SXSW Interview: Director Cutter Hodierne on his crypto-meets-home invasion thriller Cold Wallet

After losing everything in a cryptocurrency scam, a ragtag team of vigilante Redditors attempt to kidnap the kingpin who screwed them over. But when the home invasion takes a turn for the worst, they become victims in a sadistic game. Directed by Sundance-awarded Best Director Cutter Hodierne, Cold Wallet is a topically relevant genre blend of…

Read More

Cold Wallet finds a taut balance between crypto commentary and gripping escapism: SXSW Film & TV Festival Review

Though there’s an enjoyable “Robin Hood”-like mentality to the narrative of Cutter Hodierne‘s always watchable thriller Cold Wallet, this cryptocurrency-heavy tale takes a less jovial approach to the world of tech talk and monetary scams than last year’s similarly themed Dumb Money.  But, despite opting for a more intense, oft-violent approach, the emerging filmmaker has…

Read More

SXSW Interview: Writer/director Annick Blanc on Hunting Daze, the navigation of gaslighting, and always sticking to her guns

Nina, a young and headstrong exotic dancer, finds herself stranded in the far North. She convinces her recent customers, five men on a bachelor hunting trip, to put her up for a few days. In this masculine microsociety, by turns hilarious and philosophical, she starts to feel a sense of belonging she never has before. But…

Read More

SXSW 2024: Two massive, free Australian showcases announced in Austin

The annual convergence festival that takes over downtown Austin, Texas, is back for another year, and this year, it is going to be impossible not to feel the presence of Australia at South by Southwest. 32 Australian artists will be featured in showcases and pop-ups around the Texas capital. South by Southwest is a one-of-a-kind…

Read More

G Adventures steps into luxury travel with new Geluxe itineraries

Since 1990, G Adventures has been leading people around the world as one of the biggest tour operators in the travel industry. From National Geographic itineraries across the Galapagos Islands, to wildlife tours in Madagascar, this company has kept an adventurous spirit for decades. And continues to find new ways to open up the world,…

Read More

Adelaide Fringe Review: Infamous the Show is a sexy high flying circus with thrills galore

The Infamous circus tent is a beacon in Ellis Park, on Adelaide’s West Terrace, right next door to Adelaide High. The massive purpose built Spiegel big-top houses the Ashton Family touring circus. The circus was acquired by James Henry Ashton in 1850, and today is run by 6th generation Ashtons and is now known as…

Read More
Juliet

Theatre Review: (Pop) cultures collide in high-energy new musical, & Juliet

Well, dip my eyeballs in glitter. The brand-new musical, & Juliet, is now in Sydney, and it’s a high-energy mash-up of Shakespearean storytelling, 90s pop music, and gender-bending progressiveness. Re-working the story of Romeo & Juliet (1597), the story starts with William Shakespeare (Rob Mills) and his wife Anne Hathaway (Amy Lehpamer) (yes, you read that…

Read More

New Music Discoveries 8th March: Elana Stone, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Muroki and more

As we waltz through March, we’ve added ten more songs to our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, including two tracks we exclusively premiered earlier in the week. Our track of the week is “People Come, and People Go” from Elana Stone, an artist who is a firm AU favourite. Elana is a wonderful songwriter…

Read More
International Women's Day

Five Biographical Fiction Picks for International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and raise awareness of the discrimination still faced by many women all over the world. In celebration of IWD, we have put together a list of five recent or forthcoming novels which fictionalise the lives of real-life heroines – women who…

Read More

Photo Gallery: Black Country, New Road – Sydney Opera House Concert Hall (07.03.24)

Black Country, New Road on their debut Australian tour played the Sydney Opera House. Fans were left mesmerised by the amazing talents of all six members whom were a perfect fit for the sold out iconic Sydney Opera House with their eclectic art-rock sound. Pete Dovgan brings you the images.

Read More

Skull and Bones is short on story, but high on action

Ahoy, there mateys! Insert all the pirate puns here! The long-awaited Ubisoft open-world pirate adventure fans have clamouring for since 2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is finally here. After lengthy delays, cancellations and then government grants forcing the game to see the light of day, we’re ready to sail the high seas. So after…

Read More

Interview: Ricki-Lee on the power of pop music and forging her own path with new record On My Own

A permanent survivor of the ever-changing music industry, Ricki-Lee is one of Australia’s finest success stories. An advocate for the independent music scene and an unapologetic lover of all things pop (sorry, she’s not sorry), she’s forging her own path with the anticipated release of her 5th album On My Own, the first under her…

Read More
Slow Cinema

Exclusive EP Premiere: Slow Cinema – self-titled (2024 EP)

Slow Cinema is an indie-rock quintet from Newcastle/Mulubinba who we fell in love with in 20200 when we premiered their emotive single “Balta”.  They’ve recently dropped two singles, “Magic Potion” and “Pocket Knife”, and we are stoked today to be premiering their new self-titled EP with three more stellar tracks. Keen Slow Cinema fans have…

Read More

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth shows promise, but lacks the punch of its predecessor

When the Final Fantasy VII remake was initially announced, you could say it broke the internet. That original 1997 game changed the gaming landscape forever and hearing that it would be released to a new generation on a new platform made you feel like you were witnessing the second coming of Christ in gaming pop…

Read More

Film Review: Kung Fu Panda 4; Jack Black’s loveable Po proves a welcome return in amusing sequel

Though there was a certain sense of the story coming to a natural close in 2016’s Kung Fu Panda 3, the powers that be at DreamWorks deemed another go-around with the loveable Po (once again voiced with vigour by Jack Black) necessary, and so families are gifted with the effortless joy that is Kung Fu…

Read More

Film Review: Ricky Stanicky; John Cena livens up an otherwise missed opportunity of a comedy

After finding Oscar glory as a solo filmmaker – with arguably one of the more controversial Best Picture wins in the Academy’s history (see Green Book) – there’s a nice sense of coming back home in the case of Peter Farrelly helming Ricky Stanicky. Now, it does pale in comparison to the comedy works he…

Read More

Film Review: Imaginary is light on scares and, ironically, imagination

Given that the promotional material for Imaginary has highlighted a certain stuffed teddy bear, one would be right in assuming that the film – boasting its from the studio that brought us Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN – would be taking inspiration from those two successful properties.  Unfortunately, despite such promise, a committed turn…

Read More

AU Favourites: 5 things worth checking out in March 2024

Welcome to AU Favourites, a new monthly column where our writers highlight 5 things they’ve been loving lately. Whether it’s a good read, new tech product, or even a piece of furniture. We’re lucky enough to go hands on with a lot of things across the many areas that we cover on this website. We…

Read More

Innovative new lifestyle hotel, Drifter, set for Australia and New Zealand

A new design-forward hotel brand is set for Australia and New Zealand, initially opening properties in Christchurch and Byron Bay. Drifter, a unique hybrid hotel concept, will add a unique lifestyle brand to these frequently visited locales, with plans to grow steadily with two more properties earmarked for 2025. Drifter Byron Bay and Drifter Christchurch…

Read More
kit genesis pride

Aussie Indie Artists: Tess Hannah transforms into Kit Genesis

Aussie Indie Artists is a series of interviews with lesser known Aussie creators across all forms and fields. The goal is to share exciting new works, find new angles towards the art, and peek behind the scenes. Tess Hannah’s music is grungy, moody, and frayed with overloaded electric guitars– often likened to Wolf Alice or…

Read More

The AU Interview: Slowmango open up about their music and their upcoming Womadelaide appearance

Slowmango are a six piece band from SA that are having their debut Womadelaide appearance this weekend. We sat down to learn a little more about the band. How would you describe your music? Is it something that can be categorised? Slowmango’s music is a melting pot of global influences, incorporating rhythms and melodies from…

Read More
King Ibis

Exclusive Single Premiere: King Ibis “Cooling Embers” (2024)

Have you ever lost the spark? Maybe the intensity of a relationship has started to fade. The job which you were so passionate about no longer shines as brightly. Or making your way as a musician is just proving too hard. Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock band King Ibis have just the cathartic banger that encapsulates this so adroitly. We’re…

Read More

Album Review: Ricki-Lee claims pop throne on upbeat, euphoric On My Own

Given the longevity of her prolific career, it’s easy to forget that popstar-cum-media personality Ricki-Lee got her start within the Australian Idol space and that she didn’t win; Casey Donovan would ultimately be crowned the winner of said season. In the 20 years (!!!) since the commanding singer won us all over during her tenure…

Read More

Turkish Airlines debuts in Australia, making Europe more accessible (and affordable)

When it comes flight prices, it’s all about competition. The more airlines flying in and out of a country, the better it is – for your budget at least. It’s a big deal when a major airline makes its debut in any market for the first time, and so one of the biggest news stories…

Read More

Why Cook Islands is the ultimate tropical paradise for Australians

I just don’t think I’m an island person. Throw me into a warehouse rave in New York City and I’ll thrive. Take me driving through the dizzying hills of Tuscany and I’m good. Tell me about “island time,” however, and I’ll let out an audible groan. I’m not a patient person when I’m travelling. So…

Read More

The Alliance Française French Film Festival launches for its 35th edition

This year marks the 35th edition of the Alliance Française French Film Festival, a significant milestone in their cinematic journey where 35 is not just a number – it is an emblem. From the days of 35mm film screenings to the marvels of today’s digital era, they have proudly showcased the very best of French…

Read More

Photo Gallery: Sampha – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (01.03.24)

UK Multi-disciplinary vocalist Sampha touched down in Melbourne for a beautiful night of music at Margaret Court Arena. The venue was transformed into an intimate theatre-like performance, with seated General Admission and reduced numbers. The evening was one for the books with Sampha captivating the crowd with his humbleness and stunning vocals. In celebration of…

Read More

Interview: Director Jeff Wadlow on creating the horror of Imaginary, casting against type, and the dangers of pre-planning a sequel

Unfortunately we can’t always rely on technology.  But for Peter Gray, it seemed like there were more sinister forces at play when he attempted to chat to Imaginary director Jeff Wadlow about his latest scarer. After a duo of failed attempts to chat all things Imaginary – the Truth Or Dare filmmaker’s original horror film…

Read More

Mona Foma Review: TISM prove their utter worthlessness to the world (02.03.24)

Mona Foma finished off their month-long Tasmanian summer festival with a free evening concert in the beautiful Cataract Gorge in Launceston. The natural rock pool, enhanced with a shallow man-made wading pool made for a natural amphitheatre for the music event. It’s a popular destination, with a walking trail along the Tamar River, a swimming…

Read More

Interview: Director Peter Farrelly, Zac Efron, John Cena and the cast of Ricky Stanicky; “I think you need audacity to make a great comedy.”

When three childhood best friends pull a prank gone wrong, they invent the imaginary “Ricky Stanicky” to get them out of trouble!  Twenty years after creating this ‘friend,’ Dean (Zac Efron), JT (Andrew Santino), and Wes (Jermaine Fowler) still use the non-existent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behaviour.  When their spouses and partners get…

Read More