It's possible to believe that a film needn't necessarily exist, and still be thrilled that it does. That's the case with Gloria Bell, Sebastián Lelio's English-language remake of his 2013 Chilean drama Gloria — which keeps the same plot, brings in Julianne Moore and transfers the action to Los Angeles. The first time around, Lelio's tale of a 50-something divorcee trying to reclaim her life proved a potent character study, made blisteringly real not only thanks to an empathetic, keenly observed script, but via an exceptional lead performance. That rings true here as well, yet this narrative, its honest exploration of womanhood at a mature age and its rich texture doesn't get old. If we can have oh-so-many cookie-cutter movies about slacker man-children just trying to find a girl to love them despite their obvious flaws, we can have two versions of this story. Played with a luminous air, a sense of vulnerability and a determined spirit by the always-stellar Moore, Gloria Bell has long become accustomed to her unattached existence. Her days are spent working in insurance, singing 80s hits in her car and snatching whatever time she can with her grown-up kids (Caren Pistorius and Michael Cera), while her nights usually end beneath the disco ball at a singles bar. "When the world blows up, I hope I go down dancing," she proclaims happily, and it's fancy footwork that brings her to recently divorced theme-park owner Arnold (John Turturro). Sparks fly, but life and love haven't been easy for Gloria thus far, and they won't be from this point onwards. Reworking his initial script with actor and writer Alice Johnson Boher, Lelio fills Gloria Bell with detail. That applies equally to the film and to the figure that gives the movie its name. While the plot is straightforward — a woman and a man meet, connect and try to work out if their messy lives fit together — every character, scene and moment is gloriously layered, ensuring that nothing about the picture is simplistic. It's true when Gloria commiserates with a colleague (Barbara Sukowa) about their respective retirement savings, a conversation that speaks to the uncertainty that often greets women who've spent time out of the workforce to raise a family. It's true when the film spies its protagonist attending a laughing group, allowing herself to giggle away her troubles while participating in a pastime with a very specific audience. And it's true when Lelio pushes his heroine to finally complain about her unstable upstairs neighbour, with Gloria wavering between caring for a troubled soul and looking out for herself. From wondering how a hairless cat keeps finding its way into her apartment, to lighting up on the paintball range with Arnold, to running free on a trip to Las Vegas, Gloria Bell keeps showing what makes the open-hearted Gloria tick — and why. This isn't just a slice-of-life journey of discovery for those watching, however, but for the restless yet quietly relentless woman herself. It's this, in particular, that makes the film so evocative and meaningful. On multiple occasions, Gloria is given a choice to either go with the flow or to shape her own path and, even when her actions end in chaos, she grabs hold of her future with both hands. Gloria doesn't merely navigate ups and downs, but uncovers her strengths and limits. She doesn't just tackle dramas, but learns how to cope with whatever comes her way. She's never ashamed of being a lonely divorcee, but she also won't let it define her. Unsurprisingly, Moore couldn't be more pivotal; if Lelio remade his own movie solely to work with her, it'd be justification enough for Gloria Bell. Behind large glasses, with more blonde than red in her hair, and reuniting with her Big Lebowski co-star Turturro, Moore's radiant to the point of transcendence — middle-aged malaise rarely looked so stripped-bare and so simultaneously vivid. It helps, of course, that the acclaimed Chilean filmmaker matches his visual style and overarching tone to his leading lady, as he also did so winningly in queer dramas A Fantastic Woman and Disobedience. It worked a charm for Paulina García in the original Gloria, and it works captivatingly with Moore in Gloria Bell. One happily stands beside the other, and viewers will want to lose themselves on the dance floor with both. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k38zjD2QVSg
How is RISING 2025 wrapping up its 12 jam-packed winter days from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15? With the Melbourne music, art, culture and architecture festival putting on a literally underground five-hour gig that's making Melbourne history. Track Work: Music From the Underground will take audiences to a brand-new location. Feel like you've seen live tunes at every venue in the Victorian capital there is? You haven't headed 20-plus metres below St Kilda Road to the yet-to-open Anzac Station for a gig before. First Nations label BAD APPLES MUSIC is behind the event, with Briggs, BARKAA, Birdz and Jayteehazard on the lineup. Headline sets, DJs, MCs: they're all on the bill at this daytime concert, which is running from 11am–4pm on Sunday, June 15. Also huge: the fact that admission is free. Alongside the entertainment, Track Work doubles as a chance to take a self-guided walk-through of the station — and to see Tracks, the new public artwork from Victorian First Nations artist Maree Clarke, which features the fur seal and fairy penguin among other animals that live in Bunurong / Boonwurrung Country's coastal climes.
In her fourth feature film, Polish director Malgoska Szumowska attempts to interrogate our traditional sexual mores: Is prostitution only ever an act of female exploitation or can it empower women, financially and socially? Do the sacrifices and compromises involved in maintaining a "respectable" bourgeois marriage actually constitute a form of whoredom? Of course, these uneasy questions have been asked before. On this occasion, Szumowska seeks to unpack them in the context of contemporary French society. The problem is that her exploration tends to simmer on the surface, rather than probe the depths necessary to penetrate such complicated issues. This may well be the consequence of trying to do too much in 99 minutes. Juliette Binoche is Anne, an obsessive, middle-aged journalist, struggling to meet the demands of her job, as well as play mother to two disconnected teenage sons and wife to a dispassionate husband. When asked to research the phenomenon of prostitution among Parisian students, Anne finds herself drawn to a risky yet seductive existence, leading her to question her own. The narrative hangs on Anne's interviews with two call girls: Charlotte (Anais Demoustier), a diminutive brunette who prefers to make quick money through the provision of sexual favours than to work long hours in a casual job, and Alicja (Joanna Kulig), a voluptuous blonde Pole who enjoys living in a spacious apartment and buying fancy clothes. Flashbacks convey their gamut of carnal experiences, which for the most part are portrayed as erotic and thrilling, the exception being a couple of incidents in which clients insist on humiliating and sadistic acts. This potential risk of aggression and its emotional consequences is one of many issues that are touched upon, rather than thoroughly explored, in Elles. The focus is on a plethora of graphic scenes, at the price of the development of the script's philosophical and psychological complexity. Binoche certainly delivers a powerful, poignant, and nuanced performance, even if her character's reactions are simplistic and predictable: the more time Anne spends talking with Charlotte and Alicja, the more she comes to resent the apparent mundane domesticity of her passionless marriage. Her awakening sensuality is represented by some rather obvious symbolism: in one scene, she fondles shellfish while preparing dinner. The (questionable) suggestion seems to be that Anne's life choices represent more of a sell-out than prostitution. Elles features plenty of sex, some intimate camera work, and undoubtedly compelling acting. However, its fragmented, unsettled heart ultimately limits its capacity to resonate.
It's the iconic charity footy match that sees local musos and radio names battle it out on field in an effort to raise much-needed funds and awareness for disadvantaged Aussies via Reclink Australia. And this weekend, 19 years after it was born right here in Melbourne, the much-adored Reclink Community Cup will return for a huge 2022 instalment. On Sunday, June 19, this year's Cup will transform Victoria Park into a community celebration of epic proportions, as crowds flock to catch the Megahertz (familiar voices from Triple R 102.7FM and PBS 106.7FM) and the Young & Jackson Rockdogs (a team of brave musicians) go head to head. This year's festivities have been given the theme of 'Let Love Rule', in honour of celebrated Gunditjmara/Bundjalung singer-songwriter Archie Roach AM and one of his best-known songs. As always, the off-field antics will be plentiful, with a stellar lineup of line tunes courtesy of Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Ausecuma Beats, Izy, Parsnip and Private Function. At least whichever team loses can drown their sorrows in some top-notch music. Since its inception here in 1993, the Reclink Community Cup has spawned plenty of interstate versions, now running in Sydney, Adelaide, Fremantle, Hobart, Brisbane and Canberra. [caption id="attachment_857723" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carbie Warbie[/caption] Images: Carbie Warbie
Prepare for a night of audio-visual immersion, as one of Melbourne's coolest film collectives returns for another year. Not content to simply replicate a typical cinema experience, Hear My Eyes combines little-seen films with new and original scores, performed live by local music acts in unique venues and bars around town. For their first event of 2016, they're pairing local synth pop duo GL with Heartbeats, the ultra-stylish sophomore drama from Québécois wunderkind Xavier Dolan. First released in 2010, the film explores the romantic rivalry that develops between best friends Francis (Dolan) and Marie (Monia Chokri) after they both become enamoured with the same man. It's a must-see film for lovers of world cinema, particularly those who've enjoy Dolan's subsequent efforts such as Laurence Anyways, Tom at the Farm and his recent masterpiece Mommy. GL, meanwhile, are no strangers to success themselves, having played Falls Festival, Meredith and Splendour, and supported the likes of Saskwatch, Shamir and Chet Faker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znpU_Aup-Bg
Winter can breed a very scary version of ourselves. For months we sport a wayward side ponytail and we wear the 'private time' tracksuit pants. Time and time again, we huddle over the flickering old gas heater and tell ourselves it's much too cold for dinner and drinks. The rigmarole of getting skinny jeans on over two pairs of woollen tights is rarely worth the reward. Spring, however — spring is the time for fluro footwear and decorative paper pineapples; it is the season of champagne and sequins, and trying to not get champagne on sequined dresses. It is the season of fashion. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week has ushered in this beautiful season for the past 19 years, and this time around it is proving to be no disappointment. Of course, there are the obligatory runway shows — the ones that inevitably leave you thinking 'Yeah, I could so pull off that look'. But there are also a huge number of special events that cover more than just the catwalk. The work of Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck will be on special exhibition for Dream the World Awake at RMIT Design Hub; the iconic designers of Gorman are teaming up with installation artist Kit Webster to transform Fort Delta into an "electric wonderland"; and Melbourne Town Hall will be showcasing the work of our best local designers for the duration of the festival. There are some more hands-on events too. Get started in the industry with a sewing workshop, put your best foot forward with a shoe-making intensive, or come hash it all out with a talk about fashion in pop culture. I know winter is hard to give up. There's going to be a serious lack of mulled wine, and yes — the tracksuit pants will be put away. But there's a whole new world out there. It's a world with sun, models, and pop-up markets from local designers. I think we'll be okay.
With the Golden Globes having just passed, and the Oscars fast approaching, the internet has gone wild with appropriations of the nominated films and people involved in them. From Facebook pages dedicated to the funny things Jennifer Lawrence says to adulterated posters with their 'honest' titles, the world wide web loves to poke fun at the films we hold dear. And this new addition to the fray is hilarious. Created by YouTuber Pop Culture Brain, this video is a parody trailer of Spike Jonze's latest offering, Her. The film stars Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, the artificially intelligent operating system in the introverted Theodore's (Joaquin Pheonix) home. Pop Culture Brain, however, swaps out Johansson with another famous Samantha — Sex and the City's Samantha Jones. Cue the silliness. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IhIbmgQSyDE Kim Cattrall's notorious character is crass, lewd and oh so '90s. When you cut the quotes from the context of the show and switch them with the dialogue from the original trailer for Her, what you get is an absurdly uproarious piece of gutter humour. Rather than an unconventional love story, Spike Jonze's solo script writing debut becomes a rampant sex party between a computer and a lonely guy. Naturally, its audio is NSFW. Via Huffington Post.
Whether sprawling across a Tokyo warehouse, taking over a Japanese castle, turning old oil tanks into waterfalls or even popping up in Melbourne, the digital art made by creative collective Teamlab can make you feel like you're in another world. That's a sensation we could all after the past year year, even if visiting the group's overseas sites is currently off limits due to international travel restrictions. Enter Teamlab's latest project: the online-only Sakura Bombing Home. If it sounds familiar, that's because it's a twist on Flowers Bombing Home, which Teamlab launched in 2020. The project has been updated for cherry blossom season, because Japanese students usually graduate at this time of year — but can't currently enjoy the usual festivities due to the pandemic. Like the bulk of Teamlab's work, Sakura Bombing Home is interactive; however, as its name suggests, art lovers can take part from their own couch. The collective is asking its audience to draw and colour-in pictures of cherry blossoms — either on paper or on your phone — then take a photo and upload it to the group's site. Your pics will then be added to the bright, kaleidoscopic, constantly moving and evolving piece. That's the participatory part of the project. When it comes to watching — whether you've gotten arty first, or you just want to view the piece without breaking out your colouring pencils — you can head to Teamlab's YouTube channel. Sakura Bombing Home is live streaming constantly, joining together cherry blossoms created by folks all over the world. While viewing, you'll notice petals scattering, then coming together to form new images. Unsurprisingly given the sensory nature of its physical installations, Teamlab recommends viewing Sakura Bombing Home on your television set, "or as large a device as possible". The project will be available for the foreseeable future, too, with the collective advising that it "will bloom until the end of the coronavirus" — and that it'll also stick around afterwards "for people to remember this era". For more information about Teamlab's 'Sakura Bombing Home' — or to add your own drawing — visit the art collective's website. To watch the live-streamed artwork, head to its YouTube channel.
Expect plenty of sunshine and good vibes when iconic LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration Midsumma Festival returns this month for its biggest edition yet. It's set to deliver an enormous program of 195 events, descending on venues across the state from Sunday, January 23–Sunday, February 13 — with live music, performances, exhibitions, theatre, cabaret, parties, forums and more, all championing queer arts and culture. It all kicks off with 11-hour-long al fresco party Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens on January 23, while the full-day Melbourne Pride fiesta will wrap things up on February 13. In between, you'll catch a diverse array of happenings and events, headlined by Midsumma Presents — a specially curated program championing the unheard voices of this era's queer intersectional communities. Midsumma's major project for 2022, AND/OR, is dedicated to showcasing disability-led works, inviting audiences to experience a range of new perspectives through its own broad-ranging program of compelling plays, panels and exhibitions. Also on the bill, you'll find First Nations drag showcases, rollicking queer day parties, a glittery gala celebrating the iconic David Bowie, and an interactive fashion show dedicated to the art of upcycling. Elsewhere, catch thought-provoking theatre shows, side-splitting stand-up and a whole swag of drag, plus exhibitions, markets, illuminating talks and parties galore. [caption id="attachment_752133" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dean Arcuri[/caption] Images: Dean Arcuri and Midsumma.
Melbourne Fringe Festival is set to return this month (November 12–29), and with it comes one helluva opening night party. But, this year, the party will take place in your lounge room. Club Fringe will broadcast into homes all over Australia from 9.30pm on Thursday, November 12. For this year's festivities, Fringe has joined forces with the folks behind Yirramboi Festival as part of NAIDOC Week. They've curated an all-First Nations lineup including some of Melbourne's best independent talent. The night will kick off with a Boonwurrung Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. Then, rapper Deejai with vocalist Breanna Lee, Arrernte drag artist Stone Motherless Cold and electro-tribal pop duo The Merindas will all take to the virtual stage. DJ Soju Gang will keep the party vibes going until midnight. Don't forget to nab your tickets, which are choose what you pay (with a $10 suggested donation). Then prep your dance floor (aka living room), deck yourself out in glitter and get ready to party like its 2020. Top image: The Merindas
The Death of Peter Pan tells the story of the real 'Peter Pan', Michael Llewelyn Davies, the favourite adopted son of Peter Pan author J. M. Barrie and part inspiration behind the beloved character. It travels across Eton, Paris and Oxford to tell the tragic tale of his 1920s golden era romance with the impulsive Rupert Buxton, which ended in a heartbreaking suicide pact. Here the Barry Lowe play is reinvented for the 21st century, directed this time around by Robert Chuter, who is no stranger to staging (award-winning) productions. He explores lost childhood, coming of age, the difficulties of parenting and how the adventure to "fall in love, really in love" can sometimes be disastrous. The FLY-ON-THE-WALL production runs for a limited season only — to get there, chase your shadow down to the Chapel off Chapel Theatre, second star to the right and straight on 'til morning.
Canberra music, food and art festival Spilt Milk is set to return to the capital this November, celebrating its third outing with a suitably huge lineup, announced this morning. Heading up the bill is none other than US hip hop star Childish Gambino, fresh off the back of a #1 Billboard Charts debut for his single This Is America. He hasn't yet announced any other Australian shows, but Spilt Milk isn't billing his appearance as an exclusive, so chances are he'll announce at least a few more shows. (We've still got out fingers crossed that he bring his Pharos festival here after New Zealand.) He'll be joined at the capital's Commonwealth Park on November 17 by fellow international stars, UK pop legends The Wombats and LA producer RL Grime. There's also plenty of homegrown goodness on the menu, with the likes of Sydney singer-songwriter Vera Blue, indie-pop sensation Jack River, dance floor darling Hayden James and Canberra's own high-energy duo Peking Duk all set to take the Spilt Milk stage. But the musical lineup's not to be outdone by the rest of the program, with a ripper serve of visual art, tasty eats and pop-up bars on the cards. Get ready for a multisensory feast, as Hamburg-based artist Stefanie Thiele leads a team of local talent in creating a wondrous playground of installations and art experiences. And keep those taste buds satisfied throughout the day, with eats from the likes of Dirty Bird Food Truck, Bao Brothers, Happy As Larry and Chur Burger. If you fancy being a part of Spilt Milk round three, you'd best not dilly dally — the festival's debut event in 2016 sold out in a mere 18 minutes, while the following year's tickets were all snapped up within nine minutes. This year, Canberra locals will get first dibs, with Homegrown tickets on sale July 1. After that, pre-sale tickets will be available Australia-wide from noon on July 3, with a general admission release on sale at 12pm, Thursday, July 5. In the meantime, here's what you came for — the full lineup for Spilt Milk 2018. SPILT MILK 2018 LINEUP Blanke Camouflage Rose Channel Tres Childish Gambino Cub Sport Ebony Boadu Hatchie Hayden James Jack River Kinder Kira Puru Kwame Manu Crook$ Methyl Ethel Miss Blanks Moaning Lisa Peking Duk RL Grime Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Shockone Skeggs Thandi Phoenix The Jungle Giants The Wombats Thundamentals Vera Blue Willaris. K YG ARTISTS Faith Kerehona JBR Roskoe Stefanie Thiele VOIR (With more to be announced) FOOD Bao Brothers Eatery Chur Burger Dirty Bird Food Truck Happy As Larry Sofrito Paella Spilt Milk Festival will run on Saturday, November 17 at Commonwealth Park, Canberra. Tickets go on sale next week at spilt-milk.com.au. Image: Cole Bennetts.
It's the end of an era for a St Kilda beachside favourite, though its next phase of existence is already looking very promising, indeed. After it was announced last month that Pontoon, the downstairs beach club component of the Stokehouse precinct, would be reborn with a fresh look and a new name, that next incarnation has officially opened its doors. Introducing, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar — the suburb's new laidback, all-day spot for Mediterranean eats and beachside sips. Hugh and Pete van Haandel, sons of Stokehouse precinct owner Frank van Haandel, are steering the venue's latest guise, built around a pasta-heavy food offering that fuses European flavours with Aussie flair. The space is showing off a fresh makeover, now with breezier coastal-inspired interiors and timber finishes played against the backdrop of sand and sea. There's been a strong focus on sustainability, too, in keeping with the precinct's 5-Star 'Australian Excellence' Green Star Design & As Built Rating, as awarded earlier this year. Food is led by Stokehouse Executive Chef Jason Staudt and Stokehouse Pasta & Bar's newly appointed Head Chef Brendan Anderson, bearing similar DNA to the restaurant above, yet with a much more casual lean. It's primed for seaside snacking sessions, with the likes of white anchovy and olive gildas, king prawns with nduja, cod croquettes, and a mixed salumi plate kicking off the menu. Move into pasta territory for plates like cacio e pepe gnocchi, a crab and chilli spaghetti, and orecchiette spiked with anchovy and broccoli; or dive into mains like the classic fish and chips, or a veal schnitty. Groups are sorted with a couple of hefty shared options, too — think, a 600-gram whole Murray cod with peperonata, or a giant rib-eye paired with gremolata. And star Group Pastry Chef Ash Smith is putting on a show for dessert, with the likes of lemon and coconut panna cotta, and a tiramisu reimagined as a bombe alaska. Weekly specials are set to encourage many a return visit, from the $30 weekday express lunch menu, to $24 seafood dishes for Fish Night Tuesdays. Also out to save you some coin is Stokehouse Pasta & Bar's wine list, where all bottles clock in at $79 a pop. The lineup trips from Australia to Europe, with pours to suit palates both simple and adventurous; while a tidy list of cocktails spans from the classics to signature offerings like the Stokehouse Spritz — a delicate blend of Amaro, orange, white peach and jasmine soda. Find Stokehouse Pasta & Bar at 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda. It's open daily from 12pm till late. Images: Interiors by Tom Blachford, Food and Drink by Arianna Leggiero.
Flickering across a cinema screen, even the greatest of movies only inherently activate two senses: sight and hearing. Audiences can feel the seats they nestle into in their favourite picture palaces, and savour both the scent and flavour of popcorn while they watch, but no one can touch, taste or smell films themselves as they're playing — even if adding scratch-and-sniff aromas to the experience has become a cult-favourite gimmick. British director Peter Strickland knows all of the above. And, he hasn't ever released a feature in Smell-o-Vision, Smell-O-Rama or Odorama. But his work still conjures up sensations that viewers know they can't genuinely be having, such as running your fingers over an alluring dress with In Fabric, detecting the flutter of insect wings against your skin via The Duke of Burgundy and, courtesy of his latest movie Flux Gourmet, relishing the fragrances and tastes whipped up by a culinary collective that turns cooking and eating into performance art. If you've seen his features before, Flux Gourmet instantly sounds like something that only Strickland could make — and from its first frame till its last, it proves that with every moment. While spinning this innately sensory tale, which he both helmed and penned, it does indeed literally sound like something that only Strickland could've come up with, in fact. As the acoustics-focused Berberian Sound Studio demonstrated, the filmmaker's audioscapes are always a thing of wonder, too. His movies may manage to magically engage senses that cinema's sound-and-vision combination intrinsically shouldn't, but they also make the utmost use of every echo. The same applies to each image; unsurprisingly due to his strong and distinctive sense of style and mood, everything about Flux Gourmet looks and feels like pure Strickland. His films can't actually be injected into anyone's veins, but the director's devotees will instantly want this delirious farce pumping through their system. The setting: The Sonic Catering Institute, a conservatory specialising in blending sound and cuisine, as its name makes plain. The "institute devoted to culinary and alimentary performance" is overseen by the couture-coveting Jan Stevens (Gwendoline Christie, Game of Thrones), and regularly welcomes in different groups to undertake residencies. Those visiting artists collaborate, percolate and come up with eye-catching blends of food, bodies and creativity. Hosting OTT dinners, role-playing a trip to the supermarket, getting scatalogical and turning a live colonoscopy into a show: they're just some of the menu items that Jan's latest guests cook up. In Elle di Elle (Strickland regular Fatma Mohamed), Lamina Propria (Ariane Labed, The Souvenir: Part II) and Billy Rubin's (Asa Butterfield, Sex Education) case, however, that unique kind of kitchen virtuosity only springs when they're not broiling in messy bickering. Chaos bubbles through and troubles the trio's troupe, who stir up mayhem among themselves as heartily as any chef stirs their dishes. But Elle, Lamina and Billy aren't the Institute's only current visitors. Watching and chronicling is journalist Stones (Makis Papadimitriou, Beckett), who is also suffering from gastrointestinal struggles that he worries might be something more. As his subjects keep riffing on the human digestive system, or trying to, he can't control his own. Endeavouring to withhold his flatulence 24/7 is his constant struggle. Somehow, keeping a straight face as everything gets absurd around him is a far easier task, but Flux Gourmet's viewers shouldn't want to share that achievement with him; this purposefully strange, silly and surreal film is far too deliciously hilarious. Let Stones' struggle sink in again: to fart or not to fart, that is his question. Yes, one of Flux Gourmet's key plot points revolves around letting it rip. Yes, Strickland masterfully finds empathy in that toilet humour, understanding that we all break wind as a normal bodily function, and pairs it with a savvy takedown of art-world and showbusiness pretension. As a satire, his film dips its spoons into smug attitudes, exclusionary conventions, and all the pompousness and ceremony that's stereotypically ascribed to every art form's upper echelons, then delights in gobbling down biting parody after biting parody. Thanks to Stones and his questions, Flux Gourmet is a spin on This Is Spinal Tap, too, complete with The Sonic Catering Institute's version of rockstar behaviour. Elle, Lamina and Billy play instruments, after all, even if they're often egg whisks, blenders and saucepans. They have post-show orgies. Tempers boil, even before Billy ends up in bed with Jan, their residency version of a manager — and an argument about a flanger threatens to tear everything apart. That heated disagreement, and the key scene that sees Jan and Elle face off about the amusingly named audio-effects equipment — and say the word "flanger" again and again — screams everything about Flux Gourmet. It's ridiculous and riotous, never stops simmering, and proves entertaining as a piece of farce and a statement on the domain and personalities that Strickland is skewering. Crucially, it also owes as much to its leads as it does to its director. Strickland has Billy and Jan's relationship, Elle and Lamina's tension, and vengeful attacks by a rival sonic catering group called The Mangrove Snacks (who applied for the same stint but missed out) among the plot's courses, but his film not only gleams brightest but bounces around at its liveliest when neither the magnetic Mohamed nor Christie at her uproariously domineering best hold back. Every recipe hinges upon its ingredients and Flux Gourmet is no exception. Its cast is committed, all playing characters attempting to control something, everything or both, and each peppering in their own seasoning — including the affable Papadimitriou as the seemingly sanest of the lot. Cinematographer Tim Sidell (I Hate Suzie) lenses the raucousness with verve and pop, and also like he's peering at a dream that's as intimate and visceral as a medical procedure, and yet as out-there as our brain's nocturnal imaginings come. Strickland's own hyper-stylised flair naturally flavours the whole meal, and saying that Flux Gourmet stands out even among his inimitable work is saying something. Wild, warm, witty, weird, wonderfully its own curious concoction: that's this delectable affair, which only falters in its slightly overindulgent pacing. That said, when a cinematic feast is this nourishing in so many ways — and to so many senses — who doesn't want it to go on?
If your fitness regime is in need of a little post-summer pick-me-up, then this free wellness day might just hit the spot. On Sunday, March 15, the Bayside suburb of Port Melbourne is hosting a health-packed community open day, as some of its most-loved gyms, spa retreats and health food stores open their doors — for free. A program of free activities and sessions will give guests a taste of some of the suburb's best wellness offerings. You can try your hand at a boxing, spin classes, hot yoga or pilates — all held on a beachside stage next to Port Melbourne Yacht Club — indulge in a free massage, sit in on one of the expert-led health workshops and sample stacks of great local fare. Some of the area's top gyms and wellness operators will have extra goodies in store for visitors on the day, too, from specials on personal training to offers on skin and body treatments. The whole thing is free and if you register you'll be in with a chance to win some fab prizes. Gold-coin donations will be encouraged on the day, with all proceeds going towards bushfire-recovery efforts in the Lakes Entrance community. Port Melbourne's free day of wellness runs from 7.30am–2pm.
Somehow, entirely inexplicably, we're already thinking about Christmas. This year, skip the typical department stores and instead pick out unique gifts for your family and friends at The Big Design Market. Coming to Melbourne for the ninth time this December, the three-day independent designer extravaganza features over 250 stallholders selling furniture, fashion, homewares, textiles, and much more. With such a wide range of products, you're sure to find something for even the pickiest people on your list. You can also expect a smorgasbord of food options from local favourites like 400 Gradi, Miss Chu, Koko Black, All Day Donuts and Billy Van Creamy, and St Ali will be doing coffee all day (with a discount given to those that bring their keep cup). Plus, cocktails from Sydney gin distillery Archie Rose and tinnies from Moo Brew, will ensure you're sorted for Friday night (or Saturday arvo) drinks. The Big Design Market always commissions an impressive installation, and this year Min Pin artist Penny Ferguson will fill the Exhibition Building with a giant mobile of her cute and colourful illustrations. Each year the market also puts together a showbag of goodies from some of the stallholders, including Abby Seymour, Able & Game, Orbitkey and Hello Miss May. A limited number will be available to purchase each day for $30 ($150 value). Entry is $5 this year — but a percentage of that will be donated to Landcare to help support the organisation's restoration projects. So prepare your bank account, and get ready to have your Christmas shopping done earlier than you ever have before. The market will be open from 10am–9pm on Friday, 10am–7pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday.
American photojournalist John Stanmeyer has been named winner of the 57th Annual World Press Photo Contest. The competition's international judging panel named Stanmeyer's photo, 'Signal', both the overall winner and first prize in the contemporary issues category. Shot for National Geographic Magazine on the shores of Djibouti, the image (shown above) captures African migrants holding up their phones, hoping to tap into cheap signal from neighbouring Somalia. En route to new lives in Europe and the Middle East, they're trying to make contact with loved ones elsewhere. Commenting on the winning image, judge Jillian Edelstein said, "It's a photo that is connected to so many other stories — it opens up discussions about technology, globalisation, migration, poverty, desperation, alienation, humanity. It's a very sophisticated, powerfully nuanced image. It is so subtly done, so poetic, yet instilled with meaning, conveying issues of great gravity and concern in the world today.” The competition received over 98,000 submissions and granted prizes to 53 photographers of 25 nationalities across categories ranging from sports to nature to world news. Following controversy last year, stricter image manipulation guidelines apparently saw 8 percent of entries disqualified. Winning photographs will now tour over 45 countries as an international exhibition. See the full gallery of winners at the World Press Photo website. 3rd Prize in Daily Life Category: "Street Dogs," Julie McGuire, UK 1st prize in Spot News (singles) category: Typhoon Survivors, Philippe Lopez, France 2nd prize in Spot News (stories) category: Massacre at Westgate Mall, Tyler Hicks, USA 3rd Prize in Staged Portraits (singles) category: Chiwetel Ejlofor, Nadav Kander, UK 1st Prize in General News (singles) category: Temporary Accommodation, Alessandro Penso, Italy Third Prize in Sports Action (singles) category: Forehand Foreward, Al Bello, USA 2nd Prize in Nature (singles) category: A flock of Guillemots, Markus Varsvuo, Finland 1st prize in Contemporary Issues (stories) category: A Portrait of Domestic Violence, Sara Naomi Lewkowicz 3rd Prize in Observed Portraits (singles) category: A Traditional Berber Bride, Pau Barrena, Spain 2nd prize in Sports Feature (singles) category: Kite Skier on the Mountain, Anastas Tarpanov, Bulgaria
Last year, we bid farewell to Scott Pickett's renowned Collingwood fine diner Saint Crispin. Now, the acclaimed chef has announced his new plans for the dynamic Smith Street space — and it's unlike any of his other Melbourne restaurants. Opening its doors as Lupo (which means 'wolf' in Italian) on Tuesday, June 4, the new project sees the prolific restaurateur and chef revisit his love for pasta and Italian fare, inspired by years of culinary training back in London. Here, the mind behind Estelle, Pickett's Deli and Matilda will be breaking slightly from his signature style to deliver a celebration of classic Italian flavours, spiked with local ingredients and a touch of modern Australian flair. Daily house-made pasta will be the undisputed star of the show here. Get excited for the likes of squid ink linguine with bottarga and a sardine vinaigrette, decadent spanner crab lasagne, cappelletti with hare and celeriac, and a risotto of Western Australian black truffle and cipolla onion. There'll be Italian-inspired snacks, too, including toasts topped with 'nduja, fermented tomato and anchovy The menu will be a collaboration between Pickett, Pickett and Co's Executive Chef Stuart McVeigh and Head Chef Charlie Watson, who previously worked together at London's Michelin-starred The Square restaurant. Meanwhile, a 120-strong wine list will focus on Aussie drops crafted from Italian varietals, with a strong lineup of drops by the glass. Get excited, also, for a barrel-aged negroni made with an Australian take on Campari, which will feature among a cocktail selection of rejigged classics and signature blends. True to form, this latest Pickett space will be one of understated elegance, the 60-seat space brought to life with pops of orange and forest green. Find Lupo at 300 Smith Street, Collingwood from June 4. Images: Peter Dillon
The Melbourne Museum's hugely successful Halloween celebration returns for 2025, making it the perfect spot for lovers of all things spooky. On Friday, October 31, families can get a thrill with special kids' activities, while adults can explore something a little scarier throughout the night. For families, there's trick-or-treating, face painting, science shows, collectable skeleton cards and kids-only zones. Families can also take the experience to the next level with the full-moon package: a VIP offering that includes early entry, a treat from the Star Wars Galactic Café, a premium showbag, exclusive access to Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, and entry to Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard. For adults, Halloween frights start from 8pm and go until midnight. If you're in the mood for spirits, there's an adults-only zone where you can grab a drink at the tavern, try a slime shot and watch a horror movie marathon. You'll also get the chance to watch an adults-only science show, with horrific experiments and jokes for grown-up ears. General entry tickets start at $19 for children and up to $39 for adults, while special tickets range from $115–$134 . Purchase tickets for this Halloween-night-only event from the Melbourne Museum Website.
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In the coming months, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. [caption id="attachment_845137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Column krater, clay, Herakles slaying the king of Egypt, Busiris, and his attendants. B. Maenad and Satyrs. By the Cleveland Painter.Unknown provenance.About 470 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Eleytherios Galanopoulos[/caption] Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. "Since antiquity, the Greeks have always followed the open horizons of the sea, constantly travelling to every corner of the world. Extroversion, broad-mindedness and cosmopolitanism, as well as the ability to embrace and utilise foreign influences in a creative and original way have been integral elements of Hellenic culture," explains Minister of Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports Dr Lina Mendoni. Announcing the news, Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell said "we are excited to be collaborating with the National Archaeological Museum to bring some of the most remarkable artefacts direct from Athens for audiences in Melbourne to enjoy. This captivating exhibition will invite visitors to explore the cross-cultural connections that contributed to the formation of Ancient Greece." Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections opens at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, on Saturday, April 23. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the museum's website. Top image: One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.
Good Things in South Yarra are getting into the Christmas spirit the only way they know how. Hosted by Supersmall this Friday night, Mariah Carey's Xmas Party will bring the cheer with festive beverages, decorations and holiday pop covers galore. Kicking off late on the night before the night before Christmas, Supersmall will be blasting Mimi's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' every hour on the hour, alongside yuletide bangers from Britney, One Direction, Justin Bieber and more. Entry into Mariah's Christmas bash is free, because lord knows we've all spent enough on presents this December already. They'll also be offering a variety of Christmas-themed drink deals, including $10 gingerbread espresso martinis and $10 candy cane shots.
As Melbourne's art scene restarts after what has felt like an incredibly long hibernation, what better time than summer to get out and appreciate the many opportunities to experience art in person? In partnership with Bombay Sapphire, we've handpicked eight galleries to get you started — as well as some nearby watering holes that'll help you make the most of your day. [caption id="attachment_830446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Ross[/caption] NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA It's an obvious choice, but don't leave the NGV off your list. While there's always something to see at this leading cultural institution, a show by French-born, Berlin-based sculptor Camille Henrot is top of our list this summer. Is Today Tomorrow, on until January 23, brings together sculpture, drawing, video and installation. It's a space to linger and consider the artist's ideas around influences including self-help, online secondhand marketplaces, cultural anthropology, literature, psychoanalysis and social media. Where to go afterwards: Before you head back across the river, visit Left Bank. It offers a selection of dishes and cocktails (and good people-watching) next to the water in Southbank. Keep it simple with snacks like thick-cut chips and aioli, or choose from classic or kilpatrick oysters, inventive vegan options like pulled jackfruit pizza, or the French decadence of a confit duck leg. Planning on heading to NGV Friday Nights? Left Bank's supper menu is available from 10.30pm until late. [caption id="attachment_775611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] State Library of Victoria redevelopment. Photo: Trevor Mein[/caption] STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA Aside from its impressive collection, the State Library is a chance to escape the hustle, bustle and heat outside and slow down. It's also home to an impressive art collection and a year-round series of free exhibitions. Whether you pull up a chair in the reading room first or not, you might like to check out its exhibition on — what else — books. It features some of the rarest works from the Library's collection that date as far back as the Middle Ages, including pirated editions of James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Sylvia Plath, Bob Dylan and Philip Roth, as well as artist responses to Dante's iconic Divine Comedy. Where to go afterwards: Afterwards, Beneath Driver Lane is ready to welcome you for refreshments. In an underground space that used to be the money order office for the General Post Office, choose from French bistro-style bar food favourites like steak frites, a homemade terrine and a selection of cheeses. It's all complemented by beers, boilermakers, a seasonal cocktail menu and a 500-strong spirits list, as well as a regular lineup of live blues acts to really set the mood. LINDEN NEW ART Housed in a Victorian mansion in St Kilda, Linden New Art's annual exhibition program features work by artists from near and far, with a focus on showing "brave new art" by mid-career artists. Showing this summer is Confined, a group show that brings together the work of three artists working with textiles to explore the lockdown experience. Where to go afterwards: Amble down Acland Street and head upstairs to the Prince Public Bar's lovely open dining room for a drink with a view, as well as some fresh sea air to complement your meal. Decide between a selection from the grill or an elevated take on a pub classic. Or, head downstairs to Little Prince Wine for antipasti and a bottle of something delicious – and something to take home with you. [caption id="attachment_840155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penelope Davis, Plastic, exhibition at MARS 2021, phototgraphy by Simon Strong[/caption] MARS GALLERY Windsor's MARS Gallery has a wide-ranging program spanning sculpture, dance, video, painting and those works that are often our favourites – the ones that can't be put into neat categories. In February, MARS presents new work by three artists from Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association from the Tiwi Islands' Milikapiti. The exhibition brings together an artist painting with natural earth pigments sourced from Melville Island, a celebrated dancer now also maintaining a painting practice and an artist working with Jilamara (Tiwi body paint design) to create contemporary representations of Murrakupupuni (Country) and the artist's relationship to it. Where to go afterwards: Jungle Boy, the self-described "worst kept secret" in Windsor, is a sure bet for a drink afterwards. Hidden behind a Chapel Street sandwich shop, this lounge and a beer garden offers somewhere to escape the busy streets and relax among foliage with a drink in hand. [caption id="attachment_839250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY Also known as CCP, the Centre for Contemporary Photography is a must-visit on any Melbourne art tour. Here, emerging artists are represented alongside established photographers – watch out for the ILFORD CCP Salon in January, Australia's largest open-entry photomedia exhibition and competition. The gallery also hosts regular artist talks and hands-on workshops, which offers budding photographers a chance to develop their skills under the guidance of established artists. Where to go afterwards: Right near the corner of Johnston and Brunswick Streets, you'll find Black Pearl, one of Australia's most celebrated bars that's about to enter its third decade of trade. It's walk-ins only, so pop in after your art tour and find a table downstairs, settle into a comfortable couch, or pull up at the bar. Don't feel like you need to rush, either — the venue is open until 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. AUSTRALIAN GALLERIES Australian Galleries has enjoyed considerable success since it was established in 1956. Swing by the Collingwood space to find works by contemporary Australian artists among its monthly exhibition program and stock gallery. This summer, you can catch group exhibition Vivid, as well as solo shows by John Anderson and Jörg Schmeisser. Where to go afterwards: One of our favourite spots for wine, Marion has stiff competition on Gertrude Street but more than holds its own. See if you can score a table out the front if it's a balmy night and ask the waiter to recommend your next glass. Plan to eat here, too – why wouldn't you when dishes like gnochetti sardi, stuffed piquillo peppers and fig leaf panna cotta appear on its menu? [caption id="attachment_809706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] COUNIHAN GALLERY IN BRUNSWICK Set in the heart of Brunswick is Counihan Gallery, the City of Moreland's public art space. It is focused on presenting contemporary shows. Its permanent collection includes works by the gallery's namesake Noel Counihan, Angela Cavalieri, Maree Clarke, Graham Drendel, and Fiona Foley. There is also program of shows intended to recognise artists who live, work and contribute to the local community. Where to go afterwards: Keep the good times rolling at Howler, where the summer programming gives you a chance to support homegrown live music. The front bar is a perfect spot to catch up with friends before and after gigs, while the beer garden out the back might just be one of our favourites in town. [caption id="attachment_839110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Graeme Jones (Flickr)[/caption] GEELONG GALLERY Now that you've explored Melbourne's gallery scene, it might be time to venture a little further. And as Australia's only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is home to a number of excellent creative institutions. At Geelong Gallery, you'll find a mix of contemporary and historical Australian and international work. Right now, you'll find a Frederick McCubbin exhibition, an Archibald Prize retrospective, and Kerrie Poliness's site-specific 'Blue Wall Drawing #2'. Where to go afterwards: Head across Johnstone Park to Frankie for a delicious cocktail or to sample some of Geelong's best local produce from its seasonal menu of pan-Asian fare. Catering to all dietary requirements, this Geelong local isn't far away from the waterfront if you feel like a stroll afterwards, too. For more summer inspo, head to the Bombay Sapphire website. Top image: Unsplash
The woods are a dank and dreary place in Disney's big screen adaptation of this beloved Broadway show. A star-studded fairy tale mash-up, Into the Woods contains no shortage of great actors, none of whom can do anything to distract from the film’s horribly awkward pacing or the apparent visual indifference of its director. Combine that with the script's (mostly) toothless treatment of Steven Sondheim’s subversive source material, and this is one Hollywood musical that sounds hideously out of tune. The story takes place in a generic far away kingdom, where a lowly baker (James Corden) and his cheery wife (Emily Blunt) enter into a bargain with the neighbourhood witch (Meryl Streep): locate four magical objects, and in return she'll lift the curse that prevents them from conceiving a child. The search takes them deep into the nearby woods, where they encounter a multitude of bedtime characters, including Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (newcomer Lilla Crawford) and Jack the Giant Slayer (Daniel Huttlestone). Sondheim doesn't just include these names because they're familiar. Although fairy tales are aimed at children, they're inevitably packed with plenty of adult subtext. Into the Woods, in its best moments, subverts our expectations, delving more explicitly into the ideas lurking under the surface of these kid-friendly fables, or in other cases turning them totally on their head. The sexually suggestive interplay between the pre-teen Little Red Riding Hood and the lecherous Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp) is seriously un-Disney, while Chris Pine's delightfully hammy performance as the somewhat less than charming Prince Charming speaks to the folly of unrealistic romantic expectations. His rendition of 'Agony' is the highlight of the film by far. Sadly, these tongue-in-cheek moments rarely go as far as you would like. The instances of morbid and self-aware humour are great, but they're ultimately secondary to a dull, drawn-out story. Furthermore, although the songs are generally well written and performed, they increasingly tend to bog down the narrative as opposed to driving it forward. At the same time, despite the endeavour feeling too long, a number of the major character arcs feel seriously short-changed. The witch, in particular, simply up and disappears once the movie has nothing more for her to do. Then there's the matter of director Rob Marshall, who between Nine and the most recent, nigh-unwatchable Pirates of the Caribbean movie seems determined to prove that his Oscar for Chicago was a complete and utter fluke. His unimaginatively framed musical sequences make Tom Hooper's super-extreme Les Miserables close-ups look positively artful, while the overcast grey-green colour palette of cinematographer Dion Beebe saps the film of whatever energy was left. For a film about magic, Into the Woods contains next to none. Here's hoping this isn't an indicator of what 2015 movies have in store.
After some sweet relief on a frosty Melbourne morning? A rich, steamy cup of hot chocolate does the trick every single time, promising cosy vibes all round. Like a big, warm, milky hug, if you will. And you don't have to venture too far from the snug cocoon of your bed to find a great one. We've teamed up with the City of Port Phillip to track down some of the area's finest liquid choccy treats, ranging from the classic to the sweetly unconventional. Dive into a creamy Euro-style blend, or dabble in a dark, moody concoction finished off with a hint of salt. Here are seven hot chocolates worth braving the chill for this winter. Victoria is currently under stay at home orders but you can still support these spots by placing takeaway orders if they're within your 5km radius. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, here. ST ALI, SOUTH MELBOURNE It's one of Melbourne's most iconic coffee roasters, slinging morning cuppas to the masses out of those legendary laneway digs since 2005. But St Ali is also turning out one heck of a hot chocolate that you'll be very happy to dip your sweet tooth into. Sitting in that Goldilocks sweet spot — not too sugary, not too bitter, but just right — this smooth little number is reminiscent of Easter eggs, crafted on 40 percent cacao. Expect a rich, creamy concoction that'll warm you from the inside out. LENNY, ALBERT PARK A cafe that teams its hotcakes with smashed cookies and cream biscuits has to know a thing or two about whipping up tasty hot chocolates, right? Well, that sure is the case at Albert Park cafe Lenny, where the classic choccy drink gets a gourmet, grown-up twist. Here, it's using one of the signature blends from North Melbourne chocolate masters Mörk to create a dark milk hot chocolate elevated with an edge of river salt. What's more, the bright, heritage-listed corner building is the kind of place you'll happily camp out on a chilly Melbourne day. [caption id="attachment_720582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria/Josie Withers[/caption] BIBELOT, SOUTH MELBOURNE If you've scoped out this patisserie's offering of delicate cakes, pastries and chocolates, it should come as little surprise the place is also crafting some pretty impressive drinks. Not least of which is its signature hot choccy creation, which comes in no less than three variations, all created with house-made chocolate blends and served with the requisite marshmallow. Choose from Bibelot's 34-percent satilia lactee milk chocolate, the 64-percent Guayaquil dark chocolate, or a dreamy mix of both. Now, all that's left to decide is which sweet accompaniment from the cabinet will match best with your hot chocolate fix. MISS ALEX & CO, ELWOOD This cosy little cafe on Brighton Road may already be on your radar thanks to its juicy burgers, decadent pulled pork eggs benedict or vibrant acai bowl. See also: the specialty coffee from local outfit Rosso Roasting Co. But if you're making your way back from a chilly walk along the beach and need to warm those weary bones, there's only one thing that'll do the trick: a hot chocolate. Also made with Mörk specialty chocolate, this comforting cup is finished with a generous dusting of cocoa using the cafe's logo stencil. PADRE, SOUTH MELBOURNE South Melbourne Market's famed coffee pit-stop Padre also knows its way around a great hot choccy. Here, it's doing the drink justice using Budd Cocoa — a super-fine drinking chocolate made in collaboration with Koko Deluxe. Premium red cocoa beans are sourced from West Africa, then blended with Australian cane sugar right here in Melbourne, creating a rich, smooth, all-natural sip. It's the perfect hand-warming accompaniment for a stroll around the markets. And if you love it, Padre also sells the chocolate blend by the bag, so you can recreate the magic at home. MATCHA MYLKBAR, ST KILDA Okay, so this one ventures in a slightly different direction to your classic hot chocolate drink, but it's sure to win over even the purists — especially those steering clear of regular cow's milk. Among its colourful collection of non-traditional hot beverages (ranging from a turmeric latte to a blue algae number), all-vegan cafe Matcha Mylkbar serves an almond butter cacao latte that'll have you happily breaking from tradition. It's made with cacao, almond milk and all-natural almond butter. If you're feeling sweet, you can add in a shot of salted caramel for an extra $1. GREY AND BLISS, PORT MELBOURNE You don't want to spend the entire season indoors — and neither does your puppy. So after you've done Fido a solid and taken him for a play on the dog beach in Port Melbourne, wander up Bay Street to cute all-day cafe Grey and Bliss. Here, you can enjoy elevated cafe fare, from ricotta hotcakes to chilli scrambled eggs, with a steaming mug of Mörk Original Dark 70% hot chocolate. For more inspiration for how to spend a wintry day in Melbourne's inner south, head to the City of Port Phillip website.
Preston has been slowly but surely cementing its status as a primo booze destination of late. October saw the suburb welcome Moon Dog's mammoth new brewery and, now, it's just landed Melbourne's first fully functioning independent urban winery, courtesy of renowned label Jamsheed. The brand from winemaker Gary Mills has been operating out of the Yarra Valley since 2003, but it has never had a cellar door to call its own. At the end of 2019, inspired by similar venues he'd seen during time in Portland, USA, Mills moved operations entirely to Preston and his groundbreaking urban winery was born. "I figured if all the breweries and distilleries popping up in Melbourne at the moment can work, so would a winery," Mills said in a statement. [caption id="attachment_760171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Sitting on Albert Street — a handy stone's throw from both Moon Dog World and 3 Ravens Brewery — Jamsheed's new home takes the form of a two-level, 170-person warehouse space complete with a foliage-filled winery and tasting bar downstairs, and a separate spirits-focused dive bar above. It's a relaxed, industrial-style hangout that invites you to pull up a seat and get acquainted with some top-notch local wines, as you experience the sights, sounds and smells of a proper working winery. The whole catalogue of Jamsheed drops is on offer at the bar, including the newest releases, plus you'll find a hefty retail selection of take-home bottles. "We've been specifically cellaring something of everything we've made back to 2003 in order to be able to offer the full library through the winery and the cellar door," said Mills. There's also an assortment of craft beers and ciders from local mates such as Hop Nation and 3 Ravens, alongside a tidy range of homegrown artisanal spirits. Venture upstairs and you'll discover an even cosier escape, complete with free-to-play pool table, vinyl tunes and squashy retro couches. [caption id="attachment_760170" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] In place of a full kitchen offering, the food situation currently includes the likes of flatbread toasties and charcuterie boards. Though, in the coming months, get set for woodfired pizza, pasta and snacks courtesy of the crew from nearby Wolf and Swill. And stay tuned for a program of tastings, bar takeovers, guest winemaker visits and masterclasses, too, set to be announced via the Jamsheed's social channels and website. Find Jamsheed's urban winery at 4 Albert Street, Preston. It's open 5–11pm Wednesday–Saturday and 12–9pm Sunday. Images: Julia Sansone
Launched in 2024, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters pays homage to farmers, producers, growers and makers from across the state, bringing their ingredients and stories to a prime Fed Square location. Now, this seasonal farm-to-table experience is turning its attention to an all-new Sunday Roast Lunch series. Served from 12–3pm on Sundays from Sunday, July 27–Sunday, August 31, the Ultimate Sunday Roast menu is the ideal way to see out a cold winter's day, featuring a generous share platter stacked with roast classics. There's premium roast meat cooked over a campfire grill, crispy duck fat potatoes, XL Yorkshire puddings, grilled winter veg, plenty of condiments and, of course, lashings of rich gravy. This all-Victorian feast features a rotating lineup of roasted proteins, with the first Sunday lunch kicking off with Cheffields lamb oyster shoulder, marinated in a vibrant mix of parsley, lemon, ginger and garlic. You're also welcome to indulge in dessert, like a decadent sticky date pudding with salted caramel, perfect for the season. Presented in partnership with Pizzini Wines, the Sunday Roast Lunch series will also showcase lesser-known varietals from the King Valley winery, including Pizzini 'Pietra Rossa' Sangiovese and Pizzini Teroldego. Priced at $49 per person, this winter-warming feast is chef Alejandro Saravia's love letter to this long-standing tradition, backed by Victoria's immense culinary pantry. Images: Arianna Harry / Diana Carniato.
Australia's capital cities aren't the only places filled with music fans. That's one of the ideas behind Groovin the Moo, which rounds up a heap of huge names and takes them on the road to play regional locations. And, in 2023, those acts are indeed big — Fatboy Slim, Denzel Curry, Eliza Rose and Skepta-level big. They're four of the music stars on the just-announced lineup for the beloved large-scale touring music fest, which returns in 2023 after a pandemic-enforced break, then a smaller tour in 2022. This year, it's back with a full nationwide run, heading to six different states and territories across April and May. Along the way, it'll finally mark a comeback in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland — and hit up New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria as well. [caption id="attachment_878696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Carlos Luna / Secretaría de Cultura CDMX[/caption] Also on the bill: everyone from Amy Shark, Ball Park Music and Barkaa through to Alt-J, Ocean Alley and Omar Apollo — plus Slayyyter and Sophie May as well. The full lineup spans an impressive mix of overseas and local talent, including Laurel and BBNO$ among the acts making the trip. The list goes on, meaning that folks in Wayville, Maitland, Canberra, Bendigo, the Sunshine Coast and Bunbury — or heading to them just for GTM — have plenty to look forward to. And yes, Queenslanders will note the already-revealed new Sunshine Coast location, after logistical challenges and increased financial pressures forced a move from Townsville. Already grabbing your gumboots? Getting ready to dance in a paddock to one helluva bill? Then you'll be keen to nab tickets from 12pm local time on Tuesday, February 7. And, GTM still has a few details to drop, such as the triple j Unearthed, Fresh Produce artists and Community programs. GROOVIN THE MOO 2023 LINEUP: Alt-J Amy Shark Ball Park Music Barkaa BBNO$ The Chats Choomba Confidence Man Denzel Curry Eliza Rose Fatboy Slim Laurel Luude Ocean Alley Omar Apollo Royel Otis Skegss Skepta Slayyyter Slowly Slowly Sophie May Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Teenage Dads Teenage Joans Hosts: Lex and Pookie Plus triple j Unearthed, Fresh Produce artists and Community programs still to be announced. GROOVIN THE MOO 2023 DATES AND VENUES: Friday, April 21 — Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country, Wayville, SA Saturday, April 22 — Maitland Showground, Wonnarua Country, Maitland, NSW Sunday, April 23 — Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country, Mitchell, ACT Saturday, April 29 — Bendigo's Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Bendigo, VIC Sunday, April 30 — Kawana Sports Western Precinct, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Warana, QLD Saturday, May 6 — Hay Park, Wardandi Noongar Country, Bunbury, WA Groovin the Moo will tour Australia in April and May 2023. For more information, or for tickets from 12pm local time on Tuesday, February 7, head to the festival's website. Top images: Ruby Boyland, Ash Caygill and Chloe Hall.
Lime Cordiale are showing some love to some of Australia's biggest regional hubs on a new tour that will see them performing in RSL clubs and intimate venues along the east coast. Spanning eight shows stretching between the Sunshine Coast and Frankston, the Fantastical Country Club Experience will deliver the band's catalogue of beloved hits, plus tracks from their upcoming third studio album, to cities and towns that are often missed on major national tours. The tour will kick off just north of Sydney with a pair of shows at the Dee Why RSL on Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19. From there, Lime Cordiale will head to Wollongong's Waves, Beer Deluxe in Albury, The Pier in Frankston, Venue 114 on the Sunshine Coast, Panthers Port Macquarie and, finally, The Coliseum in Rooty Hill on Sunday, April 15. Two of the stops — Dee Why RSL on March 19 and Venue 114 on Saturday, April 8 — are all-ages affairs, meaning Lime Cordiale fans young and old on the Central Coast and the Sunshine Coast can head along. The infectious five-piece will be joined by upcoming singer-songwriter Aleksiah on all eight dates, as well as Gold Coast musician Bella Amor in Dee Why, Wollongong and Albury, and sunny four-piece Coterie across the final four shows of the tour. Lime Cordiale recently landed four songs in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2022 including 'Holy Moley', their latest in a series of collaborations with the multi-talented British actor, DJ and musician Idris Elba. Their upcoming album hasn't been given a name or release date yet, but it's set to feature recent singles 'Colin', 'Country Club' and 'Facts of Life'. LIME CORDIALE'S FANTASTICAL COUNTRY CLUB TOUR 2023: Friday, March 17 and Sunday, March 19 — Dee Why RSL Friday, March 24 — Waves, Wollongong Friday, March 31 — Beer Deluxe, Albury Sunday, April 2 — The Pier, Frankston Saturday, April 8 — Venue 114, Sunshine Coast Sunday, April 9 — Panthers, Port Macquarie Saturday, April 15 — The Coliseum, Rooty Hill Lime Cordiale will tour the east coast of Australia in March and April. Tickets to the 'Fantastical Country Club Tour' are on sale now.
What more fitting time to indulge your inner Francophile than on France's national day of celebration? Dust off that beret because Queen Victoria Market is embracing the red, white and blue for Bastille Day, with a weekend of French festivities. Descending on the precinct from Saturday, July 13–Sunday, July 14, the Bastille Day festivities will be held across Sheds C and D, dishing up a lively program of food, entertainment, market stalls, masterclasses and more. A French winter marketplace will be stocked full of Australian-French businesses, plus culinary favourites, which might run to the likes of croissants, cheese, chocolates and charcuterie or crepes. During Bastille Day 2024 at Queen Vic Market, you can dive into topics like art, history and sustainability at one of the festival's Les Lumières talks, catch live jazz tunes and watch one of the culinary masterclasses dedicated to French favourites. Melbourne's own French connections will even be explored with a series of guided walking tours through the city. And if you can't make it IRL, there's no need to cry into your creme brûlée — the festival's also dishing up a supporting digital program featuring French films, music, books and more. Images: Previous installments of the Bastille Day French Festival
After a year's delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympics are almost upon us. The 2020 games will be a little different to usual, though. Firstly, it's obviously now 2021, with the postponed games being held in Tokyo from Friday, July 23–Sunday, August 8. Also, there won't be any spectators due to the pandemic — with neither overseas travellers nor local residents permitted to attend. That's all well and good and interesting; however, we've found a much cuter display of sportsmanship that's also popping up this July. On Thursday, July 22, viewers can watch four adorable guide-dogs-to-be participating in their very own paw-lympics. Yep, that's a thing and we're definitely here for it. For the second year in a row, the folks at Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up The Petbarn Foundation to host the Puppy Games — and it'll be streaming on a device near you, too. The event will see young trainee guide dogs Chessy, Frieda, Isobel and Ivory tackle a series of skill-testing challenges, with their every move captured on camera. Watch the pups hurtle through a time trial, take on a 'puppy patience' food bowl challenge and battle it out for glory in the 'dogstacle distraction course'. The games will stream at 1pm on Thursday via the event's website — and, whether you're in lockdown in Sydney, Victoria or South Australia, or you're located elsewhere in Australia, it sounds like perfect lunchtime viewing. The project aims to support fundraising efforts for the annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, of course, but also promises a much-needed boost of dopamine and general happy feels all round. Viewers can donate to the cause by hitting the link on the event's website. This year, the appeal is shooting for a goal of $750,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for at least 15 Seeing Eye Dogs. Can't make Thursday's viewing? Fear not, the full event will be up on YouTube to rewatch any time you need a mood boost. The Puppy Games will stream via the event's website from 1pm on Thursday, July 22.
Many Melburnians have childhood memories of lining up at Queen Vic Market's American Doughnut Kitchen van to get a bag of freshly made hot jam doughnuts. It's been kicking around since 1950, and still has masses of locals and tourists lining up every weekend to score a serve of the goods. The team has always managed the small space well, cramming a heap of staff into the van and pumping out hundreds of doughnuts each day. But, ahead of its diamond anniversary next year and no signs of slowing down, an upgrade was calling. The result: American Doughnut Kitchen officially opened its first-ever bricks-and-mortar store at Prahran Market on Saturday, July 6. The new shop has been cleverly designed to give off the same look and feel as the famous van. You'll find the signature white-and-blue colour scheme, plus a similar open workstation where customers can watch the doughnuts be cut, cooked and filled with that famous raspberry plum jam before being tossed in sugar. Like the van, these are the only doughnuts that will be available. The family running the shop see no need to experiment with new flavours and offer different varieties — truly, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. However, one change is coming, with American Doughnut Kitchen's southside spot also selling coffee. That means you can get your sweet treat and caffeine fix all in one spot. "Our handmade doughnuts that we still make using the same original recipe have been a favourite among Melburnians for generations," said American Doughnut Kitchen Managing Director Belinda Donaghey. "The opening of our Prahran Market shop represents another exciting milestone in the American Doughnut Kitchen legacy. We look forward to serving our delicious doughnuts to new and existing southside customers for years to come." You'll find American Doughnut Kitchen at Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, open every day of the week except for Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Every music lover has dreamed of owning their own record store. What hasn't factored into everyone's fantasies, however, is what happens when that passion for vinyl leaves you with crates and crates of albums, and then crates and crates more. Yes, there are only so many sleeves that even the biggest shop run by the biggest music buff can handle — meaning that, often there's some additional stock needing a new home. In Rathdowne Records' case, it's coping in the best possible way. On Sunday, March 17 from 10am–3pm, the store is holding a huge garage sale to sell off stacks of albums, including newly imported wares. The best part? Records start from $2, with 5000 up for grabs for that price. You can also rifle through a thousand dance releases and take your pick for $10 (or nab 3 for $20), with discounts of between 10–50 percent on shop stock also on offer. Yes, you can boost your vinyl collection for little more than spare change, with thousands and thousands for sale — including house, techno, hip hop, RnB, Japanese pop, anime soundtracks and jazz. While you'll find the store on Northcote's High Street, head into the sale via the garage in the Regal Ballroom carpark.
After blockbuster exhibitions in 2017 and 2019, The National: New Australian Art — an epic contemporary Australian art exhibition held across three major Sydney galleries — is back. Due to open on Friday, March 26, the program will feature works from 39 emerging, mid-career and established artists at the Art Gallery of NSW, the MCA and Carriageworks. At the helm for this edition of the biennial set of exhibitions are Matt Cox and Erin Vink (AGNSW), Abigail Moncrieff (Carriageworks) and Rachel Kent (MCA). Each gallery will exhibit a unique and distinct collection of new Australian art from artists such as Abdullah MI Syed and Lauren Berkowitz, plus artistic collective such as A Constructed World and the Karrabing Film Collective. The exhibitions will run simultaneously across the three galleries, all kicking off on the same date but finishing at various times until Sunday, September 5. Find out more at The National's website — and find out which artists are being exhibited at which galleries via the MCA, AGNSW and Carriageworks. [caption id="attachment_804284" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bilirubin Bezoarn, 2019, installation view, photographer: Christo Crocker[/caption] Top image: Zan Wimberley
Whether you're in Singapore for the first time or are lucky enough to have visited before, there's always more to do, see and experience around the Lion City. Rather than just stop in and marvel at iconic attractions, discover local stories and learn something new the next time you're in the city, with a guided tour by local experts. In partnership with Singapore Tourism, we've pulled together some fascinating tours — many of which are free — where you can get access to insider knowledge to uncover a new side to Singapore. Singapore Walking Tours Kick off your Singapore trip with a walking tour to get your lay of the land. There are several tour operators around the city, but Monster Day Tours is one of the few that offers free daily walking tours through different neighbourhoods. Over two-and-a-half hours, you'll be guided through the historic areas of Chinatown, Kampong Gelam or Little India. If you're more interested in the contemporary side of Singapore, there's also tours of Marina Bay and the Singapore City. You can try your luck joining in on the day, but priority is given to those who have booked a spot in advance. [caption id="attachment_976861" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marklin Ang[/caption] Gardens by the Bay With 1.5 million plants from across the globe spread across over 100 hectares, you could visit the Gardens by the Bay many times over and still not have seen it all. That's why the Gardens offers a series of free sustainability and nature tours around the massive park. Every Saturday and Sunday between 8.30–11.30am, you can learn about topics such as water conservation and sustainable design practices, biodiversity and ecosystems, the sensory features of plants, and the impact of carbon on our climate as a guide takes you through parts of the park. Although it's free to join, you'll have to reserve a spot ahead of time to ensure you don't miss out. Mandai Wildlife Reserve Make some new furry friends when you get a close-up look at local wildlife on a behind-the-scenes tour. Mandai Wildlife Reserve consists of Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Night Safari, and each park offers a range of exciting experiences. Explore Asia's first river-themed animal park with a personal guide or embark on a nighttime adventure through the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. At the Singapore Zoo, you can jump aboard a private buggy for a tour of the orangutans, tigers, KidsWorld and Wild Africa, before you get to meet a giant tortoise and participate in feeding the giraffes. Be sure to add on a backstage experience when you book your ticket. Brass Lion Distillery Brass Lion Distillery is a gin distillery known for its flagship Singapore Dry Gin, along with atypical gins that incorporate local flavours and aromatics, such as osmanthus oolong, butterfly pea and jasmine. For an in-depth experience, book in for the 50-minute distillery tour. Not only will a guide take you through the history of the brand and its production process, but you'll also be treated to a welcome drink and tasting flight of three gins in the upstairs Tasting Room. For a bespoke souvenir, choose your own botanicals and make your own gin to take home at the Brass Lion Gin School. National Gallery Singapore Let's be honest — it can sometimes be a struggle to fully comprehend or appreciate complex works of art. Give the artists the admiration they deserve and delve into major works by Singapore, Southeast Asian and international artists with docent-led tours at the National Gallery of Singapore. There are free tours ranging from deep dives into specific exhibitions and artists to a highlight tour of the whole gallery or building tours of City Hall and the former Supreme Court. Some of these tours require admission passes and you can register for a spot once you're at the National Gallery. Peranakan Museum Explore a significant part of Singapore's history and culture at the Peranakan Museum. 'Peranakan' is derived from the Malay word meaning 'local descendants', and the museum showcases the origins of Peranakan culture in Southeast Asia, as well as contemporary expressions of the culture. Peruse historical artefacts alongside textiles, furnishings and ceramics. The museum also offers free guided tours every day, and you can register on the day once you've paid for admission to the museum. Book your Singapore holiday now with Flight Centre.
As part of the 2013–14 Sydney International Art Series and part of an exclusive deal with the NSW government, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Destination NSW present, War Is Over! (if you want it): Yoko Ono. Legendary artist, musician, activist and perhaps one of the most controversial figures in the history of rock 'n' roll, Yoko Ono has developed her first solo exhibition made up of five decades worth of art in diverse media. Over the past decade skeptics of Ono and her involvement with the Beatles disintegration in 1970, have let the past go and have started to embrace Ono's musical and artistic endeavours. Ono brings back to life the iconic message, 'War Is Over!' that she and her late husband John Lennon spent years spreading around the world. First appearing in 1969 across billboards worldwide, the message may be the most recognised symbol of public outcry for peace during the Vietnam War. Over the past decade some of those who were once skeptical of Ono and her possible involvement in the Beatles 1970 disintegration, have let the past go and begun to embrace Ono's musical and artistic endeavours. MCA Senior Curator Rachel Kent has worked closely with Ono on the survey. The exhibition reaffirms Ono's belief in a better future. Sydney's MCA will be the only Australian venue for Ono's artwork which includes performances, sculpture, written texts, films, sound compositions, and participatory pieces of art that involve the viewers. The exhibit is to be presented throughout the Level Three Galleries in November of next year. Ono is expected to attend.
Melbourne's latest lockdown might be over, but new COVID-19 cases are still being identified — and, as a result, the city's list of exposure sites continues to grow. While the register of venues visited by folks who've since tested positive swelled to more than 270 when stay-at-home conditions were in effect, the current 142-strong list isn't small by any means. And, on Tuesday, June 15, it received quite a few big-name additions. Among the latest inclusions, South Melbourne Market, Melbourne Central and QV Melbourne are obviously substantial sites. Because shopping strips, shopping centres and markets keep popping up on the list, the Victorian Department of Health website now includes a specific piece of advice about these types of venues. Melburnians are advised that when specific stores inside markets, shopping centres and shopping strips are listed as individual exposure sites, you then have to follow the health advice attached to them. If you've just been to areas near or surrounding the specifically identified locations, you're asked to keep watch for symptoms and get tested as soon as any arise. So, people who went to South Melbourne Market from 11.30am–1.30pm on Saturday, June 12 must now get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. The same applies to patrons at Fruits on Coventry (from 12.20–12.50pm the same day), Golden Dragon Asian Grocery (12.44–1.10pm), Asian Grocery Store (12.55–1.15pm), K and L Poultry (1.02–1.21pm) and Kirkpatrick's Meats (1.08–1.30pm) — all venues within SMM, and all listed as Tier 2 sites. Padre Coffee is also listed, but as a Tier 1 site. That means that if you were there from 11.30am –12.30pm that same Saturday, you now have to get tested immediately and then self-isolate for 14 days. Also currently highlighted: JB Hi-Fi at Melbourne Central from 1.35–2pm on Sunday, June 13; Dan Murphy's in QV Melbourne from 3.50–4.20pm the same day and Woolworths, also in QV, from 4.10–4.30pm that day. They're all Tier 2 sites, which requires getting tested immediately and then self-isolating until receiving a negative result. The list goes on, also spanning a couple of South Melbourne Central venues, Bunnings in Port Melbourne multiple times, Officeworks in South Melbourne, and a range of shops and eateries in the CBD. A heap of spots in Southbank have named, too, after two positive cases were identified in residents of the Kings Park apartment complex — with the entire complex listed as an exposure site. As always, Melburnians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — it will keep being updated if and when more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Melburnians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. For further details on the latest exposure sites and updated public health advice, see the Department of Health website.
If you thought yesterday was literally The Coldest Day Ever, it turns out you weren't being too dramatic. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne yesterday shivered through its coldest June day since 1983 (and coldest overall in almost two years), maxing out at 9.6 degrees around 3.30pm. Most parts of the state were 3–7 degrees below average for this time of the year, with the highest recorded temperature a frosty 14 degrees in Gippsland. Mt Hotham dipped as low as -6 degrees. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1142583652041273344 The city also copped some pretty fierce fog, which hung around well into the day in some northeastern suburbs, the Yarra Valley and parts of Port Phillip Bay. The fog extended into the morning but has since cleared up. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1142684173360082949 That said, today's temperatures are looking a little cosier than the weekend's, with a maximum 15 degrees forecast for Melbourne today and the haze and fog clearing to a healthy serve of sunshine this afternoon. The rest of the week is also looking up, with peaks of 15 and 16 degrees, before Friday and Saturday each reach a sunny top of 17. Classic Melbourne.
UPDATE: October 9, 2020: Just Mercy is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes and Amazon Video. When Walter McMillian was arrested in 1987 for the murder of a white teenager Ronda Morrison, the African American man was immediately sent to Alabama's death row. Before his was convicted and sentenced — before his trial even started — he spent 15 months among men condemned to die for their crimes. This move, orchestrated by the Monroeville sheriff's office, was extraordinary. It also speaks volumes about the way McMillian was treated from the moment he was cuffed. It's a minor detail in Just Mercy, the legal drama that tells his story, and McMillian is by no means the only person the tactic was used on — but if a suspect is saddled with such a fate before their day in court, how can justice ever truly prevail? That's one of the questions that lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) both ponders and seeks to redress in Just Mercy, with the movie exploring his tale as much as McMillian's (Jamie Foxx). Another issue the crusading attorney tackles: why black defendants are instantly assumed guilty, but the same rarely applies to white culprits. This is a film filled with fervour, charting the Stevenson's efforts to save a man facing execution. It's also an indictment of the inequities of America's legal system, and of US society as a whole. Those two aims are intertwined, of course. The minutiae of McMillian's case remains heartbreakingly familiar, as does Stevenson's accompanying battle for fairness — because in situations like this, the names may change but the details usually stay much the same. When the feature introduces Stevenson, he's an idealistic Harvard student meeting his first death row prisoner. Realising how much he has in common with the incarcerated young man — and seeing the difference lending a kindly ear makes — he commits to fighting against unjust death sentences when he graduates from college. After securing federal funding, crossing paths with the similarly passionate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson) and starting an organisation called the Equal Justice Initiative, he moves to Alabama in 1989 to do exactly that. McMillian's case is still the talk of Monroeville and, although it takes time to convince the imprisoned man himself, it's soon Stevenson's priority. Even audiences with zero prior knowledge of McMillian's plight can guess what comes next. A plethora of evidence proves his innocence, while just as much illustrates how little the folks that put him behind bars cared about his legal rights — or about true justice. Confronted with these facts, everyone involved in the local legal system sports an uncaring attitude, including the new prosecutor (Rafe Spall) who refuses to reopen the case. Adapted from Stevenson's own memoir by writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton with his The Glass Castle co-scribe Andrew Lanham, each of Just Mercy's revelations, speeches and courtroom showdowns plays out as expected; however, that's actually part of what makes this earnest movie pack a punch. Just Mercy boasts much that other films would envy, such as an emotive true tale, serious subject matter that's sadly still relevant today and a top-notch cast. Eyes blazing, his voice calm yet commanding, and compassion driving his every move, Jordan is especially fantastic as Stevenson — and he's matched by a restrained but no less resonant Foxx as a man resigned to the lie of the land in the deep south. But the feeling that this has all been seen before is used to particularly compelling effect here. It's something that Cretton is clearly cognisant of, as he was when he focused on troubled teens living in a group home in the excellent Short Term 12. Layering in other cases, such as that of fellow death row prisoner Herbert Richardson (Rob Morgan), the filmmaker draws attention to the unending spate of real-life stories such as these. That's not a new revelation, but it bears heavily on a movie that's already weighty anyway. Indeed, in the feature's most powerful scenes, Cretton makes viewers face the ultimate consequences of a legal system predicated upon prejudice rather than justice. His is a measured and polished film both visually and tonally, but it purposefully lingers as one character inches towards their state-sanctioned end — lurking over every step and staring at the pain in the condemned man's expression, all to evoke a concerted sense of discomfort. This approach is far from understated, although neither is Just Mercy in general. Sincerity and deliberation don't have to go hand-in-hand with subtlety, after all. These types of tales might've reached pages and screens so often that they've become standard (McMillian's hometown of Monroeville was also the place where To Kill a Mockingbird's Harper Lee grew up, as the feature points out repeatedly), but this one firmly demonstrates why the fact they've become so routine also remains undeniably rousing, moving and devastating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78k9Mhgzy74
Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is back again this August. And it's just in time, too. To save Melburnians from the month's always-frosty weather, it's churning out 31 hot chocolate flavours over 31 days. Just like in previous years, the festival will be run across three locations: the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie in Bellbrae and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. Different flavours will be served up each week, so make sure you plan your visit(s) carefully as to not miss out on the best. Wondering which inventive flavours will tempt your tastebuds? The 2022 range is as OTT and indulgent as ever — and as tasty. Kicking things off: the Top Gun, which comes with red, white and blue marshmallow, as well as a jam-filled donut and dark choc moustache. Keeping things movie-themed, there's also a Hocus Pocus hot choc as well. Or, you can pick from salted caramel pretzel, honeycomb macadamia kronut, Iced Vovo and Milky Way hot chocolates — and vegan caramel surprise as well. Feeling boozy? Opt for the tequila sunrise and espresso martini options. Taking your dog? There are puppachinos, too. All limited-edition hot chocolates will be made with hot couverture chocolate in dark, milk, white, ruby or caramel, and served with a giant handcrafted marshmallow. Together, the chocolateries create over 6000 hot chocolates per year, so newcomers can trust they know their way around this winter-warmer. If exploring the festival and enjoying all the free chocolate tastings isn't enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can also book into a 45-minute tasting session at the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula stores. For $24 you'll be able to sample eight hot chocolates and make three of your own 'hot chocolate spoons' from over 50 ingredients to take home. The Hot Chocolate Festival runs daily between Monday, August 1–Wednesday, August 31 at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, 1200 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae; the Yarra Valley Chocolateire, 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen; and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, 45 Cook Street, Flinders.
Even though, officially, Apple continues to remain tight-lipped on precisely what will be revealed at its unveiling next Tuesday, September 9, a confident New York Times report suggests that we can expect two iPhones with bigger, better screens and Apple's first wearable computer, which journos and techies the world over have dubbed the iWatch. The smartwatch will be the first brand new product to have hit the Apple shelves since Timothy D. Cook took the reins following Steve Jobs' death in October 2011. Industry experts are predicting the wearable Mac will be available in two sizes, feature a flexible screen protected by tough-as-nails sapphire crystal and perform miracles via a teeny-tiny, stamp-sized circuit board. Okay, not exactly miracles, but similar tasks like displaying maps and measuring bodily movements (such as heart rate and footsteps) with frightening accuracy. What's more, speculation is rife that both the iWatch and the iPhones will take us one step closer to a cashless society: forget fumbling with cards and coins, you'll just flash your wrist at the register and your bill will be taken care of. So you’ll be able to pick up bread and milk on the way home from your morning marathon session without jingling for the whole run. This will work using what’s known as 'near-field communication', technology that powers devices within proximity to swap info wirelessly. It also looks like the iWatch (and possibly the iPhones) will be capable of wireless charging. Beyond this, most of the hype surrounding the iPhones is around the old 'size matters' adage. We’re pretty sure that, like the iWatches, they’ll come in two sizes — one at 4.7 inches and the other at 5.5. Edges are highly likely to take on the tapered design that gives iPads such a sleek look and feel. Of course, this possibility has led busy urban types to ask the big question: how will we text with just one hand? Unsurprisingly, Apple has preempted the concern and made changes to the software interface. Apparently, there'll be two different modes on offer — one that you can make work with one hand while the other's clinging to your coffee; the other requiring the commitment of both paws. You can switch from one to the other as you please. The potentially less exciting news is that you might have to get your Guns 'N' Roses on and practise a little patience. While the iPhones should be retailing within the next few weeks, the chances are that you won’t be able to buy your very own iWatch until 2015. You might as well enjoy your exercise sessions multi-tasking free in the meantime. Via New York Times. Image credit: iWatch concept based on the Nike Fuelband by Todd Hamilton.
In 2023, Queensland made history when it became the first Australian state to commit to pill-testing services not just ad hoc or at festivals, but on an ongoing and permanent basis. The Sunshine State's strategy is now being put into place, starting over 2024's Easter long weekend. Accordingly, festivalgoers at 2024's Rabbits Eat Lettuce will be able to use Queensland's first event-based pill testing service onsite. The aim, at fests and in general, is to ensure that Queenslanders heading for a night out and to big music events can check their illicit substances for dangerous ingredients — and do so for free, voluntarily and confidentially. The state-funded sites are being established as a harm-reduction strategy, to minimise overdoses and other adverse effects resulting from party drugs. Exactly where in southeast Queensland the permanent locations will pop up hasn't been revealed as yet, but there'll be two venues. As well as winning the tender for the initial pair of fixed-site spots, Queensland Injectors Health Network, The Loop Australia, and the Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action will also provide at least one festival-based service this year. Harm Reduction Australia, which operates as Pill Testing Australia, will take care of several other pill-testing services at festivals in 2024 and 2025, capitalising upon its experience in Canberra at fests and at a fixed-site spot. Indeed, Queensland's move comes after trials in Canberra, which has included Groovin' the Moo in 2018 and 2019. The Australian Capital Territory also launched the country's first fixed testing site as part of a six-month trial. Drug checking has been used overseas since the 90s, but remains a controversial topic in Australia. Indeed, when Groovin the Moo conducted its first trial in 2018, calls to offer pill testing had been circulating for the prior two years, after a 15-year-old collapsed from an overdose at the fest's Maitland event in 2016. Rabbits Eat Lettuce, which takes place just outside of Warwick in Elbow Valley, experienced two deaths at its 2019 festival. "In 2021, there were 2231 drug-induced deaths in Australia — the equivalent of five deaths a day. That's 2231 deaths too many, and we know this number will continue to grow if we don't act now," said Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service Shannon Fentiman. "I want to be clear that these services are all about harm minimisation; we don't want people ending up in our emergency departments — or worse, losing their life. They aim to make people aware of the dangers of taking illicit substances, influence behaviour and, ideally, reduce their use of substances," Fentiman continued. [caption id="attachment_809941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Byrne[/caption] For more information about pill testing in Queensland, head to the Queensland Government website.
UPDATE, July 9: Due to Sydney's lockdown, Lord of the Fries won't be celebrating National Fry Day at its Newtown store. For Sydney only, the free chip giveaway will take place on a different, yet-to-be-advised date. This article has been updated to reflect that change — and we'll provide you with more details for Sydney when they're announced. Despite also serving up everything from all-day breakfast to ice cream sandwiches, we still think that fries are the best thing about Lord of the Fries. It's right there in the name, after all. The chain's chips are particularly tasty — as made with Australian potatoes and cooked in a cottonseed sunflower oil blend. There is one thing better than Lord of the Fries' titular dish, however. That'd be free fries from the chip-loving establishment. And on Tuesday, July 13, the vegan fast food joint is giving away just that. Free. Fries. Yes, really. To snag free fries on Tuesday, you'll need to head to your chosen store in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia between 1–2pm — and you'll be gifted a serving of shoestring deliciousness. You don't even have to purchase any vego nuggets to redeem them. There is a limit of one freebie per person, though, so take that into consideration if you're feeling particularly peckish. You'll get your choice of classic sauces, too. This is great news for, Melburnians, Brisbanites and Adelaideans who like fries — aka everyone. Folks in in Melbourne can choose between 14 different stores, Brisbanites can flock to Fortitude Valley (or Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast) and people in Adelaide can hit up Hindley Street and Glenelg. And if you're wondering why, that's because it's National Fry Day. Of course it is. Lord of the Fries also has a store in Newtown in Sydney; however, it will celebrate National Fry Day with a free fries giveaway on a different, yet-to-be-advised date. We'll provide you with more details for Sydney when they're announced. Lord of the Fries is giving away free fries from 1–2pm on Tuesday, July 13 at all of its Australian stores outside of Sydney. To find your closest store, head to the chain's website.
Sydney yacht rock dudes The Holidays have announced a string of huge shows around Australia, following on from their wildly successful album release tour in March. Filling out venues from Sydney's Metro Theatre, Melbourne's Hi-Fi to Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge with hyped up Sydney electronic producer Thief, the threesome will also stop by Newcastle's Bar on the Hill on campus with indie pop maestro Pluto Jonze, Wollongong's Uni Bar with Sydney garage ratbags Step-Panther. The new Groupie Magazine-presented dates coincide with the release of third single 'Tongue Talk', taken from the outfit's super pop-fuelled second album Real Feel. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday 14 May, with more details on The Holidays' Facebook page. THE HOLIDAYS 'TONGUE TALK' TOUR DATES Wed 28 May — Bar on the Hill, Newcastle (with Pluto Jonze). Tickets available from Big Apachee and campus outlets. Thur 5 June — Uni Bar, Wollongong (with Step-Panther). Tickets available from Big Apachee and campus outlets. Fri 13 June — Metro Theatre, Sydney ALL AGES (with Thief). Tickets available from Metro Theatre and Ticketek. Fri 20 June — Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (with Thief). Tickets available from Alhambra Lounge and Moshtix. Fri 4 July — The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (with Thief). Tickets available from The Hi-Fi and Oztix. https://youtube.com/watch?v=aiHQLvAu2lg
Inspired by owners Stephen and Niharika Hogan's recent jaunts across South America, Onda brings a healthy dose of colour and good times vibes to Richmond. It's a playful Bridge Road space with a vibrant fitout of botanical artwork and polished brass. Stephen, who is also the restaurant's head chef, uses South America flavours throughout the menu and leans on his experience in kitchens across Melbourne and New Zealand (Chin Chin, Bistro Guillaume, St. Ali and Sir Charles to name just a few). A bright and lively menu complements its surrounds, starring generous plates like the grilled wagyu rump cap with bone marrow-toasted croutons, chimichurri and beef jugo; and a barramundi baked in corn husk. Light, fresh additions include a kingfish ceviche with purple yam crisps and coconut chicken wings, while vegetarians will be just as satisfied diving into dishes like whole roast cauliflower with puffed buckwheat crumb or mozzarella chipa puffs (Paraguayan-style cheese rolls) with dark mole sauce. When you're done with savoury bites, we recommend ordering the the black sesame and chocolate dessert cigars. Loaded with dulce de leche and banana, the cigars look as good as they taste. Extending the light-hearted and colourful vibes is the drinks list — a couple of bubbly options and a lineup of fun signature cocktails prove a perfect match to the Onda mood.
Acclaimed live art duo Action Hero is taking over the stage for a week and a half-long residency at Arts House in North Melbourne. Between May 24 and June 3, Bristol-based performers James Stenhouse and Gemma Paintin will present a trio of shows, each of which will explore pop culture iconography "as a weapon and as a shared cultural memory". The takeover begins with Hoke's Bluff (May 24–27), a show that mines the cornball tropes of underdog sports movies to find genuine beauty amidst the myths of modern day America. Up next comes Slap Talk (May 28), a six hour-long shouting match inspired by the verbal violence of 24-hour news channels. The show is free, with viewers welcome to enter and exit at any time. Last but not least, Wrecking Ball (May 31 to June 3) is described as "a funny, surreal and unsettling play" about a female celebrity and a male photographer that explores subtle questions of power, abuse, consent and control.
A boy scampers through the woods, happy in his natural surroundings. He runs, jumps, climbs and scurries, far away from the human world, with a very unusual creature for a companion. Such tales keep popping up in cinemas this year, particularly as far as modern-day, CGI-enhanced remakes of decades-old family fare are concerned. If The Jungle Book wowed you with not only its impressive visuals, but also its tender heart, then prepare for Pete's Dragon to do the same. Just don't expect a scary presence in this gentle effort – regardless of what the title seems to promise. Instead, the eponymous critter, named Elliott by the orphaned Pete (Oakes Fegley), is more like friendly, flying family. For five years after a car accident that leaves the boy stranded in the forest, the pair are inseparable. But when loggers venture into their turf, Pete is spotted by local girl Natalie (Oona Laurence), and taken in by park ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard). Neither Pete nor Elliott cope well with their separation, especially when the townsfolk, led by sawmill owner Gavin (Karl Urban), start trying to track the dragon down. Be it a dragon, a giant robot or an extraterrestrial hoping to phone home, there's a reason that movies about kids connecting with unlikely buddies keep capturing hearts and minds. As demonstrated here by bookend narration offered by Grace's father (Robert Redford), the childlike need to find a kindred spirit doesn't fade with age. With that idea firmly in writer-director David Lowery's mind, his take on Pete's Dragon has more in common, tone-wise, with E.T. and The Iron Giant than it does the 1977 musical film it's based on. His movie is big on sentiment, belief and awe — though it's purposefully small and straightforward in its story. With his regular producer turned co-scribe Toby Halbrooks, the filmmaker best known for the lyrical western Ain't Them Bodies Saints once again opts to evoke emotion and wonder above all else. Accordingly, as much as the earnest feature explores yearning desires, it's also simply about letting audiences experience a world in which a boy can pal around with a dragon that looks like a giant, green, winged puppy. That's an inherently magical concept, made all the more so by Elliott's ability to turn invisible. So it is that for 103 patient, precisely paced minutes, the film invites viewers to not only dare to see the dragon, but to believe that he's actually real. The charming Fegley certainly goes along for the ride, as do his adult costars. But the most crucial figure is the digitally rendered Elliott, who Lowery, his team of Weta animators, and cinematographer Bojan Bazelli bring to the screen with a glow that matches the movie's warm heart. Just be warned: if you're prone to being moved by such sweet stories, you'd best bring a whole heap of tissues.
There are many reasons to thank Mike White, creator and writer of The White Lotus, for bringing the hit HBO series to our screens. He's responsible for one of the best TV shows of both 2021 and 2022 — a program that has weaponised luxurious settings, helped set travel itineraries, thoroughly eaten the rich, spun twisty murder-mysteries, and kept viewers guessing throughout each and every episode of both season one and season two. He's also helped shower affection and attention upon the one and only Jennifer Coolidge, a screen icon who always deserves such love. Indeed, if it wasn't for White and The White Lotus, the world wouldn't have had the joy that is Coolidge's various awards speeches for playing Tanya McQuoid. For folks in Sydney on Saturday, June 10, worshipping the White-and-Coolidge pairing — hearing Coolidge talk about her time on The White Lotus, too — won't just involve checking out Emmy and Golden Globe clips. In huge news in general, and for the Vivid Sydney lineup, the duo is coming to the Harbour City for what's set to be the biggest in-conversation session of the 23-day, 300-plus-event festival. [caption id="attachment_891047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HBO[/caption] While Vivid dropped its program back in March, it has been making additions since, including literally underground light and laser show Dark Spectrum and now this. Unsurprisingly, the Vivid team has dubbed its latest addition one of the biggest announcements in the festival's 13-year history — which is no small feat for an event that's seen everyone from The Cure to Robert Pattinson and Spike Lee grace its bill in past years. Coolidge and White won't just chat about The White Lotus, McQuoid's utter lack of luck in love and a certain fateful boat ride — and, on White's part, likely skirt around answering where the third season will be set (the word so far: Thailand). They'll also discuss their full careers, and both have plenty to dive into. Coolidge has been a screen presence for years, thanks to parts in everything from American Pie, Best in Show and the Legally Blonde franchise through to Party Down's original run, Joey and Promising Young Woman. As for White, he's written the screenplay for School of Rock, and acted in it — and given the TV-watching world the Laura Dern-starring Enlightened, which he also appeared on. He has Year of the Dog and Brad's Status on his directing resume as well, and penned and produced episodes of Dawson's Creek and Freaks and Geeks. Also, he was famously an Amazing Race and Survivor contestant. Benjamin Law will be asking the questions at this in-conversation event, which takes place at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. Tickets are on sale now — and they'll get snapped up quicker than McQuoid falls in love. "We're thrilled to share that The White Lotus creator Mike White and star of the series Jennifer Coolidge will join this year's Vivid Sydney lineup. Securing these huge megastars cements Vivid Sydney 2023 as the biggest and most culturally relevant program yet," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini, announcing the addition to the fest's program. "This exclusive event will allow audiences to see behind the curtain on what has become a massive cultural zeitgeist and hear from two of the hottest figures in the creative industries right now." Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17, with Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation taking place on Saturday, June 10 at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. For further information and tickets, head to the event's website. Top image: HBO.
Thornbury's cafe scene is on the rise. Just like its neighbour, Northcote, and other northside suburbs, good coffee and runny egg yolks can be found all down High Street. But for Little Henri, Northcote is more than just a neighbour. Until 1994 Thornbury was a part of the lovely City of Northcote and, in a nod to that shared history, Little Henri is named after Sir Stafford Henry Northcote himself — or Little Henri, as they liked to call him. Right at the top end of High Street, you'll find a corner where little silhouettes of a boy run along the walls. Here, you have found Little Henri. Once inside, the space opens up like you wouldn't expect from the street. High ceilings, a beautiful round counter and a backyard that is just asking to be brunched in make this cafe unsuspectingly sizeable. The brunch menu offers all of Melbourne's favourties. Eggs Benedict is served with grandmas ham, hollandaise and young herbs ($16) and the baked beans are topped with haloumi and gremolata ($14). Henri's toasted muesli comes with coconut, cranberries and cinnamon labne ($11), while the smashed avo arrives with thyme buttered mushrooms, Persian feta and basil ($17). Lunch comes in the form of baguettes, piadinas, salads and other main dishes. Just imagine a chickpea, cauliflower and feta salad served with organic quinoa, toasted nuts and spices ($15.50) sitting at the same table as the chicken schnitzel with carrot, pumpkin seed and coriander salad ($20). While little inconsistencies creep in from time to time, Little Henri is still a northside brunch date we'll keep.
