Culture
The Essentials: Top Cultural Highlights In April
Gritty and witty dramas, innovative festivals and venues, new perspectives on fashion, plus a retrospective of Judy Blume – spring has arrived with a bang. Are you ready?
THE WORD: Pyt
From the Sicilian ‘futtitinni’ to the English ‘f*** it!’, many languages have a way to express the art of letting go of something that doesn’t (or shouldn’t) matter. However, if you’re looking for a pithier (and perhaps less vulgar) alternative, allow us to recommend the Danish ‘pyt’. Far from an inappropriate interjection, the Danish psychologist Marie Helweg-Larsen describes pyt as something more akin to a cultural concept intended to foster positive thoughts at times when we might otherwise fall prey to anger or frustration. Someone pulls an annoying prank on you on April Fool’s Day? Pyt. You break yet another coffee mug? Pyt. You’re running late to an appointment and the driver in front of you is insanely slow? Repeat after us: “Pyt.”
Perfect If: “Don’t worry, be happy” sounds a bit too trite, but you respect the underlying idea.
THE FILM: Chevalier
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a titular French-Caribbean musician, a virtuoso violinist and composer who once conducted the leading symphony orchestra in Paris. His story is one to be shared – and that’s what director Stephen Williams has chosen to do with Chevalier, set for cinema release on 21 April. Based on the real life of Bologne, the film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, Elvis), with appearances by Samara Weaving (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), and Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), among others. Having had its world premiere to critical acclaim at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, we cannot wait to watch this one. But first we need to brush up on our knowledge of classical music. We’re making a playlist right now.
Perfect If: You loved Amadeus and have been waiting these past 30 years for something like it.
THE DRAMEDY: BEEF
“What’s the beef?” Well, BEEF (just feel the seething rage behind that capitalised title) is the new comedy drama from A24 Studios that explores the contrasting lives of two characters, working-class Danny and the affluent Amy, as they get caught up in a road rage incident. Created by Lee Sung Jin, who also directs the show’s final episode, BEEF stars Steven Yeun as Danny and Ali Wong as Amy. Advance reviews are already heralding it as a televisual masterpiece, so expectations will be high for this show that couldn’t feel more timely, set against today’s increasingly strained social backdrop. BEEF arrives on Netflix on 6 April with the entire series available to watch, making it ideal for a few binge sessions.
Perfect If: You don’t get mad, you get even… What? Sorry don’t take that the wrong way. Please, okay? Please!
THE TRUE CRIME SHOW: The Good Mothers
Newly arrived in the southern Italian region of Calabria, which for decades had been ruled by the violent and powerful ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate, young prosecutor Anna Colace sets her sights on defeating the mafia with one of the best and yet most unlikely weapons she can think of: their own women. The wives and mothers of the mafia bosses have suffered enough at their hands, it seems, and this limited series tells the true story of three daring women who worked with officials to bring down their notorious crime families from the inside. Directed by The Crown’s Julian Jarrold, The Good Mothers will be the first Italian-language Disney+ original series when it hits the platform on 5 April.
Perfect If: You love true crime – even more so when the victims become the heroes.
THE EVENT: International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego
You really gotta give it to the film industry – it just keeps finding ways to stay innovative, no matter what. This time around, it’s smartphone technology taking centre stage, allowing for more amazing audiovisual projects in different formats. As the pioneer film festival for movies shot with smartphones, San Diego’s International Mobile Film Festival (28-30 April) is a celebration of this emerging genre – and all the proof you needed to realise that great cinema can come from anywhere. As the festival’s slogan aptly says: “The red carpet is in your pocket!”
Perfect If: You’re a true believer in the power of film, especially of the indie variety.
THE DOCUMENTARY: Judy Blume Forever
If you’re like us, Judy Blume’s books marked a before and after in your journey from childhood into adolescence. Over the past 50 years, the beloved author has published more than 25 novels for children and young adults, reaching audiences worldwide with influential titles like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret – the latter of which has been turned into a feature film starring Rachel McAdams out this month. Meanwhile, in the documentary space, Judy Blume Forever will explore the novelist’s career trajectory and lasting impact, including interviews with Molly Ringwold, Lena Dunham and Samantha Bee as they discuss how her books shaped their experiences of adolescence. After all, what would any of us have learned about sex and puberty (and so many other then-controversial topics!) without her? We’ll be tuning in to Prime Video on 21 April.
Perfect If: Judy Blume’s books were the first real approach you had to grown-up subjects like anxiety, puberty, menstruation, sexual attraction and more.
THE SOUND: The National’s ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’
The anticipated ninth studio album by the Ohio-born, New York-based indie rock band The National is set to debut later this month, featuring eleven tracks and three star-studded collaborations with Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift and Sufjan Stevens. The group’s latest creative output is their most unique yet, brought to life just after the band’s lead believed it was all coming to an end. That said, expect an even greater dose of their iconic emotional rides, resonating dilemmas, lyrical melodies and soaring choruses. And if you’re wondering what the album title is all about, they shared a Mary Shelley-esque letter on their site with their upcoming track list and a few Easter eggs regarding their collaborations. And anyway, who doesn’t love a good literary reference?
Perfect If: You’re looking for something punchy or optimistic, quiet or loud, sweet or sad, or really profound – it doesn’t matter, they deliver it all.
THE CAUSE: Fashion Revolution Week
Marking 10 years since the devastating Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, Fashion Revolution is back with its annual campaign to increase awareness around the fashion industry’s detrimental social and environmental impacts, while helping create a healthier planet – and fashion mentality. Seven days might not be enough, but we have to start somewhere: from hosting your own event at home, to taking an online course on the future of fashion, signing the #GoodClothesFairPay petition, or simply donating to the cause, there are tons of ways you can become a Revolutionary. Our suggested first stop? Your own closet. Find out how to build a sustainable capsule wardrobe, learn about the brands that make your clothes, and devise a clear-out game plan for whenever you really need a wardrobe refresher.
Perfect If: You hate seeing your impeccable style take its toll on the planet and the people who inhabit it.
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