Where to go
Oz Comic-Con Canberra is the place to be for a feast of pop culture with like-minded people.
Dress up as a favourite character to take part in cosplay meetings including Marvel, DC, Star Wars and anime, visit game, comic and other exhibitor booths, learn about creating your own comics, take part in a lipsync battle or computer and tabletop gaming, and listen to talks by comic and author guests including Christof Bogacs, Dan O'Malley, Kaaron Warren, Ben Bradi, Mat Groom and NS Kane.
Whether you're a seasoned convention-goer or a first-timer, ignite the spark of excitement and celebrate the diverse tapestry of pop culture that unites everyone. At Oz Comic-Con, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the doors.
It's on at Exhibition Park in Canberra on Saturday and Sunday. See: ozcomiccon.com/canberra
Where to learn
There are still National Science Week events happening where you can learn and have fun.
Events include Dark Matter in the Pub on Friday at 7pm at Badger & Co. Pub, Health & Wellbeing Centre, 156-11, Joplin Lane, Kambri Precinct, Acton in ANU.
Scientists will share their research on and experience with the mysterious dark matter, the substance that is purported to make up the majority of our universe. There will be presentations, a quiz, music, and prizes.
There's also Ghost Trees at the NFSA, an immersive, surround-sound audiovisual experience. Bringing together science, data and audiovisual art, this offers a new way to connect to nature and reflect on our place within it - and our impacts on it (National Film and Sound Archive until September 8). See: scienceweek.net.au
What to see
Cirque Bon Bon promises to set the Canberra Theatre alight, figuratively speaking, transforming it into a cauldron of excitement, drama and hilarity.
Contortionists, acrobats and dancers will present an extravaganza of light, acrobatics, dance and comedy. The show is the brainchild of former Cirque Du Soleil assistant creative director Ash Jacks (McCready) and choreographer Julieann Nugent, and blends beauty with bravery into 75 minutes of electrifying action.
It's on at the Canberra Theatre from Thursday until Saturday. See: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
What to farewell
Sadly, after almost a decade of book launches, in-conversations, festivals, wine dinners, cocktail functions, bottomless brunches, comedy nights and musical extravaganzas, it's time to close the book on Muse.
The bookstore will be closing on Sunday, the ninth anniversary of the first time its doors were opened to the public. All remaining book stock is now offering 40 per cent off (not including already discounted stock).
Muse's location is Ground Floor, East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith. See: musecanberra.com.au
What to cheer
The Canberra Raiders will play their last home game of the NRL season on Saturday at 3pm when they take on the Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium. See: raiders.com.au
This week's films
Blink Twice (MA15+, 102 minutes)
When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It's paradise. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days and everyone's having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She'll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive. Directed by Zoe Kravitz. Also in the cast are Christian Slater, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan, Alia Shawkat and Haley Joel Osment.
Strange Darling (MA15+, 93 minutes)
A relentless predator tracks an injured woman through the Oregon wilderness. The woman does her best to outsmart her attacker, but with each tense moment she grows weaker and less able. He's a man on a mission, and it's only a matter of time before he captures his prey. Stars Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley jnr.
Suddenly (M, 113 minutes)
Ben (Gilles Lellouche) and Laura (Mélanie Thierry) have spent five years together. Their decision to embark on a global sailing adventure takes an unexpected turn when they detour to a remote island near the Antarctic coast. Caught in a storm, their boat disappears, leaving them isolated, alone, and in danger as winter approaches. Now, they must fight not only for survival but also to preserve their relationship. As Ben and Laura grapple with unimaginable challenges, they confront a haunting question: Is it better to survive alone or face death together? In French with English subtitles.
Take My Hand (M, 102 minutes)
Living in London, at the peak of her career, a mother of three is diagnosed with MS. Following the sudden death of her husband and the loss of her job, she moves back home to Australia, where a chance encounter with her high school sweetheart gives her renewed hope in love as she battles the disease.
Touch (M, 121 minutes)
Widower Kristofer (Egill Olafsson) sets off from Iceland on a seemingly impossible mission. Decades earlier, the young Kristofer (Palmi Kormakur) meets his first love, Miko (Kki), in London. A student of economics, he decides to give up his studies and work in a Japanese restaurant. And it's there he meets Miko, the owner's daughter, and romance blossoms. Then she disappears without trace. All these decades later, with limited time left, Kristofer ends up in COVID-affected London and tries to track her down, eventually leading him to Japan and an astonishing discovery. Subtitled.
