Scare-free Sundays: Dr. Stormzy, powerful documentaries and a superhero takeover

Kick back and relax with the ultimate pop culture tonic for the Sunday blues

Hero image in post
photo: Kemar Reid
Hero image in post
photo: Kemar Reid

Kick back and relax with the ultimate pop culture tonic for the Sunday blues

By Eve Walker26 Jun 2022
3 mins read time
3 mins read time

*Weekends are great and all, but as they come to a close, they're often tainted by a weirdly unsettling feeling. Sunday evenings; it's a period where we find ourselves simultaneously anticipating the stresses of Monday morning while grieving the freedom of the weekend. Time seems to speed up as the modern cultural phenomenon that is the “Sunday Scaries” kicks in.

That's why we're providing an antidote. Every Sunday, we bring you a roundup of the week's ICYMI moments. From the news that might make you feel good, to the TV shows to binge and playlists to get lost in. So read on, and get ready to reclaim your Sunday night!*

RECAP ON POSITIVE NEWS

Stormzy received an honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter for his outstanding philanthropic work in the field of education. His scholarship scheme for Black British students at the University of Cambridge has led to an increase in applications and the admission of 91 black British first-year undergraduates this year (up nearly 50 per cent from the 61 students last year). His #Merky Foundation in 2020 has also pledged millions towards fighting racial inequality. The British rapper was seen grinning as he walked up to the stage to receive the doctorate.

GET INSPIRED BY SS23

MEN’S FASHION WEEK is in full swing, and so far, it’s not disappointing. As designers showcase new seasons, we’ve been charting the best emerging trends. From trucker hard to double denim ensembles, read our roundup of genderless styling ideas.

This fashion month is particularly poignant, given that it’s the first time since the pandemic that the event has taken place freely with no restrictions. Designers Robyn Lynch, Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner are the women to watch, all producing gorgeous menswear pieces that celebrate their respective cultures.

GET LOST WITH YOUR FAVOURITE SUPERHEROES

UMBRELLA ACADEMY SEASON 3 returned to Netflix this week. After preventing the apocalypse in season 2, this series resumes with the characters bouncing into an alternate dimension.

Most notably, Elliot Page's transition is incorporated into the story. Page’s character, who was originally called Vanya, is reintroduced as Viktor, providing needed representation for trans characters and sensitively transitioning in step with Elliot Page himself.

MAKE YOUR SCREEN TIME COUNT

Running from 22 - 28 June, Sheffield DocFest is the UK's leading documentary festival. From film, television to immersive documentaries and art, audiences are offered space for inspiration, debate, and learning. Sure, you might not be able to make it to the event what with the rail strikes, but many of the films are available to stream. Check out the full programme here for documentaries that will make you feel, think and challenge yourself.

Premiering today is Werner Herzog's The Fire Within: Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft, which draws from the personal film archive of two passionate volcanologists. The documentary launches 26 June at @showroomworkstation with a live online Q&A with Herzog.

SNOOP DOGG X EMINEM

This surprise single is the collab we’ve all been waiting for since their epic performance at the Superbowl halftime show earlier this year. Paired with a music video directed by James Larese that switches between live footage of the rappers and animated avatars, this cross country banger ​​will for sure be blasted absolutely everywhere this summer.