A Paris exhibition stuffed with teddy bears, Noémie Merlant’s horror/comedy ‘The Balconettes’ and a new album from Snoop Dogg – here’s what’s happening in Europe this weekend.
ADVERTISEMENTBuying presents, hanging decorations and trying not to say anything weird at the Christmas work party – December is overwhelming! But finding fun stuff to do in-between the festive chaos doesn’t have to be.
From a fascinating new London exhibition all about scientific breakthroughs at the Palace of Versailles, to a Paris show featuring bronze sculptures of rival French rappers – and a fun new midnight movie from French actress-director Noémie Merlant, we’ve cherrypicked some of the most exciting new cultural events to add to your calendar this week.
On the subject of being more selective about what to consume in an age of constant content, we recently had the good fortune of interviewing actress Juliette Binoche, who advised: “Don’t go and see just any film. You really have to pick up the film you think is going to be something – the film that’s going to change something in you.”
With that in mind, we hope these recommendations change something in you, even if that change is reconnecting with an old teddy bear or swearing off Marvel films for life.
Exhibitions
‘My Teddy Bear’ at the the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris, France)
If there’s one thing that unites us all in these uncertain times, it’s teddy bears. The cuddly, beady-eyed ursines comforted us throughout childhood and even make for coveted collectors’ items – some worth hundreds of thousands. A new exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is showcasing the toys in all their soft glory, tracing not only the history of their creation in 1902 by Richard Steiff, but the broader inspiration behind them through exploring our evolutionary relationship with bears. Almost 400 teddies make up the collection, from early ones made out of mohair and wood straw, to the modern-day squishes with strokable fur. It’s cute, educational, and on until 22 June 2025.
‘Versailles: Science and Splendour’ at the Science Museum (London, UK)
A pinnacle of opulence, the Palace of Versailles conjures images of perfectly manicured gardens, a stunning Hall of Mirrors and the regal notoriety that once inhabited it. But the importance of this 17th century space is so much more than its spectacular beauty, with a new exhibition at London’s Science Museum seeking to highlight its critical contributions to science. Through a showcase of more than 100 items, including an intricate map of the moon by Jean-Dominique Cassini and the world’s most famous watch (designed for Marie Antoinette), visitors get to experience the timeless wonders of historical ingenuity. It also documents the ways in which women within the Palace were integral contributors towards the development of everything from medicine to philosophy – an awe-inspiring experience that’s as dazzling for the brain as it is for the eyes. Open from 12 December to 21 April 2025.
‘The Battle of Orly’ by Guillaume Cagniard at 78 Rue du Temple (Paris, France)
In August 2018, a fight broke out between rival French rappers Booba and Kaaris at Orly airport. The pair were arrested and fined €50,000 on top of suspended sentences, while footage of the incident – caught on smartphones – quickly went viral. Now, six years later, artist Guillaume Cagniard (who has collaborated with Booba in the past) is revisiting the moment through a tongue-in-cheek show titled ‘The Battle of Orly’. Structured in three parts: the fight, the fallout and the attempted resolution, it includes everything from digital art depictions to bronze sculptures and duty-free artefacts, hoping to inspire reflections on a social media-warped society. Free to enter, it’s on until 24 December 2024.
Movies
‘Les femmes au balcon’ (‘The Balconettes’)
There’s a heatwave in Marseille and Nicole (Sanda Codreanu) is frustrated – a struggling writer with a big crush on a man that lives across the street. One night, he invites her, along with roommate Ruby (Souheila Yacoub) and their visiting bestie Élise (Noémie Merlant) to come over and party. Things go very wrong from here, as terrible actions lead to terrible consequences – and a whole lot of bloody mess to clean-up.
The second feature film from Merlant, it’s a vivacious film that plays with comedy and horror tropes to reframe and reinforce its serious subject matter. While deliriously silly – there’s smothering by face sitting and fart jokes – it’s also a touching portrayal of female friendship that’s resolute in its desire to be vulnerable and fun. If you’re looking for a great midnight movie experience with your friends, this is it.
Our resident film critic David Mouriquand had a blast with it – check out his full review here – and be sure to check out his interview with Noémie Merlant.
Kraven the Hunter
ADVERTISEMENTAnother Sony Spider-Man spin-off movie to see out the year and we’re once again in supervillain territory with a standalone story about Kraven the Hunter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). He’s a beefed-up, super strong dude sporting caveman-core looks, but daddy issues with Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe) portend conflict, ultimately leading Kraven on a mission for vengeance as he strives to hone his bad-assery. Depending on your taste, it’s either escapist fun or macho nonsense that further cements superhero fatigue. Either way, the box office is sleepy ahead of January’s award season burst and if you’re hunting for a festive reprieve – or two hours of memory loss, this’ll do.
Television
Dream Productions (Disney+)
Nobody wants to hear about someone else’s weird dreams – but watching them be directed by a Hollywood-esque studio of little flamboyant blobs? Sure! Disney+’s latest miniseries from Pixar expands on the Inside Out universe, set within the mind of a young girl named Riley. While the films’ familiar gang of personified emotions do make brief appearances, this time we’re over at Dream Productions for a mockumentary-style look at where Riley’s dreams are artfully constructed. Latte-wielding sasspot Jean Dewberry (Maya Rudolph) is lead director, joined by pretentious nepo-baby Xeni (Richard Ayoade) as they attempt to craft ever-more elaborate slumber visions (rainbow unicorns! More glitter!) amidst the tumult of Riley’s adolescent-anxieties. It’s sweet, funny and clever in that trademark Pixar way – if a little lost in its own lore and lacking the emotional weight (and appearances) of its predecessors.
Music
Euronews Culture’s Best Albums of 2024
ADVERTISEMENTAs the new year approaches, we’ve begun the daunting task of rounding-up our Best Of 2024 lists.
First up: our favourite albums, including everything from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ ‘Wild God’ to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ and, of course, Charli XCX’s zeitgeist-stealing ‘Brat’.
There was a lot to choose from in a truly spectacular (and highly Sabrina Carpenter caffeinated) year for music. But adhering to strict rules (no EPs, no live albums, no reeditions and no OSTs) this is the top 20 we agreed on – a list of astonishing sonic achievements that helped guide us through yet another year of highs and lows. Add them all to your playlist, stat.
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre: ‘Missionary’
ADVERTISEMENTThe highly-anticipated new album from an icon of 90s hip-hop, ‘Missionary’ is Snoop Dogg’s homage to his 1993 debut album ‘Doggystyle’ – and first full-length collaboration with Dr. Dre in over 30 years. A total of 15 tracks, it also features Eminem, 50 Cent, Sting, The Chicago Kid and Jhené Aiko. In an interview with Complex, Dr. Dre said he considered his work on this album ‘some of my best’.
The National: ‘Rome’ live album
Most live recorded album releases tend to fall under the radar, which is a shame because they can greatly enhance the music of certain bands, evocatively capturing the energy and atmosphere of seeing performances in person. This is certainly the case for The National’s ‘Rome’, a 21-tracklist of live-recordings from their show at Cavea at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in June 2024, part of their tour for twin studio albums ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ and ‘Laugh Track’. Featuring new live versions of fan favourites like ‘I Need My Girl’, ‘Lemonworld’ and ‘Lit Up’, it’s a treat that enlivens and enriches the band’s sparkling pathos.
