Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, now in cinemas. The film also features Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. This is just one of many entertainment options this week, from gigs and art exhibitions to streaming and games.
Cinema highlights
Also opening this week is Our Hero, Balthazar, a drama about a rich New York teen who posts pro-gun-control videos to impress his activist crush but ends up confronting a troll. Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield, and Jennifer Ehle star. Synthetic Sincerity, a documentary by Marc Isaacs, feeds his work into an AI model at the University of Southern England to explore genuine human reactions. Andy Serkis directs an animated version of George Orwell's Animal Farm, featuring a new pig protagonist named Lucky to make the tale more accessible. As Catherine Bray notes, 'All adaptations are created equal, but some are more equal than others.'
Gigs and festivals
Latitude festival celebrates its 20th year in Suffolk from 23 to 26 July, headlined by David Byrne, Teddy Swims, and Lewis Capaldi, with support from Dry Cleaning, Saint Etienne, and Self Esteem. Agnes Obel brings her escapist chamber pop to the UK, starting at London's Somerset House on 21 July. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Charlotte Corderoy, performs the world premiere of Gabriel Jackson's Flugelhorn Concerto at St Peter's Church, Norton, on 18 July. Pat Metheny's Side-Eye III+ project features pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson at London's Barbican Hall on 18 and 19 July.
Art exhibitions
Felipe Baeza's exhibition at Maureen Paley Morena di Luna in Hove runs to 6 September, exploring queer identity through swirling figures and mythological characters. 'The Pattern of Life: Enid Marx and Modern British Design' at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, from 18 July to 3 January, highlights Marx's influence on textiles and design. Elisa Giardinia Papa's video installation at the ICA, London, to 6 September, tells the story of a volcanic island that sparked a military dispute. Anne Ryan's immersive installation at London Mithraeum runs to 9 January.
Stage shows
Simon Amstell's standup tour starts in Bristol on 24 July, with a show about mooning over a pop star. Sarah Kane's Cleansed at the Almeida Theatre, London, to 29 August, is directed by Rebecca Frecknall. The Market Deeping Model Railway Club at Nottingham Playhouse to 25 July adapts a viral story about vandals. Oona Doherty's Life Starts at 40 at Bold Tendencies, London, from 22 to 25 July, includes the premiere of Leather Jacket.
Streaming picks
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe on HBO Max from 24 July is a sci-fi spin-off of The Big Bang Theory. The Undeclared War returns to Channel 4 on 21 July, with Simon Pegg and Hannah Khalique-Brown. The Crow Girl series 2 on Paramount+ from 20 July stars Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly. King of the Hill reboot on Disney+ from 20 July offers wry observations on modern life.
Games and albums
High Times (PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox) releases 23 July, a coffee shop dating sim with mood-altering doughnuts. Gurei (PS5, Switch, PC) on 23 July is a 2D hack'n'slash inspired by samurai movies. Gracie Abrams' third album Daughter from Hell is out now, featuring the Justin Vernon-assisted single 'Hit the Wall'. Steve Lacy's Oh Yeah? includes a duet with SZA. Syd's Beard and Tricky's Different When It's Silent also release this week.
Brain food
Lang Elliott's Music of Nature podcast offers calming soundscapes. Signal Hill audio magazine's second edition features essays and experimental soundscapes. PBS America celebrates Ken Burns on 22 July with screenings of his films on the first transcontinental car journey and the discovery of the American west.
