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OK, real talk. Is it a red flag if someone tries to start sexting really soon after you start talking? This writer did a Twitter poll of 96 people asking this question, with results finding that 67.4 percent of people answered "Yes" and 32.6 said "No." While this is a small sample size, it does indicate this is worth examining.
This question may prove especially complicated for women, femmes, and AFAB people who consider themselves to be sex positive. The moral quandary being: If I’m sex positive, does that mean I need to be willing to be open about all things sex, all the time? There can be a certain pressure to be super "open" at the expense of your boundaries.
While this question of "sex talk/red flag" on dating apps can certainly apply to anyone, of any gender – it appears to be most common when we’re talking about interactions between cis-men and women/femmes/AFAB folx. At least, anecdotally. With the ubiquity of gay hookup apps like Grindr and Scruff, the MLM (men who love men) community seem to follow different guidelines – ones where sex and hookups are often the center of the most interactions on the apps. While this certainly deserves interrogating, that is an article for another day.
For the purposes of this article we’re going to examine this question within a specific context: You (an AFAB person) are looking for a real relationship and the person you’ve connected with on an app seems great, but they want to start talking dirty right away.
What should you do? Let’s investigate.
Is it a red flag if someone wants to sext right away on a dating app?This is, of course, a tricky question because it’s entirely based on your comfort levels and what you’ve said you’re looking for in your app profile and/or to this person directly.
Lucy Rowett, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist, tells us that if you’re looking to specifically DATE and someone comes right out of the gate wanting to sext, that you should be cautious. This kind of blunt approach can often mean that the other person is looking for something more sex-focused and casual, which may not be in-line with what you’re looking for. "Unless you've said you're specifically looking for a hookup and sex, and that you want to sext, and maybe if you feel the vibe is right, then go ahead," she says. Of course, this isn’t always true – but it’s certainly worth considering when it’s already hard enough out here as it is.
"Please listen to this discomfort, it is a very important messenger that your value system is being breached."Ask yourself: Am I comfortable doing this? Does it excite me to consider doing this? Or is this something I may be considering because I don’t want to seem like I’m a prude, rather than coming from a place of authenticity? "Please listen to this discomfort, it is a very important messenger that your value system is being breached," Rowett says.
SEE ALSO: The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles You’re not a prude for having boundaries (even if you have sex positive values).Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist, points out that we live within a very confusing social context that calls us "prudes" for not being down to get sexual on the one hand, while slut shaming us for being "too open" on the other. The markers for what is acceptable are always moving, making finding solid footing in our own understanding of our sexualities really difficult.
The idea that you should always be down to talk about sex is problematic because while you may be entirely sex positive, and of the belief that sexuality is an important part of the human experience – one that should be talked about freely and without shame — this doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to engage with sexual content or conversations in a way that feels safe and authentic to you. Being sex positive does not equal having no boundaries around sex and sexual conversations. Ty David Lerman, a psychotherapist and certified sex therapist, says that the more telling thing is how a person responds to you when you tell them you’re not quite ready for that kind of conversation yet. "If they validate and respect your wishes and continue on, then there is no flag here. Quite the opposite actually — they’re hearing and validating your wishes, and actually meeting your needs — they’re a keeper."
"If they validate and respect your wishes and continue on, then there is no flag here. Quite the opposite actually."We live in a world that doesn’t value sexuality as something to be understood and investigated. We’re not given the tools we need to openly have conversations about sex. This, combined with male privilege, might be why a cis guy who comes across a sex positive woman on a dating app might suddenly think that going right into sexting is appropriate. He lacks the basic knowledge and language to understand that sex positive ≠ up for anything, anytime.
Ghose tells us that being sex positive actually revolves around consent. "Being sex positive means having an open mind and accepting others where they are at, at any given moment," she says. "Being sex positive means we don't shame people for their questions, proclivities, desires, curiosities." Or their boundaries, as it were.
How to set your boundaries.OK, so you’re vibing with someone cool and they suggest sexting right away. How can you set your boundaries, if this is feeling like too much, too soon?
SEE ALSO: How to set sexual boundariesWe asked the experts for some scripts to get you started.
Lerman suggests: I’m really flattered that you’re into me and it’s actually mutual, however, I feel uncomfortable and pressured chatting about sex this soon, and it would help me if we kick that down the road for a later conversation.
Ghose suggests: Hey, I like you and I'd love to get to know you first and I may be more open to sexting in the future.
Rowett suggests: So, I'm not comfortable with talking about sex/sexting right now as I don't know you yet/I don't know you well enough yet.
All of our experts agree, if you get pushed back on setting clear boundaries, the person gets defensive, or they try to convince you to change your mind – disengage. The block button is your best friend. Sometimes the biggest red flag of all is seeing how someone responds to your boundary.
If you’re OK with talking about sex, but want to make sure that isn’t 'all this is.'It’s also totally possible that you’re down to sext, but want to be sure that this isn’t a gateway to keeping things permanently casual. We may worry that by engaging in sexually explicit conversation too soon, we might spoil our chances at cultivating something more long-lasting. This comes out of long-held social scripts that indicate that men are the "pursuers" of sex and women are the "givers" of sex.
You can step out of these scripts and into sexual autonomy by owning your power and being crystal clear about your concerns. You can straight-up say: I’m open to sexting, but this is a way for me to get to know someone better, with the knowledge that we’re both looking for something more serious. "You will still have to weed through people who are dishonest, but speaking about this from the beginning will set the stage and expectation that we’re gonna talk about these things, however long that relationship lasts," Lerman adds.
Lastly, remember that there is no right way to practice sex positivity and there is no "right amount of time" to wait before sexting someone. What’s important is that you’re engaging in a way that feels safe for you, and free from pressure. Only you get to make those choices. Don’t let anyone try to make you feel badly for being true to yourself – and if they do, ditch them.
This article was first published in 2023 and republished in 2024.
Say you're in bed swiping on Tinder, as one does, and then you see a pop-up: Upgrade to Tinder Platinum, it says. Message Before Matching! Priority Likes!
Longtime users are likely aware of these in-app Tinder ads, as several features — such as "rewinding" your last swipe — are only available if you pay up.
The dating app rolled out Tinder Platinum in 2020, and aside from the ultra-pricey Tinder Select that's $500 a month, this is the most expensive subscription level. Tinder's prices vary based on factors like previous account activity, how long you've had your account, if you've paid for a subscription in the past, and the like. According to Tinder, demographic factors like age, gender, and sexual orientation don't impact pricing. Still, it's difficult then to gauge how much you might have to pay. At the time of this review the price was $39.99/month. One source, Android Authority, said it's $35.99 for one month, but one user told Mashable they were offered $20.99 for the same time frame.
With prices from $20 - 40 a month, is Tinder Platinum worth it? The app gave me a three-month trial run to find out. Platinum's varied features, elimination of ads, and exclusive perks (like seeing who I already liked) changed how I used the app — but didn't change much when it came to finding matches.
SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What is Tinder Platinum, and how's it different from Tinder's other subscription levels?From least to most expensive, Tinder's paid subscriptions are Tinder Plus, Gold, and Platinum.
One month of Plus is $9.99 and Gold is $24.99, according to the App Store in 2024. Each of these also vary depending on the timeframe of your subscription — if you sign up for a longer period, the prices per month drop slightly — but this exemplifies the differences.
It's also worth noting, too, that Tinder has modified its paid features over time. For example, free users used to get one Super Like — a blue star that indicates you like someone before you match — a day.
Now, Super Likes are only available for a la carte purchase or as part of a subscription.
Tinder Plus no longer includes Super Likes or a monthly Boost (which "boosts" your profile to the top of others’ card stack). Tinder Gold and Platinum now include weekly Super Likes as opposed to daily.
With Plus, you get:
Unlimited likes (as opposed to 100 right swipes per day with a basic account)
Unlimited rewinds (which undoes left swipes)
Ability to change your location with the Passport feature
Incognito Mode
No ads
Tinder Gold gives you all those features, plus:
Weekly Super Likes
One free Boost a month
Seeing who already liked you
Tinder's "top picks" for you every day
Platinum has all the aforementioned features, as well as:
Message before Matching (though you must Super Like someone to do so)
Prioritized Likes (the app makes sure your Likes and Super Likes are seen faster before those of non-Platinum users)
Seeing the Likes you've sent in the last week
Tinder's standard paid features — the ones available to all subscribers — are pretty sweet. When Tinder Plus was around five dollars a month years ago, it was definitely worth it. Now, I'd say to only pay for any Tinder subscription if it fits in your budget and you're going to consistently use these features.
The most useful, in my opinion, is unlimited rewinds. You can't undo any mistaken left-swipe unless you pay for Tinder, period. Haven't we all experienced the anguish of Noping someone we wish we Liked? When you're not a paid user, it can be devastating. You're left wondering what such a connection would've been like.
With rewind, you don't have to wonder. Now, you can potentially change your destiny forever...OK, that's a stretch, but it is an incredibly useful feature I take advantage of often and miss now that my subscription has ended.
Then there's unlimited likes, which is useful if you're swipe-happy and live in a populous place. I will admit, there have been days I've swiped right over 100 times — and then can't Like anyone else for 12 hours (with a free account). If you're in a major city and there's plenty of people on Tinder, sometimes it just happens!
One feature I don't care much about is Passport to any location. I never used Tinder to meet people while traveling, but maybe you do.
Hidden advertisements are a sneaky feature, but one that you suddenly notice if you stop paying. As with every service, not seeing ads is always a plus.
Should I buy Tinder Platinum?The features mentioned above are available with Tinder Plus, the cheapest paid option. Let's examine the exclusive Platinum features.
First up: Message before Matching. To do this, you must Super Like someone and can write a message up to 140 characters. According to Tinder, this increases the chances of matching by 25 percent.
I refrained from using Message before Matching too many times because I was afraid this would be seen as "cringe," as Super Liking itself is sometimes perceived. If my memory serves me correctly, however, most of the people I messaged early did end up matching with me.
With great power comes great responsibility, though. You may think it's funny to ask to rub your balls on a woman, like this Redditor did using Message before Matching, but it can (and will) come across as gross.
Next is Prioritized Likes, which I forgot about during my time as a Platinum user. I didn't measure my match rate before and after the subscription, but I haven't noticed any discernible difference.
SEE ALSO: How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder?Finally, with Tinder Platinum you can see the Likes you've already sent in the past week. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's cool to be able to see someone's profile again even if you haven't matched, and in that time you can also "upgrade" your Like to a Super Like if you want to increase your matching chances.
On the other hand, it sucks when you see someone you find attractive and fun but they haven't matched back. What gives?
While I started my Platinum "journey" looking at who I liked, by the end I avoided that tab.
Overall, Platinum wasn't worth it for me as the features I enjoyed the most are available on Tinder Plus. I didn't discuss the features only available on both Gold and Platinum — like seeing who already liked you — because I didn't take advantage of them much, either.
As far as I can tell, I matched and messaged people at the same frequency as a Platinum user as I did as a free one.
If you want to message before matching, get priority likes, and see who you already liked, by all means go for Platinum. If not, you can easily downgrade to Plus or Gold and enjoy the experience.
Compared to Bumble Premium, another paid subscription I tried, Tinder Platinum has some similar features, such as undoing a left swipe and peeking at who already liked you. Choose one depending on which app you already use more.
Tinder gifted me Platinum for review, but I'd pay for Tinder Plus myself. I can have all the features I want and save money. When I see the Platinum pop-up now, I know what I'm missing — and I tap away.
Tinder Platinum is available for $39.99/month.
UPDATE: Jan. 21, 2022, 3:30 p.m. EST This article has been updated with a comparison to Bumble Premium.
This article was first published in 2021 and republished in 2024.
The MSI Cyborg 14 took my breath away when I first grasped it at CES 2024 — it's as light as feather.
Now, I get to play around with it for this review, and I still can't get over how light it is. Gaming laptops are typically clunky, chunky, and chubby, and here comes the Cyborg 14, all slim and trim, being a portable haven for casual gamers.
No, it doesn't have the latest and greatest internals, but it packs just enough "oomph" to power your favorite triple-A titles without costing you an arm and a leg. Read more to see why the MSI Cyborg 14 has earned a spot on our best gaming laptops and best cheap laptops pages.
MSI Cyborg 14 price and specsThe Cyborg 14 in this review costs $1,099 on Best Buy, and it comes with the following specs:
Intel Core i7-13620H CPU
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
16GB of RAM
512GB of SSD storage
14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display with a 144Hz refresh rate
Windows 11 Home
MSI made this laptop for the gamers who say, "I don't need all the bells and whistles — just give me what I need to play my favorite games." And as you'll find out later in this review, these specs may seem humble, but they pack a punch, with robust internals designed to deliver respectable gaming performance.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable MSI Cyborg 14 $1,099.99 at Best BuyFinally! A gaming laptop that doesn't feel like a brick. I can't say it enough — this MSI machine is breathtakingly light. When I first picked up, my jaw dropped. I was expecting heft, bulk, and load, but instead, it's as light as a whisper.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIt weighs just 3.5 pounds. For perspective, the MSI Cyborg 14 weighs as much as a 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro. This bad boy is no heavier than a thick hardcover book.
Though it may weigh as much as a MacBook, it certainly doesn't have its sleekness. After all, it's still a gaming laptop. It's between 0.73 and 0.88 inches thick. (The full dimensions are 12.4 x 9.2 x 0.73 - 8.88 inches.)
The Cyborg 14 reminds me of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which is even lighter at 3.3 pounds (it's also thinner at just 0.62 inches).
Design-wise, the MSI Cyborg 14 has a chassis that balances reticence and minimalism with futuristic elements. What do I mean by this? Well, the lid has an onyx color with an ultra-subtle, barely there MSI insignia. But then, the lip — the part of the laptop that helps you open the lid with ease — is translucent and reminiscent of the see-through Game Boy released in the late 90s.
You can find the same "clear" vibes on the Cyborg 14's hinge and underside, giving you a peek into some internal components. However, keep a microfiber towel ready; the chassis is a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
Overall, this is the gaming laptop you'll want to bring with you on a plane. It'll barely add any weight to your travel bag once it's stuffed inside.
MSI Cyborg 14 displayThe MSI Cyborg 14, as its name suggests, sports a 14-inch, 144Hz refresh-rate display with a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution screen. But those mumbo-jumbo figures don't tell you much about the display quality, so I tested the screen by firing up the F1 trailer from YouTube.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI wasn't expecting much — just a run-of-the-mill panel for budget-conscious consumers. However, once I saw Brad Pitt pop up on the screen, I was taken aback. I could see the tiny hairs between his brows. (Did he always have a unibrow?) I could even spot the faint pores on Pitt's face and the subtle five-o'clock shadow on his upper lip.
In another scene, a woman with stunning blue eyes appeared on the display. Showcasing the display's crisp and sharp details, the limbal ring that surrounded her iris looked particularly striking as dappled sunlight danced on her peepers.
However, at 235 nits, the MSI Cyborg 14 is dim AF. This isn't a laptop that will be forgiving during ultra-dark scenes in games. On Cyberpunk 2077, textures are bold and detailed, like the silver lamé suit of one character and the shimmery gold mask of another NPC, but dim environments were difficult to see. The display may also be a challenge if you're outside during a bright day or sitting next to a sunlit window.
The display is surrounded by a thick top bezel (that accommodates the transparent lip and 720p webcam) and mid-sized side bezels. The chin, however, is quite chunky, giving The Fairly OddParents' "Crimson Chin" character a run for his money.
MSI Cyborg 14 portsMSI Cyborg 14 doesn't have a wide array of ports, but that's OK because this laptop is meant to support casual gamers and entry-level enthusiasts.
On the left side:
Kensington lock slot
USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)
Headset jack
On the right side:
HDMI 2.1
USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)
USB Type-C port (3.2 Gen 2)
On the back:
Ethernet port
Keep in mind that the USB Type-C port can't be used to charge the laptop, but it can be used to connect a monitor.
MSI Cyborg 14 audioCurb your expectations. At this price point, the audio won't be spectacular. The dual-speaker setup on the Cyborg 14 is nothing special. It's not bad, but it's not awful either.
I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" on the Apple Music app, and the funky tune sounded shallow and lacked depth. However, while playing Cyberpunk 2077, it's harder to perceive the mediocre sound quality (in a good way). From the myriad of intense conversations to heart-dropping fire fights, the audio delivers clear dialogue and impactful sound.
The speakers aren't quiet per se, but they're not bombastic either. For the most part, the Cyborg 14's sound system is quite middling.
MSI Cyborg 14 keyboard and trackpadThe Cyborg 14's keyboard is the one place where one can truly tell that this is, indeed, a budget-friendly gaming laptop.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf I placed two laptops in front of you, one being the Cyborg 14, and blindfolded you before asking, "Which is the cheap one?", the Cyborg 14's plasticky keycaps would betray it.
And honestly? That's OK. Some budget-friendly gamers do not give a flying monkey's behind whether the keyboard is made of hay for chrissakes — they'll likely pair a controller to the Cyborg 14 anyway.
The Cyborg 14's keyboard is also very clicky — perhaps too clicky. While you're "in the zone" and typing up a storm at the office, I wouldn't be surprised if you attracted passive-aggressive side-eyes form your fellow co-workers.
No, the Cyborg 14's keyboard isn't my favorite, but at least it looks cool. It has a light-blue backlighting, which has three levels of brightness. (There's no RGB lighting on the Cyborg 14, by the way, because who wants their laptop to look like a maniacal disco ball?) Plus, the white letters and symbols are large and contrast nicely with the black keys.
Finally, MSI continues that transparent touch on the W, A, S, D keys (and the power button), breaking the monotony. Otherwise, it'd be another boring black-and-white keyboard.
The trackpad responds well to Windows 11 gestures, including pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolls.
MSI Cyborg 14 benchmarks and performanceYes, MSI put a last-generation CPU inside the Cyborg 14. (It has a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H, although we're currently in an era where 14th-generation processors are the latest and greatest.)
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWhy? To cut costs, making gaming accessible to people who don't have deep pockets. And also, as you'll find out in a bit, 13th-gen CPUs still slap.
On Geekbench 6, a benchmark that stress tests the CPU, the Cyborg 14 delivered a score of 12,073, which is quite similar to the performance of the Asus ROG Zephryus G14, which has an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and the same GPU as the MSI laptop (i.e., RTX 4060 GPU). It notched a score of 12,170.
We also ran the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark on the Cyborg 14. With the High preset at 1080p, the MSI gaming laptop averaged 61 frames per second (60 frames per second is the baseline casual gamers often seek). With DLSS on, a feature that relies on AI upscaling to squeeze out more frames, the Cyborg 14 climbed to a whopping 113 frames per second.
For perspective, the ROG Zephyrus G14 scored an average of 102 frames per second (DLSS off).
MSI Cyborg 14 battery lifeThe MSI Cyborg 14's battery life is surprisingly long for a gaming laptop.
For example, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which also packs an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, lasted just 1 hour and 17 minutes on the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test. Conversely, the Cyborg 14 lasted three hours.
This is the longest a gaming laptop has ever lasted on a charge since I've been testing gaming rigs for Mashable.
MSI Cyborg 14 webcamThe MSI Cyborg 14's webcam is a bit of a potato, as one would expect from a 720p shooter.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe laptop industry has always been historically awful at providing good webcams, but that is especially so when it comes to gaming laptops. The Cyborg 14's 720p renders color well enough, but you'll still find some noise, lack of detail, and poor sharpness. I wouldn't start a Twitch streaming channel with this webcam — that's for sure.
Is MSI Cyborg 14 worth it?The MSI Cyborg 14 isn't for enthusiasts who turn their nose up at mid-level graphics, last-generation CPUs, and less-than-premium keyboards. It's for casual gamers who want something that's "good enough."
It delivers decent frame rates on graphics-intensive, triple-A titles and a good display for indoor gamers. Plus, it's unbelievably light. If you're looking for a decent gaming laptop for your travels, the MSI Cyborg 14 is a good choice.
Still, the Cyborg 14 has stiff competition with the likes of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which is also super light. As of this writing, its just $100 more, but squeezes out more performance. However, it lasts just one hour and 17 minutes on a charge compared to the Cyborg 14's three-hour battery life. Yes, gaming laptops are known for being energy guzzlers, but at least you can unplug for three hours — which is as long as a Steam Deck lasts on a single charge — without being shackled to an outlet.
Packed with power and portability at a great price, the MSI Cyborg 14 is one of the best gaming laptops of 2024.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable MSI Cyborg 14 $1,099.99 at Best BuyTL;DR: Grab these mini night-vision digital binoculars with HD recording for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Mini Dual Tube Digital Night Vision Binoculars with 1080p HD Recording $89.97 at the Mashable ShopIn the world of outdoor adventures and nighttime explorations, having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a night-time explorer, or simply someone who has seen the movie Stepbrothers too many times, these binoculars could be a game-changer.
Available through July 21 for just $89.97, this pair of digital mini night vision binoculars uses advanced infrared technology to provide crystal-clear night vision. Whether camping in the wilderness, exploring a cave, or watching nocturnal wildlife, its 2.4-inch screen allows you to see what your naked eye can't for up to 980 feet in darkness.
Use the 4x digital zoom and 10x optical magnification to really hone in on a beautiful bird while camping or seeing the facial expression of your favorite ball player. And if you ever want to rewatch or share your experience, it has a built-in 1080p HD recording feature.
Record stunning videos and take high-resolution photos of your adventures day or night. Relive the excitement and share your discoveries through clear, vibrant footage that can truly capture the essence of your experience.
One of the best features of these digital binoculars is their compact and lightweight design. Easily portable, they can fit into your backpack or even your pocket, making them ideal for on-the-go adventures. Despite their small size, they pack a punch with their powerful features, helping to ensure you never miss a moment.
These binoculars come with a 32GB memory card, storage bag, and cleaning cloth.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to elevate your viewing experience.
Get the mini night-vision digital binoculars with HD recording for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get this refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch for just $299.97 (reg. $599) until July 21.
If your laptop is starting to lag or underperform, it might be time to invest in a previously owned but new-to-you computer. This refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air has a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor that offers increased performance, and for a limited time, you can get it for $299.97 — 50% off.
The 13.3-inch screen with Intel HD Graphics 6000 is good for rendering clear images and vibrant videos. The graphics are designed to make streaming, creating, editing, or working a more pleasurable experience. With 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD, you should have plenty of space for storing all of your important files, documents, and media.
Weighing just under 3 pounds, the Apple MacBook Air is built to be easy to take with you on the go. Equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, this laptop can help you stay connected and transfer documents. Go about your day worry-free as you can get up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
This product has a Grade “A” refurbished rating meaning it arrives in a near-mint condition. Refurbished devices are inspected to be sure they should perform as intended. It may have very minimal amounts of scuffing or show signs of wear on the case, but the "A" grade indicates there should be no screen burn or scratches, and the battery has a minimum of 80% health.
Get this refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch for only $299.97 (reg. $599) until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed to snag this deal!
Check out other awesome deals on tablets and computers here.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 Core 8GB RAM 128GB - Silver (Refurbished) $299.97 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Through July 21, get an open-boxed Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10th Gen for only $89.97 (reg. $249).
Opens in a new window Credit: Total TR/Cal State Electronics Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th gen) $89.97 at The Mashable ShopTyping more than a few sentences on an iPad isn’t typically fun. If you’re tired of pecking with each finger, then it could be time to get a keyboard for your iPad.
Introducing the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad (10th gen), an accessory that can enhance your iPad experience. Right now, you can get a new, open-box folio on sale for $87.97 (reg. $249) until July 21.
The keyboard folio’s two-piece design is meant to blend functionality and style, making it a useful gadget for both productivity and protection. The detachable keyboard and protective back panel are designed to securely attach to your iPad through magnetic connections for a sturdy, flexible setup.
Typing on the Magic Keyboard Folio is intended to feel natural and, thanks to its scissor mechanism that offers a 1mm travel distance to provide a responsive and comfortable typing experience. The addition of a 14-key function row should make it easier to access shortcuts too. The large, click-anywhere trackpad is built to support Multi-Touch gestures and the cursor in iPad OS, promising precise control and navigation.
The adjustable stand adds another layer of versatility, allowing you to customize viewing angles. Released in 2022, the Magic Keyboard Folio offers practical functionality, making it a useful accessory for an iPad 10 user.
This deal has a larger than usual discount because it's an open-box return, meaning it's verified to be in like-new condition but may have been a floor model or previously returned without being taken out of the box.
Through July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can snag the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10th Gen for only $89.97 (reg. $249). No coupon code is needed for this price drop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
If you’re trying to stay in the know about what’s trending online, you've come to the right place.
Keeping up with what’s trending can be tricky, especially in today's digital landscape, where things can go viral one minute and then be obsolete the next. So, we’ve identified 10 trending YouTube videos you should watch — or at least skim — to get you up to speed on what's happening in culture.
Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us"The anticipated visual for Kendrick Lamar's diss track addressed to Certified Lover Boy, rapper Drake, dropped last week. Released in early May, the Billboard No. 1 song was dubbed the Song of the Summer by fans. The music video premiered on July 4 and reached 41 million views less than a week later. Half of those views came within the first 24 hours.
"skibidi toilet 76 (part 1)"This is the latest in the Skibidi Toilet series, which has captivated children and perplexed their parents since its debut in February of last year. This 3-minute video, posted to YouTube on July 6, has garnered nearly 17 million views and counting.
SEE ALSO: A parent's guide to Skibidi Toilet: What is it and why is it so popular? Eminem, "Tobey (feat. Big Sean & Babytron)"Eminem's latest song, "Tobey," which features Big Sean and Babytron, has garnered over 8 million views since it dropped on July 2. Eminem is preparing to release his latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), on July 12. It will be the rapper’s fourth album release in four years.
Formula 1, "Race Highlights | 2024 British Grand Prix"This highlight reel, posted on July 8, replays the must-see moments from the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, where longtime Mercedes driver and decorated Brit Lewis Hamilton sped into victory on his home turf the day before.
Agatha All Long Teaser TrailerThe teaser trailer for Marvel’s Agatha All Long was posted on July 8 and has accumulated nearly 6 million views. It's still among the Top 20 videos currently trending on YouTube.
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"WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain"This video, produced by the WWE documentaries team, has already garnered over 2 million views, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the buildup and preparation for WrestleMania XL, which will take place on Aug. 6.
"Megan Thee Stallion gets an apology from Shannon Sharpe"During this hour-long interview on the podcast Club Shay Shay, host Shannon Sharpe delves into the rise of thee hot girl, Megan Thee Stallion. Sharpe opens with an apology to Meg for an unsavory past joke. In addition to the apology making its rounds on social media and blogs, they also discuss the rapper's meteoric rise in the industry in this lengthy interview.
"College Football 25 | Gameplay First Look"This first look at the highly anticipated video game in EA's NCAA series, College Football 25, gives players an exclusive glimpse at the game that's been 10 years in the making.
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Writer/director Osgood Perkins made his name with atmospheric horror films like The Blackcoat's Daughter and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House. With his latest, Longlegs, he crafts a commendably eerie atmosphere in which Nicolas Cage, who also produces, delivers yet another gonzo performance — but it's all texture, and not much else.
Longlegs’ premise is reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan Demme's horror drama about a young and underestimated female FBI agent on the hunt for an elusive serial killer. Perkins has been explicit about this connection — and his hope for Longlegs to be in conversation with Demme’s classic — but a morass of other influences makes for a muddy movie. It's as if the writer/director is throwing ideas at the yarn wall to see what sticks.
This slew of familiar horror hallmarks — from creepy dolls to haunted barns to hints of demonic possession — often causes Longlegs to unfold with an eerie dream logic, which is perhaps when the movie is at its most effective. However, it constantly returns to its heroine's grounded murder mystery, with twists and turns anchored in literal clues and sleuthing that requires disappointingly little skill, given how the answers to each mystery simply present themselves rather than being carefully uncovered. This detective saga is never as enrapturing as the movie's ethereal detours. While Perkins' trippy visual approach might grip you on occasion, its most intentionally jarring scenes are just as quick to release you from their tension, yielding an aesthetic experiment that quickly goes awry.
Longlegs is lazy in its criminal investigation.A chilling prologue reveals a fleeting glimpse of Cage's Longlegs — a pale, puffy-faced, distinctly clownish killer in a vaguely '70s-ish setting. The premise then shifts focus to the FBI's Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) in the 1990s. A novice agent with a seeming sixth sense, she's the last hope for cracking the case, which has had the agency confounded by its string of ongoing grisly domestic murders.
As the film unfolds, the reserved Harker impresses her boss and pseudo father figure Agent Carter (Blair Underwood), but is also forced to face hidden and forgotten elements of her past by confronting her uber-religious mother (Alicia Witt), with whom she shares a personable but uneasy relationship. While these unusual family bonds make for fertile dramatic ground, the film doesn’t take full thematic advantage of them, opting instead for a more blinkered focus on the details of each case.
Blair Underwood plays Agent Carter in "Longlegs." Credit: NeonThe murder victims are usually families of three or four, and the deaths appear to be cases of coerced murder-suicides, carried out by the respective patriarchs on their daughters’ birthdays. Were it not for the signed and coded letters left behind by Longlegs at each crime scene, the FBI might not have known these killings were connected at all. Lee looks for clues and connective tissue in unexpected places, like the dates of certain crimes, though the movie seldom allows her to chase down forensic leads, and her seeming psychic abilities come into play far less than one might expect.
Perkins' screenplay doesn't feature Lee chasing down evidence. Instead, Longlegs himself — who knows more about Lee than she knows about him — drops off clues at her remote cabin, toying with her through coded letters. This makes for an intriguing wrinkle to their cat-and-mouse game, resulting in a few intense moments when Longlegs is threateningly close by. However, it also halts the movie's momentum as a dramatic procedural. There's little sense of the protagonist's progress or autonomy as she waits around for another delivery.
Serial killer thriller gets mixed with satanism and the supernatural, and too much more.Given his methodology, Longlegs is part Zodiac Killer, part Criminal Minds villain-of-the-week, but as the film unfolds, it reveals a number of other horror entanglements. These aren't inherently unworkable when tossed together. The problem is that Perkins leaves his genre blender running too long, resulting in conceptual sludge.
Maika Monroe plays Agent Lee Harker in "Longlegs." Credit: NeonThere may be religious and satanic elements to these killings, which soon paves the way for other possible horror culprits ranging from the supernatural to cults to the devil himself, and pretty much every trope you can conjure. The result is an imbalanced subgenre mishmash that whips back and forth between several parallel explanations for the killings (and labyrinthine numerology clues), instead of letting its characters and performances take the lead.
Nicolas Cage is brilliant in Longlegs, but short-changed.The film's nerve-racking trailers have effectively hidden Cage's appearance, which is an approach the movie takes as well, and with good reason. Like a creature-feature monster, Longlegs is only shown for a few frames at a time at first, shrouding him and his murders in a surreal mystery. This is an effective approach to making you question whether or not you've fully seen or understood him — made all the more impactful by Cage's work when he's eventually revealed.
The actor’s devious on-screen creation pushes the limits of cinematic believability, with his powdered face, uncanny prosthetics, and pitched-up voice. He essentially plays a caricature of an effeminate-serial-killer throwback, à la Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) in The Silence of the Lambs, or Norman Bates in Psycho (the role made famous by the director's father, Anthony Perkins), albeit without the iffy, outdated transgender entanglements — for better or worse.
Maika Monroe plays Agent Lee Harker in "Longlegs." Credit: NeonThe film doesn't end up replacing this regressive stereotype with anything resembling recognizable motive or psychology, leaving Cage to grasp at straws with his showiness. Longlegs is troublingly magnetic, but his draw is entirely Cage-centric — even under prosthetics that make him unrecognizable. Before long, trying to catch glimpses of Longlegs becomes about enjoying what loopy decisions Cage might make as a performer, from hunched-over body language to sudden, high-pitched wailing. It’s a fun performance showcase, but few of Cage’s choices in crafting this character have much bearing on how the film plays out. Where Levine’s quirks as Buffalo Bill were part of a thematic continuum — a desperate search to become whole, even through violent means — Cage could’ve just as easily made a dozen different, equally bizarre choices without impacting the story.
Osgood Perkins undermines Maika Monroe through script and cinematography.If Cage's over-the-top approach is undercut due to the lack of discernible story anchor, then Monroe's quietly considered performance — brilliant for equal and opposite reasons — is similarly undone. Her stern silence harbors a suppressed anxiety and unease, which, in keeping with her supposed sixth sense, hints at what's really at play with these Longlegs murders. However, there's nowhere for Monroe to go from this starting point, and nothing on which to project or reflect her disturbed sense of mind so that it becomes dramatically fertile. She's stagnant in this purgatory. This is partially because the film's aesthetic approach remains static from the word go. It doesn't evolve to capture Lee's evolving emotional dimensions.
Longlegs starts out with a marvelously conceived visual approach. Its widescreen frame houses flashbacks within a narrower, more photographic 4:3 aspect ratio, a visual mode that effectively disorients the viewer when it starts being used to reveal information that doesn't seem like it could reasonably be part of any character's memory. Along with brief flashes of snakes and close-ups of red and gooey material, this creates a visceral sense of unpredictability at first, enveloping Lee’s waking moments in nightmarish imagery. However, Perkins ends up repeating these tricks so many times — and without any sense of progression — that this well quickly runs dry.
Perkins and cinematographer Andrés Arochi employ wide lenses to warp the space around Lee during both stillness and movement, which works wonders during wide shots of groups in conversation, and during the occasional chase scene (the environment whizzes by). However, this visual M.O. never changes, even when the story demands it. The movie, in the process, very rarely captures a sense of intimacy or introspection. There's one exception to this — Kiernan Shipka, in a minor supporting part, is isolated from the background using the soft focus of telephoto lenses as she delivers a chilling monologue — but no such approach is ever applied to Lee herself. She always feels like a fixture of the movie's backdrop rather than an emotional centerpiece.
Lauren Acala plays young Lee Harker. Credit: NeonIn The Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling's hurdles as a woman in the FBI were made crystal clear through blocking and framing — with methods as simple as having her male colleagues tower over her and glare at her dismissively — but Longlegs explains all this in words, and its blocking is never as thoughtfully considered. Its frame is usually empty except for Lee, even when it isn't using that emptiness for any logistical or psychological purpose.
When Longlegs reaches its emotional climax — set during a scene of mundane domesticity turned on its head — its visual approach feels similarly flimsy. The movie’s numerous gestures toward framing familiar images of nuclear family as chilling or dangerous don’t pack nearly as much of a punch as they ought to. The story tends to skip past this theme as soon as it’s introduced, and its visual presentation doesn’t feature nearly enough visual contrast, either. Rather than subverting the otherwise stark palette through bright and sunny hues, the lighting simply becomes flat and indecisive — which, unfortunately, represents the movie’s larger problems in microcosm. It doesn’t fully (or even partway) commit to its most bone-chilling ideas.
While its use of framing is initially effective, Longlegs quickly rests on its laurels, and swerves helter-skelter in search of new ways to unnerve. Despite hitting a few hair-raising individual notes, the film's rhythm is never truly disturbing. The further it goes on, the more it fails to capture the eye, or the imagination — let alone both in combination. Altogether, Longlegs is an empty film; not in the sense that peering beneath its surface reveals a terrifying void, but rather, in that it betrays a lack of meaning altogether.
There are points in life when you look back on your path and wonder what might have been if you'd taken a different turn. Touch is such a film, but far from a maudlin affair of regret or resignation, it is a resonant tale of love and acceptance. It's the kind of movie that feels like hope in hopeless times. Keep all this in mind as you read what Touch is all about, because it certainly sounds like it'd be a heart-wrencher, not a heart-warmer.
In Iceland, as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to cause lockdowns worldwide, widower Kristofer (Egill Ólafsson) is showing the early signs of dementia. While his adult daughter pleads for him to go to doctor's appointments and stay safely at home, he books an impromptu flight to London. There, he swans from a near-empty hotel — where the workers give him hand sanitizer and serious side-eye — to a tattoo shop, where he gets a Japanese phrase inked on his arm. But why is he here? He's searching for the one that got away, and there's no time like the present.
Based on Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson's novel Touch (or Snerting, in its native Icelandic), this touching drama weaves a story of past and present, unfurling Kristofer's intrepid quest while flashbacks to 50 years before reveal who he seeks and what happened between them. Writing and directing is Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, who has agilely lept genres from crime thrillers like Contraband and 2 Guns to the romantic and surreal biopic Adrift to the Idris Elba–fronted action-adventure Beast. With Touch, he offers a film that traverses decades and the globe with a pace that is steadily propulsive and a sense of romantic enchantment that is contagious.
Touch offers a story of resplendent first love. Kōki stars as Young Miko and Pálmi Kormákur as Young Kristofer in director Baltasar Kormákur’s "Touch." Credit: Lilja Jonsdottir / Focus Features LLCAs I was unfamiliar with the novel, early flashbacks to a warm-hued world of red and gold didn't immediately unlock for me who Kristofer was seeking. I watched this smiling old gentleman meander down London's charming streets, looking upon shops already shuttered or faces covered in protective masks, unsure what exactly he sought. But as Touch leaps back to a twentysomething Kristofer (the filmmaker's son Pálmi Kormákur), a pleasant mystery began to unfold for me. A tall, lanky young man with long hair and a rebellious spirit, Kristofer threatens to quit his university education because of the administration's grim response to student protesters. When a smug (and posh) friend challenges his resolve, pointing out that the Japanese restaurant they're walking by is hiring — why not apply? — Kristofer coolly walks inside. What began as a game becomes serious soon after he meets the proprietor, a diligent chef, devoted father, and lover of haiku poetry named Takashi (Masahiro Motoki).
Within the charming kitchen, Takashi invites Kristofer not only into his employ but also into the family he's built in the restaurant, which includes an opera-singing cook, a cheerfully nosy waitress, and his only daughter, Miko (Kōki), a college student determined to learn about the world beyond her father's protective reach. Perhaps predictably, Kristofer falls for Miko, but also for this community that welcomes him in, and a culture he is hungry to understand. Flirtations happen alongside cooking and language lessons, with the Icelandic man learning to express himself through haiku. Rather than a story of colonization or appropriation, Touch offers a sensitive tale of cross-culture love and respect. But as Kristofer gets closer to Miko, he also comes closer to learning a family secret that will change everything.
Pálmi Kormákur and Kōki are perfectly paired in a splendid romance. Kōki stars as Young Miko and Pálmi Kormákur as Young Kristofer in director Baltasar Kormákur’s "Touch." Credit: Lilja Jonsdottir / Focus Features LLCTouch is an unusual romance in that its male protagonist is not an active pursuer of the object of his affections. In his memories, Kristofer is not some dashing romantic hero, nor is he the pestering sort from '90s rom-coms who lightly stalks a girl to show his interest. Instead, he gives himself over to this place and this experience, saying yes to what is offered. Abandoning the path of college and snobby white students, he takes the job of busboy. He accepts the opportunity to learn how to cook Japanese food. He welcomes the chance to learn the language and its poetry. While he quietly yearns for Miko, he doesn't chase her or assume her interest should mirror his. But she sees in him what we viewers do: Here is a sincere man with a curious mind, an undeniable John Lennon allure, and a deep wealth of love.
In this role, Pálmi Kormákur exudes a quiet contentedness, his soft smile clearly communicating Kristofer's joys in this cozy kitchen and its lovely family. But when Miko is nearby, his eyes gain focus, as if she is the moon, radiant and pulling the tides that direct his life. By contrast, Kōki comes in with a sharpness, a sharp wit, and an attitude that screams of 1969 rebellion, reflected in her miniskirts and maxi ideas. She brings conflict into the kitchen, pulling Kristofer into the ongoing father-daughter battle that is waged there. At first, this tactic is the crude tool of a young adult seeking peer support in a squabble with her father over dating. But eventually, Touch reveals the deeper roots of this tension. Kōki, glowing with charisma, not only captures how easy it is for Kristofer to fall hard for Miko, but also gently unfolds the safely guarded wounds of a daughter harboring generational trauma and a profound fear of alienation.
In bursts, their love is the sunny kind of romantic meals, sun-dappled day trips, and long, loving hours in a battered bed. It's only in the present that Kristofer can realize what his rose-colored glasses overlooked back then.
Egill Ólafsson delivers a slyly brilliant turn in a wonderful third act. Director Baltasar Kormákur on the set of his film "Touch." Credit: Lilja Jonsdottir / Focus Features LLCAt first glance, the elder Kristofer might seem a bit deluded by his romantic notions. The world is falling to pieces around him with shutdowns and fears, yet he goes about unmasked and unbothered. It's not stubborn politics or a defiance against science. Cinematically, Baltasar Kormákur is committed to showing us the literally brave face of his hero, so we don't miss a single emotion. Ólafsson's face often wears a cozy smile, but behind his eyes flicker hope, pain, and shock as he follows the path his younger self could not find. As this aging gentleman moves from old stomping grounds to new terrain, there's the thrill of discovery but also the fear his quest will be in vain. Ólafsson carries this tension in hands that grip a hopeful bouquet of flowers and a step that's slowed with age but remains as earnest as a schoolboy's.
Here I am tempted to spoil the movie for you, to set a worried mind at ease. But that might be a disservice to Touch, even though the film functions less on the tension of the quest and more on the emotional thrust of a man coming to terms with what was. But if you need to know if this story has a happy ending, the answer is yes-ish. By that, I mean Touch has a final act that is sublimely earned by its setup. Addressing issues as far-ranging as dementia, grief, pandemic, broken hearts, and even historical tragedies, this tender drama finds the light, not to ignore the darkness, but to survive it. And this approach bolsters the final sequence, which is a deceptively simple depiction of deep love. However, it's easy to imagine audiences raised on Hollywood's brand of happy endings feeling a bit bereft by it, as Touch doesn't go the sugar-coated candy sweet route. But to do that would be emotionally dishonest in a film that's anything but.
In the end, Touch is a profoundly moving drama about love in many forms. Kristofer's story is centered on romantic love, but through his journey, Kormákur displays an array of loves, be it the different bonds that form between friends who become family, or food that becomes a home to us, or a language that speaks to feelings we didn't know how to name. There are many flashier movies to see this summer, but none will hit you quite like Touch.
I'm in love with the mysterious monsters in Arcadian. The film itself is not really about these creepy critters. It's about a family struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world on their remote farm. In a sci-fi setting, director Ben Brewer crafts a compelling human drama about fathers and sons, siblings, first love, and growing up.
However, the moment this horror-thriller gives its audience a prolonged look at one single limb of its nighttime terrors, I was head over heels. In a world of xenomorphs, Cloverfield monsters, werewolves, and gremlins, I've never seen anything quite like this before. These things are so mesmerizing that they might actually upstage the movie's legendary headliner: the one, the only, the incredible Nicolas Cage. Don't get me wrong; he still makes a meal out of every single line he's given. He is, after all, Nicolas Cage.
SEE ALSO: Nicolas Cage and sons hide from nocturnal monsters in 'Arcadian' trailer What's Arcadian about? Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins plays brothers in Benjamin Brewer's "Arcadian." Credit: RLJE Films and ShudderCage stars as a protective father who lives in an isolated farmhouse with his two 15-year-old sons, Thomas (Lost in Space's Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Y2K’s Jaeden Martell). In the way of brothers, the boys couldn't be more different. Thomas is athletic, outgoing, and impulsive, willing to take risks or break rules to get what he wants — which is chiefly quality time with Charlotte (Saltburn's Sadie Soverall), a clever girl the next farm over. Joseph is an introvert who studies old chess games, fiddles with inventions in the garage, and sheepishly follows his father's every instruction, especially when it comes to their nightly lockdown.
SEE ALSO: 'Arcadian' stars Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins play "Slash or Pass"Arcadian swiftly displays their routine, shuttering every window, bolting every door, leaving not a single crack uncovered. For at night, the creatures come. The family won't give them a name. They won't tell stories of how they came to be, though cheeky Charlotte and lovestruck Thomas play a game called "crappy apocalypse," in which they speculate wildly about how the world came to end. (Clearly, this is a conversation post-apocalyptic parents dread even more than a sex talk.) But the details of what happened that led them here don't matter, because the how has no bearing on the now.
Instead, Arcadian carefully establishes the precious balance struck to survive, and then the harrowing results when it is upset. A brash decision leads to a dangerous accident that blows apart the nightly routine. Father and sons face new challenges as these monsters strike in horrid ways. And all the while, Brewer tantalizes and terrifies us with his epic creations.
Nicolas Cage leads a terrific cast. Nicolas Cage and Maxwell Jenkins star in Benjamin Brewer's "Arcadian." Credit: RLJE Films and ShudderWhile the movie offers Cage the kind of role he could do in his sleep by now — the end-of-the-world hero dad — the American icon brings a grit and gravitas that swiftly establishes the tone of the film.
Martell, who came off underwhelmingly flat in Y2K, vibrates with anxiety and frustration here, his boy genius aching for a chance to prove himself. As Thomas, Jenkins plays the heartthrob, his impulsiveness fueling the movie's romance but also its catastrophes. Thankfully, the script from Michael Nilon gives the love interest more to do than be pretty in the post-apocalypse. Scenes between Charlotte and Thomas not only build a solid story of first love but also the familiar beats of teen rebellion. The scratchy conflict between becoming a grown-up in front of parents who will always see you as a child gives the thriller emotional texture. Without the monsters, Arcadian could have been a lean indie drama that dabbles in sci-fi, like Never Let Me Go, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Prospect, or The Endless. But with the monsters, this movie fucking rules.
The monsters of Arcadian are its most dazzling stars. Sadie Soverall is no damsel in Benjamin Brewer's "Arcadian." Credit: RLJE Films and ShudderTo describe the creatures of Acadian might spoil the fun. Because they look so unusual, they seem to borrow inspiration from just about everything, from Nope to Attack the Block to Arachnophobia to nightmares we just haven't had yet.
It's not just how they look — a snarl of coarse hair, lanky limbs, sharp claws, and gleaming teeth. It's how Brewer presents them in teasing glances. First, a hand hidden in a shadow; which part is the thing itself and which part is just darkness is impossible to determine. The shadows also help Brewer stretch the film's visual effects budget, by hiding CGI seams. But these slight scenes never feel like a cheat because of clever staging. In one scene, a human sleeps in the foreground, while in the back there's the out-of-focus form of the monster, its invasion made all the more atrocious by the sound of it, a slurping, slinking sound that will explode into sharp bangs as its jaws slam like a chattering bear trap. The shadows and sound create a dizzying effect, jolting us back into childhood, cringing under the covers from a mysterious bump in the night.
But the very best monster scene isn’t even one of rampage. Instead, it’s one that shows how sly these mysterious beasts are. It begins with a single latch left unlocked. And what unfurls through a peephole is so sick and so scary that I fear it'll pop up in my bad dreams for years to come, an echo of the outrageous possibilities of doom. It's not so much about what is shown, but how. Brewer has remarkable restraint when it comes to slowly building up to a big reveal of those creepy critters. A wide shot patiently held gives viewers plenty to watch and the time to really wriggle in awful anticipation.
And yet, what comes after is far more spectacular. Like Steven Spielberg did with Jaws, once Brewer has his audience hooked on the high of truly frightening monsters, he throws physics out the window and embraces fire and violence. What these things manage to do in their onslaught is so wild and surprising that I was shrieking in the theater. Out of fear? Out of surprise? Out of excitement? All of it. I'd come for Nic Cage, but I was in awe of these monsters that made me feel like a kid again, discovering the joy of creature features with their furry frights.
Now, some might bemoan that Arcadian takes its time getting to the monsters. But this isn't a shitty B-movie where the beasts are the only good reason to give it a watch. Brewer delicately builds this claustrophobic community not only to set the stage for his scene-stealing creatures, but also to establish how — even at the end of the world — being a teenager sucks in the same old ways. Parents just don't understand. Your home can feel like a cage. The world beyond is terrifying and unknowable, but that doesn't mean you're not ready to take it on.
It's the monsters that bring the big, delicious, funky thrills of Arcadian, sparking screams and gasps and cheers. But it's Cage and his onscreen kids who give the movie stakes and the emotional center that is required for a great monster movie, be it Jaws or Alien.
Simply put, Arcadian is a rollicking thrill ride, fueled by creature-feature thrills. But what makes this good movie pretty damn great is the human story at its heart, which is compelling on its own.
Arcadian is now streaming on Shudder.
UPDATE: Jul. 11, 2024, 12:24 p.m. EDT "Arcadian" was originally reviewed out of SXSW 2024, on March 14, 2024, and has since been updated for its theatrical release and now as our Watch of the Week to coincide with its debut on Shudder.
It's time for a good ol' Watch Series 9 vs. Watch Ultra 2 face-off. As Amazon Prime Day gears up for its official start on July 16, you may be wondering which Apple Watch fits your needs the most. And with the Series 9 already on sale before Prime Day even begins, it might actually be the time to pull the trigger on an Apple Watch.
It's not really in dispute that Apple makes some of the best smartwatches around, but which one is right for you?
As usual, that depends on multiple factors like features, battery life, and perhaps most importantly, price. This year's two new entries into the Apple Watch line, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, both seem like excellent choices, but not for the same kind of person.
One is more of a general-use device while the other is definitely geared towards the more adventurous among us. Here's how Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 compare to one another.
SEE ALSO: Where to buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 before they're pulled from Apple's shelves Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Watch Ultra 2: Price Series 9 won't set you back nearly as much as Ultra 2. Credit: AppleAs one might expect, the Series 9 is a good deal cheaper than the Ultra 2.
To be more specific, Series 9 starts at $399, while the Ultra 2 has just one available model at $799. There are, of course, some hidden costs with the Series 9 that aren't present with the Ultra 2, which comes with all the possible bells and whistles you could want. With Series 9, adding extra flourishes like a stainless-steel case (the default is aluminum) and cellular LTE coverage can balloon the total cost up to a staggering $749, the same ballpark as the Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Series 9 (starting price): $399
Apple Watch Series Ultra: $799
At that point, why not just get an Ultra 2, right? But not everyone needs every feature. For someone who just wants an excuse to look at their phone less and count their daily steps, the $399 Series 9 will do just fine.
Winner: Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 $299.00 at AmazonApple Watch is arguably the most customizable product Apple sells, with a variety of case materials, colors, and watch bands to choose from. For this category, we'll just stick with the inherent design features of each device because going through every single permutation would take forever.
Unsurprisingly, Ultra 2 is one step ahead. Its titanium case is going to be more durable than the aluminum and stainless steel options on Series 9, though that may not matter if you're not a hiker or athlete. Meanwhile, the Ultra 2's 49mm case is slightly bigger than the 45mm or 41mm varieties of the Series 9. This means the display is also ever-so-slightly larger, offering more screen real estate than the Series 9.
SEE ALSO: Apple pauses sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 over patent disputeThe real secret weapon in the Ultra 2's arsenal, though, is the programmable action button on the watch's side. You can make it activate pretty much any app shortcut you want — the Series 9 doesn't have this button at all. It's arguably the one feature the Ultra 2 has that is useful to everyone, not just people who enjoy hiking, so it's a bummer that the Series 9 doesn't have it.
Winner: Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Ultra 2: Features Depth sensing! Credit: AppleA look at Apple's official comparison website for the different Apple Watch models is illuminating. Despite the big difference in (starting) price, these two devices have almost all of the same basic features.
For instance, both (obviously) support Siri and the new Double Tap feature. Health features are also the same across the board, with both watches supporting blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, heart rate notifications, skin temperature sensing, and cycle tracking.
The differences lie in the margins, and of course, the Ultra wins again by default. It comes with LTE built-in (it's an optional add-on for Series 9) and can sink to a depth of 100m underwater, 50m more than Series 9. It's also got a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, so diving fanatics don't have much of a choice here. Oh, and there's an emergency siren on Ultra 2 for, well, emergencies. Series 9 doesn't have that.
But again, you may not need any of those things. I know I don't.
Winner: Ultra 2
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Ultra 2: Battery life Ultra 2 easily has a better battery than Series 9. Credit: AppleThe easiest category yet.
Series 9 has a runtime of up to 18 hours on a full charge and up to 36 hours on low-power mode.
Ultra 2 is rated for literally twice that much: 36 hours by default and 72 hours on low-power mode. This is one upgrade that everyone benefits from, not just lovers of the great outdoors.
Winner: Ultra 2
The verdictAs is customary with device comparisons featuring two gadgets that are so disparate in price, the more expensive one looks better on paper. Apple Watch Ultra 2 is bigger, more durable, longer-lasting, and has more features than Series 9. It's also not for everyone.
Ultra 2 is definitely made with outdoorsy adventuring types in mind. It's for people who might feasibly get lost in the woods or need to measure depth while diving in the ocean. I am certainly not one of those people and I'd venture to guess you might not be either. If that's the case, there's nothing wrong with Apple Watch Series 9; it's cheaper and has almost all of the same software features as Ultra 2.
But still, this is a competition and someone has to win. Congratulations, Apple.
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (but Series 9 is fine for most people too)
There are those in America who would have you believe there is no place in country western culture for LGBTQ+ folk. These people might put forth that the cowboy is the ultimate sign of traditional masculinity. They might suggest that life on a ranch is so hard, it's definitively heteronormative. They might sneer there's no room for drag at a rodeo. Those people will hate National Anthem.
For his feature debut, co-writer/director Luke Gilford found inspiration in his experiences as a queer kid coming up in a rodeo family and his professional photography capturing queer rodeo. National Anthem is a tale not of culture clash but of culture combining. Through the story of a lonely young man, this drama explores a side of Americana that is rural and rhinestones, true grit and truly gay. There, he will not only find his first love, but also himself.
SEE ALSO: LGBTQ spaces are needed now more than ever. Here’s what people mapping them have to say. What's National Anthem about? Credit: TIFFCharlie Plummer stars as Dylan, an introverted 21-year-old cowboy who works long days in construction to provide for his oft-drunk single mom (Robyn Lively) and his jolly little brother. His life is one of sacrifice. He gives his time, money, and patience to their needs while ignoring his own. That is, until he meets the burly Pepe (Rene Rosado) and the breezy Sky (Bros' Eve Lindley).
Deep down a dirt road in New Mexico, this polyamorous couple owns a ranch called House of Splendor. There, they live with their found family, which includes gay and trans members as well as a nonbinary drag queen with a fairy godmother vibe (The Sandman's Mason Alexander Park). From day one, Dylan can't help but stop and stare in awe of these free spirits, who ride horseback in shimmering gowns, dance about in their underwear unashamed, and laugh loud and proud like no one in his home has ever. But it's radiant Sky who steals his heart.
As the group welcomes him into their fold — and to the queer rodeo where they compete for shiny belt buckles — Dylan begins to come out of his shell. A bit of blue eye makeup there, a no-judgment conversation there, and soon he's happier than his mom has ever seen him. This raises her suspicions, especially as he begins to take his little brother out on day trips with his new friends.
National Anthem is a hazy dream of young love. Credit: TIFFThe screenplay by Kevin Best, Luke Gilford, and David Largman Murray is light on plot, focusing half-heartedly on Dylan's infatuation with Sky — and to a lesser extent, Pepe. They will flirt, fuck, and share their feelings — with cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi capturing passion and fervent fondling in yearning close-ups. The chemistry between this threesome is heady and hot, reminiscent of European movies of the '60s and '70s, with a glossy polish of perfectly gorgeous leads and a warm color palette that relishes flushed flesh. However, this movie is bigger than their romance — and is not concerned with labeling its characters within the LGBTQ spectrum.
The film gives voice to its reticent protagonist, the kind of cowboy too often overlooked in country western culture. Dylan's longing isn't hidden among the subtext of gunplay, like in Howard Hawks' Red River. His desire has neither twisted him into a vengeful parody of hetero-machismo, like in The Power of the Dog, nor bent him into a muttering, miserable figure of tragedy, as in Brokeback Mountain. And it hasn't instantly transformed him into a glittering gay cowboy icon, like Lil Nas X in "Old Town Road." His journey involves drug store makeup, cheap wigs, and a clumsy yet powerful lip-synch performance. Surrounding Dylan at the rodeo, there is only love — in a dizzying montage of crop tops and cowboy hats, burly bears making out as their belt buckles bump, while a resplendent Black drag queen in a sequined gown and crisp ten-gallon hat sings the national anthem. Rather than offering up a tidy narrative, Gilford gives his audience a safe space that's majestic in its natural beauty of sprawling terrain and the unapologetic glamor and sensuality of its queer rodeo folk.
Therein lies National Anthem's greatest virtue. While many, many narratives of queerness in America — especially those set in traditionally conservative spaces — center on tragedy, National Anthem is about queer joy. There are moments in which this found family shares the heartbreak and ostracism they've suffered from homophobic parents. But these characters are shown as far more than queer and tragic. They are joyous. They are creative. They are resilient. Whether strutting on a stage or communing with a persnickety stallion, they are at home in this place. And we are invited in to experience the bliss of House of Splendor.
Grounded by vulnerable yet effervescent performances, National Anthem is a celebration of rural queerness. It's not a rallying cry, but instead a firm declaration of existence and the pursuit of happiness. Wrapped in the sunny hues of the New Mexican desert and floating on the charisma of a sexy and vulnerable ensemble, this drama charts its own path with clear eyes and queer hearts.
National Anthem is in theaters now.
UPDATE: Jul. 11, 2024, 2:07 p.m. EDT "National Anthem" was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival in this article, originally published on Sept. 14, 2023. The review was updated to contain information about the film's theatrical release.
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Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for July 12's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Peanut butter brand.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter F appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle...
JIFFY.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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