A work trip from hell in Sam Raimi's 'Send Help', more Regency-era romanticism in season 4 of 'Bridgerton', the Venice Carnival and the long-awaited 10th album from Lana Del Rey. Here's what's going on in Europe this week.
Awards season is in full swing, with the Oscars revealing their 2026 nominations and the Grammys, BRITS and BAFTAs all looming. With this in mind, it's a great time to catch-up on what you might have missed (our best-of lists can help with that) - but also to look ahead, as potential future contenders start to appear.
From the return of horror legend Sam Raimi and dreamy pop princess Lana Del Rey (not in collaboration, sadly), to a kitsch-tastic retrospective of the late Martin Parr's eccentric photography, and the Venice Carnival, it feels like an especially big week for high-profile events and releases.
So, as the forever-feeling of January finally nears its end, turn your sights to the cathartic creativity of this week's recommendations.
Exhibitions
Martin Parr Global Warning
When: 30 January - 24 May 2026
Where: Jeu de Paume (Paris, France)
Iconic British photographer Martin Parr passed away at the end of last year, leaving behind a legacy of kitsch, charismatic snapshots; humorously poignant insights into the absurdities of human existence. Despite his penchant for documenting British idiosyncrasies, Parr's images resonated with French audiences in particular, exhibited at the Arles festival in 1986, where international acclaim followed. The Jeu de Paume art centre invites visitors to re-discover his impact through a collection of his career-defining works, all interconnected by their bizarre mundanities that harbour universal truths.
R. Crumb: There's No End to the Nonsense
When: 29 January - March 14 2026
Where: David Zwirner Gallery (London, UK)
The lewd, satirical cartoons of American artist Robert Crumb defined the emerging underground comic book scene of the 60s through to the early 90s. Remembered most for his iconic works like Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural, and Keep on Truckin’, his subversive illustrations challenged pre-existing moral standards, and laid the foundations for a countercultural revolution. Almost 70 years since he self-published his very first work, the David Zwirner gallery presents a collection of Crumb's career-defining creations.
Bonus highlight: Souvenir at The Fitzrovia Chapel, an inaugural exhibition curated by BAFTA-nominated artists and filmmakers, closes soon - on 8 February 2026.
Events
Venice Carnival
When: 31 Jan - 17 Feb 2026
Where: Venice (Italy)
Italy's world famous 'Carnevale di Venezia' celebrates myths and sport this year as the country prepares to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics being held in Milan–Cortina. The programme begins in St Mark’s Square on Saturday, with the Bridgerton-themed Grand Carnival Ball. Celebrations move the next day into the heart of tradition with the Festa Veneziana, the evocative water parade along the Grand Canal, which officially opens the historical and traditional programme of the entire event.
La Traviata
When: 26 January - 3 February 2026
Where: Opéra National de Bordeaux (France)
One of the most famous operas of all time, Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata is a passionate tale of forbidden love and sacrificed desires, set against a backdrop of strict societal order. This spectacular new production at the Opéra National de Bordeaux is led by Italian conductor Tito Ceccherini, with Italian soprano Federica Guida in the title role of Violetta Valéry.
Health Workers 4 Palestine's Seeds of Solidarity Gala & Auction
When: 1 February 2026
Where: The Savoy (London, UK)
Featuring artistic contributions from Brian Eno, Sir Antony Gormley, Lisa Brice and more, the Health Workers 4 Palestine auction is in aid of the Gaza Medics Solidarity Fund; a charity investing in mobile clinics, rebuilding maternity wards and paying stipends to Gaza doctors.
At the time of writing, over 1,700 healthcare workers have lost their lives in Gaza, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid groups like Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders have been blocked from entering Gaza, highlighting the current urgency of protecting Palestinian medical care.
Those that attend will not only be helping a good cause, but also have the opportunity to experience an immersive array of art that represents resilience, reflection - and the power of action. Go here to register a bid.
Movies
Send Help
Where: Cinemas
When: 30 January
Legendary Evil Dead director Sam Raimi returns to the horror genre with a film that will send shivers down every downtrodden employee's spines. After surviving a freak plane crash, hardworking but belittled strategist Linda (Rachel McAdams) finds herself stranded on a remote island with her egotistical boss Bradley (Dylan O'Brien). As the two struggle to survive, past grievances come to the surface in a frenzy of isolated madness and violent catharsis. A rage against capitalism's power plays and gender gaps, Raimi takes the corporate conflicts and caricatures them into a darkly comic romp.
Bonus highlight: Rabid ape thriller Primate is released in the UK on 30 January, along with YouTuber Markiplier's horror Iron Lung.
TV series
Bridgerton (season 4)
Where: Netflix
When: 29 January
Technological anxieties are at an all-time high, loneliness is pervasive, and the weather remains dark and gloomy - what better time to escape into the passions and puffy dresses of Regency-era London? Season four of Netlflix's hugely popular series, based on a series of books by Julia Quinn, shifts its focus to Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his obsession with a mysterious woman he meets at a masked ball (Yerin Ha). Exploring the divide between fantasy and reality, as Benedict attempts to untangle societal illusions from his authentic desires, expect more salacious scandals and pulse-racing romanticism.
Bonus highlight: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays a washed up actor-turned-superhero in Disney+'s new miniseries 'Wonder Man', available to stream from 28 January. British crime thriller ‘Steal’ is also now available on Prime Video (and features an appearance from our very own editor, Tokunbo Salako!)
Music
Lana Del Rey: Stove
When: 30 January
After a long delay and several title changes, baroque pop queen Lana Del Rey's 10th album is finally dropping this week. Her first studio release since 2023's 'Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd', anticipations are high. 'Stove', however, trades her previous gospel x hip hop sound for a stripped back, country-inspired vibe that's, as always, soaked in cinematic wistfulness. It's also her longest album to date, featuring 19 singles that include the already released 'Bluebird' and 'Henry, come on'. Best listened to while wearing a wafty dress and running through empty fields.
Bonus highlight: American psych rock band Blackwater Holylight releases their fourth studio album 'Not Here Not Gone' on 30 January.
