It’s a big week for DC Universe fans as Clayface hits cinemas — but an even bigger week for those needing an extra hour of sleep.
The clocks fall back this Sunday, so it’s officially time to pull out your chunkiest knitwear, pour something pumpkin spiced, and embrace the darker days by burrowing under the covers with an 8-part crime thriller on Prime.
Of course, if you’re not ready to go full hibernation mode yet, this week also sees plenty of new exhibitions opening across the continent. Notable highlights include an exploration of North America’s early history at London’s Science Museum, and German painter Conny Maier’s imaginary paradise at Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne.
As an added bonus, don’t forget to check out our Lumière Film Festival content. Although the event has now ended in Lyon, our resident film critic David Mouriquand has been busy publishing highlights and interviews with acclaimed filmmakers like Todd Haynes and Tsui Hark — so even if you missed out, you can at least feel like you were there!
Until next time — here’s what’s coming up.
Exhibitions and events
Becoming America: How Science Shaped a Nation
When: 23 October 2026 — 25 April 2027
Where: Science Museum (London, United Kingdom)
The Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, marking the birth of a country that would go on to become one of the world’s most powerful, influential — and divisive. The Science Museum marks this through a fascinating look at how science and technology shaped North America’s early developments, spanning four decades of its history up to the 1790s, when George Washington was elected as the first US president. There are more than a hundred rare objects on display, including a first print of the Declaration of Independence and a map by Benjamin Franklin that charted the Atlantic Gulf Stream. Find out more here.
Conny Maier: Searching for Paradise
When: 21 October 2026 — 17 January 2027
Where: Pinakothek der Moderne (Munich, Germany)
German painter Conny Maier, who previously won the Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year award in 2021, has transformed the Pinakothek der Moderne museum into an eery and enchanting purgatory. From pastel pink florals to flaming woodland, her bold and evocative canvasses create an immersive atmosphere that carries visitors between paradise and apocalypse; drawing on medieval art, Expressionism and more to expose non-human worlds — and our collective fragility. Find out more here.
Bonus highlight: The fifth edition of Art Basel Paris, a vast and vibrant annual contemporary art fair, takes place from 23 – 25 October 2026 at the Grand Palais.
Movies
Clayface
Where: Cinemas
When: 23 October
The DC Universe’s new ‘Gods and Monsters’ chapter continues with an origin story for one of Batman’s most famous foes: Clayface. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, an actor who undergoes experimental facial reconstruction surgery after being left disfigured by a mob boss. Written by Mike Flanagan (best known for his Stephen King adaptations), the movie leans heavily into its body horror elements as Hagen finds himself mutating into a clay-like form while his grip on reality also begins to crumble.
Bonus highlight: A poorly young girl is gifted a companion robot (Jenna Ortega) in Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s best-selling book, Klara and the Sun. Out from 23 October in most parts of Europe.
TV series
The Terminal List
Where: Prime Video
When: 21 October
For those stuck in a post-Reacher streaming slump, Prime’s got another gritty action show to fill the void. Based on Jack Carr’s popular series of novels, The Terminal List follows US Navy SEAL James Reece (Chris Pratt) as he sets out to avenge the deaths of his platoon — uncovering dark governmental secrets along the way. In this second series, Reece’s grief, anger, and desire for redemption has grown even stronger after the murder of his family, leading him across the world on a violent mission for answers and justice.
Bonus highlight: The third season of Netflix comedy Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as a couple facing complicated cultural challenges, streams from 22 October.
Music
John Legend: Muse
When: 23 October
American singer and pianist John Legend is back with a new blend of soul-soothing gospel, hip-hop and Afrobeats — this time in collaboration with Pharrell Williams. Recorded at Pharrell’s studio within the Louis Vuitton HQ in Paris, ‘Muse’ features 16 tracks that explore faith, devotion and intimacy through experimental new sounds; the album acting like a form of reconnection and rebirth for two longterm friends.
Bonus highlights: The fifth album from British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, FUDGE is a passion-fuelled swell of psychedelic soul — released on 23 October 2026.