At first glance, this week's cultural lineup might seem a touch sombre: an exhibition on mortality, a violent film, a series about organised crime, and an album that wrestles with the weight of knowledge. But there is also vibrant Colombian art, uplifting synth-pop, and Ray Winstone in fine form. Balance, after all, is the theme of September—when cosy evenings with a book or screen sit alongside the last warm days of summer.
Exhibitions: Confronting death and celebrating colour
In Oslo, the National Museum has opened Don't Be Afraid. An Exhibition about Death, running until 6 September 2026. The show brings together works by Nan Goldin, Adolph Tidemand, Sandra Mujinga, and others to explore how different cultures and beliefs shape our understanding of life's end. As philosopher Francis Bacon noted, dying is as natural as being born—yet for many, it remains a taboo. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on that fear and the meanings we attach to it.
Meanwhile, in London, the White Cube gallery is hosting the first UK solo show of the late Colombian painter Emma Reyes, from 4 September to 3 October 2026. Reyes, who drew on her Latin American heritage, is known for vivid, almost hallucinogenic works filled with faces, flora, and repeating patterns. The retrospective, drawn from her six-decade career, offers a focused look at an artist who may be unfamiliar to many European audiences.
Film and TV: Dark outlaws and stylish gangsters
In cinemas from 2 September, The Death of Robin Hood reimagines the legendary outlaw as a bitter, violent figure—far from the philanthropic hero of folklore. Hugh Jackman stars as a wounded Robin who seeks refuge in a priory run by a kind nun (Jodie Comer), only to confront the brutal deeds of his past. Produced by A24, the film is a bleak character study about the cost of violence.
On Netflix, The Gentlemen returns for a second season on 3 September, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Guy Ritchie's series, a spin-off from his 2019 film, follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James), who inherits his father's estate—and the criminal enterprise attached to it. With Ray Winstone as drug baron Bobby Glass, the show blends dark British humour, glossy violence, and a stellar cast. It's a thoroughly enjoyable watch, even if the subject matter is hardly uplifting.
For those who prefer their culture with a lighter touch, our weekly cultural roundup also includes other recommendations across Europe.
Music: Ellie Goulding's introspective turn
British pop star Ellie Goulding returns on 4 September with her first album in three years, following the dance-floor-oriented Higher Than Heaven. The new record shifts towards the personal, pondering life's transitions and the relief of letting go—of self-consciousness, stress, and the need to make sense of everything. Tracks like Black Prada Dress and 4 Seasons carry an uplifting melancholy, while Ravers reasserts her knack for euphoric, synth-driven abandon.
For those seeking more musical discoveries, our team has also compiled a list of underrated albums—though we hope it proves less contentious than our previous overrated picks.
As September unfolds, these offerings provide a mix of introspection and escapism, perfect for easing into autumn. Whether you're in Oslo, London, or watching from your sofa, there's something to engage the mind and lift the spirits.
