Brussels Design September, mind-melting body horror ‘The Substance’, wine in Budapest and ‘Emily in Paris’ – here’s what to look out for in Europe this week.
Summer’s almost over – but we’re not sad about it! Autumn means crunchy leaves, warm spiced drinks, cosy nights in and a fresh season of culture to consume.
If we were bears, we’d be stocking up on food ahead of hibernation – a good excuse to follow suit and check out some of the food and wine festivals popping up across Europe, then – including one in beautiful Budapest. Or you could try some ChatGPT-prompted ice cream?
The chill in the air also lets us know it’s time to burrow under blankets or dip into the darkness and warmth of a cinema to escape for a while – and with awards season looming, there’s plenty of new releases to look forward to – from body horror shocker ‘The Substance’ to the bonkers-brained ‘Megalopolis’ (more on that below).
Exhibition wise, there’s a new Van Gogh exhibition now open at London’s National Gallery and a ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ inspired new Tim Burton themed showcase at the Musée du Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon.
It’s also London Design Week until the 22 September, with some of the most spectacular creations in the world on display alongside fascinating talks about the intersections between design and society.
And if you’re still not entertained, here are our recommendations for the week – enjoy!
Exhibitions
‘Kate Howe: The Templum’ at Orleans House Gallery (London, UK)
At the heart of all art is contemplation. It takes us to a place of wonder, and while sometimes this experience can be enlivening, it can also lead us towards more still states of quiet reflection and realisation. Artist Kate Howe plays with and inspires such solitary responses with their exhibition ‘The Templum’, a large, warm, glowing temple made from kraft paper, stitching and gold leaf that invites visitors to disappear from the dizzying distractions of the world. It’s a site “powered by curiosity, connection, discussion, sound, dance, silence, meditation, and healing – the collective exploration of a community,” the Orleans House Gallery states. Ending 22 September, this is the final week to see it.
Festivals and events
Brussels Design September (Belgium)
The very best designers in the world – more than 300, to be exact – are out in full force from now until the 30 September, sharing their creations at more than 100 design events in Brussels. There will be artisan and amateur examples of furniture, graphic design, architecture, objects and more, with the opportunity to explore exhibitions, discussions and even buy some unique and beautiful bits to spruce up your home!
‘Budapest Wine Festival’ at Buda Castle (Hungary)
There are many ways to enjoy a glass of wine at the weekend, but Budapest’s annual Wine Festival might be one of the very best. Located atop Buda Castle Hill, beneath which lurks a labyrinthian cave system that’s UNESCO World Heritage listed, the stunning scenery blends past and present, creating a feeling you’re in a lost pocket of time. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or not, it’s an opportunity to try some of the country’s finest local liquid offerings, along with guest wines from South America. And, of course, there will be delicious food pairings to enhance the experience. It’s on from 12 – 15 September.
St. Moritz Art Film Festival (Switzerland)
For those that felt jealous keeping up with our recent Venice coverage, here’s the chance to experience a smaller but no-less exciting film festival amidst the sweeping scenery of the Swiss Engadin Valley. Now in its third edition, the Cinema Scala will show 40 films – 12 being Swiss premieres – all tied to the theme ‘Meanwhile Histories’, which seeks to untangle the complexities of human and non-human experiences. It’s on from 12-15 September and a brilliant opportunity to see some truly unique cinema in a stunning location. The full programme can be viewed here.
Movies
As awards season approaches, so begins the slew of autumn movie releases! This month, that includes Wolfs, which premiered at this year’s Venice Film Festival, streaming on Apple TV+ on 27 September, and the highly-anticipated theatrical release of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis on the same date – although whether they’ll rollout that weird intermission dialogue bit has yet to, well, be scene.
There’s also Speak No Evil, the English-language remake of Christian Tafdrup’s excellent 2022 psychological horror. Did we need it? Probably not, but it’s a fine enough film that will hopefully encourage more people to seek out the original.
This week also saw members tickets go on sale for the British Film Institute’s (BFI) London Film Festival, with general tickets available from 17 September. It’s a stacked lineup of fantastic cinema, filmmaker Q&As and talks so go, go, go if you can.
The Substance
It’s the film that injected chaos into Cannes – and for good reason: this is bold, oozy body horror at its finest. The second feature from Coralie Fargeat, who – alongside fellow French filmmaker Julia Ducournau – is making a name for herself as one of the genre’s most exciting and inventive creative minds, tackles the familiar stomping grounds of being an ageing woman in Hollywood – but with a refreshingly violent and visceral verve.
The set-up is simple: After acquiring a mysterious product known only as ‘The Substance’, freshly-fired aerobics star Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) injects herself, with the promise of creating a “younger, better, more perfect” version of herself.
Of course, things don’t quite go to plan, resulting in a mind (and body)-meltingly mad finale… Euronews Culture’s critic David Mouriquand called it “a deliriously visceral cautionary tale – one that reminds audiences that you are always your own worst enemy.” Read his full review here. It starts rolling out across European cinemas from the 20 September so we’re a little early – but excited!
Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
If it’s a Jeremy Saulnier movie, you know it’s going to fry your nerves. His filmography includes Blue Ruin and Green Room, both masterclasses in violent tension that prickle with societal corruption and human prejudice. His latest, Rebel Ridge, is a compelling crime thriller that follows Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), a former Marine whose existence unravels after he’s pulled over by the police and the money for his cousin’s bail is unlawfully seized, landing him in an underbelly of sinister small town deceit that he must try to find a way out of.
Television
Emily in Paris, part two (Netflix)
Emily in Rome? As the second part of Netflix’s silly but sugary series streams, it’s taking inspiration from the Lizzie McGuire Movie, as our titular character (Lily Collins) jets off to the Italian capital because a hot man called Marcello invited her – why else? Cue scenic scooter ride montages, sexual tension at the Trevi Fountain and a version of life that’s as perfectly plated and problem-free as a fresh serving of steamy spaghetti. This is what (frazzled-end-of-day-brain) dreams are made of!
Music
The War On Drugs: ‘Live Drugs Again’
The Americana-soaked sounds of indie rock band The War On Drugs make you want to drive a convertible through dusty highways and not look back. It’s the perfect soundtrack to memory montages or making peace with a difficult day. Their latest album, ‘Live Drugs Again’ is their second concert album (following 2020’s ‘Live Drugs’) and sixth studio album after 2021’s ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’. Filled with the band’s familiar synthy-rock and yearning vocals, there’s the added ambience of standing in a swallow of crowd, the Springsteen-esque arena elements of their sound creating an immersive and energising experience – exactly what’s needed as the darker evenings set in.
