The dust has settled from firework night and November is officially in full swing, so here are a few things to brighten up those ridiculously dark evenings. 

Fassbender in serious mode
The Killer hits cinemas this weekend and David Fincher is officially back doing what he does best. Based on the French graphic novel series of the same name written by Alexis “Matz” Nolent, Fincher’s latest cinematic offering is a neo-noir tale of an assassin losing his touch. Michael Fassbender takes on the lead role, painting a captivating portrait of one man’s psyche alongside performances from Tilda Swinton and Sophie Charlotte.

The Killer is out in cinemas and streaming on Netflix now. 

Women of the world
Exploring ties between ecology and gender, the Barbican’s latest exhibition, RE/SISTERS, is a foray into the systemic links between female oppression and the degradation of the planet. The group showcase brings together 50 international women and gender non-conforming artists working across photography and film, including Judy Chicago, Dionne Lee, Francesca Woodman and Xaviera Simmons. Exhibited works navigate how women’s understanding of the environment has resisted capitalist economies which exploit the planet, while works of an activist nature prove how regularly women are at the forefront of advocating for environmental conservation.

RE/SISTERS: A Lens on Gender and Ecology runs at the Barbican until 14th January 2024. 

Jivin’
London’s Jazz Festival is back for its 31st edition in the capital and a stellar lineup of upcoming talent and recognisable names are on the bill. Filling various locations across the city with the sounds of impeccable jazz music, the likes of cktrl, Norah Jones, Charles Loyd and the London Contemporary Orchestra will be playing across the festival.

EFG London Jazz Festival runs until 19th November, more info here.

Bunch of poshos
Head to Sloane Square (sweetie, darling) to see Rory Mullarkey’s riotous new play Mates in Chelsea. Taking inspiration from Wilde and Wodehouse to create a contemporary comedy of manners set among the dwellers of southwest London, Mullarkey’s play is a sharp satire on a social set who have somehow managed to hold onto their status, without much going on inside their heads. Starring Laurie Kynaston and Fenella Woolgar, Mates in Chelsea is biting and vicious, in the best possible way.

Mates in Chelsea runs at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs until 16th December, more info here. 

Rhythm and food
To celebrate ten years of Brilliant Corners, the Dalston eatery is hosting a series of parties throughout November featuring guest DJs, Japanese izakaya-inspired menus and curated wine lists. Having previously hosted the likes of Four Tet and Floating Points on the decks, the food menu offers up even more of a reason to visit the East London eatery if you haven’t already. Expect to see dishes such as yellowtail sashimi, hiratake katsu and crab korkke. Kicking off proceedings this weekend with two consecutive parties at The Baths in Hackney Wick, the events promise plenty of food and a thumping sound system – what more could you need on a Saturday night?

Brilliant Corners is located at 470 Kingsland Rd, E8 4AE, more info here.