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New U.S. automaker Slate has introduced a customizable electric truck that could cost as little as $20,000 after applying the federal electric vehicle tax credit. The stripped-down two-seater has manual roll-down windows, no screens, and a 150-mile range.

“The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” Slate CEO Chris Barman said in a press release. “Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry. Slate is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.”

The truck has distinctly European proportions. Credit: Slate Instead of a screen, the truck comes with a universal device holder. Credit: Slate

Slate is leaning heavily on the EV's customization options. Not only does a "flat-pack accessory SUV Kit [turn] the truck into a 5-seat SUV," but customers can choose from "Three levels of vehicle wrapping," interior accents, and over 100 accessories. Instead of high-tech bells and whistles, the Slate EV will feature crank windows and old-fashioned knobs on the dashboard.

Some of the different personalization options for the front grille. Credit: Slate Customers will be able to choose a variety of wraps to customize the electric truck. Credit: Slate

Despite the distinctly European size of the petite EV, it's a Made-in-America vehicle. The design also reminds us of Toyota's compact pickup trucks, including the bare-bones $10,000 truck that's gotten so much attention online. (It's also giving old-school Land Rover vibes.)

In so many ways, the Scout electric truck is the opposite of the Tesla Cybertruck, with its America-sized proportions, distinctly sci-fi aesthetic, and emphasis on the latest technology. Amid Elon Musk's hard-right turn into politics, many Tesla drivers are reportedly ditching Tesla, and record numbers of Teslas are now on the resale market. Tesla reportedly had to stop accepting trade-ins for the Cybertruck altogether.

SEE ALSO: Elon to reduce DOGE involvement after dismal Tesla earnings report

Plus, now that Tesla has once again delayed production on its long-rumored affordable Model Y EV, there could be a gap in the market. So, for customers interested in a more-affordable electric vehicle, the Scout EV could be an attractive option. The first models could ship as soon as late 2026, according to Car and Driver, which puts the full price for the truck at $27,500.

According to the press release, the Scout EV will have a 1,400-pound payload. Some key specifications include:

• Motor: Single motor, RWD

• Top speed: 90 miles per hour

• Miles per gallon: 96 mpg

• Range: 150-240 miles

• Battery pack: 52.7-kWh battery pack, 150 kW

• Fast charging: Fast-charge to 80% at 120-kW in under 30 minutes

• Size: 174.6 inches length, 108.9 inches wheelbase, 70.6 inches width, 69.3 inches height

• Interior volume: 55 cubic feet

• Weight: Curb weight 3,602 pounds

• Max payload: 1,433 pounds

• Max towing: 1,000 pounds

Interested customers can pay $50 to register for early access to the new truck at the Slate website.

SAVE 59%: As of April 25, you can score an Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable Bluetooth speaker for just $36.99, down from $89.99, at Woot. That's a 59% discount and a savings of $53.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wonderboom Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker $36.99 at Woot
$89.99 Save $53.00 Get Deal

Summer’s almost here — we’ve just got a month or so to go, and then it’s time for beachside bonfires, backyard barbecues, and relaxing by the pool. And if you’re looking for a new portable speaker to bring along with you, we found a pretty solid deal on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play at Woot.

As of April 25, you can get the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play portable Bluetooth speaker for just $36.99, down from $89.99, at Woot. That’s a 59% discount and a savings of $53. You have five days left to grab this deal, or until it sells out.

SEE ALSO: The best speakers in 2025

This portable Bluetooth speaker has a hand loop, is rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof (you can literally throw it in the pool and it’ll still work), and has a 131-foot range, so you can take it just about anywhere and still hear your tunes. Plus, it has a 10-hour battery life, which should be long enough to last you a day at the beach.

Just be sure to buy a USB-C cable if you don’t already have one. The product description says the speaker doesn’t come with one.

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Sinners is all the rage right now. Ryan Coogler's take on the horror genre (as well as the musical genre, to be honest) has been receiving rave reviews from both critics and audiences, especially those who've gotten the chance to see the film in the 70mm IMAX format, which is only playing in a handful of theaters across the country. The limited-engagement version of the film features much greater detail than the others, including more color and depth, as well as larger aspect ratios so you can see even more of the movie's killer cinematography. If you can get to one of those participating theaters, it's well worth seeing it this way.

SEE ALSO: Ryan Coogler and 'Sinners' cast on their vampire musical being 'genre-fluid'

The 70mm IMAX experience just got even more special, though, because beginning on April 23, some of those participating theaters started giving away Sinners-themed film strips for those seeing the film in this format. It's not literally from the actual roll of film, but it's still a pretty cool commemorative piece for a special experience. If you're into collecting movie memorabilia, this is a must-get.

But how do you get one yourself? All you have to do is go see Sinners in 70mm IMAX at one of the included theaters, and you'll be given one free of charge. Easy! Just note that you can only get one strip per ticket, and they'll be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. They'll only have them while supplies last, and each location will have varying amounts of the souvenir film strips. If you want one, we recommend seeing the film in 70mm IMAX as soon as possible to ensure that you're one of the lucky few.

Opens in a new window Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Check 'Sinners' Showtimes at Fandango Learn More

SAVE 76%: As of April 25, you can score a Google Pixel Watch (1st gen) for just $79.99, down from $329.99, at Woot. That's a 76% discount and a $250 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch (1st gen) $79.99 at Woot
$329.99 Save $250 Get Deal

If you thought you couldn’t get a smartwatch for under $100, we’ve got a surprise for you. While perusing Woot this morning, we found a deal that’s almost too good to be true.

As of April 25, you can get the Google Pixel Watch (1st gen, GPS, cellular) for just $79.99, down from $329.99 at Woot. That’s a 76% discount and a savings of $250.

This watch is no longer available at the Google Store, and even Walmart can’t beat this price. The only catch is that you’ve got exactly six days to take advantage of this deal. If it sells out before then, you’re out of luck.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Google Pixel Watch 2: How are they different?

The first-generation Google Pixel Watch doubles as a fitness tracker and smartwatch. It can track your steps, assess your heart rate, help you monitor sleep, and more. It also has built-in GPS so you can track your run, walk, or bike ride. With its Emergency SOS feature, you can alert emergency services, a friend, or a family member, and quickly share your location in case of an emergency.

It’s compatible with Pixel phones, Pixel Buds, and other Android phones and Bluetooth-enabled devices. But if you don’t want to carry your phone while you’re working out or out and about, you can leave it at home and still get calls, texts, and notifications.

How do you make a movie inspired by a video game that was itself inspired by the horror genre as a whole?

This was the challenge that faced Until Dawn director/producer David F. Sandberg and producer/co-writer Gary Dauberman. They had to find a way into a game that involved a slasher narrative, with elements borrowed from both psychological thrillers and creature-feature flicks. So, to all that, they also added a time-loop device — but not in the way you might predict.

Until Dawn follows Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends (Michael Cimino, Odessa A'zion, Ji-young Yoo, and Belmont Cameli) as they trace the last steps of her missing sister (Maia Mitchell). But once this crew cross paths with divinely eerie character actor Peter Stormare, reprising his role as Dr. Hill from the game, things go horrifically sideways. Trapped in a time loop, each time they die — from one of the various threats that lurk in Glore Valley — the night resets. To get out, they'll need to survive until dawn.

SEE ALSO: 'Until Dawn' review: How does this horror movie adaptation compare to the hit survival game?

Sitting down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, Sandberg and Dauberman shared how they chose to bring together the time loop and horror anthology concepts into their adaptation, why Stormare reprising his role was a no-brainer, and the impact The Last of Us has had on the public opinion of video game adaptations.

Until Dawn opens in theaters April 25.

A24's The Legend of Ochi introduces instantly memorable film creatures in the blue-faced, golden-furred Ochi, who live on the fictional island of Carpathia in the Black Sea. These fantastic animals were brought to life using techniques like puppeteering, animatronics, and performers in suits, all of which combine in a beautiful celebration of practical filmmaking.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Ochi' review: This beautifully crafted fantasy adventure will make you feel like a kid again

To learn more about working with the Ochi, Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards sat down with The Legend of Ochi's director Isaiah Saxon, as well as stars Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, and Emily Watson.

"It really was a living thing," Wolfhard said of his first impression of the Baby Ochi puppet.

"It was scary because it was so lifelike," added Zengel, whose character Yuri spends the film trying to bring the Baby Ochi back home to its parents.

For Saxon, who makes his feature debut with The Legend of Ochi, seeing the puppet was the culmination of years' worth of development. In the film, seven puppeteers operate the Baby Ochi, while Paul "The Birdman" Manalatos provided the creature's vocalizations.

"It's kind of a miracle," Saxon said. "It adds up to the feeling of something alive that can share a scene with Willem Dafoe and hold its own."

The Legend of Ochi is now in theaters.

The iPhones that Apple sells in the U.S. might soon all be made in India.

This is according to a new report by the Financial Times which cites people familiar with the matter.

Apple reportedly sells more than 60 million iPhones in the U.S. every year; for comparison, the company sold roughly 226 million iPhones globally in 2024. One estimate says that 80 percent of all iPhones are currently produced in China, with the rest being manufactured in India.

According to the report, Apple would have to double its iPhone assembly in India to reach its goal.

SEE ALSO: How much would the mythical made-in-the-U.S. iPhone cost?

The fact that Apple is planning to partially move iPhone production to India isn't a secret. But now, the company seems to have accelerated these plans, as it reportedly plans to assemble all of the U.S.-sold iPhones in India by the end of 2026.

The reason is obvious: The Trump administration's tariffs have hit China the hardest, and while smartphones and smartphone parts have (temporarily) been exempt from the tariffs for now, Apple is looking to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

Featured Video For You Apple iPhone 16e is the new affordable Apple phone

The Trump administration levied a 26 percent tariff on India as well (a far cry from the current 145 percent tariff on China), but it has temporarily been put on hold while the two countries work out a deal.

Trump and his aides indicated that they'd like Apple to move iPhone production to the U.S. This, however, isn't viable in the short term, and would likely dramatically increase the price of iPhones sold in America.

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 25, the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set is on sale for $81.99 at Amazon. That's 18% off its list price of $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 Building Toy Set $81.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $18 Get Deal

May 4 is coming up soon, and if you've been hoping to score some nice deals on Star Wars items, you don't have to wait for the day itself to save big. A few Star Wars Lego sets have been discounted already, so you can pick up some new builds ahead of the celebration. One of our favorites at the moment is the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set, which has received an 18% price drop at Amazon.

This has brought the price of the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set down from its list price of $99.99 to $81.99. This popular set comes in at a whopping 1,050 pieces.

SEE ALSO: This Lego Botanicals Wildflower Bouquet is a great Mother's Day gift — save 20% at Amazon

There's more to this build than meets the eye. This R2-D2 set has some fun little details that'll make it stand out in any collection, including a head that rotates 360 degrees, a detachable third leg, plus an attachable periscope and tools. This build also comes with an R2-D2 information plaque, which is a nice touch for display purposes, and minifigures of R2-D2 and Darth Malak.

Don't miss out on 18% off the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 set at Amazon.

There are a few more Star Wars sets on sale right now that are worth checking out alongside this deal. Also at Amazon, the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon set has been discounted along with the Lego Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Mos Espa Podrace Diorama. You can also score a free mini Grogu model at select Lego Stores on May 4 (from 12-2 p.m.) as part of a Lego Star Wars Grogu make and take event.

“They are being dragged into change, kicking and screaming.”

SAVE $60: As of April 25, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) is on sale for $189 at Amazon. That's 24% off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $189 at Amazon
$249 Save $60 Get Deal

Warmer weather has arrived, which is a great excuse to spend more time outside. If you're taking this time to go out on more walks or exercise in the sunshine, a smartwatch can be a helpful item to track your progress. If you're looking for something that covers the basics, the Apple Watch SE is a great pick.

Right now, you can score the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) for $189 at Amazon. This is a 24% discount off its usual list price of $249, allowing you to save $60.

SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wrist

If you're already an Apple device owner, the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE will fit in perfectly with the rest of your setup. It boasts a variety of health and fitness features, including heart rate and sleep tracking, daily activity tracking, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS.

Don't miss out on 24% off the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen, GPS, 40mm) at Amazon.

If you'd prefer a smartwatch that's more fitness-focused, another great deal that's worth checking out right now is on the Garmin vívoactive 5.

If there's a Dyson beauty dupe you're curious about, the chances are I've tested it.

As a beauty tech reporter with three years (and counting) on the Dyson beat, I have put my hair through it all in the name of answering the question: "Are Dyson products really worth all that money?"

A quick glance at my coverage on the topic will tell you my short answer: no, not really. In many cases, I think there's a significantly cheaper dupe that does the trick. However, a long answer requires more nuance as to why, so for convenience, I've compiled all my thoughts on Dyson dupes into this single guide (which I'll inevitably be updating as more products hit the market).

SEE ALSO: The Dyson Airwrap is an impressive multi-styler that's by no means essential The cost of Dyson products

In our guide so far, we have dupes for the Dyson Airwrap and the Dyson Supersonic, which are the two most popular beauty products from the brand, but certainly not the only ones available. Their entire lineup is as follows:

• Dyson Airwrap — $599.99

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. — $599.99

• Dyson Supersonic — $429.99

• Dyson Supersonic Nural — $499.99

• Dyson Supersonic r — $569.99

• Dyson Corrale — $499.99

• Dyson Airstrait — $499.99

The list also shows that Dyson's products are expensive, which is why dupes tend to be a popular choice. At the time of writing, I'm testing out the Supersonic Nural and some potential dupes. I also plan to test dupes for the Airwrap i.d., Corrale, and Airstrait for future updates of this guide.

SEE ALSO: Want to avoid tariff price hikes? Shop our giant list of refurbished tech deals.

I've also reached out to a rep from Dyson to see if they anticipate any price increases with tariffs, and will update this guide when I hear back.

How to get Dyson beauty for less

If you're dead set on buying Dyson, there are ways of avoiding the full (painful) prices. Two of my favorite tips for getting Dyson on the cheap:

• Buy refurbished: Dyson's own refurbished marketplace, Dyson Renewed, is a great first place to look. The selection isn't the most extensive, but products can clock in at less than half their original price, along with a year-long warranty for parts and labor. Walmart is another place where refurbished Dyson often goes on sale, but you'll want to double-check the seller — I only recommend buying directly from Walmart or Dyson's authorized seller page, Dyson, Inc., as found on this Supersonic listing.

• Wait for a sale: Dyson products actually go on sale quite often, with Black Friday being the only real time they might drop lower in price than other sales throughout the year. Typically, price drops are $100, so I recommend waiting to buy until you see a sale pop up at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Dyson's website. As I'm writing this, the Supersonic, Supersonic Nural, and Corrale are all $100 off. If you prefer not to do your own scanning, our deals team stays on top of any Dyson sales.

Google's AI Overviews have had a rough run with search results, and now they're coming to YouTube.

In a blog post this week (h/t MacRumors), Google announced it has been "experimenting with a new video results carousel" on its video streaming platform that will add algorithmically generated summaries and suggestions in search.

SEE ALSO: Google AI overviews will explain any nonsense phrase you make up

"This new feature will use AI to highlight clips from videos that will be most helpful for your search query, providing another way to discover content when searching on YouTube as well as discover topics and information related to your search query," Google's post reads. The company added that the AI search results on YouTube will be focused on shopping and travel searches.

The feature will function exactly like Google's AI Overviews for search, a tool that's very much stumbled through its first year. Google launched the feature for U.S. users in May 2024 then worldwide in October to dubious results, hallucinations, mistakes, memes, and fudged answers. Essentially, things got immediately weird. Exactly how all this will go with a video streaming platform is beyond our wildest nightmares, but hey, it's happening.

Featured Video For You AI-powered robot dog is learning to 'live' like a human

Google said it was rolling out tests of YouTube AI Overviews "to a small number of YouTube Premium members in the U.S. for some English search queries."

In the meantime, Google's AI Overviews' latest trick in search is that the feature will explain any nonsense phrase you make up. Get creative.

SAVE OVER $10: As of April 25, the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds are on sale for $63.99 at Amazon. That's 20% off their list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

A good pair of earbuds are essential for working out. Music can help pump you up to get what you need done. Or, if you're someone who loves to run or walk outside, they can keep you entertained while getting your steps in. If you've been on the hunt for a new pair to keep you company during your workouts, Amazon's here to save the day with a deal on the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds.

These earbuds have received a 20% discount at the retailer, dropping their price from $79.99 to $63.99. There are a few different color options on sale as well, so you can choose between the black, green, and white earbuds to find the best pair that suits your personal style. These fitness-focused earbuds are worth the investment.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more

What makes the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds a great pick for active individuals is their design. They feature adjustable ear hooks that can fit around your ear to keep them in place. Your music will sound great as well thanks to Soundcore's BassUp technology and noise-canceling features that'll keep the sounds of the gym away from your ears.

On top of that, these earbuds offer an amazing battery life that can go up to 48 hours with the help of the charging case. Of course, this will vary when you're using noise-cancelation, but they'll still keep you going for multiple trips to the gym.

Amazon currently has these earbuds listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to save on the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker.

There are a couple of other earbud deals that have caught our eye recently. For another pair focused around fitness, it's worth having a look at this deal on the Beats Fit Pro at Amazon. Sony's WF-C700N earbuds are also on sale right now.

It's a tough time to be a gamer right now. You wait patiently for Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to go live, and then stock runs out in seconds. It all feels very familiar, because we've been here before. We've experienced the mess of next-gen console releases, so the "coming soon," "not available," and "out of stock" notifications are exactly what we expect to see.

Nintendo Switch 2 preorders went live on April 24, but in the blink of an eye, listings for the $449.99 console at Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart were gone. And bundles got the same treatment.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Switch 1: All the differences I found while playing the new console

So where does that leave us now? It's important to not lose hope. Keep tabs on stock tracking websites and social media accounts for timely updates, and sign up for stock alerts from retailers so you're ready to go when new stock drops. And alternatively, you could always hit that refresh button at your go-to retailer. You might just get lucky.

We're keeping a close eye on stock from all the major retailers, and will update this page if the bleak situation changes.

Walmart — out of stock Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Walmart
Pre-order Here Target — out of stock Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Target
Pre-order Here GameStop — out of stock Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at GameStop
Pre-order Here Best Buy — out of stock Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Best Buy
Pre-order Here

Israel developed new artificial intelligence tools to gain an advantage in the war. The technologies have sometimes led to fatal consequences.

NASA's school-bus-sized telescope won't quit.

In what's become a brilliant investment for scientists and taxpayers alike, the Hubble Space Telescope launched into space 35 years ago, and for decades has returned detailed insights into the universe. In recognition of Hubble's longevity, NASA and the European Space Agency have released several new images from the orbiting observatory, including a rich photo of the Rosette Nebula, a sprawling star-forming region of space.

It's a view into a rapidly evolving, extreme cosmic realm.

"The clouds are being eroded and shaped by the seething radiation from the cluster of larger stars in the center of the nebula (NGC 2440)," ESA wrote in a statement. "An embedded star seen at the tip of a dark cloud in the upper right portion of the image is launching jets of plasma that are crashing into the cold cloud around it."

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The greater Rosette Nebula is 100 light-years across, but this view zooms into an area some 4 light-years wide (a light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles).

Silhouetted in the foreground are dark, dominant, V-shaped clouds of hydrogen gas. "It looks like thick smoke that has billowed out irregularly, thicker along the line from top left to bottom right, and looser on the piece that goes toward the top right," ESA explained. At the upper right tip of this shadowy feature is a conspicuous red glow, stoked by a star blasting hot gas into the cold dark cloud, which creates shockwaves.

Expansive clouds of illuminated background gas appear in vivid yellow and orange.

A portion of the Rosette Nebula recently viewed by the Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: NASA / ESA / STScI This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Some 2,500 stars are located in the greater Rosette Nebula, which is some 5,200 light-years away in our Milky Way galaxy. Nebulae are vital engines in the cosmos, as they host clouds of dust and gas that can amass together, collapse into hot protostars, and form stars — many of which will host their own planets.

Hubble has captured over 1.6 million detailed observations because it orbits 320 miles above Earth, so its observations are not distorted by our planet's thick atmosphere. It also packs a nearly 8-foot-wide mirror, allowing for a high resolution of distant objects like the Rosette Nebula. "Hubble can resolve objects 1,000 times better than the human eye," NASA explained. "That’s enough to see two fireflies separated by about 10 feet (3 meters) from roughly the distance between New York City and Tokyo (about 7,000 miles or 11,000 kilometers)."

Perhaps its most revolutionary image was taken three decades ago, over a period of 10 days, in 1995. The Hubble Deep Field revealed a cornucopia of galaxies, including those not previously possible to see.

The first time I watched Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, and E.T., I remember being struck not just by their fantastic scope but by the very craft that went into building these fantasies. Thanks to the use of animatronics, puppets, matte paintings, and more, these films spun stories that were at once otherworldly yet tactile. I didn't feel like I was just watching a movie — I felt like I could step through the screen and be part of the adventure.

SEE ALSO: Watch the incredible puppets from A24's 'The Legend of Ochi' in action

That feeling of childlike wonder returned while watching A24's The Legend of Ochi, the feature debut from writer/director Isaiah Saxon. The Legend of Ochi's gorgeous practical effects place it in the tradition of nostalgic genre films, even when its story doesn't always measure up.

What is The Legend of Ochi about? Helena Zengel in "The Legend of Ochi." Credit: A24

The Legend of Ochi transports viewers to the fictional island of Carpathia, where humans are at odds with native creatures known as the Ochi. With their wide eyes, massive ears, and blue-and-gold coloring, the Ochi are what you get if you mix The Mandalorian's Grogu with real-life golden snub-nosed monkeys — but don't be fooled by their cuteness! The Ochi can be ferocious, to the point that Carpathian villager Maxim (Willem Dafoe) has formed a mini militia of children to hunt the wild creatures.

Maxim's daughter Yuri (Helena Zengel) takes part in these hunts, yet she doesn't buy into Maxim's warrior philosophy. Nor does she connect with the other children, including Maxim's adopted son Petro (Finn Wolfhard). Instead, she rages at the world around her and yearns to see her mother Dasha (Emily Watson), who's moved deeper into the mountains and who views the Ochi not with fear but with curiosity.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Ochi' trailer unveils the cutest movie monster of the year

Yuri is driven to leave her home when she discovers a lone baby Ochi. Armed with nothing but a backpack and some fake fangs to convince the Ochi she's one of its own kind, Helena sets off into the Carpathian wilds to reunite the Ochi with its family — and maybe rethink her own familial relationships along the way

As a story of an outcast meeting a formidable creature, The Legend of Ochi treads familiar ground. Plus, its tale of a fractured family learning to heal never fully coalesces, lacking meaty character development for Yuri and her family even as the performers commit wholly to this human tragedy. But where The Legend of Ochi struggles on the human front, it wholly succeeds on the Ochi front.

The Ochi are movie creatures for the ages. The baby Ochi in "The Legend of Ochi." Credit: A24

Created through a combination of animatronics, puppetry, and suited performers, the Ochi are a marvel of filmmaking. We spend most of the film with the baby Ochi, whose movements range from the adorable to the ferocious, all of them wholly believable. Its every breath and expression are so full of energy that it's sometimes all too easy to forget that this creature is a puppet brought to life by seven skilled puppeteers, as opposed to a real animal.

The Legend of Ochi's movie magic doesn't stop with its titular critters (although they deserve at least one more round of applause before I move on). The entire fog-wreathed island of Carpathia is beautifully wrought as well. Matte paintings, hand-crafted set pieces, and retro-feeling cinematography by Evan Prosofsky combine to create a setting that seems both hyperreal and plucked out of time. It's a land that's ripe for adventure, populated by unforgettable creatures.

Even if The Legend of Ochi's story falters and drags at points, the movie is an undeniable triumph of craft. It's also a welcome addition to the currently underserved genre of live-action family fantasy adventures. More than anything, I hope that young audiences have the same reaction to The Legend of Ochi as I did to films like Labyrinth: one of pure awe, and of appreciation for the practical magic of moviemaking.

The Legend of Ochi is now in theaters.

TL;DR: Get a MacBook Pro on sale for $619.99 (reg. $2,799).

The end of the school year is right around the corner. How are you going to help your favorite student celebrate? They might appreciate a gift they can use next semester, and a MacBook is just the thing. Don't worry, you don't have to pay high Apple prices. This MacBook Pro is actually on sale for only $619.99 (reg. $2,799). 

A MacBook Pro for your favorite student

This MacBook is built for serious multitasking with a 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB of RAM. Whether your student is designing, editing, coding, or just juggling a dozen browser tabs at once, this laptop has more than enough speed to handle it.

The Retina display is large, vibrant, and sharp. It’s perfect for everything from group projects to movie marathons. The 512GB SSD provides plenty of fast storage space for apps, files, and media. The Magic Keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the Touch Bar gives quick access to helpful shortcuts depending on the task.

This model also features a six-speaker sound system that delivers surprisingly rich audio. The battery lasts up to 11 hours on a single charge, which means your student can get through a full day of classes or work without scrambling for a power outlet.

Because it’s refurbished and graded in near-mint condition, you get the high-end Apple experience without the brand-new price tag. It’s a great way to give a graduating student or college freshman something useful, powerful, and fun to use every day.

It's only $619.99 to get a MacBook Pro, but we don't have many left. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 16" (2019) 2.6GHz Core i7 Touch Bar 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $619.99
$2,799 Save $2,179.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 at just $49.97 (reg. $219) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

• Lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 — pay once and access it forever

• Includes must-have apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Compatible with Windows — ideal for professional and personal projects

• Streamline your workflow with trusted tools for creating documents, managing data, and organizing emails

• Instant download with a product key for quick and easy setup

• No recurring costs — a single payment secures access to essential Office apps

Say goodbye to subscriptions — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $49.97. 

Sale ends April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Keep a scanner at your fingertips forever with SwiftScan VIP, now just $41.99 (reg. $199) with code TAKE30. 

We may poke fun at the massive multitasking printers of yesteryear, but having a scanner really did come in handy. If you find yourself missing that addition in your family's old '00s computer room, let SwiftScan VIP fill the void. This versatile scanner app can preserve documents, images, and a lot of things your old desk scanner couldn't dream of.

A lifetime license is also only $41.99 (reg. $199). 

Scanning just got a whole lot easier

Scan anything right from your smartphone or iPad with a little help from SwiftScan. This genius app lets you create high-quality scans of anything from anywhere. It even enhances the scan quality, utilizing color filters, auto-optimization, and blur reduction. 

Save that receipt, record a whiteboard before it's erased, or safeguard a handwritten note with just one tap. SwiftScan can detect the edges of the page and can even scan multiple pages as a single document as needed. 

Once you have scanned the item, you can turn it into a PDF or JPG. From there, you can go old school and send it as a fax. Or if you'd prefer to stay in 2025, you can also send it via email or upload it to iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, or your own preferred cloud service. 

Aside from serving as your personal scanning machine, SwiftScan also helps you edit PDF files. If you need to work with a PDF — from signing to annotating or redacting — just scan it and then draw, highlight, or erase text as needed. 

Once you scan an item, SwiftScan saves and organizes your scans in folders. And the OCR technology makes them easily searchable later, so you can type in a keyword and find it long after scanning. 

Use code TAKE30 by April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a SwiftScan VIP Lifetime Subscription on sale for $41.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $41.99
$199.99 Save $158 Get Deal