It always feels strange as the end of August approaches. Summer isn't technically over, but a sense of limbo takes over, a state of longing and brooding over a fleeting possibility, as if summer has gone to sleep.
Or maybe that's just us.
Either way, emotional predictions aside, there's still plenty to see in August. For starters, the Edinburgh Fringe runs until the 26th, and Euronews Culture's Jonny Wolffis gives us a quick rundown of all the highlights you still need to see, including comedy, theatre and alternative shows.
For joystick lovers, there's Gamescom, the world's largest games fair, in Cologne, and a 23-foot-tall installation by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori that transformed London's Piccadilly Circus into a beacon of optimism.
So, in celebration of Sabrina Carpenter's new album, brew yourself an espresso and enjoy this week's picks.
Exhibition
“In the Eye of the Storm” at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK
Oleksandr Bokhomazov, “Sharpening the Saw”, 1927. Oil on canvas, 138 x 155 cm – Copyright: National Museum of Fine Arts of Ukraine / Royal Academy of Arts, Facebook
Throughout decades of war and turmoil, Ukrainians have turned to art as a means of expression and resistance. Focusing particularly on the period between 1900 and 1930, London's Royal Academy of Arts is showcasing the Modernist movement that flourished against the backdrop of World War I and the founding of the Soviet Union. Works are on loan from the National Gallery of Ukraine at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the Ukrainian Museum of Theatre, Music and Film in Kyiv. Though inevitably overshadowed by the current war in Ukraine, this is also an exhibition of overwhelming optimism. Art can be a release from violence and a means of sharing truths that help pave the way to a better future. On view until 13 October 2024.
Festivals and Events
Notting Hill Carnival (London, England)
Colourfully costumed participants at the 2023 Notting Hill Carnival – AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali
This weekend (25-26 August), the streets of West London will be filled with a vibrant celebration of feathered costumes, music, dancing and delicious food at the annual Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe's biggest street parties. The origins of Carnival date back to 1959, when the Caribbean community, brought to the UK by HMT Empire Windrush to help with Britain's post-war reconstruction, sought a way to come together and celebrate their culture. The Carnival has become an iconic summer event, renowned for its colourful parade of extraordinary costumes and a lively party atmosphere. It's an opportunity to enjoy London's great multicultural celebration with family and friends.
Venice Film Festival (Venice, Italy)
A scene from Pedro Almodovar's “The Room Next Door,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. – Sony Pictures Classics, via The Associated Press
Kicking off with Tim Burton's highly anticipated Beetlejuice, the Venice Film Festival returns to the Lido next week for its 81st edition. Known as the bellwether of awards season, the festival's lineup is packed with exciting new films, including Pedro Almodóvar's The Room Next Door, Todd Phillips' Joker 2, Luca Guadagnino's Queer and Halima Rain's Babygirl. For all reviews and the latest news, check out Euronews Culture from 28 August to 7 August.
movie
patella
A fictionalized origin story of Belfast-based rap group Kneecap. Featuring Liam Óg Ó Hannaí, Naois Ó Caílléarin and JJ Ó Duchaltaigh as themselves, the story throbs with unconventional humor and spirited political and cultural rebellion as the musicians insist on rapping in Irish (also known as Irish Gaelic). Irish is one of the world's oldest languages, once banned under British rule and finally recognised as an official language of the EU in 2022.
“Kneecap is a highly energetic, often hilarious and truly fantastic album that aptly reflects the group's music and ethos: rebellious, raucous and, above all, never forgetting what they stand for,” wrote David Morican of Euronews Culture in his review, which you can read in full here.
What to avoid: Crows
A remake of the 1994 cult goth film of the same name starring Brandon Lee, Rupert Sanders' version retells the gory revenge tale of Eric Draven (Bill Skarsgård) and his girlfriend Shelley Webster (formerly of Twigs) returning from the dead after their brutal murder. It's awkward, overly edgy, but the critical pandering will make trailer makers across Megalopolis boil with jealousy. David Morican hated the movie. So much so that he started writing his review only to get so angry that he ended up writing about kneecaps to stay sane. Follow his example and ditch the goths and write about Belfast hip-hoppers.
TV Programs
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” (Skymax)
The Walking Dead is back! After wrapping up its 11-season run in 2022, director Frank Darabont's adaptation of the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard has risen from the grave to spawn a slew of spinoff series telling the stories of supporting characters. The Walking Dead: Dead City was one of the first, premiering in the US last year but only recently becoming available to stream in Europe on Sky and Now. The premise is basic: zombies (obviously) appear in New York and two characters who hate each other, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan), take them on. Fans of the series will find the character dynamics more effective, but you don't need to know all of The Walking Dead lore to ultimately enjoy the zombie mayhem unfolding in Manhattan.
music
Fontaine DC: “Romance”
Irish post-punk rock band Fontaine DC's fourth album, Romance, is a kaleidoscopic collection of colorful, frenetic tracks that sonically alternate between smooth and rough, influenced by orchestras and grunge. It's an exciting return for the band, which formed in Dublin in 2017 and consists of lead singer Grian Chatten, guitarists Conor Curley and Carlos O'Connell, bassist Conor Deegan III and drummer Tom Cole.
David Mouriquand of Euronews Culture has already called it one of his favorite records of 2024, and you can read his full review here.
Sabrina Carpenter: “Short and Sweet”
Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter's new album may be titled “Short and Sweet,” but the lyrics of its chorus won't be spinning around in your brain for long! From lead single “Espresso” and its insanely addictive lyrics, “I'm a singer, I work late,” to the sweetly mannered rise of “Please Please Please,” this 25-year-old artist has a definite talent for writing songs that stick like gummy worms to your teeth. A former Disney Channel star, Carpenter's fame seemed to skyrocket last year, with “Please Please Please” ranking sixth on TikTok's “Songs of the Summer” list. But this is actually her sixth album, and it's full of fun, light-hearted songs that, while sometimes too caffeinated, are sure to get you up and running and feeling your best.
