The race is on to secure alternative routes for both Gulf fossil fuels and clean energy.
This article appears in the July/August 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine.
More than 30 years after the first Gulf War, it seemed unlikely, if not unthinkable, that images of burning oil facilities would once again make headlines in the Middle East.
Yet here we are again. And once again, the region’s energy producers must figure out how to pick up the pieces.
“It’s like Pandora’s box is open or the genie is out, but can it really be put back?” said Laury Haytayan, an energy expert and MENA director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), a U.S.-based nonprofit. “Gulf countries think this event could happen again, and if it does, they never want to find themselves in the same position, so they need an alternative. Now, what sort of infrastructure should they invest in? Big pipelines? Road projects? Other alternatives? Everything is on the table.”
Laury Haytayan, MENA director at the Natural Resource Governance Institute
In March, the conflict among the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalated into a regional crisis. Tehran retaliated against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit each day. The disruption pushed Brent Crude above $100 a barrel and sent shockwaves through global markets.
For Persian Gulf states whose economies depend heavily on hydrocarbon exports, the consequences have been unprecedented.
Damaged infrastructure and lower export revenues have weighed on growth, though the impact varies across the sub-region. According to the International Monetary Fund’s April projections, Qatar’s economy is expected to contract by 8.6%, while Kuwait and Bahrain are expected to contract by 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to prove more resilient, with projected GDP growth of 3.6%, 3.1%, and 3.1%, respectively.
“Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE were best prepared because they have an alternative to bypass Hormuz,” Haytayan notes. “The others are largely unable to export hydrocarbons and their byproducts.”
The conflict has affected adjacent industries, including mining, petrochemicals, and metals. The knock-on effects are already visible in global agriculture and food systems, where fertilizer supply chains are heavily dependent on natural gas.
The GCC, led by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, accounts for roughly 25% to 30% of global exports of ammonia, urea, phosphate, and sulfur, key inputs for nitrogen-based plant boosters. Production constraints and logistical bottlenecks have tightened supply and pushed prices higher. Regional manufacturers such as QAFCO and SABIC may benefit from stronger margins in the short term, but prolonged shortages could lead to food insecurity in import-dependent countries.
The aluminum sector has also been hit hard. Smelters, including EGA in the UAE, Qatalum in Qatar, and Alba in Bahrain, have sustained physical damage. In April, the International Aluminum Institute reported that regional output had fallen to about 11,000 tons per day, a 40% decline from pre-war levels. Although the Gulf accounts for only 8% of global output, it supplies 18% of European imports and 21% of U.S. imports.
Building GCC Energy Escape Routes
Much like elsewhere in the world, the discussion in the Gulf revolves around a single question: How to avoid Hormuz?
For now, much of Gulf trade has been rerouted to the ports of Fujairah in the UAE, Muscat in Oman, and Jeddah and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. This stopgap has renewed importance for the Suez Canal and the Red Sea route, but it also raises eyebrows given the volatile situation in Yemen and the Horn of Africa.
More cargo is also moving overland. Governments are studying pipeline projects, rail lines, and new roads to the north through Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey. Despite regional tensions, notably between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, industry experts anticipate consensus on building shared infrastructure. Private-sector players seizing opportunities include UAE-based TruKKer, a digital freight platform often described as an Uber for trucks, which closed a $300 million financing round in May to meet surging demand.
None of the region’s producers is considering scaling back fossil fuel use. On the contrary, the financial sector continues to support investment in extraction and export infrastructure.
Qatar, already one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, is moving ahead with the North Field expansion, a landmark project that is set to more than double production. Although Iranian attacks in March damaged some facilities and delayed the project, the expansion remains on track.
“Hydrocarbon financing continues to be a key strategic priority for the bank, underscoring its central importance to Qatar’s economy,” said Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani, group CEO of Doha Bank. “Temporary capacity constraints and shipping challenges, including concerns about key transit routes, have affected revenues in the near term, yet the overall situation remains manageable.”
Qatar’s long-term LNG contracts continue to provide revenue stability and predictability, he adds. The North Field expansion reinforces Qatar’s position as a global LNG leader, making LNG “a major driver of medium- to long-term economic growth.”
The picture is similar in Kuwait, where hydrocarbons account for 90% of government revenue. The country is investing in offshore exploration and overseas assets as part of a strategy to increase national production by a third over the next decade.
Oman has also announced plans to increase oil production to 1.2 million barrels per day by 2028, up from about 1 million barrels per day currently. However, additional oil and gas is valuable only if it can reach buyers.
In April, the UAE surprised many observers by leaving the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). For Abu Dhabi, quotas increasingly conflicted with expansion plans. Over the past several years, the federation spent about $150 billion to increase capacity to 5 million barrels a day, yet OPEC restrictions keep output closer to 3.5 million.
To strengthen their position in global energy markets, GCC producers are not only pumping more oil but also expanding their geographic footprint.
“We’ll see increased investments in new fields as well as in storage facilities around the world,” predicts Haytayan.
In May, QatarEnergy signed a memorandum of understanding with ConocoPhillips of the U.S. and TotalEnergies of France to explore offshore reserves in Syria. Gulf oil majors are also pursuing opportunities in Africa and South America.
Diversification Is Still on the Agenda
Despite challenges and delays, GCC countries continue to implement their long-term diversification agendas.
“We believe the current environment is reinforcing, rather than slowing, momentum in diversification investments and ESG integration across the Gulf,” said a spokesperson for National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), which manages a $6 billion sustainability portfolio and targets $10 billion by 2030. “Rather than moving away from conventional energy, the region is pursuing a dual-track model that leverages the strength of its hydrocarbon sector to support long-term investment in renewables, hydrogen, sustainable infrastructure, and lower-carbon technologies.”
GCC governments “will look for efficient diversification,” Haytayan said. The authorities will likely favor projects that generate revenue and a return on investment, rather than megaprojects such as Saudi Arabia’s lavishly funded Neom desert city, she said.
For banks, opportunities for new products and services will arise as the nonhydrocarbon and clean-energy sectors develop. “Energy transition financing remains in its early stages for many institutions in the region,” Al Thani said. “ESG strategies are being developed and refined, but allocations to alternative energy remain modest relative to traditional lending portfolios. Financing activity is expected to expand into renewables, hydrogen, and other low-carbon technologies, with investor appetite gradually increasing as projects mature and risk profiles become better understood. This segment is well-positioned to capture a significantly larger share of lending activity over the coming decade.”
While the final settlement and long-term impact of the Iran war remain to be seen, the GCC can count on strong fundamentals, clear national strategies, and a strong ambition to remain a central player in global energy markets.
“While risk awareness has risen meaningfully, confidence in the region’s long-term role in global energy markets remains intact,” Al Thani said.
Chloe Domat is a contributing writer covering the Middle East and North Africa.
It’s a rare day when you cannot hike somewhere in Los Angeles.
But as I write this, L.A. County is under an extreme heat warning through Thursday evening. California recently saw its first storms of monsoon season, which I learned is the reason I found myself earlier this week whining about the humidity. We’ve now entered the period of summer when you need to plan your trips with heat in mind.
In this week’s edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter, I will highlight three hikes around L.A. where, if you go early, you can enjoy a quick, shady jaunt in nature. But first, let’s talk summer trail safety.
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How to hike safely in L.A. in summer
⌚Avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. This will vary by day and region, but I typically plan to leave the trail by 11 a.m. in summer, or hike in the evenings, around 6 p.m.
🫗Pack more water than you normally need. Dehydration is a major reason that adventurers out on a day hike need to be rescued. It’s generally recommended to drink at least 1 quart every two hours (the amount in your typical Nalgene bottle). In summer, you will need to increase that. During summer, I also like to carry electrolyte powder and gummies.
🌤️Check the weather forecast of where you’re heading. If headed to Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains, take a look at the “Current Conditions” tab to find relevant weather information. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has a similar page here. If hiking in an L.A. park, remember that, because the region has several microclimates, temperatures can vary widely across the county.
😎 Wear sun protection. This includes a sun hoodie, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. I also recently started regularly carrying the hiking umbrella that I reviewed in last year’s Times Gift Guide.
🥵 Know the signs of heat illness. Heat cramps can be the first signal from your body that something is amiss, usually presenting as painful spasms in your legs and/or abdomen. Next comes heat exhaustion. Symptoms include clammy skin, nausea, cramps, vomiting and headache. “Don’t ignore a headache when hiking in hot weather!” the American Hiking Society cautions. “This is serious stuff. Stop. Drink. Rest.”
📲 Tell someone where you’re going. Complete this form (or something similar) and share it with a friend or family member. Place an additional copy on your vehicle’s dash if driving to the trailhead. The last thing you want is to be injured without anyone knowing where you are.
3 shady hikes around L.A.
As I’ve said many times, the best hike is where you are. The three hikes below all feature early-morning shade, but if they’re farther than you can drive or reach by transit, check out this guide I wrote about how to find shady hikes near you. I returned to it when writing this piece to remind myself of my own tips!
OK, let’s imagine the air blowing from your office fan or air conditioner is actually a light mountain breeze as we explore these three great hikes. Adventure awaits!
Sycamore trees cast shade over a trickling creek in Sullivan Canyon near Brentwood.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
1. Sullivan Canyon Trail
Distance: 8.8 miles out and back Elevation gained: 1,200 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed: Yes Nearest to: Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades Accessible alternative:Inspiration Loop Trail at Will Rogers State Historic Park
The Sullivan Canyon Trail is an 8.8-mile out-and-back trek along a seasonal creek, shaded by tall sycamores (easy to identify because of their mottled bark) and thick old coast live oaks. There are a few options to explore the canyon, including a loop, but that will include a more exposed route.
To start the most shaded option, you’ll walk past a green gate on Queensferry Road and head down a short, steep paved road. (The walk back up will be the hardest part of the entire hike.)
After about a fifth of a mile, you’ll head northwesterly onto the trail, a wide dirt and gravel road. I immediately felt like I’d been transported into a fairy-tale scene where someone in a carriage would come heading down the trail toward me. Instead, it was a mountain biker, which was less enchanting, but fine nonetheless.
Quickly, I noticed there’s a tree swing builder who loves this canyon. I spotted two swings, one of which I stopped and enjoyed because, why not?
I was surprised to see that the Sullivan Canyon creek, which is about 6.2 miles and starts (per this map) near San Vicente Mountain Park, was still flowing. You will cross the creek and its offshoots a few times, an easy enough task in the summer months when the water is lower.
As you navigate the creek, you’ll notice tadpoles swimming about. I was charmed when I noticed one of these larval amphibians use a leaf to camouflage its movements as it darted to and fro in a shallow pool. That’s one way to trick a bird looking for a snack!
A gopher snake lounges on the trail in Sullivan Canyon.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
I was admiring the chaparral growing up the canyon walls and the late-blooming wildflowers when I gasped. A few feet ahead, a snake sunned itself on the trail. I used iNaturalist, a citizen science app, to photograph the reptile. The app AI identification system informed me it was 82% sure this was a gopher snake. I laughed to myself, thinking about telling the rescuers after I was struck, “I was 18% sure it wasn’t a rattlesnake!” I passed without issue, but will note that both species are common sights in the canyon.
You do not have to hike the entire length of the trail to enjoy Sullivan Canyon. Because the first 2 miles in are fairly flat, this is a great hike for when you’d like to walk and talk with a friend. Or you could bring a child who needs to frolic, as there are multiple large old trees with thick branches low to the ground, tempting even an older millennial outdoors journalist to try to climb them.
The only downside to this hike is the parking situation. When I arrived, I quickly realized my first task would be to solve a bureaucratic riddle. There were signs noting parking was prohibited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and then other signs with just arrows pointing in various directions.
Puzzled, I asked a driver in an REI shirt who was standing nearby, as I figured they were probably outdoorsy. They confirmed that amid the arrows, there were gaps where people are allowed to park. As I packed up my bag to head on the hike, feeling semi-confident that my car wouldn’t be towed, a mountain biker pulled up next to my car and asked where he could park. I laughed to myself, suddenly a newfound expert on where to park on Queensferry Road! (And if you want the history of how and when these parking restrictions went into place, you can read this 1998 Times story.)
But even with the parking headaches, Sullivan Canyon remains a treasure worth exploring for the shade, light breeze and beauty it offers to early-morning hikers.
Left, Millard Creek runs alongside this hike to the Dawn Mine; and right, a view of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond from the Millard Canyon area.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
2. Dawn Mine Trail
Distance: About 6 miles out and back Elevation gained: About 1,550 feet Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed: Yes Nearest to: Altadena Accessible alternative: Gabrielino Trail near NASA’s JPL
This 6-mile jaunt to the Dawn Mine offers hikers a shade-lined path along Millard Creek where it’s common to spot California tree frogs and newts, along with a host of native shrubs and trees.
To begin your hike, you can either parallel park nearNuccio’s Nurseries, taking care to obey all parking signage, or if those spots are all taken, park nearby and order a rideshare to drop you at the trailhead. I had cell reception with Verizon here, so it should be possible to order a ride back to your vehicle.
Millard Creek in Angeles National Forest.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
From here, you have two options to reach the Dawn Mine trailhead.
1. Follow Chaney Trail road for a mile until you reach Mt. Lowe Motorway (called Mt. Lowe Road on some maps), where you’ll turn east. Chaney Trail road offers limited shade, so start early.
2. Walk about half a third of a mile north from Nuccio’s, and then near a bend in the road you’ll take the Chaney Trail, a winding dirt path north, for about half a mile where it’ll meet up with Mt. Lowe Motorway. (This option is also about a mile, although distance will depend on where you park.)
Headed northeast-ish on Mt. Lowe Motorway, you will walk just over a third of a mile before heading off the pavement and onto a trail. You’ll reach Millard Creek in about two-thirds of a mile.
You’ll head east and northeast until reaching Dawn Mine, which former Times outdoors writer John McKinney noted was a literal gold mine from 1895 through the 1950s. These days, it’s a figurative gold mine for local history buffs or those who want to take a cool selfie.
Millard Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains near Altadena, as seen in January.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
It is not safe to enter the mine, but you can enjoy the frigid breeze coming out of its mouth. Mountain air-conditioning!
I’d advise turning around from here. You might notice on your map that it’s possible to make a loop, and although that route offers great views, it’s exposed and not ideal on the hotter days of summer.
Franklin Canyon Reservoir north of Beverly Hills.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
3. Franklin Canyon Park loop
Distance: 1.2-mile loop with options to extend (see map) Elevation gained: About 200 feet Difficulty: Easier end of moderate Dogs allowed? Yes Nearest: The hillsides between Beverly Hills and Studio City Accessible alternative: Franklin Canyon Drive loop
Franklin Canyon Park is 605 acres of public land north of Beverly Hills that features chaparral and oak woodlands. The park has three bodies of water: the 3-acre Franklin Canyon Lake, Heavenly Pond and Wild Pond.
To reach the park, you’ll enter through either the northern or southern gate. (The northern gate was closed for months while the L.A. Department of Water and Power completed a project.)
Take good care as you drive into the park, as there are a few tight corners with low visibility.
Upon arrival, I’d recommend taking a 1.2-mile loop, which I’ve mapped out here, that will take you past the lake and ponds and up into the park’s hillsides. Whenever I’ve visited the park, I’ve found it to be cooler than the nearby neighborhoods, thanks to its water and abundant shade provided by oaks, sumac and other trees.
To begin your hike, you’ll park in the large dirt main parking lot. Head south on Franklin Canyon Drive, where you’ll quickly find a trail entrance with wooden steps that lead down near Franklin Canyon Reservoir. I hope you’re greeted by the sound of quacking waterfowl like I was!
Continue in the southerly direction, appreciating the gnarled coast live oaks and sound of shy red-eared sliders plopping off their logs into the water. This short trail will lead you back up to the road where you’ll walk south for just a bit before turning onto the gentle path that loops around Heavenly Pond. This is an especially good spot to find turtles and ducks.
A turtle rests on a hunk of wood in the Heavenly Pond in Franklin Canyon Park.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
From Heavenly Pond, continue south on the paved road, following it past the private residence to the wooden steps at the reservoir’s southern end. Take these stairs down onto Chernoff Trail. You’ll quickly spot toyon and pine trees, among other natural delights. Soon, you’ll bear right (or northeast) to take stairs onto the road. Cross the road and continue northeast onto the trail. Take the next set of steps up past thick bunches of black sage.
Continue north on Blinderman Trail, following as it bears east before it loops back around west. Along the way, you’ll pass well-maintained benches and bridges. If it’s already sunny out, please consider shortening your jaunt up these steeper trails in Franklin Canyon and consider repeating your excursion around the ponds.
At any point you need to refill your water bottle, there are water fountains near the Eugene and Michael Rosenfeld Auditorium, which is just southeast of the main lot.
***
Wild writer Jaclyn Cosgrove takes a turn on a tree swing attached to a sturdy coast live oak branch in Sullivan Canyon.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
We are so lucky to have an abundance of public land tucked throughout L.A. I hope you find blissful shade, trickling streams and the experience you need out there!
3 things to do
Hikers talking and connecting on a previous Better Future Club hike.
(Amanda Sayeg)
1. Make new friends on a hike in L.A. The Better Future Club will host a short hike at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Griffith Park. Participants will gather at the Trails, a cafe in the park, before heading out. Register at luma.com.
2. Chill out with the mountain chickadees near L.A. The Antelope Valley Audubon Society will host a birding field trip from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Chilao Visitor Center in Angeles National Forest. All experience levels welcome. Society members will bring extra binoculars, but guests are encouraged to bring their own if they have a pair. Register at eventbrite.com.
3. Saunter down Santiago Creek in Orange The Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance will host a five-mile community bike ride from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday in Orange. Riders will meet at the Sports Center at Grijalva Park parking lot (368 N. Prospect in Orange). The group will take the Santiago Creek Bike Trail to the Santiago Park ECO Center in Santa Ana. Register at eventbrite.com.
The must-read
The Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lake View Terrace is said to be the largest pool in America. The center features public swimming, its own beach, pedal boats, a large water slide and fishing.
(Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
I personally love “Gray May” and “June Gloom,” the times when Los Angeles is overcast for several days in late spring and early summer. It makes choosing a hike easy, as I don’t need to exclude every single exposed path or fire road from the possibilities of where I will go on a particular day. We are now entering what I’ve laughingly dubbed, mostly in my head, “You Fry July!” Although the L.A. temperatures are nothing like what my friends and family back in Oklahoma are experiencing, our dry heat is getting hotter as we move more fully into summer. That’s why, instead of hiking, consider taking a dip at one of these 24 affordable L.A. pools. Or take a dip after a morning hike. Either way, stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe, friends!
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about great first-come, first-served campgrounds near L.A. where you can often find a spot, even when arriving last minute. A reader later commented on my story that Google Maps had taken them on a harrowing back road to reach Horse Flat Campground. My heart dropped, as I worried I had sent a Wild reader into danger. I quickly checked which route Google Maps was recommending — and I got big mad. Google Maps was showing that Angeles Crest Highway was closed just east of Red Box Picnic Area, which was inaccurate. I contacted Google (crickets from them) and the California Department of Transportation, who quickly corrected the route to accurately portray where the highway is actually closed. The best way to know about closures along Angeles Crest Highway is to check the California Department of Transportation’s QuickMap tool. Please be safe out there!
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
Here, Sophie Swietochowski looks at seven great days out . . .
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM
One of the UK’s largest and most glorious arboretums, Westonbirt, in Gloucestershire, is much more than just a forest.
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More than 2,500 species are thriving here and some of the trees in this 240-hectare space are so ancient, they’ve weathered almost 2,000 years of change.
Why not grab a sandwich from the cafe and take a pew next to the arboretum’s oldest tree — a small-leaved lime in the Silk Wood area.
Devon’s beaches are likely to be packed in the coming weeks, but this fabulous park is a great alternative.
There are plenty of shaded areas, plus kids can be kept entertained along the Room on the Broom activity trail.
Pack a coolbox of goodies and take advantage of the many picnic spots.
BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM & FOREST
This haven in Kent is the largest pinetum in the entire world, and its collection of conifers is renowned globally.
Now is the best time to visit, as the team have mowed grassy paths to help visitors explore, while also sheltering beneath the giant trees.
HAMSTERLEY FOREST
Kids can slip off their shoes and go for a paddle after tiring themselves out at the outdoor Viking Wildplay, which is pretty well shadedHamsterley Forest in County Durham has a river running through its centreCredit: Alamy
If you would prefer to cool off by water, this forest in County Durham has a river running through its centre.
Kids can slip off their shoes and go for a paddle after tiring themselves out at the outdoor Viking Wildplay, which is pretty well shaded.
If you do want to stroll the trails, they are mostly wheelchair-accessible and pram-friendly.
ALICE HOLT FOREST
Worried about how you’re going to amuse the kids over the summer months?
It’s an adventurer’s paradise with nature and play trails galore and even a Go Ape course, sheltered by the surrounding trees.
Make sure to check the events page ahead of your visit to find out what’s happening that week.
DELAMERE FOREST
This gorgeous spot in Cheshire is a wonderful spot for nature enthusiasts.
Major work has gone into restoring the hidden pools within the forest to encourage the return of the White-Faced Darter dragonfly — one of the rarest in the UK.
This forest is likely to be one of the coolest of the bunch, too, thanks to the many peat bogs and moss carpets that keep the forest floor damp.
FINESHADE WOOD
Both the kids and Fido will love this gloriously sheltered spot in Northamptonshire.
You’ll be sharing the 516 hectares with deer, dragonflies and butterflies, and keep an eye out through the tree canopy for the buzzards soaring overhead.
When the heat gets too much, the on-site Grounds Cafe is loaded with ice cream — and there’s even some doggy-friendly scoops, so no one misses out.
For more details on any of the sites featured on this page, head online to forestryengland.uk.
Our Mirror writer Georgia Reina discovers Portugal’s Alentejo region and its world-class food, wine and slow living
The unspoilt Portuguese region that’s home to incredible food, wine and history(Image: Calum Davidson 2011 Getty)
When you picture Portuguese getaways, you’re almost certainly thinking of city escapes in Lisbon or the golden sandy shores of the Algarve. However, if you’re after a holiday that combines sun-drenched heritage with a chilled-out, easygoing vibe — not to mention exceptional wine — the true gem lies an hour and a half inland.
You may not have come across Alentejo yet, but next year the region’s historic centre, the town of Évora, will claim the spotlight as the European Capital of Culture. It delivers the perfect small-town appeal with a rustic flavour.
Wandering its cobbled lanes, I instantly sensed it’s the lively sort of place where everyone appears to know each other, effortlessly swapping banter across open windows and sunlit squares.
There is a philosophy in Alentejo, an idea the locals embrace, called vagar. Literally meaning ‘to drift’, it’s the deeply rooted Portuguese practice of slow living.
Vagar is about taking things easy, relishing a leisurely lunch, enjoying a fine glass of red, and allowing the day to unfold without any frantic urgency. It became the spirit of our trip.
Where to stay
In the town centre, I stayed at the five-star M’ar De Ar Aqueduto, a contemporary design hotel set within a 16th-century palace. It has a captivating history, with a former life as a medical facility and monks residing just across the lane.
Its standout feature is the stunning garden pool, positioned directly beneath the soaring stone arches of the city’s renowned aqueduct. A short drive from town in Viana do Alentejo, Moagem Industrial Lodge is a masterclass in industrial-chic design.
Set within a converted historic grain mill, the property preserves its original machinery and rustic character while providing entirely modern comforts. An ideal place to embrace the region’s more relaxed rhythm.
The architecture of Évora is a tribute to its history, with treasures around every corner. The city is awash with brilliant white buildings designed to deflect the Iberian sun, adorned with striking yellow and blue (a traditional choice intended to repel evil spirits, though it apparently also works as a natural insecticide).
History effortlessly blends into contemporary life; nowhere more evident than at the Aqueduto da Água de Prata (Silver Water Aqueduct). This 12km wonder has homes, cafés, and shops cleverly tucked into the narrow spaces beneath its soaring stone arches.
At the city’s highest point sits the iconic 1st-century Roman Temple – formerly the ancient city centre. Yet Évora’s Roman heritage is also concealed right beneath your feet.
As we entered the grand, iron-framed City Hall, we uncovered the Roman bath complex – discovered during renovations in 1987 and beautifully preserved within the municipal building. But no visit is truly complete without experiencing Évora’s most bizarre attraction: the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos).
Constructed by 17th-century Franciscan monks, its walls and columns are carefully adorned with thousands of human skulls and shin bones. Standing there, taking it all in, was a powerful reminder of mortality I won’t ever forget.
Eat, drink, be merry
Évora’s culinary scene is renowned – local produce refined through generations of tradition. We began with an icon – doces conventuais (convent sweets).
Born from a 16th-century sugar boom originating in Brazil, inventive nuns blended sugar with egg yolks to create indulgent delicacies like Pão de Rala. On the savoury front, I don’t need to suggest a specific restaurant – the streets are packed with charming trattorias to choose from.
At virtually all of them, the highlight is pork – not just in main courses (succulent suckling pig), but even in puddings, where crispy, salty crackling is combined with sweetness – and it simply works. Complete your meal with Queijo de Évora, a sharp sheep’s milk cheese, or enjoy a glass of Marquês de Borba Late Harvest – now my go-to dessert wine.
What really places Évora and Alentejo on the international stage, though, is its wine. If you can schedule your trip around the Évora Wine Festival in late May, you’re in for an absolute delight (although tastings are on offer throughout the year).
The festival transforms the historic squares into vibrant celebrations with crowds enjoying rich, fruity reds and sunshine whites. During my tastings, I absolutely adored the Comenda Grande Rosé – a wonderfully dry, balanced wine with intense raspberry aromas and a crisp acidity that virtually demands to be enjoyed on a sun-drenched terrace.
The striking Quinta do Quetzal ‘Arte’ Red completely captivated me too, with its intricate blend of wild berries and rich spices, which complements pork dishes superbly. For a white, the lively Porta da Ravessa is pure Alentejo sunshine bottled, delivering an incredibly fresh, tropical burst of citrus that serves as the perfect local aperitif.
It is this remarkable, authentic viniculture that continues to cement the region’s standing as an absolute essential destination for food lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the city walls
Venturing beyond Évora for a day excursion, I’d suggest making the journey up to the medieval village of Monsaraz. Sitting high atop a hilltop overlooking the Spanish frontier, this ancient, walled museum-village appears frozen in time.
It boasts narrow, twisting lanes bordered by striking slate and whitewashed houses, all converging towards a magnificent 14th-century castle constructed by King Dinis. Strolling along its peaceful ramparts provides panoramic vistas across the golden Alentejo plains and the glistening waters of the Alqueva reservoir beneath – an ideal spot to embrace the purposeless wandering of Portuguese vagar at sunset.
This indoor UK attraction could just be the heatwave hack you’ve been waiting for as families swap hot beaches and overcrowded swimming pools for some cold snow
These attractions offer the ideal escape from the hot weather(Image: Birmingham Live)
As temperatures continue to rise, with no promise that the UK won’t be thrown into a heatwave again this summer, this unlikely family day out may just be your saving grace.
As much as the UK loves to complain about rain, as soon as those summer temperatures soar, we’re really not different. As the fans are pulled out of storage and paddling pools assemble, there’s somewhere even cooler that you can escape to.
Families can turn the sun into snow by visiting indoor ski slopes this summer. SnowDome, which has dubbed itself the ‘Midlands’s biggest fridge’, is a good place to start.
Smack bang in the middle of the country, based in Tamworth, just 30 minutes from Birmingham, the indoor activity centre offers a whole load of snow-based activities. From ice skating to slope activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as climbing and swimming, there’s plenty to keep you busy all under one roof.
Kirsty Tucker, the head of marketing at SnowDome, said: “The UK isn’t always prepared for extreme heat, and when temperatures climb, families are often looking for fun ways to stay cool. SnowDome offers a unique escape, where guests can enjoy everything from snow slides and skiing to ice skating and swimming.
“Combined with our June Sale savings, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a refreshing day out this summer.”
The indoor ski centre is offering 55% off selected activities in June for bookings made by 28th June for visits before 19th July 2026.
Having paid the place a visit in June, one recent skier shared on TripAavisor: “As we were visiting the area from Kent, we decided to book a beginner snowboarding lesson, having never tried before, and what an awesome 2hrs! Staff were friendly from the reception area right through to equipment hire helping guide us on correct equipment fitting.”
Alternatively, elsewhere in the country is The SnowCentre, which has two locations, one in Manchester and the other in Hemel Hempstead, for those both in the north and south of the country.
At both SnowCentre locations, visitors can enjoy a whole host of different ski and snowboard lessons, lift passes, and freestyle options.
The UK’s largest indoor snow centre can be found in Milton Keynes, called Snozone. The company has another site in Yorkshire, offering visitors a gateway from the warm summer, transporting them to a snow-filled day of fun. It works as the ideal space for sharpening up your snow-sports skills, all while providing a unique day out at this time of year.
It may not have been at the forefront of your mind, but it’s never too early to get the skis back on. In fact, there may be no better time to hit the snow as you find yourself slowly melting under the UK sun this month.
For dry activities, you can go climbing or have a spin at the roller disco.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £215, working out at £17.92 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Appletree Holiday Park has a nine-hole golf course as well as a splash padCredit: Away Resorts
Appletree Holiday Park, Lincolnshire
Found in Boston, Lincolnshire, Appletree Holiday Park sits in the countryside, with a nine-hole golf course and a splash pad for little ones.
While at the park, you can also have a go at the driving range or even explore by hiring a bike.
Little ones needing to burn off steam can also drop by the play area.
Guests can choose to stay in either a lodge or caravan, with the premium lodges boasting hot tubs as well.
A two-night stay from June 26 to 28 costs from £189.60, working out at £23.70 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Glendale Holiday Park has easy beach accessCredit: Glendale
Glendale Holiday Park, Cumbria
In Cumbria, you could stay at Glendale Holiday Park, which overlooks the Solway Firth – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The park has both the countryside and coast to explore.
At the site itself, there is a swimming pool, an entertainment bar and an onsite restaurant as well.
There is also easy beach access.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £139, working out at £11.59 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
At Broadland Sands, you can head to the indoor heated swimming poolCredit: Park Holidays
Broadland Sands, Suffolk
For a Suffolk break, you can head to Broadland Sands Holiday Park, sitting on the East Coast border.
Near Lowestoft, the holiday park is home to a heated indoor swimming pool with its own water flume.
There’s also a dinosaur-themed adventure golf course, as well as more sporty activities including a climbing wall.
For those wanting to spend some time outdoors, you can also head on a nature trail.
Then in the evening, sit back and enjoy some of the entertainment, including cabaret and live bingo.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £179, working out at £14.92 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Tarka Holiday Park Devon is just a short walk from the beach tooCredit: Tarka
Tarka, Devon
Tarka Holiday Park is less than five miles from the popular Devonshire town of Barnstaple.
The holiday park focuses on being a more peaceful retreat, so instead of pools, you’ll find a paddock and children’s play area.
Ideal for enjoying the warm weather, there is also an onsite picnic spot.
And for adventures outside of the park, you can head to the Tarka Trail, which stretches 180 miles and follows the steps of Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £159, working out at £13.25 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
South Bay Holiday Park in Devon is about 10 minutes from the beachCredit: South Bay
South Bay Holiday Park, Devon
Set on the English Riviera in Devon, you can head to South Bay Holiday Park.
The Brixham-based holiday park is home to an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and even a toddler pool.
There’s also a host of entertainment at the park, including a kids’ club and evening shows.
From the park, there is a direct path to the beach, which takes about 10 minutes to walk.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £199, working out at £16.58 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Summerfields Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth has a soft play area for little onesCredit: Summerfields
Summerfields Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
Close to Norfolk Broads National Park, you could stay at Summerfields Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth.
The holiday park boasts a heated indoor pool along with a sauna and for a bite to eat, you can head to The Boathouse.
If it gets too hot outside for the little ones, inside you’ll also find a soft play area, as well as arcades.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £160, working out at £13.34 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a great spot for water sport-loving familiesCredit: Supplied
Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire
Set across 360 acres, Tattershall Lakes Country Park features woodlands and lakes.
The holiday park is a great spot for water sport-loving families, with activities including jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and even an inflatable Aqua Park.
If that wasn’t enough water-based activities, there is also an indoor and outdoor pool and spa.
In the evening, you can head to the clubhouse as well for entertainment.
A two-night stay from June 26 to 28 costs from £199.20, working out at £24.90 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
Lower Hyde Holiday Park has both an indoor and outdoor poolCredit: Parkdean Resorts
Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
Lower Hyde Holiday Park in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight is a great spot if you want to feel like you are travelling abroad but without the long-haul flight.
At the Parkdean site, you can head to the outdoor pool, which has its own flume, as well as another pool inside.
For some entertainment, there’s Squires Showbar.
And if that all wasn’t enough, the park is also only a 20-minute walk from Shanklin Beach.
A three-night stay from June 26 to 29 costs from £189, working out at £15.75 per person per night, based on a family of four – book it here.
The war that Donald Trump declared won last month looks rather different from the inside of the Pentagon. The resulting stalemate has drained American military stockpiles, emboldened Iranian commanders, and left the US with far worse options than before the conflict began.
The administration’s triumphalist framing has struck a jarring note among those who have spent careers studying the Iranian military and the limits of American power projection. Declaring victory when the enemy is still standing, still armed, and still controlling the waterway you went to war over is not a strategy. It is a wish dressed up as a press release.
At the heart of the impasse are two demands that Tehran has consistently and categorically rejected. Iran will not surrender what it regards as its sovereign right to develop its uranium program, and it will not yield control of the Strait of Hormuz. Those two positions were Iran’s red lines before the fighting started. They remain Iran’s red lines now. Nothing in between has changed.
What has changed is the arithmetic of munitions. The United States entered this conflict with a military built around expensive, technologically sophisticated weapons systems, precision instruments that take years to design, years more to manufacture, and that have now been expended at a rate the American defense industrial base is poorly positioned to replenish. Iran, by contrast, relies on a dispersed network of robotic small boats, undersea mines, tactical ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems. These weapons are cheap, simple, and easy to produce at scale.
The United States essentially deployed a Ferrari into a demolition derby. The Iranians didn’t need high-end technology; they just needed a relentless volume of cheaper assets to overwhelm the defense.
Trump, for his part, has shown no appetite for nuance. “We have totally obliterated their military capacity, there’s nothing left, believe me, nothing,” he told supporters at a rally in Georgia. Pentagon planners reviewing the same battlefield data have reached a rather different conclusion.
The American strikes produced mixed results. Iran does not maintain a conventional naval fleet or a modern air force in the Western sense. Its control of the strait rests not on destroyers or fighter wings but on a distributed, resilient system of asymmetric capabilities. The Iranian systems that dispersed into the terrain absorbed the strikes and began reconstituting almost immediately. Defense analysts point out that the Iranians have adapted from what they observed, replenished their stocks, and may now be better positioned than when the conflict began.
The strategic picture is further complicated by the political pressures that shaped the original decision to go to war. Analysts describe a decision driven less by tactical opportunity than by commitments made to Israeli leadership and to influential pro-Israel donors whose support was central to Trump’s political coalition. The result was a military campaign calibrated to political timetables rather than operational logic.
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, a member of the Armed Services Committee, called the conduct of the conflict “a case study in how not to use military force.” Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, before his defeat in his primary, was more pointed: “We went in without a declaration of war, without a clear objective, without an exit strategy, and now we’re supposed to celebrate because we used up half our missile inventory and the Iranians are still there.”
The regional picture adds further complexity. Saudi Arabia and the smaller Gulf monarchies are acutely aware of their own exposure. A major Iranian strike on above-ground oil and desalination plants could critically impede the GCC’s government’s ability to maintain economic prosperity. The GCC states have no appetite for an escalation that leaves their vital water infrastructure in ruins. While they favor the containment of Iran, preventing a regional war is a matter of sheer survival.
The broader strategic damage extends well beyond the Gulf.
The conflict has exposed, with uncomfortable clarity, the brittleness of an American military model that prioritized theoretical sophistication over the practical demands of sustained combat. The long-overlooked vulnerability of the missile supply chain has now emerged as the primary constraint on future American options. Restoring that capacity, according to officials, will require years of industrial retooling.
Washington has come to realize that Iran acutely recognized US vulnerabilities, designing asymmetric systems specifically to deplete America’s most expensive capabilities with its cheapest assets. This is not a temporary setback; it is a structural crisis.
For now, President Trump appears caught between the political cost of acknowledging stalemate and the military risk of a second round of strikes that the Pentagon itself doubts would achieve different results. The operational pause is not a logistical necessity. The forces are forward-deployed and ready. The pause is a search for a rationale, a way to resume the fight that does not require the White House to explain why the first attempt failed.
By most accounts, the search has not yet succeeded.
Mike Trout, Jorge Soler and Zach Neto hit home runs, Ryan Zeferjahn worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning and the Angels held on for a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
Zeferjahn hit a batter and walked two in the ninth before retiring Edgar Quero on a groundout for his first save this season and his third in 10 career opportunities. The right-hander struck out rookie home run leader Munetaka Murakami — tied with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge at 14 — with a runner on first to get the final out in the eighth.
Trout hit his 11th homer of the season and the 415th of his career with one out in the first off Erick Fedde (0-4) after Chicago scored two runs off Sam Aldegheri in the top half.
Neto homered for the first time since April 10, a tiebreaking two-out shot in the fifth for his sixth of the season. Trout walked for the second time before scoring from first on a double by Nolan Schanuel to make it 4-2 and chase Fedde. Trout reached base four times with a single in the eighth.
Neto ended an 0-for-23 slump with a third-inning single before getting picked off.
Chase Meidroth hit his second homer leading off the seventh against Sam Bachman to get Chicago within 4-3. Both Colson Montgomery and Miguel Vargas extended their on-base streaks to 18 games for the Sox.
José Fermin (1-1) pitched a scoreless fifth for the win. Aldegheri gave up two runs on four hits in four innings in his sixth career start.
Fedde yielded four runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings.
The top four hitters in the Angels’ lineup drove in a run for the first time since June 18, 2021, against the Tigers.
First, it was Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik. Now, Florence has joined the most overtouristed destinations in the world: its 365,000 inhabitants shared their city last year with 4.6 million visitors. The director of the city’s Accademia gallery – home to Michelangelo’s David – talked in 2024 about “hit and run” tourism, describing visitors “on a quick in-and-out mission to take selfies … trampling the city without contributing anything”. Local author Margherita Calderoni describes Via Camillo Cavour, a street leading to the Duomo, as a “rancid soup” of chain restaurants and “shops selling plastic trinkets from who knows where”.
Although steps are being taken – the city council has introduced a ban on new short-term lets and is promoting sights in lesser-known neighbourhoods – tackling overtourism is a challenge. And other Tuscan cities, such as Siena and San Gimignano, are suffering too. But beyond these honeypots, Italy’s fifth-largest region is full of glories, with not a takeaway chain or selfie stick in sight. Here are six of my favourites.
For architecture: Monteriggioni
To hit Monteriggioni during its medieval festival in July is to be transported to the middle ages: the whole town becomes a stage on which local re-enactors recreate 13th-century life, with artisans, entertainers, soldiers and musicians in the streets, and inns serving ancient recipes. Festival apart, this tiny town is remarkable for its intact architecture. It was built by the Republic of Siena around 1213 to ward off Florentine aggression, and it is still possible to walk around its 570 metres of wall, with two gates and 14 watchtowers. Inside there is a church, a museum and gardens once used to grow food in case of a siege. All cobbled streets and panoramic views, it feels intimate but rarely crowded. On the square, Il Tagliere Medievale is the place to people-watch over cured meats and cheese and a carafe of chianti. Stay at Il Piccolo Castello, doubles from €115 B&B
For idealists: Pienza
The hilltop town of Pienza. Photograph: Fani Kurti/Getty Images
Is there such a thing as an “ideal city”? In 1459, Pope Pius II rebuilt his birthplace, Corsignano, according to the scientific and humanist criteria architects and planners believed cities should fulfil, with harmoniously proportioned streets, buildings and fortifications. Naturally, he then renamed the town after himself. Pienza is tiny – about 2,000 inhabitants – and best explored on foot. The main square, Piazza Pio II, is a small space shared by the cathedral and the honey-coloured Piccolomini Palace, Pius’s summer residence. The three colonnaded loggias (covered walkways) facing the Piccolomini’s garden suggest the harmony architect Bernardo Rossellino was aiming for.Human harmony is evoked by street names Via dell’Amore and Via del Bacio (kiss): both lead to a walkway with panoramic views over the Val d’Orcia. Foodwise, Pienza is known for its pecorino cheese: try it atLa Terrazza del Chiostro, run by young chef Massimiliano Ingino. Stay at Agriturismo Casalpiano, doubles from €135 B&B
For Renaissance art: Arezzo
The Piazza del Duomo in Arezzo. Photograph: PK Photos/Getty Images
On a hill where eastern Tuscany rises to the Apennines, Arezzo is rich in history and art, but sees a fraction of Florence’s visitors. Many come for the monthly antiques fair on Piazza Grande, the sloping main square. The city’s treasure is the 15th-century artist Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross frescoes in San Francesco basilica, but I also love his serene Mary Magdalene in the cathedral up the road. From there, it’s a short walk across Passaggio del Prato park to the fortress built by the Medici family in 1540. Its ramparts offer great views over red roofs and rolling countryside. In pedestrianised Via Cavour, three friends recently took over a former corset shop and turned it into a deli selling filled focaccia, wine, chocolates and olive oil. Stay at La Corte del Re, doubles from €79 room-only
For history: Volterra
A Roman amphitheatre in Volterra. Photograph: Robert Harding/Alamy
Volterra was founded about 3,000 years ago as part of the Etruscan league of 12 cities. Its Guarnacci museum features hundreds of fantastically decorated funerary urns, but they’re outshone for me by an elongated male nude in bronze called Shadow of the Evening which, though believed to have been made in the third century BC, wouldn’t look out of place in a modern sculpture show and is said to have inspired Giacometti. A short walk away, the Porta all’Arco is an Etruscan gate still standing after 2,300 years. More recent monuments include a Roman amphitheatre and a Medici fortress now used as a prison. The town is also known for alabaster carving: check it out at the Ecomuseum, or buy at local cooperative Artieri Alabastro. In a picturesque alley, La Sosta del Priore (Prior’s Pitstop) offers sandwiches with fillings such as wild boar, melted pecorino and lampredotto (tripe). Stay at Villa Nencini, doubles from €65 B&B
For port city vibes: Livorno
The Quartiere Venezia in Livorno. Photograph: Roberto Nencini/Alamy
Tuscany has so many sights that its ancient port is often overlooked. Originally fortified by the Pisans, Livorno was ruled by Florence’s Medicis from the 1500s, and today’s multicultural vibe is thanks in part to that dynasty. Under Medici law, newcomers of any nationality or faith were encouraged to settle here, and a diverse population – Greeks, Armenians, Jews fleeing the Inquisition – helped Livorno thrive. Today, this politically leftish and greenish city is home to populations from Senegal and Morocco as well as eastern Europe.
Get a lungful of sea air at the checkerboard seaside promenade Terrazza Mascagni, then walk up to the Quartiere Venezia, Livorno’s Little Venice, with bridges, coloured houses and two Medici fortresses, Nuova and Vecchia. Other sights include San Francesco Cathedral and one of Italy’s biggest covered markets, the Parisian-style Vettovaglie. Livorno is known for its chickpea pancakes (torte di ceci), and Torteria Gagarin by the market sells them hot from a wood-fired oven to eat in a roll as a cinque e cinque sandwich. Stay at Dogana d’Acqua Rooms & Art, doubles from €75 room-only
For coastal charm: Porto Ercole
The harbour at Porto Ercole. Photograph: Stevan ZZ/Getty Images
A port since Roman times, this village on a promontory in the south of Tuscany was fought over in 1555 in a proxy war between Spain (supporting Florence) and France (Siena). Spain won and built the forts that still guard all approaches. Climb up to Forte Stella for views over the picturesque harbour and north to one of three causeways linking the promontory to the mainland. The walk into town passes the botanical garden. Farther north is the unassuming cemetery that is home to Caravaggio’s simple tomb, an odd finale to a life of brawls, murders, arrests and exile. Mystery surrounds the painter’s death, but he was said to be heading for Rome in the hope of papal forgiveness when he succumbed to “fever” – probably infection from a sword fight in Naples.
For a beach day, head out on the SP66 and take the signposted footpath just before the crossroads leading to Forte Stella. Sandy Spiaggia Lunga is mostly undeveloped, but in high summer there’s a bar with sunbeds to hire. Right on the harbour back in Porto Ercole, Grano offers top-quality sourdough pizzas by the slice. Stay at Alba sul Mare, doubles from €91 room-only
In the first of several significant flashbacks in “Over Your Dead Body,” Samara Weaving’s unhappy Lisa complains to a friend about a hunting trip her equally miserable husband Dan (Jason Segel) is taking her on. “You know how much I hate guns,” Lisa fumes. “So dangerous.” Turns out, she’s actually telling two lies, which is par for the course for this twisty yet underwhelming dark comedy that views marriage as both a hyperviolent blood sport and a battle to the death.
Based on Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola’s 2021 “The Trip,” “Over Your Dead Body” concerns a couple whose wedded bliss has faded along with their professional prospects. Dan directed a moderately successful sci-fi film several years ago but is now stuck shooting cheesy pop-up ads. Meanwhile, Lisa’s nascent acting career is flailing. As the movie begins, Dan conspicuously informs his production team that he and his wife are going hiking in the middle of nowhere — something, he insists, the risk-taking Lisa wants to do, despite how perilous that might be. What we soon realize is that he’s creating cover for his nefarious plan, which is to kill Lisa at his family’s forest cottage, making it look like she disappeared without a trace in the woods.
But director Jorma Taccone eventually reveals that it’s not just Dan who has murder on his mind. That first flashback rewinds to Lisa’s simultaneous scheming, claiming to those close to her that Dan longs to go hunting — when, in fact, she’s secretly brought a rifle so that the authorities will assume he accidentally shot himself. (Whatever fears she once harbored about firearms are, clearly, no longer an issue, if they ever were.) Dan is offended when he uncovers her plot: Why would she want to kill him? At least he’s justified, he believes, having caught Lisa in an affair with her scene partner.
More surprises are in store as Dan and Lisa engage in a deadly standoff in the cabin, only to discover that they’re not alone. Another flashback details how two convicted killers, Todd (Keith Jardine) and Pete (Timothy Olyphant), escaped from a local penitentiary with the help of Pete’s girlfriend, prison guard Allegra (Juliette Lewis), and are seeking refuge at the cottage. Suddenly, the feuding married couple must work together to stay alive.
One-third of the comedy troupe the Lonely Island, Taccone previously directed the big-screen adaptation of the “Saturday Night Live” sketch “MacGruber” and co-directed the endlessly rewatchable mockumentary “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” For “Over Your Dead Body,” he teams with producer David Leitch, whose 87North shingle specializes in R-rated action-comedies like “Nobody” and “Violent Night.” Taccone’s irreverent, slyly shocking style would seem a good match for a story in which the pain of romantic discontent is paired with myriad scenes in which a variety of weapons wreak grisly havoc, including lawnmowers, sports cars, gardening equipment and a sock with a pool ball in it.
But despite Segel and Weaver’s best efforts, they can’t make this bickering duo deliciously awful, the characters proving more grating than hilariously combustible. And when Pete and his cohorts arrive, they’re too broadly quirky to be either menacing or hysterical, although Olyphant’s long-suffering leader has some nice moments slowly processing how dumb Todd and Allegra are.
Other than one queasy homage to “Deliverance,” the film’s handling of the showdown between this drab married couple and the cartoonish criminals is rarely gripping. Instead, “Over Your Dead Body” delivers over-the-top fight sequences emphasizing grimaces and gross-out laughs. People aren’t simply shot in the head — the bullet transforms it into a gooey slab of meat. Fingers get sliced off, stakes are driven through hands and a foot is reduced to bloody tatters. Taccone handles all this with gleeful excessiveness but once you’ve seen one pulverized face, you’ve seen them all.
A droll irony is intended to unfold alongside the rising body count. Dan and Lisa embarked on this getaway to murder one another, but they’ll end up rekindling their love. To be sure, Segel and Weaving are much more winning once their characters start warming to one another. Still, the film feels like a missed opportunity for Weaving, who became a scream queen in the “Ready or Not” films. In those movies, as an unsuspecting bride thrust into a life-or-death situation, she appealingly balanced a convincing physical performance with an understated comedic streak, her beleaguered character enduring one absurdity after another.
Weaving finds herself in a somewhat similar role in “Over Your Dead Body” and this uneven action-comedy is anchored by her had-it-up-to-here performance, which provides a witty insight into marriage that the film otherwise ignores. It’s bad enough that Lisa has to deal with Dan’s insecurity — now she’s got to tangle with some dopey crooks? Women have to do everything in a relationship.
‘Over Your Dead Body’
Rating: R, for strong bloody violence, gore, sexual assault, pervasive language, and sexual content
