No Filler: February’s Pop Culture Essentials – Film, Music & Fashion Picks

February’s cultural landscape is, as ever, a crowded one, but curator Anthony Remedy’s latest “No Filler” list offers a discerning guide through the noise. From a deeply affecting documentary about Jeff Buckley to the launch of Ryan Murphy’s latest series, and a reimagined London nightclub, Remedy’s picks highlight a diverse range of artistic endeavors.

A Tender Portrait of a Fragile Genius

Leading Remedy’s recommendations is Amy Berg’s documentary, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley. The film, currently in select cinemas nationwide, explores the life and tragically short career of the singer-songwriter, who died in 1997. Remedy anticipates it will be a top ten film of 2026, praising Berg’s “delicate and heartfelt” approach. What sets this documentary apart, according to Remedy, is its focus on the women in Buckley’s life – his mother and long-time girlfriend – and his band, rather than relying on a parade of famous talking heads. While figures like Glen Hansard, Lana Del Rey, and Thom Yorke (whose own work was influenced by Buckley) could have contributed, the film opts for a more intimate perspective.

Remedy notes the film’s tenderness, a refreshing contrast to the often sensationalized style of modern documentaries. He also acknowledges his own fondness for Buckley’s sole studio album, Grace, widely considered a masterpiece, but emphasizes that the documentary offered new insights into the artist’s life and creative process. The film captures Buckley’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, whether performing at major festivals like Glastonbury or in intimate venues like Sin-é, where he famously balanced bartending with performing “Last Goodbye.”

London Nightlife Reimagined

Shifting gears from film to music, Remedy highlights the recent refurbishment of Ministry of Sound, the iconic London nightclub. The redesign moves the DJ booth from a distant location to the dance floor, aiming to create a more direct connection between the DJ and the audience. The club’s reopening was marked by performances from Joe Claussell, Ron Trent, and Tony Humphries, receiving a positive response from attendees.

’90s Nostalgia and Royal Comparisons

On the streaming front, Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, now available on Disney+, is drawing attention for its depiction of the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Remedy points out that for younger viewers, the couple’s cultural impact may be lost, but Bessette-Kennedy’s style continues to influence fashion decades later. He draws a parallel between the couple and Prince Charles and Princess Diana, suggesting that Kennedy and Bessette-Kennedy represented an “American prince” and princess, captivating the public imagination.

The series stars Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly, both of whom Remedy praises for their believable performances. He also notes the show’s attention to detail in recreating the fashion and music of the 1990s, featuring needle drops from artists like Primal Scream, PM Dawn, and Sophie B. Hawkins.

David Byrne’s Artful Return

Looking ahead to March, Remedy previews David Byrne’s upcoming performance at the 3Arena in Dublin on March 13th. Describing the show as a blend of art installation and pop concert, Remedy emphasizes the complexity behind its seemingly effortless presentation. Byrne will be performing songs from his new album, Who Is in the Sky, alongside Talking Heads classics. A second Dublin show is scheduled for June in St. Anne’s Park.

Keith McNally’s Candid Conversation

For podcast listeners, Remedy recommends The Expense Account podcast’s interview with restaurateur Keith McNally, owner of New York City institutions like Balthazar and Minetta Tavern. Remedy describes McNally as a pivotal figure in shaping the city’s dining scene and praises his wit and self-deprecating humor in the interview. The conversation covers McNally’s career beginnings, his views on social media, and his aversion to public relations.

Instagram Insights from Eugene Healey

In the realm of social media, Remedy highlights Eugene Healey, a brand strategy consultant whose Instagram videos offer thoughtful commentary on contemporary culture. Healey’s videos explore topics such as the value of leisure time and the decline of millennial lifestyle brands, attracting a growing audience of over 326,000 followers.

Charli XCX Takes the Big Screen

Finally, Remedy previews The Moment, a film directed by Aidan Zamiri and based on an idea by Charli XCX, which opens nationwide on Friday. The film, shot as a mockumentary, follows the success of the artist BRAT and the pressures of turning that success into a tour film. Remedy notes Charli XCX’s convincing performance as a version of herself and the film’s exploration of the tension between artistic vision and commercial demands. He suggests the film resonates with the anxieties of “selling out” in the age of social media.

Paddy’s Weekend Beats

Rounding out the recommendations, Remedy points to an upcoming performance by The Blessed Madonna (Marea Renee Stamper) and Butch at PYG Dublin on March 13th, kicking off Paddy’s weekend. The Blessed Madonna, known for her work with artists like Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue, is lauded as a brilliant DJ in underground circles.

A Hotel vs. Club Dispute

Remedy also briefly touches on a dispute between The Hoxton Dublin hotel and Yamamori Izakaya, a neighboring club, over noise levels. He acknowledges the perspectives of both parties, noting the importance of both tourism and a vibrant nightlife scene for Dublin’s cultural identity.

Further information on “No Filler” can be found on Instagram here, and the podcast is available to listen to here.