Black Mirror: Plaything
by Charlie Brooker; dir. David Slade (Netflix, 2025)
Quality near-future SF. The premise (true artificial intelligence) is obliquely approached, the viewer first overawed by Peter Capaldi’s presence, drawn into rubbernecking by Lewis Gribben’s performance, and lulled by the adroitly executed 90s-style simulation game Thronglets. Quiet dark humour completes the backdrop.
I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons
by Peter S. Beagle (Simon & Schuster, 2024)
audiobook read by Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Simon & Schuster Audio, 2024)
A gentle fantasy that subverts tropes even while making use of them. Though dragons feature, most of the plot is submerged-iceberg character development: Robert and Princess Cerise in particular, but also Prince Reginald, Ostvald and Elfrieda. Taylor-Corbett’s audiobook reading plays to this.
Face It: A Memoir
by Debbie Harry (HarperCollins, 2019)
audiobook read by Debbie Harry (Jammer Audiobooks, 2020)
Like many memoirs, this focusses disproportionately on the early years—particularly the New York punk scene of the 1970s, for which Harry has a nostalgic fondness (without romanticising). Her account reveals a learn-as-you-go approach to life, reflected upon without pretence or dissembling.
Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth
by Joe Hill; ill. Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2020)
Two standalone stories plus one vignette (and some indulgent author/illustrator photos). While ‘Open the Moon’ has a wistful sort of charm, ‘In the Can’ is a non-event and ‘Grindhouse’ rolls out its exploitation film vibe without pushback. Grey tones. Borderline-grotesque character art.
Beyond Paradise, Series 2
(BBC, 2024)
Again, the balance is skewed a little too much towards character drama at the expense of the police investigations, but these personal storylines (Martha’s mum’s dating forays; Esther’s single-parenting; Humphrey and Martha’s foster-parent aspirations) are at least well-structured across the six episodes.
Stranger Things: Six
by Jody Houser; pencils by Edgar Salazar; inks by Keith Champagne; colours by Marissa Louise (Dark Horse, 2019)
A bleak graphic novel exploring MKUltra’s backstory through the character of Francine (‘Six’), a teen exploited for her burgeoning precognisance growing up (nuclear holocaust orange–hued flashbacks) and at the lab (straightjacket greys and greens). Stays in keeping without offering anything new.
Ben Elton live @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Authentic Stupidity Tour, 1 April 2025
Thirty years post- The Man From Auntie, Ben Elton remains a stand-up comedic force of nature: irreverent, fast-talking and provocative, conjuring hyperbolic waves to surf to the shores of taboo—uproariously dumping (himself) on society’s fads, foibles, affectations and bona fide horse-fuckery.
Split Enz, the DVD
(Mushroom, 2002)
Eighteen music videos, ten live tracks, plus the 1993 documentary “Spellbound” showcase the ever-kooky, often troubled evolution of Split Enz from affectedly gauche musical theatre act to art-rock, trans-Tasman titans. Driven by Tim (and sometimes Neil) Finn, held together by Eddie Rayner.
Department Q: The Absent One
dir. Mikkel Nørgaard (2014) [Danish, subtitled; originally ‘Fasandræberne’]
![Film poster: “Department Q: The Absent One” dir. Mikkel Nørgaard (2014) [Danish, subtitled; originally ‘Fasandræberne’]](https://www.derelictspacesheep.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Department-Q_Absent-One.jpg)
The second Department Q film is particularly confronting, bringing to light a spree of assaults, rapes and (ultimately) murders perpetrated at the carefree whim of wealthy, privileged boarding students. Johanne Louise Schmidt furthers the cast dynamic, playing the proactive new secretary Rose.
New Order, live @ Brisbane Riverstage
(11 March 2025)
New Order took to the Riverstage (post Cyclone Alfred!) with one guitar too many and Bernard Sumner’s vocals mixed too low for an outdoor performance. Still they showed glimpses of synth-rock ascendancy. Highlights included ‘State of the Nation’, ‘Sub-culture’ and ‘Blue Monday’.