Your Ultimate Entertainment Guide: From Christy to Neil Young and Beyond
Struggling to decide how to spend your free time this week? Fear not! We’ve curated a comprehensive guide to the best entertainment options, whether you’re heading out or staying in. From gripping cinema releases to thought-provoking podcasts, there’s something for everyone. But here’s where it gets exciting: we’ve included a few controversial picks that might just spark some debate. Let’s dive in!
Going Out: Cinema
Christy (Out now)
Ever wondered what happens when a conventionally feminine actress steps into the ring? Sydney Sweeney sheds her America’s sweetheart image to portray Christy Martin, the trailblazing American boxer known as the Coal Miner’s Daughter. This sports drama packs a punch, both literally and metaphorically, as Sweeney dons gloves and a mouth guard to bring Martin’s story to life. But here’s where it gets controversial: Does the film do justice to Martin’s legacy, or does it rely too heavily on Sweeney’s star power? You decide.
Blue Moon (Out now)
Richard Linklater, the mastermind behind Before Sunrise, reunites with Ethan Hawke for a film about Lorenz Hart, the lyricist behind classics like My Funny Valentine and The Lady Is a Tramp. Also starring Andrew Scott and Margaret Qualley, this biopic explores Hart’s life and struggles. And this is the part most people miss: While the film celebrates Hart’s genius, it also delves into the darker aspects of his personal life, leaving audiences to ponder the cost of creativity.
Pillion (Out now)
Based on Adam Mars-Jones’ 1970s novel Box Hill, this modern-day kinky romance stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård in a tale of power dynamics and desire. The film won the screenplay prize at Cannes, but its explicit themes have divided critics. Bold question: Does Pillion push boundaries in a meaningful way, or does it rely on shock value? Let’s discuss.
Laura Mulvey’s Big Screen Classics (Throughout December)
Film theorist Laura Mulvey, famed for coining the term “the male gaze,” has curated a BFI season featuring classics like Man With a Movie Camera and Pierrot le Fou. This is a must-see for cinephiles, but it also raises questions about representation in cinema. Controversial interpretation: Is the male gaze still as dominant today, or have we made progress? Share your thoughts below.
Going Out: Gigs
Sabaton (London, Manchester, Nottingham)
These medieval-obsessed Swedish power metal legends are bringing their arena tour to the UK, complete with songs like Hordes of Khan and I, Emperor. It’s part history lesson, part eardrum assault—and definitely not for the faint-hearted. But here’s the kicker: Is Sabaton’s brand of metal too niche, or are they the unsung heroes of the genre? You be the judge.
Dirty Three (Tour starts Glasgow)
After a 12-year hiatus, Australian instrumental rock trio Dirty Three returns to the UK. Their fusion of transcendental beauty and gritty rock is a live experience like no other. And this is the part most people miss: Their music is often described as “unclassifiable”—is that a strength or a weakness? Let us know.
Liane Carroll (Pizza Express Jazz Club, London)
Jazz legend Liane Carroll continues to captivate audiences with her inventive interpretations of classics and modern hits. Her lunchtime gigs promise surprises, from Stevie Wonder to Hoagy Carmichael. Bold question: In an era of auto-tune, does Carroll’s raw talent stand out even more? Join the debate.
Going Out: Art
Wildlife Photographer of the Year (Natural History Museum, London)
As we destroy nature, we obsessively photograph it. This exhibition features haunting images by amateurs and professionals, including Wim van den Heever’s ghostly hyena portrait. Controversial interpretation: Are these photos a celebration of nature or a stark reminder of its fragility? Share your perspective.
Howardena Pindell (White Cube Bermondsey, London)
Howardena Pindell’s art is both beautiful and furious, blending abstract freedom with graphic denunciations of racism. Her work is a testament to resilience and bravery. But here’s where it gets controversial: Does her art challenge systemic racism effectively, or does it risk being co-opted by the very systems it critiques? Let’s discuss.
Staying In: Streaming
The Abandons (Netflix, 4 December)
Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson star in this 1850s western about land, religion, and power. And this is the part most people miss: While the show tackles heavy themes, its portrayal of Irish immigrants has sparked debate. Is it accurate, or does it rely on stereotypes? You decide.
Mammoth (iPlayer & BBC Two, 1 December)
A Welsh PE teacher frozen in 1979 is defrosted in the present day, complete with retro social mores. This high-concept sitcom is both hilarious and thought-provoking. Bold question: Does Mammoth critique modern society effectively, or does it rely too heavily on nostalgia? Share your thoughts.
Staying In: Brain Food
101 Part Time Jobs (Podcast)
Giles Bidder interviews independent artists, from Biffy Clyro to Joshua Idehen, about their struggles and triumphs. But here’s where it gets controversial: Does the podcast romanticize the starving artist trope, or does it offer practical insights? Let us know.
Final Thought: Entertainment is more than just escapism—it’s a mirror to our society. Which of these picks resonated with you, and which ones left you questioning? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
