at one of the country's most significant music talents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXa3gw3g4C4
Just try not to gaze longingly into the shimmering azure sea seen in Roza of Smyrna. Sorry, it's impossible. The film has been called a Greco-Turkish Romeo and Juliet, and its blend of scenic sights and romantic drama is a great fit for the Greek Film Festival's 2017 opening night. While you're watching, you'll fall in love with the story and the picturesque region. With the fest taking over Palace Como from October 11 to 22 – with the kick-off, closer and a mid-fest special event at The Astor Theatre — that's just one of the titles on offer in a rather sizeable program. Other highlights include The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the Colin Farrell-starring latest from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos (and one of our MIFF standouts); The Bachelor, which has been dubbed the Hellenic version of The Hangover; and Dogs of Democracy, which aims to be an Athens-set, canine-centric version of cat doco Kedi. From catching up with the comic macho posturing of Chevalier to delving into the true Aussie tale that is Joe Cinque's Consolation, the flicks just keep coming, including a short film fest within the main fest. It's the festival's 24th year, and they're making the most of it. We'd smash some plates in celebration of that.
Just in time for Father's Day, the Makers & Shakers Market returns with a stacked line-up of stallholders, showcasing more than 180 designers, makers and gourmet producers. Held at the Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building, this year's Makers & Shakers Market will be the biggest yet. Explore Australian-made designs perfect for Dad from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7. There's even a dedicated "Dad's Zone" to make last-minute gifts a breeze, and also keep your dad occupied while you go exploring for something yourself. Visitors can sit for a custom portrait by Melbourne artist Frances Cannon or sample Ballarat's award-winning Raspberry Goldfields Cookie Pie from Mrs Browne Bakes. You'll also have the chance to snap a family photo that you'll be laughing about for years at Awkward Portraits. We've heard the theme is double-denim. For a bite to eat, there is no shortage of food stalls to satisfy those hunger pangs. Keep an eye out for Rocco's Bologna Discoteca serving up their famous Italian sandwiches, bao buns from Wonderbao, Greek Street Food and Hamsa Hummus Bar. For take-home food and drink options, try Six-Eyed Scorpion chilli oil, ramen kits from the Naked Asian Grocer, and gin from Daylesford Spirits. Returning this September is the popular Mini Makers & Shakers Market, giving kids the chance to play stallholder for a day. For adults, there's a plethora of interactive workshops allowing patrons to try their hand at needle-felting, collaging, jewellery making and gin tasting. The Makers & Shakers Market will run from 10am–4pm across the Father's Day weekend. Tickets are $5 (free for kids under 12) and can be purchased online or at the door.
When arts and culture festival Rising debuts this month, it'll see Chinatown come alive with an eclectic program of giant projections, colourful parades and other immersive artistic delights. And at the precinct's core is the elaborate Golden Square pop-up, transforming Lonsdale Street's multi-level carpark into a multi-faceted homage to creativity and big ideas. For the festival's duration (May 26–June 6) the building's normally stark concrete storeys will be reimagined as a dynamic art gallery space, showcasing new commissioned works by legendary Aussie artists including Reko Rennie, Lucy Bleach, Patty Chang and Parallel Park. Expect everything from performance art to sculptural pieces, speaking to the theme of 'inland tides' — including Rennie's large-scale, three-channel video work, which shows him cruising inner-city streets in a painted Holden Monaro, backed by an operatic score by Deborah Cheetham AO. [caption id="attachment_810946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Work by Patty Chang[/caption] On the rooftop, you'll feast your eyes on towering projections, giant murals splashed across the ground and ice sculptures crafted from frozen lake water — also from some of Australia's most celebrated contemporary artists. And while the creative juices are flowing, the drinks will be too, with top-notch libations on offer from Fancy Free's esteemed pop-up bar. Golden Square is designed to be enjoyed starting from the rooftop and spiralling your way down. It'll be open nightly from 6pm–12am. Top image: work by Lucy Bleach
Sweden's recent electro music success is enough to believe the likes of Lykke Li, Robyn, The Knife, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Adrian Lux and Rebecca & Fiona all hang out with each other, and swap industry tips over fika. Groups such as Little Dragon, however, have developed an international following with records characterised by smoothly evocative lyrics. Their self-proclaimed 'global sound' is experimental and consistently enjoyable. Their latest album, Nubuma Rubberband, is absolutely worth a listen. Hitting up the Corner Hotel with one of the week's most anticipated gigs, Little Dragon have now sold out every last ticket for the night without breaking a sweat. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UM--TtkGNa4
A tall hunk of steel that appears to float at the back of the vast gallery space greets you as you enter Regional Modernities. Like all of Monika Sosnowska’s work Facade is as much about the space around it as the actual object. This complex mash of steel window frames twists and bends, changing its form as you get closer and walk around it. Sosnowska is a Polish artist who creates large-scale industrial sculptures specially designed for the gallery spaces they inhabit. Regional Modernities is her first major exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s great to see such a big name in international art at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Melbourne. Sosnowska takes recognisable, functional elements of architecture and manipulates them to make them compelling, unusual and sometimes uncomfortable. Wall is a tiny concrete room, half painted in off-green with tiny enclaves, while Corridor is a very thin passage of doors facing each other. They are rough, uncanny and made me slightly claustrophobic. Her art is meant to be an exploration of post-Communist Poland, and the materials and colour palette she uses immediately evoke the old public architecture that ex-Soviet states are now trying to move away from. The works are also deeply personal, exploring the Poland she lived in as a child and what life’s like there today. The installations are raw and brutal but have important subtle features — doors slightly ajar, crumbling concrete, the play of shadows, and the diffused reflection of Facade on the concrete floor. For me Regional Modernities raises questions about how architecture intersects with our lives, sometimes working to alienate and confine us. It’s fitting then that to get to ACCA you have to walk through Southbank, which is full of the visually complex and sometimes hideous new towers that are changing the face of Melbourne. The steel and concrete Sosnowska uses in her art is the same stuff that’s constantly rebuilding our city skyline. The presence of Sosnowska’s work in the sparse ACCA exhibition space gives a visceral, intimate experience comparable to the work of great installation artists like Ai Weiwei. You should go, and take your time, maybe get a coffee and go through a second time, exploring different angles and viewpoints. Like everything at ACCA, there’s a bit of a reverse-TARDIS effect: the gallery seems big from the outside and smaller once inside. But it’s a great exhibition from an exciting artist, and it may leave you wondering how the buildings around us shape how we think and act.
UPDATE, September 21, 2022: Red Rocket is available to stream via Prime Video, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. It might sound crazy, but it ain't no lie: Red Rocket's *NSYNC needle drops, the cost of which likely almost eclipsed the rest of the film's budget, provide a sensational mix of movie music moments in an all-round sensational picture. A portrait of an ex-porn star's knotty homecoming to the oil-and-gas hub that is Texas City, the feature only actually includes one song by the Justin Timberlake-fronted late-90s/early-00s boyband, but it makes the most of it. That tune is 'Bye Bye Bye', and it's a doozy. With its instantly recognisable blend of synth and violins, it first kicks in as the film itself does, and as the bruised face of Mikey Saber (Simon Rex, Scary Movie 3, 4 and 5) peers out of a bus window en route from Los Angeles. Its lyrics — "I'm doing this tonight, you're probably gonna start a fight, I know this can't be right" — couldn't fit the situation better. The infectiously catchy vibe couldn't be more perfect as well, and nor could the contrast that all those upbeat sounds have always had with the track's words. As he demonstrates with every film, Red Rocket writer/director/editor Sean Baker is one of the best and shrewdest filmmakers working today — one of the most perceptive helmers taking slice-of-life looks at American existence on the margins, too. His latest movie joins Starlet, Tangerine and The Florida Project on a resume that just keeps impressing, but there's an edge here born of open recognition that Mikey is no one's hero. He's a narcissist, sociopath and self-aggrandiser who knows how to talk his way into anything, claim success from anyone else's wins and blame the world for all his own woes. He's someone that everyone in his orbit can't take no more and wants to see out that door, as if *NSYNC's now-22-year-old lyrics were specifically penned about him. He's also a charismatic charmer who draws people in like a whirlwind. He's the beat and the words of 'Bye Bye Bye' come to life, in fact, even if the song wasn't originally in Red Rocket's script. Mikey's return after decades away isn't greeted with smiles or cheers; his estranged wife Lexi (Bree Elrod, Shutter Island), also his ex on-screen partner, is horrified when he arrives on her doorstep unannounced with $22 to his name. It takes him mere minutes to convince her and her mother Lil (Brenda Deiss) to let him crash on their couch, though — and just days to work his way back into Lexi's bed. The begrudging inevitability of their reunion echoes as firmly as Red Rocket's chosen anthem, and both keep repeating throughout the film. Unable to get a job despite his glee when explaining the big gap in his resume ("Google me," he exclaims, revealing his porn past to prospective employers), he's reluctantly given back his old weed-dealing gig by local dealer Leondra (Judy Hill), who clearly isn't thrilled. The two new connections Mikey makes — with a neighbour and a 17-year-old doughnut store cashier — also smack of the same feeling. Both relationships leave as much of an imprint upon Mikey's life as anything can — although, no matter what he contends about every bad turn he's endured, all the chaos plaguing his every waking moment is his own doing. With Lonnie (Ethan Darbone), he gets an adoring sidekick who thinks he can do no wrong and, most importantly, a driver to taxi him around town. With Strawberry (Suzanna Son, chief among the film's many first-timers), he hopes to turn his lust into a way back into the adult film industry, grooming her to make her own thrusts into porn. Both naive and aware of Mikey's brimming bullshit, Strawberry isn't quite as taken in with his promises as he imagines her to be, however. Still, she might quote "it ain't no lie, bye bye bye" about him, but she's also willing enough to go along for the ride. Played with spark and ambition by Son, Strawberry also sings 'Bye Bye Bye' herself, delivering a post-coital keyboard rendition — because, in soundtracking uninhibited jaunts into careening lives, Red Rocket, like Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers, enlists new versions of decades-old pop hits by former Mouseketeers. The film's stripped-down take speaks volumes about the movie it's in, too, because Baker's feature is as much about the sweet melodies we sing to ourselves about ourselves as it is about the clash between an alluring mood and the stark truth. Mikey has the spin down pat — in porn, he's proudest about winning awards for being pleasured orally, and doesn't waver when it's pointed out that he's not really doing anything by being on the receiving end — but Red Rocket exposes the reality behind his incessant chatter and swagger. Writing with three-time collaborator Chris Bergoch, Baker peppers the film's screenplay with devastatingly telling lines and comedic inclusions alike. When Mikey insists that "the universe is on my side", it smashes both targets. But even as Baker weaves in broader commentary about the US today — Red Rocket is set in the lead up to the 2016 presidential election, with snippets of campaign speeches heard and parallels between two different self-assured grifters easily spied — his smartest move is saying hi, hi, hi to Rex. It's a loaded choice, given the latter's own porn history as a solo player in the early 90s. Rex was then an MTV VJ, so he's also used to talking the glossy talk. Acting followed, plus rapping under the moniker Dirt Nasty, but it's safe to say that his career didn't pan out as planned until Red Rocket drew upon that history to cast him as its magnetic middle-aged dirtbag. Rex is so awards-worthily commanding — so seductive and sleazy in tandem, all while playing a livewire of a thorny character with so little self-awareness — that it's plain to see why the film was scripted with him in mind. Baker fills other key parts with non-professionals, as he has a history of doing, and there's zero weak links in what proves a riotous character study of an entrancing yet toxic and deluded hustler, and also a freewheeling snapshot of small industrial town lives that's fuelled by authenticity on several levels. It's little wonder, then, that cinematographer Drew Daniels (Waves) lenses the picture like it's caught between magic hour-hued fantasies and scrappy social realism. That's Baker's favourite aesthetic, and straddling juxtapositions is baked into his latest movie everywhere it can be. Perhaps that's why Red Rocket also feels like exactly what Baker was destined to do after the similarly phenomenal The Florida Project, but also firmly its own glorious journey. That ain't no lie, either.
Stop what you're doing (particularly if what you're doing is re-watching old Seinfeld episodes for the 33rd time), because Jerry Seinfeld, the man himself, is finally coming to Australia. The comedian will be gracing our shores with a five-date national stand-up tour of our capital cities — his first visit Down Under in almost 20 years. Yowsa. The Seinfeld Live tour will visit Melbourne's Hisense Arena this August for two shows. So hurry up and rewatch seasons one through nine ASAP. It's Seinfeld's first visit to Australia since 1998, when he toured the country just after the show wrapped. On that visit he called Melbourne the "anus" of the world — we'll see what he has to say about it this time round.
'Success' in the music world isn't the easiest word to define (being only slightly less tricky than 'indie rock'), but it's hard to think of a description that Bloc Party would fall outside the parameters of. They've released four commercially successful albums (the most recent being last year's assertive Four), they defy decades with a unique blend of razor-edged sonics and catchy pop hooks, and they're still really cool. This March the East London art rock quartet are hitting Future Music Festival (where they sit directly opposite Steve Aoki near the top of the impressive line-up), and have just announced a string of satellite shows too. It'll be the band's first appearance following a hiatus in 2009 when singer/guitarist Kele Okereke moved to Berlin to focus on his solo work. Four marks a return to the sound that first shot Bloc Party to fame nearly ten years ago, which means angular guitars on top of anthems on top of anthems. https://youtube.com/watch?v=p1CSMdDIRGg
After the success of the inaugural Community Service in Downtown LA last year, founders Mike Krim and Paige Silveria are bringing the event — which is part-art market, part-zine fair and part-party — Down Under next month. Over two days, the event will bring international artists together with Australia's fresh new talent for one heck of a showcase. Everything from art books and zines to prints and clothing will be up for grabs across the weekend — all from a tight selection of artists, designers, labels, publishers, stores and galleries. Exhibitors include New York City's Paper Work bookstore, Californian zine Hamburger Eyes, Aussie publisher Knowledge Editions and locals Perimeter Books. You'll be able to browse the stalls coffee in-hand, or grab a glass of rosé or a Moon Dog beer from the bar. As evening rolls in, the live music will start with DJ sets from Oscar Key Sung among others. The event will run from 6–9pm on Friday, 10am–7pm on Saturday and 11am–7pm on Sunday. Entry is free, but it's recommended that you come with cash if you want to make some purchases as not all vendors will accept card.
If you're looking for Australia’s freshest and best emerging artistic talent, then you can’t miss this free exhibition at the NGV. For the last 21 years, the StArt Up: Top Arts 2015 exhibition has handed the Ian Potter Centre space over to Victoria's outstanding art students; those completing Art or Studio Arts studies in the VCE. A perfect opportunity for young burgeoning artists to freely and creatively explore topical and personal issues, StArt Up: Top Arts 2015 accommodates works in any form, shape or theme. From street art to sculpture, collage to illustration, there's no limit to what mediums these bright young things use or the ideas they decide to explore — it's a free-for-all. Interestingly, it’s not only the final products that are on display; students also present their folios — often an artwork within themselves — as well as developmental material and preparatory work so viewers can experience their artistic process from start to finish.
Spiritualized premiering a tour of its back catalogue, Pussy Riot telling their own tale through theatre, a concert dedicated to the spiritual music of Alice Coltrane, and New York's Blonde Redhead playing a re-orchestration of their 2004 album Misery is a Butterfly. They're just some of the highlights on offer at Supersense when it returns for 2017. Every festival aims to offer audiences a sensory experience; however, as the name gives away, that's the entire point of Supersense. Celebrating the ecstatic in art, music and performance is on the agenda between August 18 to 20, with the fest delivering an immersive, hyper-sensory onslaught that transforms every space in Arts Centre Melbourne into a place of wonder and excitement. This is a festival that includes a day-long festival-within-a-festival of improvised music, after all. Indeed, there's only one thing to do at the event that's curated and co-founded by performer Sophia Brous: surrender. The lineup of punk, devotional music, free improvisation, dance and movement also features Brous collaborating on theatrical song cycle Lullaby Movement with multi-instrumentalists David Coulter and Leo Abrahams, and joining forces with Kimbra to bring their New York hit Exo-Tech to Melbourne. Tickets are available for Friday evening ($90), all day Saturday ($140) or for the whole three-day shindig ($270).
While the south-side is more famous for seafood and ice cream, Mr Wolf has carved a niche as one of St Kilda's most authentic pizzerias. It serves up an intensely Italian line-up — come with your Italian dictionary fired up because you might need to translate a few things. And while you're at it, bring your appetite because the pizza bases are chewy and handmade and the toppings are thick. We recommend the Signore Lupo ($24.5) for something a little different, with mozzarella, tomato, roast cauliflower, sausage, pancetta, and chilli. Or the No. 9 for a classic — buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, and rocket ($24). Once your belly is full of pizza, take a stroll along the shore and, if you squint, you might be able to pretend you're in Italy and the palm trees are rows and rows of beautiful, tall Italians bringing you a nice glass of red. Ahhh. It's good to pretend.
Central to everything food-related on this side of town, the South Melbourne Market is a paradise for food lovers of every kind. Bambu is one of its headline gastronomic venues, offering visitors a fusion of modern Australian with hawker-style Asian cuisine that's oh-so-good. Soak up the lively market atmosphere as you dine inside the restaurant's stylish space or head out to explore the variety of shops on offer nearby with your food in-hand. From wok-tossed stir fry to gao baos and dumplings, no visit to South Melbourne Market is complete without a visit to Bambu.
