- Help
- Google+
TL;DR: Live stream Wales vs. South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Autumn Nations Series has been really entertaining this year, but Wales will want to forget all about it. Unfortunately for the struggling side, it doesn't exactly get any easier this weekend. South Africa are coming to town, fresh from beating Scotland and England. It might be a long night for the Welsh.
If you want to watch Wales vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Wales vs. South Africa?Wales vs. South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series kicks off at 5:40 p.m. GMT on Nov. 23. This fixture takes place at the Millennium Stadium.
How to watch Wales vs. South Africa for freeWales vs. South Africa is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to stream the Autumn Nations Series for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Wales vs. South Africa for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Wales vs. South Africa for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Autumn Nations Series without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Wales vs. South Africa (plus more Autumn Nations Series fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Wales vs. South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Detroit Pistons have surprised a lot of people in the early stages of the NBA season. They've made their best start in years, finally giving fans a reason to be hopeful.
Of course, things could quickly derail after a few difficult matchups. And a trip to play the Orlando Magic is particularly tough. The Magic are competing near the top of the standings, and will be confident of securing another win at home.
If you want to watch Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons?Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 23. This game takes place at the Kia Center.
How to watch Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons for freeOrlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons is available to live stream for free on Ran.de in Germany.
If you're traveling outside of Germany during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this free live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons for free on Ran.de by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany
Visit Ran.de
Watch Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Germany
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Did you hear that?These words are onomatopoeia.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are things you might hear.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is SoundEffects
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 23Crunch
Crash
Sizzle
Jingle
Kapow
Honk
Bang
SoundEffects
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 23 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow - Famous footwear
Green - Tools of an olympic trade
Blue - Famous racers
Purple - Guest stars
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow - Running shoe brands
Green - First words of gymnastics apparatuses
Blue - F1 Champions
Purple - "Seinfeld" sports cameos
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #61 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayRunning shoe brands: ADIDAS, ASICS, NIKE, SAUCONY
First words of gymnastics apparatuses: BALANCE, PARALLEL, POMMEL, UNEVEN
F1 Champions: ALONSO, HAMILTON, VERSTAPPEN, VETTEL
"Seinfeld" sports cameos: HERNANDEZ, JETER, O'NEILL, SHOWALTER
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 23 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yello: Narrative
Green: Ooze
Blue: Impaled objects
Purple: Colors associated with anarchism
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Telling of Events
Green: Secreted by Trees
Blue: Things on Sticks
Purple: Black or Red
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #531 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayTelling of Events - ACCOUNT, CHRONICLE, DESCRIPTION, STORY
Secreted by Trees - GUM, LATEX, RESIN, SAP
Things on Sticks - BALL-IN-CUP, CORN DOG, COTTON SWAB, LOLLIPOP
Black or Red - BALANCE SHEET, CHECKERS, LICORICE, ROULETTE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 23 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.
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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Jam.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one reoccurring letter.
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 is...
JELLY.
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.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Far-right influencer and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate has become the target of an anonymous hacktivist group. Sensitive data from hundreds of thousands of subscribers to Tate’s “online university” was stolen.
On Thursday, hackers announced their breach of Tate's "The Real World" website by flooding the private members' chatroom with pro-feminist emojis and transgender pride flags, as first reported by DailyDot. The hackers also uploaded an emoji featuring an AI-generated photo of Tate with an exaggerated rear end, draped in the trans pride flag. Tate was streaming on the right-wring video platform Rumble while the hackers took over his website's primary chatroom.
Tate promotes "The Real World" as an online course that teaches his fans how to make money on the internet. The site promotes income streams such as online marketing, e-commerce, cryptocurrency trading, and more. Tate charges users $49.99 per month for the online course, which includes access to a community of other Tate fans and subscribers.
Tate is currently under house arrest as Romanian authorities investigate him and his brother for alleged sex crimes, money laundering, and human trafficking.
SEE ALSO: Andrew Tate is affecting what kids believe about relationships Andrew Tate fans' data stolenDespite Tate's legal issues, he has managed to grow a substantial fanbase online. His website claims to have 113,000 active subscribers, which, as Daily Dot notes, would generate a monthly income of $5.65 million.
The hackers described the breach as an act of hacktivism, claiming it was made possible by what they called the “hilariously insecure” state of Tate’s website. Once the hackers had access to "The Real World," they were able to “to upload emojis, delete attachments, crash everyone’s clients, and temporarily ban people."
Hackers were able to steal approximately 794,000 usernames that appear to belong to both the site's current and former members. In addition, the hackers have 324,382 email addresses that belong to users who were removed or failed to pay for their subscription. The contents of the site's 221 public and 395 private chat servers were also copied by the hackers.
Tate fans can check if they were affected by the breach via Have I Been Pwned, a website that alerts users when their data has been compromised. The hackers reportedly provided the stolen data to the platform.
I’ve always been a little bit of a skeptic when it comes to Amazon Echo devices. Most of my family were early adopters — even my parents have multiple Echos throughout their home — but, while I love the concept of a fully integrated smart home, I wasn’t really sure if adding an Alexa device would really “level up” my experience. While I use (and love) things like WiFi-enabled lights and a smart thermostat, I was satisfied with using my iPhone to help me control all of these devices. When I got the opportunity to try out the 3rd generation of the Amazon Echo Show 10, however, I was able to see for myself if it was just a glorified speaker or something more robust.
Everything you need to know about the Echo Show 10Straight out of the box, the Echo Show 10 was a quick and easy install. Once I decided where it was going to live on my kitchen counter, it only took a few minutes to connect it to my WiFi, give it access to my Amazon account, and install a few updates before it was ready to go.
SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift cardWith a 10.1-inch HD screen, the Echo Show 10 offered several features that wowed me straight away. Not only is the speaker quality surprisingly good — especially compared to the Amazon Echo Show 15, which I also tested — the motion tracking was incredibly robust. I liked watching the device learn its limitations by testing the range of motion so it wouldn’t bump into any obstacles on the counter, and — once it was completed — I loved how the screen would follow me around the kitchen.
The Echo Show 10 is a star in the kitchen. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable What I loved about the Echo Show 10Using the Echo Show 10 was an incredible experience. I found myself starting my day with Alexa — usually with the weather, a piece of good news, and one of my favorite playlists on Spotify, which I kept playing throughout most of the day. The speaker quality was great and way more convenient than my go-to Bluetooth speaker, and it did a great job of knowing when to switch from the Show to my Apple Airpods when I walked out the door for the day.
Compared to the Show 15, there were several key features that really surprised me about the Show 10. One, the camera quality was fantastic. I loved being able to “drop in” and check on my dogs or chat with my husband, and it was super convenient to see the motion tracking follow him around the kitchen so he didn’t have to stop what he was doing to talk to me. Obviously, the built-in speaker was much better (which wasn’t much of a surprise, considering the Show 10’s base actually is a speaker compared to the tiny built-in speaker of the Show 15), and I liked being able to move and tilt the screen as needed.
Despite the fact that it took up some valuable real estate in my relatively small kitchen, I found that I was grateful to have the device there. Weirdly enough, I was using my phone less because I could rely on the Echo for small things like setting a timer, looking up answers to my questions, or simply checking my calendar so I was able to “detach” from my device and be a little more present.
What I didn’t like about the Echo Show 10Honestly? Not much.
Yes, the base is a little bulky, and the offset camera meant the tracking is slightly offset. However, neither of these felt like dealbreakers to me. The Show 10 also wasn’t quite as responsive as the Show 15, so I found myself needing to repeat commands in order to get Alexa to hear me.
Despite these things — and the smaller screen size — I found myself gravitating toward the Show 10 compared to the Show 15, even if that meant watching Netflix on a much smaller screen while cooking dinner.
The camera has a physical cover for added privacy. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Is the Echo Show 10 worth it?Personally, I loved using the Echo Show 10. It was the perfect starter device for someone who hasn’t purchased an Echo yet, and there were several features — including the speaker quality, camera, and motion tracking capabilities — that made it a truly joyful experience. Compared to the Echo Show 15, the Show 10 felt like a more “polished” device that was well thought out and incredibly well-made, and I’m glad to sacrifice some counter space to make it part of my home.
Google's Pixel Tablet once felt like a solid contender in a crowded market. But apparently, it didn’t make enough of a splash, as the follow-up might have been canceled.
Android Authority reported on Thursday that the so-called Pixel Tablet 2 has been canceled internally at Google before it was ever officially announced. The timing on this report is a bit strange for multiple reasons.
Firstly, just last week, Android Authority reported that the Pixel Tablet 2 was in the works, boasting upgrades like a better camera, a more powerful processor, and compatibility with a keyboard cover — all significant changes over the original Pixel Tablet.
SEE ALSO: Google could be forced to sell Chrome browser by DOJ antitrust lawsuitSecondly, a separate report this week from Android Headlines indicated that the Pixel Tablet 3 (which obviously we know even less about at this stage) was canceled. However, Android Authority’s sources clarified that the canceled device was actually believed to be the Pixel Tablet 2. At this point, it’s unclear whether Google is actively developing any Pixel Tablets. While that doesn’t definitively mean they aren’t, it does leave us without answers.
Why the Pixel Tablet 2 might not happenGoogle pulling the plug on the Pixel Tablet line would surely be disappointing for some people. The original Pixel Tablet had genuine novelty among tablets, thanks to the inclusion of a charging speaker dock with every device. For me, the Pixel Tablet was a desktop media device rather than something I held in my hands. Combine that with seamless integration with other Pixel and Nest devices, and you've got something that has real utility.
Unfortunately, perhaps the tablet market is just too crowded, thanks to the likes of Samsung and Apple. Android Authortiy's report also suggested that Google didn't think the Pixel Tablet 2 would do well financially. The lack of cellular connectivity and a lackluster 60Hz display likely didn’t do it any favors either.
Stay safe on the road this holiday season with a dash cam. These models are on sale ahead of Black Friday now:
Best Black Friday dash cam deals Best Dash Cam Deal Nextbase 622GW $249.99 (Save $108) Get Deal Best Mid-Range Dash Cam Deal Vantrue N4 $181.99 (Save $108) Get Deal Best Budget Dash Cam Deal Garmin Mini 2 $99.99 (Save $30) Get DealIf you're planning on doing some holiday travel this month or next, you're going to need to watch out for others on the road even more than you normally would. The hustle and bustle of the season is here, and driving a car is already dangerous. Why not protect yourself with a dash cam while you're zipping around from point A to point B? As with many other items, Black Friday is the best time to buy one, and there are plenty on sale right now.
Whether you need to replace the camera you already have or you're thinking about giving a gift to a friend or family member, you can get a great deal on one of these cams to help record minor incidents that you want to take a look at later or even major crashes or accidents that you might need for insurance purposes.
Below, find some of our favorite picks for the best Black Friday dash cam deals you can shop right now.
Best dash cam deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam $249.99 at AmazonThis Nextbase dash cam is an all-rounder that's great in most situations. It offers excellent, crystal-clear 4K footage that works for any purpose you might need it for, and comes through even when you're driving in inclement weather with great low-light video and slow-motion footage that's perfect for capturing license plate information and so on. It has a 3-inch touchscreen, digital image stabilization, and a polarizing filter to help make capturing on-the-road video a breeze. It can also capture your location in the unfortunate event you're in an accident and send on details automatically so help can be on the way before your situation changes.
Best mid-range dash cam deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Vantrue N4 $181.99 at AmazonThe Vantrue N4 is a mid-range camera, but it feels luxurious with multiple options that make capturing video in your car an absolute breeze. It has a front-facing and cabin-facing camera as well as one for the rearview, so every area is covered. Though it doesn't have 4K resolution, it still offers some great features like collision and motion detection, low bit-rate and low frame rate recording modes to extend its battery life, and recording in low-light conditions. It also won't break the bank, and for this price it's well worth adding to every trip you take in your vehicle.
Best budget dash cam deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Garmin Mini 2 $99.99 at AmazonIf you don't need all the bells and whistles that its brethren offer and want to spend a bit less money, the Garmin Mini 2 is a great option as far as compact dash cams go. It's small and stays out of the way, offering 1080p video with parking crash and crash detection video options. Just set it up and let it ride, and it automatically records each outing in your car. It's lacking some of the most sophisticated features like sending your information to emergency services, but if you need a dash cam quickly and you don't want to spend too much, Garmin has you covered. Plus, its companion app is great, too.
'Tis the season for streaming. Black Friday is one of the best times (if not the best time) to sign up for streaming services, as you can typically score some serious savings on monthly membership fees. In years past, we've seen Hulu offer 99 cent subscriptions and Max offer six months of streaming for $2.99 per month. So, if history is any indication, we're in for a treat in 2024 — especially since prices have skyrocketed over the past year.
While the standalone streaming services you know and love (think Hulu, Peacock, Max, etc.) have yet to announce their deals for Black Friday, Amazon's sale has kicked up some early deals on some streamers if you choose to subscribe as a Prime Video add-on. That means you'll need a Prime membership or an existing Prime Video account in order to snag these discounts up to 75% off.
If you're not a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber, stay tuned for more Black Friday streaming deals to come in the next week. As for now, here are the best Black Friday streaming deals live for Prime members. We'll update this list with the latest and greatest deals as they drop.
Best Black Friday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $10 per month) Get Deal Why we like itTypically $12.99 per month, you can score Paramount+ with Showtime for just $2.99 per month for your first two months as a Prime Video add-on. That saves you $20 total and gets you unlimited, ad-free access to the entire Paramount+ catalog, plus Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football. Paramount+ is home to NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, CBS originals like Ghosts, Survivor, and Big Brother, old Nickelodeon and MTV shows, and Paramount's latest theatrical releases like A Quiet Place: Day One and Smile 2 (coming soon). For just under $6, you can binge a whole lot of stuff over the next two months. After the promo period, the cost will jump back up to $12.99 per month, so be sure to cancel before that if you want to avoid charges.
More Black Friday streaming dealsAMC+ with ads — $1.25/month for two months $4.99/month (save $3.74/month)
AMC+ ad-free — $2.25/month for two months $8.99/month (save $6.74/month)
BET+ Premium — $2.75/month for two months $10.99 per month (save $8.24/month)
BritBox — $2.25/month for two months $8.99/month (save $6.74/month)
Discovery+ with ads — $1.25/month for two months $4.99/month (save $3.74/month)
Discovery+ ad-free — $2.25/month for two months $8.99/month (save $6.74/month)
Hallmark+ — $2/month for two months $7.99 per month (save $5.99/month)
MGM+ — $1.75/month for two months $6.99 per month (save $5.24/month)
PBS Masterpiece — $1.50/month for two months $5.99/month (save $4.49/month)
Starz — $2.75/month for two months $10.99/month (save $8.24/month)
Apple’s promised Siri overhaul likely won’t be fully realized until 2026.
A new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a Siri LLM to compete with ChatGPT. But it won't be ready until the iOS 19 and macOS 16 software updates, likely announced in 2025 and released in spring 2026.
The tech giant has been scrambling to update its dated voice assistant in the generative AI era, which has seen the rise of ChatGPT and competitors like Google Gemini.
SEE ALSO: Apple's smarter, AI-infused Siri may not come until 2025 What to expect from Siri’s AI overhaulApple announced a slew of new AI features as part of Apple Intelligence at WWDC last spring, including an updated Siri. But, "the company has yet to truly overhaul the software," said Gurman, adding "the upgrades that accompanied Apple Intelligence were mostly cosmetic."
So far, these have been part of iOS 18 updates, including a new glowing interface, the ability to type to Siri, and forthcoming integration with user data to perform personalized tasks based on emails, calendar events, and messages.
Tweet may have been deletedThe project, internally dubbed "LLM Siri" will reportedly rebuild Siri from the ground up, as an LLM (Large Language Model) that is trained on mass corpora of data. A Siri trained on advanced Apple AI models will "allow for back-and-forth conversations" and "interact more like a human and handle tasks in a way that’s closer to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini," said Gurman.
Even though Apple is developing its own Siri LLM, the company has partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to iPhones as a third party tool with the iOS 18.2 update in December. Apple has also shared plans to partner with Google to provide Gemini as an alternative chatbot. The idea is to give Apple users a buffet of choices depending on the chatbot's specialities and offerings. On a related note, Apple is touting Apple Intelligence as privacy-minded, running tasks on-device and asking users if they want to proceed with a third-party option.
iOS 18.2 will be the biggest update so far, since it will include ChatGPT features that work with Siri, and other Apple Intelligence features like Genmoji and Image Playground. So for now, Apple is relying on OpenAI's chatbot to handle some of the more advanced generative AI tasks. The iOS 18.2 update is expected within the first two weeks of December.
It's not even officially Black Friday yet, and the deals for monitors are honestly good enough to start shopping right now. Whether you're looking to add a little something to your work-from-home setup or hoping to give your gaming experience a serious upgrade, there are a ton of live deals that you'll definitely want to take a look at.
From minimalistic office displays to gaming machines that are big on spectacle, take a look at our top monitor deal picks ahead of Black Friday 2024. Be sure to keep checking back, too, because we'll be updating this page with even more deals throughout the massive holiday shopping event.
SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday laptop deals: Score record lows on the M4 MacBook Pro and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Best monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27MS500-B 27-inch FHD Monitor $99.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for a new work-from-home monitor on a budget, this LG model is only $99.99 ahead of Black Friday ($30 off the original price). The 27-inch, 1080p monitor doesn't have too many bells and whistles, but still packs a lot of value at this price — including a 100Hz refresh rate, an ergonomic tilting design, a Reader Mode, and more.
More monitor dealsPhilips 22-inch 1080p Monitor — $59.49 $69.99 (save $10.50)
Samsung 27-inch T35F Series FHD Monitor — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)
HP 23.8-inch FHD Computer Monitor — $109 $159.99 (save $50.99)
Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 Series FHD Monitor — $109.99 $179.99 (save $70)
Dell S2425HS 23.8-inch Monitor — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)
Dell SE2722HX 27-inch Monitor — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)
Dell S3222HN 31.5-inch Curved Monitor — $129.89 $199.99 (save $70.10)
ViewSonic VX3276-MHD 32-inch 1080p Monitor — $143.99 $169.99 (save $26)
LG UltraWide WFHD 29-Inch Monitor — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
LG 32MR50C-B Curved Monitor 32-Inch FHD — $154.99 $179.99 (save $25)
LG 27US500-W Ultrafine 27-inch Monitor — $176.99 $249.99 (save $73)
Samsung 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultrawide QHD Monitor — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)
LG 34WP60C-B 34-Inch Curved UltraWide QHD Monitor — $229.99 $349.99 (save $120)
Samsung Viewfinity S65UA Series 34-Inch Ultrawide QHD Curved Monitor — $379.99 $539.99 (save $160)
Curved gaming monitors are all the rage these days, and Samsung's Odyssey line is amongst the most popular of its kind. This 32-inch model from Samsung is just $349.99 leading up to Black Friday, which is a whole $350 off the list price. In addition to the immersive curved design, the Odyssey BG65 monitor also has a 240Hz refresh rate with 1ms response times, a QHD resolution, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and much more to make for a smooth and effortless gaming experience. Don't miss out on this deal.
More gaming monitor dealsSceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor — $74.97 $99.97 (save $25)
Samsung Odyssey 27-Inch G3 Series FHD Gaming Monitor — $128.99 $229.99 (save $101)
Dell S2721HGF 27-inch Gaming Monitor — $149.99 $229.99 (save $80)
LG 32GS60QC-B Ultragear 32-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $189.99 $299.99 (save $110)
Samsung Odyssey 27-inch Gaming Monitor — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)
Acer Nitro 31.5-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)
LG UltraGear QHD 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $239.99 $399.99 (save $170)
Acer Nitro 34-inch UWQHD Curved Gaming Monitor — $249.99 $308.01 (save $58.02)
Alienware 25 FHD Gaming Monitor — $254.99 $349.99 (save $95)
Corsair Xeneon 27-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor — $499.99 $999.99 (save $400)
Alienware AW3225QF 31.6-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $899.99 $1,199.99 (save $300)
Samsung Odyssey G93SC Series OLED 49-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $949.99 $1,599.99 (save $650)
Samsung Odyssey 57-inch Neo G9 Series 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor — $1,599.99 $2,499.99 (save $900)
SAVE 80%: Wayfair is offering up to 80% off during its early Black Friday sale. Shop mattresses, furniture, and more.
Best Wayfair Black Friday deals Best mattress deal Sealy Cool 12-inch Medium Hybrid Mattress (Queen) $449.99 at Wayfair (save $650) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Professional 72-ounce countertop blender $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best holiday decor deal Holiday Aisle pre-lit 7.5-foot flocked artificial Christmas tree $169.99 (save $246.90) Get DealIt’s official: Every retailer on the internet is doing some kind of Black Friday sale. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and now Wayfair have all launched what I’m calling a discount extravaganza (cue Ru Paul’s voice).
SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and moreYou can get up to 80% off seasonal decor, furniture, mattresses, and more during the Wayfair Black Friday sale. There are tens of thousands of discounted items across nearly every category Wayfair sells, and we’re here for it.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wayfair’s Black Friday sale:
When does Wayfair’s Black Friday sale start?Wayfair's Black Friday sale officially kicked off on Nov. 21 and will run through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Is Way Day better than Black Friday?Way Day usually out-deals Black Friday when it comes to home goods, so you can find great deals during Wayfair’s Black Friday sale.
Way Day is Wayfair’s biggest sale of the year, usually taking place in the spring around Mother’s Day. Wayfair hosted two Way Day events this year — one in May and one in October (to compete with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days).
How long is the Wayfair Black Friday sale?Wayfair’s Black Friday sale ends Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
The best deals to shop during Wayfair’s Black Friday saleWayfair’s Black Friday sale is packed with deals. To help you figure out which ones are worth shopping for, we parsed through the pages and found the best deals on furniture, decor, and more:
Best mattress deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sealy Sealy Cool 12-inch Medium Hybrid Mattress (Queen) with CopperChill Technology $449.99 at WayfairYou can snag a Sealy Cool 12-inch Medium Hybrid Mattress (Queen) with CopperChill Technology for just $449.99, which is cheaper than it was during the Way Day sale in May. That’s a 59% discount or $650 in savings.
This mattress is ideal for hot sleepers who prefer a bed that’s not too soft but firm. The Sealy CopperChill gel-infused memory foam is comfortable and helps prevent night sweats. It’s also backed by a 10-year limited warranty, just in case.
More Black Friday mattress dealsSealy Cool 8-inch Firm Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) — $293.99 $719.20 (save $425.21)
Sealy Cool 10-inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) — $329.99 $799.20 (save $469.21)
Sealy Essentials Oak Street 13" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Mattress — $899.99 $1,240 (save $340.01)
The Ninja Professional 72-ounce countertop blender is on sale for $59.99, down from $99.99. That’s 40% off and just $10 higher than Amazon’s all-time low price, according to our trusty price-checking tool CamelCamelCamel.
This blender has a powerful 1,000-watt motor and comes with a 72-ounce total crushing pitcher to make smoothies, frozen drinks, and more. You can probably make dips and salsas in it, too (depending on the ingredients and consistency you're going for).
Note: This is one of Wayfair’s “Deal of the Day” deals, so it might not be available at this price tomorrow. But Amazon matched the price, so if you can’t decide right now, you might be able to find it over there.
More Black Friday kitchen dealsLe Creuset Stoneware 8 oz. Mini Round Cocotte — $21.95 $24.39 (save $2.44)
Ninja Blast 18oz. Portable Cordless Blender — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)
Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Square Dishes — $57.95 $75 (save $17.05)
Le Cruset 1.7 Qt. Enamel on Steel Whistling Tea Kettle — $91 $114.95 (save $23.95)
STAUB Ceramic 3 Pc. Set (Pie & 2Pc Rect Dish) — $129.99 $1187 (save $57.01)
Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System Tea and Coffee Maker with Auto-iQ — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
SMEG 50's Retro Style 10-Cup Drip Coffee Machine — $199.95 $290 (save $90.05)
— $449.99 $290 (save $90.05)
SMEG 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Semi-Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine — $799.95 $1,100 (save $300.05)
The Holiday Aisle pre-lit 7.5-foot flocked artificial Christmas tree is on sale for $169.99. That’s 59% off the list price, or roughly $250 in savings.
This pre-lit tree has more than 1,000 positive reviews on Wayfair. Reviewers say it’s even more beautiful in person, is easy to set up, and looks great even without ornaments. If you need a smaller or larger size, it sells up to 12 feet and down to 4.5 feet.
More Black Friday seasonal decor dealsThe Holiday Aisle Norwood Fir Garland with Clear Lights — $22.99 $28.99 (save $6)
Primrue 26-inch Fall Thanksgiving Day Peony Floral Wreath — $54.99 $72.99 (save $18)
The Holiday Aisle Fantastical Grinch-Style Artificial Pre-Lit Tree — $131.99 $148.99 (save $17)
GET 20% OFF: Ruggable Holiday Steals Sale is offering 20% off on gorgeous winter rugs with code HOLLY24.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable Holiday Steals Sale Take 20% off select rugs with code HOLLY24 Shop NowReady for a holiday home redo? Ruggable’s Holiday Steals Sale is here just in time. Ruggable is the go-to for washable rugs that bridge the gap between durability and design.
The Ruggable Holiday Steals Sale features winter designs like the Morris & Co. Blackthorn Forest Green Tufted Rug and traditional Christmas designs like the Festive Garland Multicolor Tufted Rug. Shop the Holiday sale and take 20% off using the code HOLLY24.
SEE ALSO: Finally live: Amazon's official Black Friday sale, and a ton of new deals are hereWhen we tested Ruggable we were beyond impressed, finding them to be plush, attractive and deeply resilient. Resistant to spills and pet messes alike, they’re perfect for a busy home where the forces of holiday chaos reign and dogs chew up toys.
An important part of Ruggable is what exists beneath. Ruggable rugs lay overtop pads that hold them in place or add cushioning depending on preference.
Shop now to get 20% off of cozy holiday rugs at the Ruggable Holiday Steals Sale which runs concurrent to Black Friday sales elsewhere.
Whether you’re looking for a large rug to cover a whole living room, or a small rug to live at the foot of the sink, Ruggable has you covered. Ruggable designs can be sized to preference. If you like a design, you’ll be able to purchase a variation of it in a size that works for your room. The Holiday Steals Sale also has festive outdoor mats like the Holiday Reindeer Doormat.
Genmoji is one of the most highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features arriving to iOS 18. A portmanteau of "generative AI" and "emoji," Genmoji allows you to create your own emoji with text prompts.
But the question is, when is Genmoji coming out?
As of this writing, Genmoji is currently available for testing via a beta version of iOS 18. We have a guide on how to use Genmoji, which includes steps on how to get on the Apple Intelligence waitlist — a necessary step for experimenters before accessing Genmoji. In other words, Genmoji is testable, but it's not quite ready for primetime.
SEE ALSO: How to use Genmoji on iOS 18 When is Genmoji coming out?As mentioned, you can test Genmoji right now on your iPhone by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Next, download the latest version of the iOS 18.2 beta.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableYou must be a part of the Apple Beta Software Program to access beta versions of iOS. (Make sure that you backup your iPhone, too, because beta versions are known to be a little rough around the edges.)
However, Genmoji has not yet been released to the public on a stable iOS version.
Genmoji is expected to officially roll out sometime in December. As we reported in mid-November, the exact date is reportedly Dec. 9, though Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, a respected Apple insider, claims that the release date is Dec. 2.
Other image-based Apple Intelligence tools expected around the same time are Image Wand and Image Playground, designed to refine rough sketches into polished visuals and generate images from text prompts, respectively.
For iPhone users, Apple Intelligence is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, as well as the entire iPhone 16 line.
Nothing makes your home office official like a printer. Whether you’re after a laser printer built for speed and efficiency or an inkjet printer that delivers rich graphics on demand, modern printers and scanners are better than ever — right now, early Black Friday deals from Amazon and other retailers mean they’re also more affordable.
Black Friday is one of the best times all year round to snag killer savings on printers and scanners like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. This year major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are taking Black Friday printer deals live a full week ahead of time, here are our favorites:
Best printer-scanner combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Epson Epson EcoTank ET-280 $179.99 at AmazonIf you owned a printer in the early 2000s then you’re probably used to ink cartridges that are so exorbitantly priced they can feel like alchemist’s materials. The Epson EcoTank ET-280 is an absolute innovation from that era. The EcoTank uses large ink tanks that are easy to refill and affordable to run … we’re talking much more affordable. Epson even comes right out and says it, stating that EcoTank refills can be 90 percent more affordable than older ink cartridges.
Good quality color printing with drastically cheaper ink? What’s not to like? Especially when the printer itself is 36% off at its lowest price ever.
Best budget printer-scanner combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon PIXMA MG3620 $39.99 at Best BuyWant it all for less? The Canon PIXMA MG3620 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer fits a scanner and printer into the same affordable desk-sized box, and it’s real affordable — for Black Friday it’s priced down to just $40, saving you 50%.
The Canon PIXMA printer handles color nicely for the price. Its scanner delivers resolutions up to 1200 x 2400 pixels. It’s also simple to use with wireless connectivity ensuring you can print from anywhere in the house.
Best laser printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw $89.99 at AmazonWhen you’re looking to print volume efficiently, a laser printer might be the way to go. The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer is a strong black-and-white laser printer that can really churn through paper.
Designed to handle 30 pages a minute and hold up to 150, this is a great printer for pumping out long memos and document drafts. Wireless connectivity ensures it’s also simple to use.
As of Nov. 21, get it for $89.00 and save 50%.
More printer dealsHP DeskJet 2734e All-in-One Color Printer — $39.00 $84.99 (save $45.99)
HP DeskJet 2755e Color inkjet printer — $39.99 $84.99 (save $45.00)
Brother MFC-J1170DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)
Brother MFC-L2760DW Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer — $170.00 $190.00 (save $20)
Canon IP8720 Wireless Photo Printer — $229 $289.99 (save $60.99)
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Wireless All-in-One Printer — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70.00)
ScanSnap iX1300 Scanner — $239.99 $348.00 (save $108.01)
Canon imageFORMULA R40 Office Document Scanner Receipt Edition — $239.00 $399.00 (save $160)
Epson Workforce ES-580W Wireless Duplex Desktop Document Scanner — $329.99 $429.99 (save $100)
If the last 12 months of film and television are anything to go by, female protagonists are truly entering their villain era.
From psychological romantic thrillers like Rose Glass's Love Lies Bleeding and Zoe Kravitz's Blink Twice to horror romps including Zelda Williams' Lisa Frankenstein and Coraline Fargeat's The Substance, women are done playing by the rules. Films like these frequently harness the palpable feminine rage in the world and use horror genre tropes like severe trauma and stalk-and-murder sequences with instances of extreme violence to challenge audiences' patriarchal, socially conditioned ideas about how women should act, often in the face of adversity, in their professional and personal lives.
The "bad girl" isn't just a new trend, academic authors like Catharine Lumby and Roxane Gay have been writing about their perception in media and society for decades. But the recent influx is indicative of the growing number of women filmmakers claiming space in an antihero realm that their male counterparts have long dominated as with Barbet Schroeder's Single White Female, Adrian Lyne's Fatal Attraction, and Takashi Miike's Audition.
SEE ALSO: How to watch the campy body horror gem 'The Substance' at homeThese filmmakers are walking through the door opened by the likes of Julia Ducournau (Raw, Titane), Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Alone At Night) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Killing Eve) to offer stories centring on female characters with iffy moral compasses that counter the "good girl" cultural expectations of female-identifying people. Still, as much as they are female-focused, each badly behaved woman can be fully embraced by audiences of all genders.
This societal shift is "liberating" for women and offering "new opportunities for actresses to occupy the villain position is, paradoxically, more humane," Freudian cinephile and pop psychoanalyst Mary Wild tells Mashable. "It brings a certain freedom to express complexity and depth – I think audiences are captivated by this." And so are stars like Ella Purnell, Melissa Barrera, and Alice Lowe who share with Mashable how essential these badly behaved protagonists are to cinema today in disrupting established female narratives.
'Sweetpea,' the female serial killerAs the lead star and producer of Sky Atlantic serial killer comedy series Sweetpea, Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets, Arcane, Fallout) found the challenge of getting audiences to relate to a woman who kills especially appealing. Based on CJ Skuse's book of the same name, Purnell plays introvert Rihannon, a receptionist at a regional newspaper who was bullied throughout her adolescence and is overlooked by everyone in her adult life. Following the death of her father and a series of misogynistic encounters, Rhiannon embarks on a murder spree. "What they wanted to do was 'female Dexter' but a woman has to do hardly anything to mess up and you lose the audience. People naturally have a subconscious bias where they're going to judge women more harshly than men."
This gendered prejudice is part of the reason why Sweetpea writer Kirstie Swain felt it appropriate to adapt the show as a prequel to the first book's events where Rhiannon is already an established serial killer. "The book gave us quite a lot of reasons for why she [kills] like a head injury, a massacre and bullying, so we pared it back a bit and then [sought out] how she got there," she tells Mashable. "It's almost like the audience needs an emotional reason for why a woman will kill. Men kill on screen but we need something else that will help us be at peace watching a woman being violent on screen."
The first episode of Sweetpea piles on the slights with Rhiannon being dismissed and ignored by her boss, sister, colleagues, and lover before a misogynistic confrontation with a stranger triggers her murderous rage. As her body count gets longer, so does her confidence and self-assuredness get higher. "The fact that she is the last person that someone will see when she extinguishes their life unlocked, for me, her reason for doing it – she's unseen, she kills, she is seen," Swain says. "It's a metaphor for finding your power and making people see you."
SEE ALSO: 20 of the best British horror films"By actually being comfortable with herself, looking in the mirror and being okay with what she sees, with being messy and breaking the rules, that allows her the confidence that she's been looking for," adds Purnell. "No one over here is endorsing murder [but] watching a woman learn how to stand up for herself especially when she's gone through so much and been treated so badly, it feels good."
Rhiannon is certainly expanding the meaning of the "femme fatale," a trope made famous by films like Double Indemnity, Basic Instinct and To Die For whereby a woman's bad behaviour and predatory nature are wrapped up in her sexual allure and ability to seduce her, mostly, male victims. Instead, Purnell "wanted to be the ugliest version of myself without being 'tropey'," she explains. "All girls know how to make themselves look hot and not hot. I wanted to have almost that Jennifer's Body thing that when she starts killing, she becomes more vibrant."
Rhiannon doesn't use sex to lure her murder victims but she certainly becomes more sexually empowered when she begins standing up for herself. In a world where female sexuality is still wrapped up in shame and sexually autonomous women continue to be villainised, subversive characters like Rhiannon play an important role in challenging our still very patriarchal society.
'Your Monster' and revenge plotsCaroline Lindy's Your Monster similarly offers a "coming-of-rage" story of a Rhiannon-like, "unsexy" female protagonist as she processes the horror of a breakup. After being dumped by her musical director boyfriend, while getting her cancer treatment, soft-spoken actress Laura (Melissa Barrera) spends several scenes going through an emotional breakdown. From Scream to Abigail, the actor is known for playing badass survivors in the horror genre and admits that she had to confront her own biases when redefining her idea of a "strong female character" in the context of Laura's journey.
"Laura is completely a doormat who's been letting people walk all over her for her entire life," Barrera tells Mashable. "At the beginning, I was ashamed of that and I didn't want people to judge that Laura was pathetic but that's the point." Thus, Barrera had to counter her own "internalised misogyny of not allowing a woman to hit rock bottom and to be vulnerable and express all out so that she can build herself back up."
The arrival of a Beauty and the Beast-looking Monster (Tommy Dewey) forces Laura to find her fury, demand a place in her ex's stage show and ultimately claim bloody vengeance against him in a Broadway show finale. It's a cathartic moment that taps into both Lindy and many people's feelings towards an ex who treats you badly.
"[They're] such an asshole, you want to murder them – that's how [Caroline] felt when she was broken up with," Barrera says. "She was like, 'I wanted to kill him. He hurt me so much.' She didn't in real life but then that's why we have movies – you get to live out the fantasy."
Horror offers fertile ground for filmmakers to embark on "subversive exploration of taboo subjects in a way that feels thrilling rather than punishing," says Wild. By using serial killer and monster tropes, as well as revenge plots and murder as a metaphor for women fighting back against patriarchy and misogyny, films and series like Sweetpea and Your Monster continue the work of Emerald Fennell's Promising Young Woman and Coraline Fargeat's Revenge to "provide a platform for women to break societal rules without incurring the harsh scrutiny they might face in a more grounded, gritty narrative."
'Strange Darling' and challenging gendered expectationsHowever "badly behaved women" don't always need to exact revenge to earn the label. Nor do audiences need to see their emotional journey into violence. JT Mollner had that in mind when approaching his twisted love story Strange Darling, charting the escalation of a one-night stand between The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (Kyle Gallner) into a frantic killing spree.
SEE ALSO: 25 of the best Christmas horror movies to haunt your holiday"Female behaviour is expected to have explanations, backstory, and reasons," Mollner tells Mashable. "We wanted to stay away from over-explaining as much as possible, something that seems more commonly reserved for male characters."
Strange Darling uses a non-linear narrative to subvert expectations of who the real serial killer is, throwing "viewers into this pressure cooker and taking them on a ride," the director explains. "No distractions, no exposition or backstory, just immediacy. Everything you need to know about these characters emotionally should be available through their behaviours, choices, and actions within this one day."
Mollner is a prime example of a male filmmaker disrupting patriarchal expectations of female characters. So too is Karan Khandari whose debut Sister Midnight is a nonconformist feminist fable set in Mumbai. Led by the frenetic Radhika Apte, Khandari's twisted comedy follows her acerbic bride Uma as she embraces newly developed vampiric tastes and rebels against domesticity. But it is mostly "female directors and more female creators" who are demanding space for badly behaved women, says Barrera. "We're just telling the stories that we're feeling and it just so happens that in the communal cloud of emotion in the world we're all very angry."
'Timestalker' and the (un)likeability factorStill, many creators are fed up with receiving studio notes and executive feedback about making their villainous female protagonists more 'likeable.' Alice Lowe understood that when she wrote, directed and led 2016's black horror comedy Prevenge. Lowe played a widowed mum-to-be who begins killing the men involved in her husband's death under her unborn baby's instruction.
"Executives and commissioners get worried if the female character isn't 'likeable' and that's a keyword you don't hear used about male characters," Lowe tells Mashable during promotion for her new film Timestalker. "You don't watch Taxi Driver, look at Travis Bickle and think, 'what a nice man.' You're just watching this very screwed-up character on a journey, and he's fascinating and complex and damaged as a person. Why can't we watch a woman have a similar personality?"
This recent run of badly behaved women on screen is an encouraging trend and suggests that audiences will get to enjoy watching even more antiheroines break free from the shackles of likeability and gender conformity. And you don't have to be a female-identifying person to connect with the social and cultural themes these characters and stories tackle.
"I've seen men come out and be like, 'I loved the movie,'" says Barrera. "This isn't just a movie for women because it's about female rage. Everybody gets something out of it, everybody can see themselves in Laura and everybody wants a monster."
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...