A Cultural Guide to Paris this February

February may be short, but it’s stacked. From long-awaited cinema releases and insightful documentaries to intimate new dining spots and eye-opening exhibitions, this month’s cultural calendar in Paris is rich with reasons to finally leave the house. 

TO WATCH 

Wuthering Heights 

Released in cinemas on 11/02 

Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel is the latest in a series of gothic films to hit cinemas. Out in time for Valentine’s Day it stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, with an original soundtrack by Charli XCX. The film has already sparked debate among Brontë purists, but ultimately, it’s one you need to see to form your own opinion.

Urchin

Released in cinemas on 11/02

Harris Dickinson’s (Babygirl, Triangle of Sadness) directorial debut premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year to overwhelmingly positive reviews and is finally set to hit French cinemas this week. The film follows Mike (played by Frank Dillane), an unhoused man, as he tries to break free from a cycle of destruction and seek help from social services. Dickinson makes an appearance as Nathan, who tries to steal Mike’s money, setting off an act of violence that lands Mike a prison sentence. 

Marty Supreme

Released in cinemas on 18/02

Josh Safdie’s Oscar nominated film Marty Supreme stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, an ambitious table tennis player. Of course, being a film by one of the Safdie brothers, it naturally includes anxiety-inducing money grabs and highly strung characters. Far from a simple film about pingpong, it also stars Odessa A’zion as Mauser’s secret lover and Gwyneth Paltrow as a “faded” movie star. 

Paul McCartney: Man on the Run

Released on Prime on 27/02 

In this new documentary, Oscar- and Emmy winning director Morgan Neville shows Paul McCartney in the aftermath of leaving the Beatles. Through archival footage and interviews with Mick Jagger, members of Wings, Sean Ono Lennon, Stella McCartney and McCartney himself, the film offers an intimate perspective into one of the biggest breakups in music history and the rise of McCartney’s band Wings.

TO EAT

Le 21

Opening officially on Valentine’s Day on rue Mazarine in the 6th arrondissement, Le 21 is an intimate dining experience focused on seasonal food. Upstairs, the communal table seats 16 people, functioning similarly to chef Braden Perkins’ previous restaurant, 22 Club. Downstairs, there are individual seats. Le 21 is only open for dinner on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, making it an intriguing venture.  

TO VISIT 

Martin Parr, Global Warning

On Show at Jeu du Paume until 24/05

With works created by Martin Parr from the 1970s to present day, the exhibition explores the anthropological way the British photographer documented consumerism and the behaviours contributing to global warming. The posthumous exhibition features more than 180 images, including the black-and-white series from the beginning of his career to the oversaturated satirical style he became synonymous with. 

 Musée de la Vie romantique 

Reopening on 14/02

After 17 months of renovations, the Musée de la Vie romantique is reopening. To celebrate, the museum is offering free entry to visitors on Valentine’s Day. Face au ciel, Paul Huet is the temporary exhibition on display, featuring works by the pre-Impressionist 19th century artist, who became known for his romantic landscapes. Perhaps the most fitting way to spend the day in Paris.

Dana Lixenberg, American Images

On Show at the MEP from 11/02 until 24/05

The first major retrospective of the Dutch artist, American Images showcases three decades of the photographer’s work. Her portraits show a deeply personal and stripped back view of her subjects, demonstrating her care for connection in her work. Featuring well-known celebrity portraits and lesser-known images of unknown profiles, the exhibition is an intriguing look at America through Lixenberg’s eyes.