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SAVE $30: As of Dec. 9, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $99 at Best Buy, $30 off its original list price of $129.

If you're still hoping to save on Apple devices after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale events, you're in luck. There are still some items left on sale ahead of the holidays that are worth checking out. One of our favorite deals at the moment is on the Apple Pencil Pro, which still has a nice little discount at Best Buy.

Right now you can scoop up the Apple Pencil Pro for $99 at Best Buy, $30 off its retail price of $129. What's even better is this purchase also comes with four bonus offers: you get three months of Apple TV+ for free, three months free of Apple Fitness+, up to four months of Apple Arcade for free, and up to three months of Apple Music for free. What better way to start out the new year than with some free trials like these?

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro - White $99.00 at Best Buy
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you're an iPad owner, the Apple Pencil Pro is a worthy investment for drawing, writing, or just jotting down notes when you need them. The Pro has plenty of exciting new features as well. If you're curious to know our full thoughts on it and learn more about it, it's worth checking out our hands-on review where Mashable's East Coast Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon walked through these new features and what iPad owners can expect.

SEE ALSO: This 55-inch LG NanoCell 4K for just $380 at Best Buy is a massive deal

A deal like this likely won't stick around for long, so pick up this Apple Pencil Pro on sale at Best Buy before the deal disappears.

While the official sale events are over and done with, there are still some deals hanging around before the holidays. If you want to see some more Apple deals available right now, it's definitely worth having a look through our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals to see if some picks you had your eye on are still available.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, December 9, 2024:

Across___ on a true story

• The answer is Based.

Martini garnish on a toothpick

• The answer is Olive.

"The Departed" co-star Matt

• The answer is Damon.

Like the air in a hookah bar

• The answer is Smoky

Number of Z tiles in Scrabble

• The answer is One.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9 DownPhysiques, casually

• The answer is Bods.

Texas fortress to "remember"

• The answer is Alamo.

Who sometimes "says" to touch your nose while jumping on one foot

• The answer is Simon.

Bring to mind

• The answer is Evoke.

Last word in the song "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"

• The answer is Deny.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $160: As of Dec. 9, Samsung B series 2.1 channel DTS Virtual:X soundbar is on sale for $119.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $160 discount off its $279.99 retail price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung B series 2.1 $119.99 at Best Buy
$279.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

If you’ve been relying on your TV’s built-in speakers, it’s time to upgrade because your ears deserve better. The Samsung B series 2.1 channel DTS Virtual:X soundbar is on sale at Best Buy for just $119.99, slashing $160 off its usual $279.99 price. For under $120, you can bring theater-quality sound to your living room without blowing your budget.

What makes this soundbar worth snagging? For starters, it’s equipped with DTS Virtual:X technology, which creates a 3D soundscape that mimics a surround sound setup. Action-packed blockbuster and zoning out to your favorite playlist with this soundbar adds depth and dimension your TV speakers can’t deliver.

SEE ALSO: Google is suing a federal regulator over supervision of its payment division

This Samsung soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer. You’ll feel every beat and explosion with satisfying bass that rumbles without distortion. And because the subwoofer is wireless, you can place it wherever works best in your space with no tangled cords necessary.

Gamers and binge-watchers will appreciate how this soundbar enhances dialogue and audio clarity. You won’t have to rewind to catch what someone said or struggle to balance loud action scenes with quiet conversations. Thanks to Samsung’s innovative audio technology, this soundbar optimizes sound levels automatically, adapting to whatever you’re watching.

SEE ALSO: This 55-inch LG NanoCell 4K for just $380 at Best Buy is a massive deal

Setting up the Samsung B series soundbar is as easy as plugging it in. Bluetooth-enabled, you can wirelessly connect your TV or other devices in seconds. Stream music, podcasts, or game audio directly from your phone with zero hassle.

At just $119.99, this soundbar deal is a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio on a budget. Deals this steep on high-quality audio gear don’t come around every day, so snag it now before it’s gone—and get ready to transform how you experience sound.

SAVE $320: As of Dec. 9, the LG 55-inch NanoCell 75UQA Series 4K UHD Smart TV is available for $379.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $320 discount off its $699.99 retail price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 75UQA $379.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $320.00 Get Deal

LG's NanoCell TVs are known for their vibrant colors and crisp, clear visuals, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. Not today. The LG 55-inch NanoCell 75UQA Series 4K Smart TV is on sale at Best Buy for just $379.99, saving you a whopping $320. If you've been waiting for a stellar deal to upgrade your living room setup, this is it.

The star of this TV is its NanoCell Display, which transforms your screen into a canvas of over a billion rich colors. Think deep blacks, vivid hues, and lifelike details that make every movie or show feel like a front-row seat to the action. It's perfect for sports fans, nature documentary buffs, or anyone who loves their content with a side of wow factor.

SEE ALSO: Google is suing a federal regulator over supervision of its payment division

This TV's heart is LG's a5 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize picture and sound. But let's remember the gamers. With the Game Optimizer and Dashboard, this TV makes fine-tuning your gaming experience quick and easy. Adjust settings, reduce input lag, and enjoy ultra-smooth gameplay from one central hub. Playing solo campaigns or online with friends is smooth thanks to NanoCell 75UQA; you won't miss a single frame.

SEE ALSO: The deals keep on rolling with Best Buy's 3-day sale that'll save you hundreds on great tech gifts

Streaming and innovative features? Check. The webOS 22 platform makes it easy to customize your TV experience with separate profiles and tailored recommendations for every family member. And with built-in access to all your favorite apps, you can go from Netflix to YouTube in a flash.

At under $400, this is a rare chance to snag premium tech without breaking the bank. Don't wait too long—deals like this tend to vanish faster than you can say "billion colors." Ready to transform your home entertainment? Grab the LG 55-inch NanoCell TV now.

SAVE $102: As of Dec. 9, the Philips 43-inch 144Hz 4K Ultra HD Gaming TV is available for $248 at Walmart. That’s $102 off its regular price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Phillips Philips 43-inch 144Hz 4K Ultra HD Gaming TV $248.00 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

Look no further if you’ve been dreaming of a TV that pulls double duty for epic gaming and cozy streaming marathons. The Philips 43-inch 144Hz 4K Ultra HD Gaming TV is on sale for just $248 at Walmart, down from its usual $349.99 price. This $102 discount makes leveling up your entertainment setup much easier on your wallet.

Let’s talk gaming first because this TV means business. With a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, it’s built for buttery-smooth, tear-free gameplay. Its low input lag means your controller’s moves instantly translate to the screen. The optimized gaming settings and faster panel ensure every detail looks sharp, even during intense action sequences. They’ll feel like you’re in the same room with your squad thanks to the TV’s 43-inch screen size.

SEE ALSO: Google is suing a federal regulator over supervision of its payment division

But the Philips 43-inch isn’t just for gamers. This Google-enabled smart TV is also an entertainment powerhouse. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10 support, Dolby Vision, and Atmos, your favorite shows and movies will look spectacular. Whether you’re catching the latest blockbuster or rewatching your comfort series for the millionth time, this TV delivers a cinematic experience from the comfort of your couch.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's 3-Day Sale is still going strong — here are today's best deals

Google TV integration makes navigating your content a breeze, combining live TV, movies, and shows in one place. And with built-in Bluetooth and 802.11 AC WiFi, you can seamlessly connect your wireless devices. Feeling fancy? Just say, “Hey, Google,” to search for shows, adjust settings, or even control your smart home devices.

At $248, this TV packs premium gaming and streaming features into an affordable price tag. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, now’s the perfect time. Snag it now and get ready to dominate your favorite games or lose yourself in cinematic brilliance.

SAVE $200: As of Dec. 9, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX wireless earbuds are on sale for $199 at Amazon. That’s a 50 percent discount off their $399 retail price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX $199.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Let's be honest: most of us settle for "good enough earbuds." They'll play music, take a call, and survive a little rain. But if you've ever wondered what life would be like on the other side of the sound-quality spectrum, now's your chance. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX earbuds, which generally cost $399, are now just $199 at Amazon. That's an incredible 50% off for earbuds that scream, "I have excellent taste."

Why should you care? Because Bang & Olufsen isn't just any audio brand. They're the kind of company that cares about sound, and it feels so much personal. The Beoplay EX earbuds are no exception. Adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) creates a bubble of pure sound around you—perfect for drowning out your neighbor's DIY projects or escaping the chaos of your morning commute. And the beamforming microphones? They cut out background noise so effectively that even your "Can you hear me now?" moments will sound studio-grade.

SEE ALSO: Google is suing a federal regulator over supervision of its payment division

But these earbuds aren't just about performance; they're straight-up luxurious. The Anthracite Oxygen colorway alone could win a design award (though there are other equally stunning shades). Crafted with premium materials and sporting a sleek, minimalist design, they make you feel fancy even when you're just listening to Taylor Swift for the hundredth time.

Durability is also a standout feature. These buds are IP57 waterproof, so whether you're caught in a sudden downpour or dripping sweat at the gym, they'll survive. And with 20 hours of playtime, they'll outlast any marathon listening session you can throw at them.

Here's the kicker: Bang & Olufsen rarely discounts their products by this much. Grab these earbuds before you're gone if you're ready to hear your music in a way that might make you emotional (or at least a little smug). After all, why settle for "good enough" when you could have spectacular for half the price?

The messaging app’s popularity has soared during the war with Russia, leading Ukrainian officials to increasingly weigh Telegram’s upsides against its security risks.

New technology alerts schools when students type words related to suicide. But do the timely interventions balance out the false alarms?

TL;DR: Get a 2-pack of FlashMiniAIR multi-mode micro flashlights for just $25.97 (reg. $69) — a must-have gift for gadget lovers, adventurers, and emergency prep.

If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift that’s practical, versatile, and budget-friendly, we might have an affordable answer. The FlashMiniAIR Micro Flashlight 2-pack is just $25.97 (regularly $69) through December 15. This compact flashlight is packed with powerful features and multiple modes, making it the ultimate tool for handymen and women, campers, hikers, or anyone who loves to be prepared.

With a size that fits on a keychain, this flashlight punches above its weight. It delivers super-bright illumination up to 600 lumens, multiple lighting modes, and versatile functions like UV and emergency signals.

Whether you're working on a DIY project, navigating the great outdoors, or prepping for storm season, FlashMiniAIR has you covered. Plus, its magnetic base and pocket clip allow for hands-free use, which can be super handy for those moments when you wish you had extra hand.

Rechargeable via USB-C, the FlashMiniAIR fully charges in just one hour and provides up to 32 hours of use per charge. Its durable, water-resistant design ensures it’s ready for any adventure or emergency. Lightweight and ultra-portable at just 2.5 inches long and less than an ounce, this tiny flashlight can be brought along with you anywhere.

What makes it even better? This 2-pack offer makes it the ideal stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift. It’s a thoughtful option for anyone who loves gadgets, enjoys outdoor adventures, or is a DIYer.

And don’t forget — order through December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT to ensure it arrives in time for holiday gifting.

Pick up this 2-pack of FlashMiniAIR multi-mode micro flashlights for just $25.97 (reg. $69) when you order through December 15.

FlashMiniAIR: 12-in-1 Micro Flashlight Packed with Mighty Features (2-Pack) - $25.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab FlashMiniAIR: 12-in-1 Micro Flashlight Packed with Mighty Features (2-Pack) $25.97
$69.98 Save $44.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Replace your AI subscriptions with DeskSense while a lifetime subscription is only $38 (reg. $179). 

Opens in a new window Credit: DeskSense DeskSense AI Assistant $38.00
$179.00 Save $141.00 Basic Plan: Lifetime Subscription Get Deal

AI has practically become an essential part of the professional world almost overnight. Though many people have settled into using AI all the time, one thing that hasn't quite become sustainable is AI pricing. All those subscriptions are seriously expensive. It's a good thing you don't have to pay for all of them, even if you rely on them every day. 

With DeskSense AI, you get a full suite of AI tools on one platform. So you can generate text, summarize webpages, generate images, and a whole lot more. And this isn't another monthly payment to manage. You can actually get a lifetime subscription to DeskSense for $38 (reg. $179). 

What does DeskSense do?

First, this doesn't mean you have to learn to use yet another AI model. In fact, DeskSense brings together some of the most popular AI models under one umbrella. That includes GPT-4, Gemini Pro, and more. 

You can use these AI tools to draft emails, generate marketing copy, and assist with research. Creatives can save time with AI-assisted image creation and brainstorming. DeskSense adapts to your tasks, so you can maintain the efficiency AI lends you without paying out the nose for a ton of subscriptions. 

Whether you’re a freelancer managing multiple clients, a business professional preparing detailed reports, or a student juggling assignments, DeskSense is a versatile solution you can rely on. 

Unlock a lifetime of AI 

Why keep paying monthly for AI when you can get the same models for life?

Jan. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get a DeskSense AI Assistant Lifetime Subscription for $38. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream’s Standard Plan for just $159.97 (reg. $399) and save over $200 on endless on-demand documentaries.

What if you could satisfy your thirst for knowledge anytime, anywhere, and forever? With the Curiosity Stream Lifetime Subscription, you can do just that—for only $159.97 (regularly $399). This deal gives you unlimited access to thousands of world-class documentaries for a one-time payment, saving you over $200 and unlocking a lifetime of on-demand education and entertainment.

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who simply loves exploring the world’s wonders, Curiosity Stream has something for you. With its extensive library of thousands of high-definition documentaries spanning topics like technology, nature, art, and more, this streaming platform is the ultimate destination for those who want to learn and be inspired.

Founded by John Hendricks, the visionary behind Discovery Communications, Curiosity Stream combines stunning visuals with expert storytelling to create an unparalleled streaming experience. Its Standard Plan offers top-notch content you can enjoy on your favorite devices, with features like offline viewing, multi-device syncing, and personalized bookmarks to make entertainment seamless and enjoyable.

Popular series like Planet of Treasures, Engineering the Future, and Into the Jungle ensure there’s always something exciting to watch. And with new content being added regularly, you’ll never run out of ways to satisfy your curiosity.

But don't wait too long because this price only lasts through December 15. This lifetime subscription is not only a treat for your brain but also a smart investment in yourself or the perfect gift for the knowledge-lover in your life.

Start your journey of discovery today and get a lifetime of Curiosity Stream while it's on sale for just $159.97 (reg. $399) — after all, your brain deserves a break from social and news scrolling.

Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription - $159.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $159.97
$399.99 Save $240.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Gift it, keep it, or do both — this 6-piece Bamboo-Blend Luxury Queen Sheet Set is just $29.97 (reg. $119).

Opens in a new window Credit: Bed Bath Fashions 6-Piece Bamboo-Blend Comfort Luxury Sheet Set $29.97
$119.00 Save $89.03 Get Deal

What’s better than a holiday gift that brings comfort and joy every single night?

This 6-piece Bamboo-Blend Comfort Luxury Queen Sheet Set is just $29.97 (regularly $119) as part of this pre-holiday sale. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone special, these sheets can help you get a more relaxing, luxurious sleep — and they arrive in time for the holidays if you order by Dec. 10.

These bamboo-blend sheets combine the best of soft microfiber and natural bamboo fabric to create a bedding experience that’s cozy, silky, and breathable. The result? Sheets that were made to feel like a dream. With 1,800 thread count fabric, you’ll experience premium comfort that stays wrinkle-free, vibrant in color, and hypoallergenic for sensitive sleepers.

Designed to fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep, this set is ideal for most beds and includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and four pillowcases — everything you need for a total bedding refresh. This queen-size set comes in a crisp white, which means they complement nearly any bedroom decor.

What makes these sheets truly stand out is their thoughtful construction. The bamboo-blend fabric is moisture-wicking, which helps keep you cool and comfortable all night.

Practical and comfortable, anyone with a bed could use a new set of soft sheets. And at this low price, you might as well get a set for your own bedroom, too. 

Don’t miss your chance to get this deal before it’s gone after December 15.

Order this 6-piece Bamboo-Blend Luxury Queen Sheet Set for just $29.97 (reg. $119) with on-time delivery available when you order through December 10.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Grab your obscene popcorn bucket, because it's time to look back on 2024, an absolutely outrageous year at the movies.

Sequels soared at the box office, from Inside Out 2 and Moana 2 to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Dune: Part Two. Scandals arose on the use of AI in production design and in quoting fictional reviews of Francis Ford Coppola movies. Musicals took to the spotlight for better or worse, ranging from Wicked, Mean Girls, The End, and This Me Now...A Love Story to Joker: Folie à Deux. Action movies hit hard with Fall Guy, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and Monkey Man. Superhero movies raged on with chaotic anti-heroes in Madame Web, Deadpool & Wolverine, and The People's Joker. And sex in cinema was alive and well across Love Lies Bleeding, The Idea of You, Challengers, Queer, Nosferatu, Anora, and Babygirl.

But amid so much weirdness and riches, what impressed Mashable's entertainment team enough to make our top 10? Well, we loved so many movies this year, we couldn't stop there. And that's great news for anyone looking to watch something wild and wonderful this winter.

Here are the 25 best movies of the year, and where you can watch them.

25. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies are a tough act to live up to (just ask his Hobbit trilogy). That's why it's so refreshing that Kenji Kamiyama's anime film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim doesn't just seek to replicate its predecessors' formula. (Although you can expect plenty of Lord of the Rings Easter eggs.) Instead, this prequel opts for something bleaker, yet no less epic.

The War of the Rohirrim returns us to Rohan over a century before the events of The Lord of the Rings. Here, King Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Succession's Brian Cox) and his fierce daughter Héra (voiced by Gaia Wise) fight to protect their kingdom from the advances of Dunlending lord Wulf (voiced by Luke Pasqualino). The ensuing conflict leads to a grueling siege at the Hornburg, where War of the Rohirrim delves deep into the psychological strain of war. The focus on this desperation and the addition of some gothic horror elements adds new textures to what we've seen of J.R.R. Tolkien's work on-screen, making for a truly spectacular outing to Middle-earth. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opens in theaters Dec. 13.

24. Bird

Andrea Arnold’s latest triumph Bird is a brash, beautiful, and deeply moving coming-of-age tale with a touch of magical realism and wondrous performances.

The film centers on observant, creative, headstrong teen Bailey (an exceptional Nykiya Adams), whose life in a dilapidated Gravesend squat comes with significant challenges — the latest of which, her flighty dad, Bug (a gleeful Barry Keoghan), is both getting married and wants to pay for it all with a drug toad, and her mum, Peyton (the ever-talented Jasmine Jobson), and young siblings are in real danger from her abusive partner, Skate (a terrifying James Nelson-Joyce). Feeling pretty alone through all this and the horrors of puberty, Bailey finds an unexpected friend in eccentric, gentle wanderer Bird, a sublime, fragile performance by Franz Rogowski you won't forget anytime soon. As Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, "From the moment he appears, Rogowski's soft physicality brings dazzling contrast to Bailey's rough-and-tumble world, building intrigue in the process."

Electrified with a Blur/Oasis-filled Britpop soundtrack with copious amounts of Irish post-punk pals Fontaines D.C., Bird captures a complex portrait of adolescence, metamorphosis, and English social realism in the way only Arnold can. You'll be singing Blur's "The Universal" all the way down the street afterward. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: Bird will premiere on MUBI Dec. 23.

23. Kneecap

Capturing the rebelliousness of the Irish hip-hop group for which it's named, Kneecap is a raucous and hilarious origin story starring Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí themselves. It's a bold move from director/writer Richard Peppiatt, but one that pays off big as the band's charisma translates to the big screen.

Forget those doggedly dramatic, respectful movies about a musician's life and times. Kneecap's tale is one of sex, hard drugs, boneheaded decisions, and bangin' tracks that sparked a cultural resurrection — specifically, helping to preserve the Irish language. As I cheered in my review, "Peppiatt has done a superb job of not only shaking off the oh-so-serious shackles that are musician biopic conventions but also enthusiastically embracing the hip-hop energy of his subjects, allowing them to be both the stars and fuel of their story, propelling them to a climax that deserves its rowdy encore across the credits. 

"Simply put, Kneecap is sensational, silly, sharp, and ultimately sublime." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Kneecap is now streaming on Netflix.

22. La Chimera

The past and present collide in La Chimera, director Alice Rohrwacher's playful, melancholic tomb-raiding fantasy.

La Chimera stars Josh O'Connor (who's had a banner spring, between this and Challengers) as Arthur, the leader of a group of Tuscan tomb raiders (or tombaroli). Arthur has a mysterious knack for finding lost artifacts, a process Rohrwacher and cinematographer Hélène Louvart bring to life with a heavy dose of magical realism. Yet while the other tombaroli pillage tombs for money and glory, Arthur, haunted by visions of his lost love Beniamina (Yile Yara Vianello), seeks something less tangible. His quest plays out like something out of a fairy tale, filled with dreamy memories, tentative romance, and an aching longing that buries itself deep in your heart. — B.E.

How to watch: La Chimera is now streaming on Hulu.

21. Late Night with the Devil

If you like your horror lean and mean, you must see this '70s-set indie from writers/directors Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes (aka the Cairnes Brothers).

David Dastmalchian, a character actor who's unnerved us in The Boogeyman and Prisoners, headlines here as Jack Delroy, a talk show host who is so determined to best Johnny Carson's ratings that he invites an allegedly possessed girl to be a guest on his Halloween special. Part showbiz satire, part found-footage horror, Late Night with the Devil uses a low-fi look and keenly creepy effects to create a throwback tale of terror that is rank with fresh blood. While the film's been criticized for its use of AI, its scares are so satisfying that it earned praise from none other than the master of horror himself, Stephen King. So, take a cue from our review: "Tune in and hang on. Dastmalchian and his demon are coming for you." — K.P.

How to watch: Late Night with the Devil is now streaming on Hulu and AMC+, and is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

20. The People's Joker

There are some movies so bizarre and daring that their very existence feels like a miracle. The People's Joker is one such miracle.

Co-writer/director/star Vera Drew channels her personal trans coming-of-age story into a supervillain narrative set in a funhouse mirror version of Batman's Gotham. There, Joker the Harlequin (Drew) seeks to make a mark on a corrupted comedy scene, ruled by a literally cartoony version of Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels. With a production design crowdsourced from across the internet, The People's Joker plays like an explosive kaleidoscope of references to every Batman movie and beyond. There's a deep love of all things DC, but without the suffocating reverence that has brought on superhero fatigue. With her biting sense of humor and raw emotional revelations, Drew has constructed a supervillain tale that is as jarring as it is compelling, as peculiar as it is profound. And considering Warner Bros.' litigious looming, that she got to release this movie at all is a victory for every weirdo with an idea for fanfic greatness. — K.P.

How to watch: The People's Joker is streaming on MUBI.

19. Hit Man

Richard Linklater and Glen Powell reunite for Hit Man, a rom-com that is killer in all sense of the word.

Powell plays Gary Johnson, a college professor whose side gig as an undercover hit man leads to an unexpected meet-cute with would-be client Madison (Andor's Adria Arjona). The pair's connection (and electrifying chemistry) sparks a delightful game of false identities, reinvention, and twisted love that toggles between hilarious, thrilling, and sexy at a moment's notice. Oh, who am I kidding; sometimes it's all three at once! — B.E.

How to watch: Hit Man is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Hard Truths

It's been almost 30 years since Marianne Jean-Baptiste co-starred in Mike Leigh's critically acclaimed Secrets & Lies, which earned her a slew of award nominations. As the prickly Pansy in Leigh's Hard Truths, Jean-Baptiste turns in one of the most extraordinary performances of the year. The result of their on-screen reunion is a challenging, sharply written, and stunningly performed kitchen sink drama. Pansy's daily anguish at the world around her results in increasingly unfiltered interactions, not only with strangers but with her husband, Curtley (David Webber), and son, Moses (Tuwaine Barrett). Jean-Baptiste also shares the screen with an excellent Michele Austin, who plays Pansy's much more positive sister, Chantal. With Leigh teaming up yet again with cinematographer Dick Pope, Hard Truths hits close to home as a tale of suppressed resentment, understandable rage, family trauma and grief, and ultimately, of what happens when you say the quiet part out loud.

As Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, "Hard Truths becomes a complex showreel for humanity at its most bitter and pained, with characters forced to turn inward and at least recognize (if not introspect and improve upon) the worst corners of themselves. Through long, unbroken close-ups and scenes of familial interaction in which tensions subtly build, Leigh's stark naturalism is brought slowly and fiercely to the fore by an accomplished actress at the height of her power, and at the height of her vulnerability." — S.C.

How to watch: Hard Truths will have a qualifying run in New York City on Dec. 6 before opening in limited release Jan. 10, 2025.

17. The Brutalist

In his in-depth review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha wrote, "The Brutalist is a towering paean to the American dream, in all its force and folly. Set over several decades, Brady Corbet's post-World War II immigrant saga is — like the architectural achievements of its protagonist — constructed with meticulous consideration, resulting in a work of multifaceted technique and piercing humanity.

"The film, arresting from its first frames, spends three-and-a-half engrossing hours on the tale of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a fictitious Jewish Hungarian architect and survivor of the Holocaust, whose arrival in America yields both rigorous struggle and tempting opportunity. It embodies the kind of American epics no longer really made by Hollywood studios. Comparisons to The Godfather have abounded since its Venice International Film Festival premiere (though as a vast immigrant saga, a more fitting analogy might be The Godfather Part II). Time will tell whether these are hyperbole, but while watching The Brutalist, it's hard not to think of the truly great American stories of the 20th century, like Once Upon a Time in America, and, on occasion, even Citizen Kane...The Brutalist is, deep in its bones, a collectivist film that not only places immense emotional value on people and their history, but creates and embodies that value too."

How to watch: The Brutalist will open in limited theaters Dec. 20. 

16. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

George Miller, you've done it again! The director's return to the Mad Max wasteland is nothing short of spectacular, a blistering revenge epic and work of mythology that pushes its lead character Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne, both spectacular) — and action filmmaking as a whole! — to new heights.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a prequel done right, deepening Furiosa's story from Mad Max: Fury Road without stooping to fan service-y lore bombs. Here, we'll meet new players in the wasteland, like warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth, killing it in villain mode) and stoic driver Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), with whom Furiosa shares a compelling, if understated, romance. It's also some of the best on-screen action since Fury Road itself. Miller kicks us off with a taut chase between Furiosa's formidable mother (Charlee Fraser) and the raiders who stole Furiosa, teaching us the rules of wasteland survival and attrition with keen visual storytelling. That's just a teaser for the real showstopper: a massive attack on Immortan Joe's (Lachy Hulme) war rig, complete with aerial warfare, real-time engine repair, and a character simply known as Piss Boy. Witness him, but more importantly, witness the brilliance that is Furiosa. — B.E.

How to watch: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is now on Max.

15. The Substance

The Substance is one of the most critically heralded horror films of the year and also one of the most polarizing among our team. As the ferocious follow-up to her grisly and glorious directorial debut Revenge, French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat pulled no punches, delivering a thriller that's a gut-churning knockout.

Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an actress whose star is fading as she ages, and heartless Hollywood execs (exemplified by a shellfish-chomping Dennis Quaid) hunger for young beauties and fresh blood. So when a miracle drug allows her to split her life with a perky younger model of herself (Drive-Away Dolls' Margaret Qualley), she leaps at the chance. But the brutal cost it takes is ugly.

A ghastly satire about the misogynistic beauty standards applied to women, The Substance shocked and awed critics and audiences alike with its giddily gruesome imagery. In his review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha argued "its style has no real substance." Others on our team were apoplectic over the movie's most twisted turns. But the majority of Mashable's team reveled in Fargeat's brutal honesty, which explored how vanity and insecurity can warp a person, inside and out. Speaking for those of us who loved The Substance, there's something undeniably exhilarating about a movie that's as proudly pink as Barbie but as unhinged as the gnarliest midnight movie. — K.P.

How to watch: The Substance is now streaming on MUBI.

14. Oddity

In a year rich with sensational horror offerings, Oddity was among our very favorite. A follow-up to Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy's deeply creepy Caveat, Oddity seamlessly blends a barrage of spooky subgenres with Irish lore to create something sickening, scary, strange, and timeless.

As I recounted in my review of the movie's SXSW premiere, this supernatural thriller begins with a seeming slasher setup. A woman home alone hears an unwelcome knock at the door, and then is offered an impossible decision that will determine: life or death. Keeping his audience on their toes, McCarthy then leaps to a year later, introducing us to a visually impaired psychic and her oddity shop, full of cursed curiosities. From there, ghosts, witchcraft, and psychological thriller elements come into play, mostly within a remote home that looks just wrong from every angle. And that's before the creepy Wooden Man arrives as a grim gift. In this way, Oddity plays like an anthology, unfurling horrific surprises, intense scares, and strange stories, but all within one sophisticated, unnerving saga. The result is a movie that's not just a must-see for horror fans, it's a must-see over and over again to catch every cryptic detail. — K.P.

How to watch: Oddity is now streaming on Shudder.

13. Conclave

No one is more surprised than lapsed Catholic me that one of the funnest films of 2024 was set in a cardinal's conclave to choose the new pope. Sure, on the surface, Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name, is a thriller. In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders.

SEE ALSO: 'Conclave' review: Vatican-set thriller is divinely fun

And yet within this dramatic framework, the charming ensemble (which includes Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow) laces in a catty sense of humor, which has been catching on in memes and social media. Through this divine blend of suspense and subtle comedy, helmer Edward Berger delivers a thriller that is divinely entertaining. — K.P.

How to watch: Conclave is now in theaters and available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

12. The Wild Robot

You know how some movies can make you cry just by thinking about them? That's the case with The Wild Robot, a stunning story of connection and kindness from DreamWorks Animation and director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).

SEE ALSO: 'The Wild Robot' review: Who knew a robot and goose could make me sob so much?

Like in Sanders' prior work, The Wild Robot strikes gold with a story of an unlikely duo: a robot named Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o), who's stranded on a deserted island, and an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (voiced by Heartstopper's Kit Connor), who imprints on her. While Roz initially views raising Brightbill as a task she needs to complete in order to fulfill her programming, the pair's relationship becomes so much more — as does Roz's relationship to the entire island. An ode to found family and to the power of kindness, The Wild Robot won't stop until it's tugged every last one of your heartstrings. Nor will it stop until you've marveled at every detail of its watercolor-inspired animation, a marvel of visual storytelling that instantly elevates it to one of DreamWorks' (and 2024's) best. — B.E.

How to watch: The Wild Robot is now available to purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

11. Flow

There may be no more immersive movie-watching experience this year than Flow, a dialogue-free ride through a flooded fantasy world that may leave you feeling as soaked (and stressed) as its unlikely heroes. Director Gints Zilbalodis puts us in the paws of a little black cat struggling to survive after a watery disaster sweeps it from its home. Stranded on a sailboat with a motley group of animals — including a capybara, a lemur, a secretarybird, and a Golden Retriever — the cat must learn to cooperate with its crewmates if it's going to adapt to this strange new world.

SEE ALSO: 'Flow' review: An animated animal adventure unlike anything you've seen before

Flow eschews any hallmarks of how American animation portrays animals, instead going for realistic animal sounds and movements. The result is instantly engrossing. We are initially alienated from the animals' inner thoughts and motivations, yet Zilbalodis renders them clear through hyper-specific characterization and interactions. The animation (all completed in open-source 3D software Blender) is striking too, mixing detailed textures and graphics to create a film that is beautiful yet somewhat unfamiliar. There's no way you can look away from this sweet, layered tale of teamwork, or the precious feline at its heart. — B.E.

How to watch: Flow is now in theaters.

10. Will & Harper

Since their early days at Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have had a strong connection when it comes to comedy. This would flourish as they made movies together, including the sublime Lifetime movie parody A Deadly Adoption, the absolutely epic musical comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and now their most personal of all, Will & Harper. Helmed by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum, this documentary follows the two longtime friends and colleagues on a road trip across America, as they navigate what their friendship means now that Harper has come out as a trans woman.

While her devoted pal is by her side at visits to dive bars, pro basketball games, and a surly Texas steakhouse, not all of the Americans they run across are so welcoming. Through this vulnerable and wonderfully vibrant film, this dynamic duo offers plenty of jokes, but also a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be trans in America in this moment. In Mashable's review out of TIFF, I declared, "Will & Harper is a resoundingly joyful and moving documentary, resplendent in its openness. It's their love story, and it's glorious."* — K.P.

How to watch: Will & Harper is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Better Man

Robbie Williams brings a wild makeover to the musical biopic with Better Man. The English pop star plays narrator to his rags-to-riches story, while a collaboration between actor Jonno Davies and Wētā FX transforms the famous bad boy into a fun-loving chimpanzee.

The concept sounds like a bonkers gimmick, but writer/director Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) utilizes this ape to explore not just what happened in Williams' life but also how he felt — like a dancing chimp. The metaphor doesn't get old; over the course of rousing musical numbers that chart William's rise to fame, fall from grace, and finding himself, it opens Better Man up to embrace the surreal and sensational. By rejecting the stodgy standards of a respectful biopic, this movie comes alive. As I raved in Mashable's review out of TIFF, "Rich in vibrant emotion, body-rocking musical numbers, daring performances, and a scorching tenderness, Better Man more than rocks. It rules." — K.P.

How to watch: Better Man opens in limited release Dec. 25, expanding to theaters everywhere on Jan. 10, with a Paramount+ debut to follow.

8. Babygirl

As a titillating follow-up to the humorous whodunnit Bodies Bodies Bodies, writer/director Halina Reijn delivered Babygirl. Nicole Kidman stars as a high-powered CEO balancing a demanding professional life with a personal life that includes her gentle theater director husband (Antonio Banderas) and high-energy teen daughters (Vaughan Reilly and Esther McGregor). Her world turns upside down when a cocky intern (Harris Dickinson) begins to flirt — very inappropriately — with her.

Delving into topics about sex, power dynamics, forbidden lust, and identity, Babygirl is an electrifying blend of humor and yearning that is absolutely dizzying, in the best way possible. As I wrote in our rave review out of TIFF, "Emotionally naked, unapologetically provocative, and defiantly playful, Reijn's film joyfully explores the complicated ties that bind. Amid stiff competition, she delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year." — K.P.

How to watch: Babygirl opens in theaters Dec. 25.

7. Problemista

Saturday Night Live writer turned filmmaker Julio Torres came out swinging with his weirdly brilliant feature directorial debut, Problemista. Inspired by his own experiences as an immigrant finding New York City a place of promise, problems, and glittering trash, he wrote, directed, and starred opposite Tilda Swinton in one of the most sensational comedies of the last decade.

The story centers on Alejandro (Torres), an aspiring toymaker who is desperately seeking a sponsor for his visa when he meets art-scene critic/menace Elizabeth (Swinton). A modern fairy tale of a noble young knight and a dragon who might help him or swallow him whole, Problemista is a movie filled with surreal and wonderful imagery, imaginative jokes, and quirky performances from the likes of Isabella Rossellini, Past Lives' Greta Lee, A League of Their Own's Kelly McCormack, Hacks' Meg Stalter, Abbott Elementary's Larry Owens, and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA. This deeply humane and humorous comedy is a bizarre balm, sure to have you howling with laughter between its most biting barbs. — K.P.

How to watch: Problemista is now streaming on Max.

6. Dune: Part Two

With 2021's Dune, director Denis Villeneuve proved he could do justice to Frank Herbert's sci-fi masterwork. Three years later, he topped himself with Dune: Part Two, a sobering epic that will surely go down in history as one of the greatest sci-fi films and sequels ever made.

Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who finds himself among the planet Arrakis' indigenous Fremen. There he becomes entangled in the impossible position of hoping to avenge the Harkonnens' attack on his house, while also trying to avoid a future in which he unleashes holy war upon the universe. As Dune: Part Two moves closer and closer to that violent inevitability, Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaihts don't shy away from the darkness of Paul's story. They build his relationship with Chani (an extraordinary Zendaya) and the Fremen into an immaculate tragedy, pitting faith against manipulation with explosive results. 

On top of all this, Villeneuve fills the screen with sci-fi strangeness and wonders galore. Who can forget the H.R. Giger-esque fever dream that is Giedi Prime, or the sense of levitation that hits when Harkonnen soldiers fly across the desert? Armies of sandworms and Austin Butler's gleefully evil Feyd-Rautha only add to Dune: Part Two's excellence — now bring on Dune Messiah!* — B.E.

How to watch: Dune: Part Two is now streaming on Max.

5. Love Lies Bleeding

Rose Glass, the writer/director who awed critics in 2020 with her stunning religious horror film Saint Maud, has blessed us with a follow-up that is as scorchingly sexy as it is deeply unsettling.

Set against a merciless desert town, Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart as a surly loner who manages a rundown gym. Things begin to look up when a perfectly permed and righteously ripped bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) rolls into her squalid realm. Their attraction is instant, their loyalty is potentially lethal. So when they run afoul of a local kingpin (Ed Harris, wearing a mangy skullet), this noir thriller veers into a place of jaw-dropping violence and grievous vengeance, with a climax that is as outrageous as it is exhilarating. As I wrote in our review, "There are movies that grab you by the throat. There are movies that punch you in the gut. Love Lies Bleeding is both, and I fucking love it." — K.P.

How to watch: Love Lies Bleeding is streaming on Max.

4. Dìdi

Dìdi is a movie that is hard to shake, because it's ruthlessly effective in transporting the audience back to what it meant to be coming of age in the 2000s. This directorial debut of writer/helmer Sean Wang follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy who goes by several names, all the better to code-switch for his family, skater friends, school crush, and beyond.

Fronting the film as Chris/Dìdi/Wang Wang, Izaac Wang remarkably shoulders a film that brazenly plunges into the mercurial nature of being a teen. Meaning, we are cringing witnesses as this eager-to-impress hero lays down little white lies, flirts poorly, alienates friends with off-putting anecdotes, and screams at his devoted mom (Joan Chen). Then, on top of all this, the emotionally intelligent filmmaker also captures the heartache and earnestness a generation first poured into MySpace and AIM Instant Messenger. As I raved in my review, Dìdi isn't just a good coming-of-age movie or a great coming-of-age movie. Dìdi is unquestionably one of the most poignant and very best movies of the year. — K.P.

How to watch: Dìdi is now streaming on Peacock.

3. Nickel Boys

Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel finds an exquisite, powerful adaptation with director RaMell Ross at the helm. Uniquely filmed in mostly first-person perspective shots, Nickel Boys quite literally puts you in the protagonists' shoes, through every painful, resistantly joyful, and traumatic experience at the reform school they attend in Jim Crow-era Florida. As Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, "In Whitehead's novel, the words on the page are just as meaningful as the blank spaces between them — an approach Ross recreates not through absence, but through the layered use of archival video and images that blend fiction with reality in both wistful and harrowing ways."

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson are nothing short of superb as Elwood and Turner, two young Black men wrongfully incarcerated at the brutal Nickel Academy, which Whitehead based on the Dozier School in Florida. In this state-sanctioned realm of injustice and fear, the pair's friendship holds a poignant power that sits at the heart of Whitehead's story, one steeped in horrific facts. Nickel Boys honours unimaginable perseverance in a film that will stay with you long afterward. — S.C.

How to watch: Nickel Boys open on Dec. 13 in NYC and in Los Angeles Dec. 20.

2. Challengers

The alluring ad campaign for Luca Guadagnino's sports drama teased a love triangle between stars Josh O'Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya. Yet not even the clip of that three-way kiss could prepare us for the cinematic force of nature that is Challengers.

SEE ALSO: 'Challengers' review: You're not ready for Zendaya's horny love-triangle drama

Written by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers centers on a dynamic love triangle between two childhood friends and a female tennis phenom whose drive to win is catching. Incredibly, the film has no actual sex scenes — but that didn't stop social media from exploding into thirsty fan edits. The film oozes with sensuality in every tennis match, slick with sweat and adrenaline pumping thanks to a score by Academy Award–winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The result is a ruthlessly sexy movie that toys with its audience just as its leading lady does her boys. And — as all best-of-year movies ought to be — Challengers only gets better and richer with every rewatch.

Do as Zendaya says: See it again and then again. Challengers is a winner that'll leave you ragged yet wanting more. — K.P.

How to watch: Challengers is now streaming on Prime Video.

1. Anora

2024 was a year in cinema defined by desire, from horny comedies like Lisa Frankenstein and Drive-Away Dolls to heralded thrillers like Love Lies Bleeding, Challengers, and Babygirl. But the best of the bunch — also beating out a slew of movies that weren't remotely salacious — is Sean Baker's Anora, a dramedy that Mashable proclaimed a "triumph" out of its TIFF premiere.

In a star-making turn, Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as a sex worker whose professional relationship with a young Russian client swiftly swings into a quickie wedding in Vegas. But Baker, who's made a career out of compelling films centered on the rich inner lives of sex workers, isn't offering a sloppy retread of Pretty Woman. When cronies come banging on the mansion door, it's up to Anora to fight for the future she wants. And along the way, Madison and a crackling ensemble deliver not only lip-biting tension, but also jolting laughs that never make its eponymous heroine the butt of the joke. Everyone from Mashable who saw it was wowed.

Beautifully captured, beguiling spirited, "Anora offers a glorious thrill, as bold as it is brilliant." And so, it's the best film of the year. — K.P.

How to watch: Anora is now in theaters.

Want more of the best of 2024? Join Mashable as we look back at all the viral TikTok songs, internet slang, memes, hyped-up hardware, scientific discoveries, dating trends, social media apps, and more that have delighted and amazed us so far this year.

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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 December 9 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: No score, or same score

• Green: Card games

• Blue: Football players

• Purple: Mascots shortened

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Dead heat

• Green: Poker variants

• Blue: NFL wide receivers

• Purple: Colloquial CFB nicknames

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 #77 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Dead Heat - DEADLOCK, DRAW, STALEMENT, TIE

• Poker Variants - HOLD'EM, HORSE, RAZZ, STUD

• NFL Wide Receivers - LAMB, LOCKETT, ST. BROWN, WADDLE

• Colloquial CFB Nicknames - HOGS, HUSKERS, NOLES, VOLS

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.

As time marches on, so too does beauty tech, with new research and innovations helping many achieve their aesthetic goals. Even so, weekly medispa trips are outside the realm of financial possibility for most people, relegated to special occasions if visited at all.

Fortunately, there is a middle ground. Many at-home devices offer the same science-backed skincare tech used in medispas, allowing you to get similar results for less. Not only is it soothing to take the time for self care, it's also gratifying to know that your treatments are evidence-based.

Here are four science-backed gadgets to upgrade your beauty routine and help turn your home into a medispa.

CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 Credit: CurrentBody

Red light therapy is arguably the darling of science-backed beauty gadgets. Red light devices use low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin, which can have multiple aesthetic benefits. Such effects include reducing wrinkles, sagging, and redness, promoting skin regeneration and rejuvenation; and addressing dark spots, discolouration, and texture.

CurrentBody's LED Light Therapy Face Mask has been addressing such concerns for years, building a name for itself in home red light therapy devices. Now the company has upgraded its mask in the new Series 2, offering more complete coverage than the original. The CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 has almost twice the number of LED bulbs as its predecessor, boasting 236 as compared to 132, while its design has been slightly reworked to wrap under the user's chin as well. It also emits a third light wavelength on top of red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm), with the deep near-infrared (1072nm) waves penetrating deeper into the skin.

Red light therapy has been proven safe to use, typically with minimal to no side effects. However, results aren't instant. CurrentBody recommends using the Series 2 for 10 minutes per day, three to five times per week, with results becoming apparent after four weeks or more. Fortunately, the mask's attached power pack can easily hook to your clothes or fit in a pocket, allowing you to go about your business while waiting for it to automatically turn off when your treatment is complete.

Opens in a new window Credit: CurrentBody CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 at Amazon
Shop Now HairMax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex hair regrowth device Credit: HairMax

Skin issues aren't the only use for red light therapy. Multiple studies have found that low-level lasers can be used to encourage hair growth, stimulating the scalp and increasing blood circulation. HairMax's LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex addresses hair loss with 41 red light laser diodes, offering fuller coverage with less effort than red light combs.

Shaped like a thick headband, using the LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex is straightforward enough that you'd be forgiven for wondering if there was a step you're missing. You simply sit the device on top of your head at your hairline, then press the button on its side to turn it on and bathe your scalp in 655nm wavelength red light. (Putting it on your head before you activate it ensures you don't accidentally look at the lasers.) The LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex will then buzz when it's finished that section, letting you know it's time to shift it back to the next area of your scalp. 

When you're done, press the side button again to turn it off, then place it in the charging cradle so it's ready to use next time. Complete coverage takes only a few minutes, with treatment to be repeated three times per week. 

Like a red light mask, you will have to use HairMax's LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex for several months before you even begin to see results. But the time will pass anyway, and it's only a few scant minutes every other day. You can easily do it while watching Netflix and barely even turn your mind to it.

It's important to remember that red light therapy isn't a magic cure-all, and won't be able to completely offset issues such as untreated trichotillomania. But if you're dealing with mild to moderate hair loss or thinning caused by issues such as aging, genetics, hormonal problems, or even androgenetic alopecia, the HairMax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex may help mitigate the problem.

Opens in a new window Credit: HairMax HairMax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex at Amazon
Shop Now Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL hair removal device Credit: Braun

Shaving and waxing have long been hair removal stalwarts. They're also laborious, irritating, sometimes painful tasks that run the risk of causing ingrown hairs. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices such as Braun's Skin i·expert Smart IPL offer a more convenient solution, removing hair by rapturing up unwanted strands and metaphorically salting the earth to hinder future growth. 

As the name suggests, IPL uses intense light to target the darker pigment in hair follicles, heating them up and breaking them down. This not only removes hair, but damages the follicles so they have a hard time regrowing. Fortunately, using the Skin i·expert isn't painful or uncomfortable, feeling like a mild, brief sting at most. Each session is fairly quick, with the Skin i·expert repeatedly flashing as you glide its head over large areas. You can stamp it and manually trigger each flash as well, which is useful for smaller areas.

Braun's Skin i·expert also only requires one session per week for the first four to 12 weeks (depending on the amount of hair you have), then maintenance sessions around every one to two months. The maintenance sessions likely won't be much of a bother though, considering that it's incredibly satisfying watching hair instantly burn away as though smote from on high. The connected app can advise an IPL schedule, as well as keep track of it for you. 

One caveat is that IPL doesn't work well on darker skin or lighter hair, so you'll want to check that it's suitable for you. The Skin i·expert does have an inbuilt detection system that will prevent it from activating if your skin is unsuitable, but you don't want to find out that's the case after you've already bought it. If you're happy to do without the the detection system or app you can also save a bit of money by picking up the Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 instead.

Opens in a new window Credit: Braun Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL $419.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $80.00 Shop Now RoseSkinCo. Petal 2 sonic facial cleansing brush Credit: RoseSkinCo.

Studies indicate that facial cleansing brushes can provide better results than just washing with your hands, reducing the occurrence of acne and improving your skin's clarity, tone, texture, and brightness. However, a brush that is too harsh can completely destroy your skin barrier, causing even more problems than you had in the first place. Such damage can take up to a month to recover from, leaving your face bumpy and sensitive in the meantime.

RoseSkinCo.'s Petal 2 is a soothingly gentle cleansing brush that you'd be hard pressed to harm your skin with. Featuring soft antibacterial silicone bristles, RoseSkinCo. says this device offers around 10,000 sonic pulsations per minute to dislodge dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin. In addition to this, the Petal 2 has magnetic beads which circulate beneath the silicone to massage your face at the same time. You can choose between strong or standard sonic pulsations, as well as turn the magnetic beads off, by cycling between the Petal 2's four different modes.

The Petal 2 is fully waterproof, so you can use it in the shower without worrying, and automatically turns off after 90 seconds so there's no chance you'll over-exfoliate. The device is also beautifully compact and ergonomic, fitting neatly in the hand, and comes with an attractive gold stand which doubles as a wireless charging hub. 

Opens in a new window Credit: RoseSkinCo. RoseSkinCo. Petal 2 at RoseSkinCo.
Shop Now

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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 December 9 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Careful thought or consideration

• Green: Tools or methods for ignition

• Blue: Instruments and items for microscopy

• Purple: Common phrases following 'X'

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Deliberation

• Green: Used in Starting a Fire

• Blue: Used to View A Biological Sample

• Purple: Words After 'X'

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 #547 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Deliberation: CONSIDERATION, REFLECTION, SCRUTINY, THOUGHT

• Used in Starting a Fire: FLINT, LIGHTER, MAGNIFYING GLASS, MATCHES

• Used to View A Biological Sample: MICROSCOPE, SLIDE, SPECIMEN, STAIN

• Words After 'X': FACTOR, FLIES, GAMES, RAY

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 December 9

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.

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 December 9 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 December 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Hurl with force.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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...

FLUNG.

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 December 9

Reporting 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.

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 Mashable

By 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 December 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 9 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Quiet at first

These words start with a silent letter.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words start with a letter that is not pronounced.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is SilentLetter.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 9

• Gnome

• Knuckle

• Honesty

• Psalm

• Wrap

• Mnemonic

• SilentLetter

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.

Google is taking on part of the United States government in court.

Specifically, Google is suing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, per Reuters. The search engine company decided to take the federal consumer watchdog to court after the agency ordered supervision of Google Payment, the part of the company that handles, well, user payments. According to the CFPB, Google's payment services carry risks for consumers, such as possible fraud and mistaken transactions.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel brings back popular camera features in new update

One angle worth noting is that Google actually shut down Google Pay earlier this year. That's seemingly central to Google's defense of its conduct here. According to the company's complaint, "a product that no longer exists is incapable of posing such risk." As such, Google doesn't feel supervision (which would be similar to what is performed for major banks and other financial institutions) is needed.

Despite this, the CFPB feels that Google's payment services could still pose a risk to customers, per TechCrunch. The CFPB is operating off of almost 300 customer complaints. Google may not have done anything wrong, but the CFPB clearly feels Google has done enough to warrant supervision, and Google isn't a fan of that.

It's also worth noting that all of this could go away as soon as Donald Trump takes office again in January, given his administration's public friendliness with major tech figures.

After a week of absolutely insane headlines, Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che had no shortage of material to dig into.

Leading the charge was the massive social media frenzy over the shooting of UHC CEO Brian Thomas — and, more specifically, how some factions of the internet can’t stop thirsting over the alleged shooter, who many are calling "kinda hot."

Other topics tackled by the duo included President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter, Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s plea for confirmation (and his promise to quit drinking if approved), and how Sprint users should count their blessings as hacker group saltTyphoon targets every other cell carrier but them.