Cardi B's highly-anticipated sophomore album 'Am I the Drama?', frosty ambience and female obsession in 'The Ice Tower', and a London flea market where famous artists sell in person. Here are this week's cultural highlights.
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Hello, and welcome back for another round of recommendations. If the Autumn air already has you feeling sluggish, these events are guaranteed to keep hibernation at bay.
From an exciting new London exhibition all about the style and influence of France's controversial queen, Marie Antoinette, to a Norwegian showcase of innovative craft creations, there's something to fascinate and inspire ever corner of the continent.
And if the film suggestion below proves too chilly, you could always turn to the warm, husky voice of Tom Waits instead. Our resident super fan David Mouriquand has compiled a list of his best movies, inspired by Waits' recent role in Jim Jarmusch's Golden Lion-winning Father Mother Sister Brother.
Without further ado, grab yourself a hot drink and start marking your diaries. This is no season for running around like a headless chicken.
Exhibitions and events
ART.HAND.WORK
When: 19 September-1 February 2026
Where: The National Museum (Oslo, Norway)
From knitted figures to pendants made from ceramic plates and mugs out of old cans, over 100 works explore the beauty and boundary-pushing of handmade objects. These include creations by more than 90 international, Nordic and Sámi artists, which together span the mediums of glass, metal, wood, ceramics, textiles and video. Centred around six themes, which include 'Recycling' and 'Craft Traditions', it highlights all the ways in which crafting can connect us to both the past and present, shaping cultural identities and visions of a more sustainable future.
Art Car Boot Fair: Comedy & the Comic!
When: 20 September
Where: London, UK
Rummaging through tables of colourful weirdness, chatting to eccentric strangers, and the euphoria of finding hidden treasure - who doesn't love a car boot sale? Or as they may be better known elsewhere, a flea market. This one, however, has a unique twist. Instead of dusty cat ornaments and cracked vases, you're more likely to stumble across a Tracey Emin or Sir Peter Blake (both of whom have been stall holders at past events). This year's event includes British comedy legend Vic Reeves, illustrator extraordinaire Mr Doodle, iconic photographer Rankin, and over 100 other artists - many of whom will be there to meet and greet browsers. It's a joyful mix of performances and purchases that's not to be missed.
Marie Antoinette Style
When: 20 September
Where: V&A South Kensington (London, UK)
The life of France’s most fashionable queen is being explored at London’s V&A Museum until March 2026. ‘Marie Antoinette Style’ features everything from her delicate silk slippers, to dazzling jewels, and never-before seen items like a toilette case. An immersive scent experience even lets visitors sniff Antoinette’s favourite perfume, while contemporary clothing from designers such as Vivienne Westwood trace Antoinette’s style into the present, exploring her enduring impact on aesthetics and culture.
Bonus highlights: ‘Blitz: The club that shaped the 80s’ opens at the Design Museum. Also in London, there's a new David Bowie archive at the V&A East Storehouse.
Movies
The Ice Tower
Where: French cinemas
When: 17 September
This chilly fantasy film from French filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilović was one of our stand-outs at this year’s Berlinale. An adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, it stars Marion Cotillard as a domineering actress named Cristina Van Der Berg, who forms a twisted relationship with young actress Jeanne (Clara Pacini) while working on a production of The Snow Queen. Exploring themes of obsession, identity and youth, our critic David Mouriquand loved it. In his Berlinale 2025 wrap-up, he wrote: "If you’re looking for a frosty mood piece crackling with hidden meanings, this eerie reverie is a must-see." Stay tuned for his full review.
Bonus highlight: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is released in cinemas on 19 September.
TV series
The Morning Show
Where: Netflix
When: 17 September
The Emmy-award winning show based on Brian Shelter's 2013 book Top of the Morning returns for its fourth season. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as TV anchor Alex Levy and field reporter Bradley Jackson, it explores the interpersonal relationships and scandals simmering beneath the TV production cycle. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons join this time, as a merged newsroom lays bare tensions between truth and sensationalism in a world that's increasingly dominated by deepfakes.
Bonus highlight: Centred around the troubled relationship between brothers Jake (Jude Law) and Vince (Jason Bateman), who once ran a luxury club/restaurant together, Black Rabbit streams on Netflix from 18 September.
Music
Cardi B: Am I the Drama?
When: 19 September
It's been seven years since Cardi B's Grammy award-winning debut studio album, 'Invasion of Privacy' - but the American rapper has been far from absent. Perhaps best known for her 2020 hit 'WAP', a collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, the single will feature on this highly-anticipated sophomore release alongside 2021's 'Up'.
The album's title reportedly refers to the heavy scrutiny and scandals Cardi B has faced throughout her career, including a physical altercation with fellow rapper Nicki Minaj. Prepare for more certified freak - and 'WAP, WAP, WAP' back in your head, seven days a week.
Bonus highlights: Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’ and Nine Inch Nails’ Tron: Ares OST are being released 19 September.
