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This review discusses sexual violence, abuse, and mentions eating disorders.
Five years after the publication of Lisa Taddeo's bestselling non-fiction book, Three Women, its TV treatment has finally hit the small screen.
Starring She's Gotta Have It's DeWanda Wise, Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley, GLOW's Betty Gilpin and In My Skin star Gabrielle Creevy, the series — just like Taddeo's book — looks not just at the relatively unexplored and often oversimplified world of female sexuality, but also how women are punished for these desires in a patriarchal world. Taddeo co-wrote the series with Tell Me Lies' Chisa Hutchinson, with House of Cards producer Laura Eason as showrunner.
SEE ALSO: Author Lisa Taddeo on 'Three Women,' sexual desire, and how we judge other womenSimilar to the painstaking reportage Taddeo undertook to write her book, Three Women's 10-episode run (each running at roughly an hour) takes a really deep dive into the story, with mixed results.
What is Three Women about? Shailene Woodley as Gia (based on Lisa Taddeo). Credit: StarzThe series brings to our screens the stories from the near decade Taddeo spent interviewing three American women about their sexual desires, how society has impacted the way they manifest, and how they feel about expressing them.
The book was released in 2019 during the height of the #MeToo movement. Taddeo's incredibly in-depth study into three real women – Maggie, Lina, and Sloane — and their bodily, emotional, and sexual desires aligned perfectly with a wider narrative of women demanding to be heard.
Who plays the Three Women? Gabrielle Creevy as Maggie. Credit: StarzCreevy plays Maggie, who reflects on an abusive, coercive relationship between herself and her teacher years prior. The series covers said real-life teacher Aaron Knodel's trial, and the misogyny embedded in the justice system, especially when it comes to crimes of sexual violence. Creevy carries the story with a steely innocence, knowing that what happened to her was wrong but often feeling silenced and bullied in response to her efforts to seek justice.
Wise is striking as Sloane, a restaurant owner and mother who deviates from her husband Richard's (Blair Underwood) rules when it comes to their polyamorous relationship; he predominantly chooses her matches. Sloane struggles with feeling limited without choice, especially when she meets Will (Blair Redford) and forges a new connection — only to be met with slut-shaming comments from different people in her life, including her husband. Wise navigates this performance with warmth, grace, and humour, but balances it with incredibly precise fury when needed — and boy, is it needed. Though Sloane's story is relatively underserved throughout the series, she delivers of the show's most impactful lines about the stigma, guilt and shame around desire: "If [it] makes me a bad person, even if it makes me the worst person, I still want what I want."
Featured Video For You What hooked Blair Underwood to work on 'Three Women'?The character of Indiana homemaker Lina is brought to life with soft vulnerability by Gilpin. Lina is left wanting due to the lack of intimacy in her marriage, and starts to seek it elsewhere as desire starts to eat at her. Additionally, she harbours intense, complicated feelings for her high school boyfriend, who neglected her after she was raped as a teenager.
Lina's friendship with writer Gia (a character played by Woodley and based on Taddeo, who is expanded upon considerably in the TV series) is fraught, intense, and dysfunctional — a source of support but also codependence. Woodley's Gia is compelling, as she navigates grief from losing her parents at a young age, as well as other fertility and health issues while fighting to finish her book before she runs out of money. Her portrayal of these issues is important, and devastating at points, but ultimately detracts from the stories of the three women that Taddeo so carefully and artfully portrayed in her book.
How does the Three Women TV adaptation hold up? DeWanda Wise and Blair Underwood as Sloane and Richard. Credit: StarzIn the book, Taddeo switches perspectives between chapters to hear from the different women, but in the show, the hour-long episodes make the switching difficult to follow and for the viewer to feel close to each story. Each woman’s account requires time and sensitivity, and these jarring roadblocks don't allow time to sit with the complexities of their sex lives. A key issue with Three Women is honouring the dramatisation of these true stories without veering into documentary territory, or stretching out the narrative too much. Three Women is, unfortunately, at times guilty of the latter.
It makes sense to flesh out more of Taddeo’s book in a 10-episode TV series, but it also results in us spending episodes away from each story, meaning narratives as intense as Maggie's disappear from our screen for too long. Maggie's story explores a much darker area of grooming, consent, and abuse. We witness her teacher's use of love-bombing and manipulation in haunting scenes in episode 8 (fittingly named "Twilight"), where the show explores the role of novels like Stephenie Meyer's romanticise abusive power dynamics.
We also see the appalling ways that survivors are treated when they report such abuse, with Maggie being asked what she wore when she was around Knodel, as well as endless interrogations around her own morality. Like the 2020 TV series A Teacher, which also offered a nuanced portrayal of teacher-student grooming, Maggie's story stands as a poignant example of how feelings of desire can be manipulated.
Three Women covers myriad aspects of female health issues, sexuality, and desire on screen Betty Gilpin as Lina. Credit: StarzThat being said, while the pacing and characterisation choices might detract from the wider story, and the show is still ultimately limited in whose story gets to be told, Three Women does try to cover more variation on the female sexual experience than shows that precede it.
Through the series' many, many sex scenes, we see examples of stealthing (an act of sexual violence when someone either lies about putting a condom on or removes it without the other person's permission), period sex, as well as masturbation. It brings into sharp relief the acute, overwhelming nature of desire, causing us to reflect on the ways that society often shames women for these feelings. By seeing these cravings up close, as well as the way women are often violated by men's desire, we are confronted with the realities of the female sexual experience – both the liberating and the damaging.
When it comes to the duty Three Women pays to the stories told about women's bodies, we also see the debilitating impact of endometriosis pain and the dismissive nature of both Lina's husband and medical professionals about it. We also see Sloane's grappling with an eating disorder as well as the aftermath of a miscarriage.
So often, the stories told around women’s bodies, as well as on-screen portrayals of female desire, feel either sanitised, romanticised, or one-dimensional, leaving out the nuance, messiness, and guilt that come with living in a patriarchal society. Three Women hits back against this norm.
Three Women is ultimately an empowering watch Shailene Woodley as Gia. Credit: StarzWhat's refreshing about Three Women isn't just its close look at so many areas of the sexual and desire spectrums for women, but also its focus on different women's walks of life. While Sex and the City and Girls, for example, portrayed sexual exploration from a specifically metropolitan, New York City-centric, white point of view, Taddeo's characters are based on real-life women from middle parts of America, including North Dakota and Indiana. The result is a more holistic portrayal of women's sex lives — though it must be pointed out, three of the four lead actors are white women.
Ultimately, Three Women is about feeling heard and hearing others. All three women express the empowerment they feel at telling their story to someone, and Gia is empowered by hearing them. As Sloane tells Gia, "I'm tired of stories of women not winning."
It's debatable whether any of the women "win" in a wider sense – but perhaps their stories being told, and the people the TV series will touch as a result, is a victory in itself.
How to watch: Three Women is now streaming on Starz.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.
If you feel like you’d like to talk to someone about your eating behavior, text "NEDA" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a trained volunteer or visit the National Eating Disorder Association website for more information.
I don't know what Sabrina Carpenter put in her "Espresso" tune to make it so addicting, but on the new AirPods 4, it sounds like it's been brewed to perfection.
To give you some background, the entry-level AirPods have always been sans active noise cancellation (ANC). If you wanted to block unwanted noise, you'd have to upgrade to the AirPods Pro 2.
But then, the Cupertino-based tech giant dropped the fourth-generation AirPods on Sept. 9 at the "Glowtime" Apple event. In other words, the new AirPods 4 are now more "Pro" than ever. Not only do they have ANC, but they also have Conversation Awareness, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio.
You may be wondering, "Is the ANC on the new AirPods 4 any good?" Let me walk you through my brief experience with them.
SEE ALSO: Apple gets FDA green light on AirPods Pro hearing aid mode Apple AirPods 4 hands-onI had an opportunity to demo the new AirPods 4, and before I popped the earbuds in, I feared that they wouldn't fit.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI was one of those 'Is there something wrong with me?' AirPods users who had to purchase ear hooks to supplement my first-generation AirPods Pro because they kept falling out. (It seemed like everyone else had their AirPods Pro secured, but because my ears are an anomaly, I had trouble keeping them in.)
However, to my surprise, the AirPods 4 fit super snug. Shaking, tilting and bobbling my head, the AirPods didn’t move an inch. How could this be?
Secure fitApple said that it analyzed thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million data points using advanced technology to design a more secure and precise fit (for most people) on the AirPods 4. And let me tell you, whatever Apple did during its analysis, it worked — for me at least.
I've got a set of unusual ears, and despite their weird, atypical shape, the AirPods 4 had a tight fit in my canal without taking a tumble.
Active noise cancellation is surprisingly goodNext, I fired up one of my favorite songs of the year: Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso." There was a white noise simulation in the demo room, similar to the drone of an airplane, and then I turned on active noise cancellation.
Whoa!
It was as if the noisy world around me disappeared, allowing Carpenter's sugary sweet vocals to take center stage. Even if you're not in a crowded room nor a noisy street, you don't realize how cacophonous your surroundings are until you turn on ANC. From the tick-tock of a nearby clock and distant traffic to the hum of an air conditioner to the buzz of a refrigerator motor, these environmental sounds negatively affect the immersion of your listening experience.
"Espresso" already sounds like a warm vanilla brew with a frothy finish, but with ANC on, it felt like Carpenter was serenading me in a cozy soundproof café while I sipped on a pumpkin spice latte.
Why was I blown away? Well, for starters, it's darn-near unheard of to find ANC in an open-ear design like the entry-level AirPods. The AirPods Pro 2, for example, have silicon tips that create a tight seal in consumers' ears, making it easier to block external sounds alongside ANC technology.
But open-ear designs like the AirPods 4 are tricky because they don't fully seal your ears, leaving 'em somewhat exposed. However, Apple managed to pull it off, thanks to a mélange of upgraded microphones, the H2 processor, and cutting-edge computational audio.
I'm eager to put the AirPods 4 to the test in more challenging environments, like airports, for example. The AirPods Max, in my opinion, are the best active noise cancellation headphones. It's unlikely that the AirPods 4 will be able to compete with the AirPods Max, but I'm curious to see whether it could be a portable alternative with some trade-offs.
The AirPods 4 come in two models: one with ANC and one without. AirPods 4 with ANC costs $179 via Best Buy while the model without it will set you back $129.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly gedeon / Mashable Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $179.99 at Best BuyApple's Vision Pro has a way of showing the world a virtual version of you while you interact with others in virtual reality. Unfortunately, this very feature – called Persona – could've been used by hackers to steal a Vision Pro user's sensitive data.
The security flaw was discovered by a group of six computer scientists from the University of Florida's Department of Computer Science, and it was first reported on by Wired.
The GAZEploit attack, as it was dubbed by the researchers, works by tracking the eye movements of a user's Persona to identify when they're typing something on the Vision Pro's virtual keyboard. The researchers discovered that users tend to direct their gaze onto specific keys that they're about to click, and were able to construct an algorithm that identified what the users were typing. The results were quite accurate; for example, the researchers were able to identify the correct letters of users' passwords 77 percent of the time. When it came to detecting what people were typing in a message, the results were accurate 92 percent of the time.
The researchers disclosed the vulnerability to Apple back in April, and Apple fixed it in visionOS 1.3, which came out in July. In the release notes, Apple says that the flaw enabled inputs to the virtual keyboard to be inferred from Persona.
"The issue was addressed by suspending Persona when the virtual keyboard is active," Apple wrote in the release notes. Vision Pro users who haven't yet updated to the latest version are advised to do so as soon as possible.
While simply disabling Persona while the user is typing was a pretty simple fix, the flaw does raise the question of just how much info a malicious hacker could infer just by observing a virtual version of you.
SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro: I watched a Billie Eilish concert in Bora Bora — and I didn't need to spend a pennyThe researchers said that the attack hasn't been used against someone using Personas in the real world. But what makes this attack particularly dangerous is that it only requires a video recording of someone's Persona while the person was typing, meaning an attacker could still use it on an older video. It seems that the only way to mitigate this issue is to erase any publicly available videos where your Persona is visible while typing; we've reached out to Apple for clarification on what can be done to protect your data.
Foldable phones aren’t exactly new on the market, but — as an iPhone user gradually being lured over to Android — I was pretty excited when I first heard about the Motorola Razr+. Previous editions of the Razr caught my attention when they were first announced, but lackluster reviews had me hesitating. Yes, I used (and loved) my Razr V3 back in high school, but a foldable phone in 2024? It seemed more like a gimmick than genuinely useful, but the updated Razr+ had me intrigued, so I decided to try it out for myself.
Using a foldable phone for the first time is weirdStraight out of the box, the 2023 Motorola Razr+ was a bit bigger than I expected. It’s more elongated than other smartphones I’ve seen — it’s over an inch longer than my iPhone 11 Pro, despite being nearly identical in width — which makes it feel slightly awkward in the hand. It’s also longer than other foldable phones I’ve seen on the market, like the 5.67-inch Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, despite having similar widths and identical thicknesses.
This phone is loooong. Credit: RJ Andersen / MashableFolded, however, the Razr+ is a portable dream. It’s a slim 0.59 inches closed, making it easy to slip into any pocket, and I was shocked by how much I liked the form factor from the get-go. Is it weird the first time you fold it? Absolutely. But is it sturdy and durable? Surprisingly, yes.
The external display is also an immediate win, especially given its upgraded size. The 2023 Razr+ boasts a 3.6-inch pOLED display along with a 6.9-inch FHD+ flexible AMOLED main display, both of which are colorful, bright, and responsive. The device itself runs on Android 13, and — with 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM — the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor makes this phone fast and fun.
The Motorola Razr+ helped me cut down my screen timeWhen I first heard about foldable phones, I had a sneaking suspicion that I would like them. Using the Motorola Razr+ proved me right…and then some. Not only is it incredibly portable and convenient, but the external display changed how I interacted with my phone on a regular basis. While you can customize the apps on the external display, I chose to limit what I placed on that screen, and I basically turned it into a modified “dumb phone.”
Look at that pink!! Credit: RJ Andersen / MashableI could read text messages, make calls, view my calendar, listen to Spotify, and check the weather…but anything else required opening the phone itself. As a result, my phone usage plummeted. I wasn’t scrolling on social media, watching YouTube videos, or playing games as much as I used to, which made the Razr+ a much-appreciated companion to my work-from-home life.
The external display has clutch benefitsEven for those who aren’t trying to cut down on their screen time, the upgraded external display is wicked cool for a few other reasons. Not only is it almost a full inch bigger than the 2022 Razr, but that extra space actually makes sense. You can watch videos, play games, make payments, check email, and more — and it’s easy to customize the external display to your own preferences.
No more finding a ledge or scrounging for a book to prop your phone up for photo ops. Credit: RJ Andersen / MashableBeyond that, one of my favorite features was the ability to use the external display as an image preview for the back camera. Not only did it make taking selfies a breeze, but — as someone whose partner isn’t the best at taking flattering photos — I loved being able to pass him the phone, view the photo before he captured it, and adjust accordingly. Add in the ability to bend the phone at a 90-degree angle and place it on any surface without needing a stand or tripod? I can absolutely understand how a foldable phone is worth the hype, especially for content creators on the go.
The camera left something to be desiredWhile I loved how the external display changed the game when it came to taking photos or recording video, I found myself disappointed with one major area: the camera quality itself.
First things first, I’m definitely not an expert in this area. I have a background in portrait photography, so I know how to capture a great photo, but camera specs definitely aren’t my forte. However, I did some research and found that other users were similarly frustrated with the Razr+. It’s not that the camera quality is bad, but it’s just…OK.
The Motorola Razr+ (2023) comes with two rear cameras — a 12MP (f/1.5, 1.4µm) primary camera with optical image stabilization, as well as a 13MP ultra-wide (f.2/2, 1.12µm) — and a 32MP (f/2.4, 0.7 µm) front camera. There’s also an overwhelmingly large amount of camera software built in — including dual capture, live filters, auto night vision, pro mode, Google Lens integration, and more — but while some of it was fun to play with, none of it really wowed me.
Are the photos better than my old iPhone 11 Pro? Absolutely. But are they anywhere near as good as other smartphones on the market? Not in my opinion.
The video quality, in particular, was my biggest gripe. Even in good lighting, none of the cameras did a great job of capturing detail on my face, so my features were ever-so-slightly blurred. I tried switching to 4K — and snapped a quick selfie in the same lighting, which looked fantastic — but nothing seemed to work. Did it have great color balance? Yes. Was the sound quality better? Absolutely. However, I still found myself reaching for my iPhone to record video, especially if I was posting on TikTok.
I’m not sure the Razr+ can replace my iPhoneUnfortunately, those weren’t my only issues with the Razr+. The phone runs a little hot, the built-in speakers aren’t great, and the 3800 mAh battery doesn’t quite last as long as I’d hoped with heavy use. That being said, I did find myself using this phone less than normal — which was a huge plus in my book — so I was able to make the battery life stretch simply because I wasn’t on my phone as often.
For me, flip phones aren't fully back. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Is the Motorola Razr+ worth it?For casual users — or diehard fans of foldable phones — it’s definitely worth considering. Retailing at $999 (and frequently on sale), it’s definitely a better phone than any of its predecessors, enough so that it feels like a worthy opponent to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The upgraded external display is fantastic, the phone itself is reliable and easy to use, and it comes in super fun colors, like the iconic viva magenta.
If you’re on the fence, or if you’re looking for a fantastic camera, then you might want to look elsewhere. It’s not that the 2023 Motorola Razr+ is bad, it’s just…not great, either. It’s a solid phone with some solid specs, but it’s solid — not spectacular. If solid is OK with you? Go for it. If you’re looking for spectacular, this probably isn’t it.
Motorola Razr+ (2023) $599.99 at AmazonThere's a deceptive simplicity to Flow. The premise of this animated film seems familiar: A motley band of animals join together to survive a terrible threat. But part of what makes co-writer/director Gints Zilbalodis' outing so sensational is its gentle rejection of American cartoon cliches.
While the premise of this movie might sound like Madagascar, Ice Age, A Bug's Life, or Zootopia or any number of cutesy, kid-focused animated adventures, Flow refuses to turn its animals into wacky characters, perfectly suited for lunch boxes and plush toys. Zilbalodis' hairy heroes don't have big googly eyes or sport spiffy clothes. They aren't voiced by A-lister actors. They don't speak a human language at all. This gaggle of critters mew or moan or cluck or chitter. And they move not with an anthropomorphic flare, but with a realistic anatomy and act as their real-life cohorts might.
While Zilbalodis strives for authenticity in the physicality of his creatures, he rejects the photorealism of — for instance — Disney's "live-action" remake of The Lion King. Instead, he creates Flow with a digital painting style that leans into the abstract. Every hair or feather or scale will not be dedicatedly rendered to awe the audience with the endeavor. His animals are made up of splotches of color that shift in light and shadow, effectively grounding them in an uncertain world that is wondrous, dangerous, and all theirs.
A breathtakingly beautiful to behold film, Flow tells a story that might well enchant children with its cuddly heroes, but it will rattle grown-ups who can understand the cause for their deadly dilemma.
Flow is a wordless tale of climate crisis.This gorgeous film, which has been selected as Latvia's submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, begins following a little black cat as it putters around a forest looking for food. Little clues suggest this has not always been an outdoor cat, like the cozy cabin surrounded by lovingly carved wooden statues of the feline's likeness. But like the discarded tools and empty bed, the cat has been abandoned by whatever human once lived here. And in this regard, he's not alone.
SEE ALSO: How do we navigate climate disinformation online?A pack of dogs made up of a mix of breeds frolic around the forest, learning how to clumsily catch fish in a nearby stream. It's as if a dog park party went stray. But as Flow progresses and its animals come upon more and more handcrafted trinkets and architecture in ruins, it becomes clear this beguiling film is set in post-human times. Another major hint to this setting is the massive wall of water that forces the animals of the forest to flee to higher ground, and eventually onto deserted boats.
Flow is a parable of reluctant teamwork. Credit: Courtesy of TIFFThe little cat scrambles onto a battered sailboat, where it is riled to discover a resting capybara. Reluctantly, the cat realizes this big but gentle rodent is no threat, and a motley crew of sailors begins to come together. A yammering lemur, whose tendency toward gathering baubles can be a risky compulsion, joins up. A majestic crane takes hold of the rudder. A tongue-wagging Golden Retriever hops aboard, eager to make new friends.
There's an elegant pleasure in watching these unlikely animal friends grow close, and it's impossible to overlook Zilbalodis' dedication in keeping true to their natures. He doesn't cheat these moments of growth; there's pleasantly predictable bickering as the animals collide with each other's quirks. For instance, the lemur lovingly lays out his loot on the boat's seat, which attracts the cat, who naturally swats a treasure to the ground, much to the lemur's annoyance. But as moments of crisis — be it a predator on the horizon or an obstacle in their path — arise, these animals snap to attention and slowly but surely learn to trust each other.
Visually, it's richly rewarding, as Zilbalodis paints a pretty world destroyed and yet alive with hope and hard-won harmony. It's heart-warming, as we witness these creatures (who are in some cases natural enemies) band together not just for a common goal, but ultimately a common bond. And because Zilbalodis rejects so many expectations of animated animals — from their appearance to their movements and their noises — Flow has an exciting spontaneity, as if truly anything could happen. And what ultimately does is epic and emotional.
Refusing to pander to its audience, Flow is an animated adventure that is poignant, unique, absolutely gorgeous, and a must-see. While it should safely snag that Best International Feature spot, the American studios should be more worried about its chances in Best Animated Feature.
Flow was reviewed out of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will open in theaters in the U.S. on Nov. 22.
The most volcanic world in our solar system has sprouted a new volcano. And its lava flows are enormous.
Jupiter's molten moon Io has been surveyed by a number of passing spacecraft, allowing planetary scientists to see changes on the surface. Recently, NASA's Juno mission made the closest swings by Io in two decades. The 2024 views show a dynamic volcano where, just decades ago, there was a featureless region.
"Our recent JunoCam images show many changes on Io, including this large, complicated volcanic feature that appears to have formed from nothing since 1997," Michael Ravine, the advanced projects manager at Malin Space Science Systems, which operates the spacecraft's JunoCam instrument, said in a statement. The discovery was just presented at the 2024 Europlanet Science Congress.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.Prodigious amounts of lava have clearly poured from this new volcano; you can see it running to the left of the vent in two potent streams some 100 kilometers (62 miles) long. The lava, overlain over a map of the city of Berlin in another graphic below, would dominate a large swathe of Germany. Where the lava flows end and have pooled, intense heat from the molten rock created those two gray circles when frozen surface material vaporized into space.
NASA's Galileo spacecraft captured the black and white image in 1997, and Juno's views are from February 2024. The entirety of the volcanic feature sprawls over an area about 180 km by 180 km (112 miles by 112 miles).
On left: Galileo spacecraft imagery from 1997. On right: Juno spacecraft imagery from 2024. The feature on right is the new volcano with accompanying lava flows. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS The new volcano recently spotted on Io's surface. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / EuroplanetIo is blanketed in erupting volcanoes because it's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby objects, including the colossal Jupiter. "Not only is the biggest planet in the solar system forever pulling at it gravitationally, but so are Io’s Galilean siblings — Europa and the biggest moon in the solar system, Ganymede," NASA explained in a statement. "The result is that Io is continuously stretched and squeezed, actions linked to the creation of the lava seen erupting from its many volcanoes."
The new Io volcano and lava flows overlaid on Berlin, Germany. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Europlanet / Google MapsThis volcanic world, an object a little bigger than Earth's moon, is blanketed in hundreds of volcanoes and ceaselessly erupting. The first-ever observations of Io, captured by the pioneering Voyager 1 craft, spotted at least eight different active volcanoes. The most recent flybys in 2023 and early 2024 spotted nine plumes from volcanoes.
It's a vicious world, inhospitable to life. And beneath its volcanic surface, it may harbor a sea of magma.
TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Connecticut Sun and the Phoenix Mercury. Both teams have secured postseason spots, and will be looking to improve their positioning in the remaining matches.
To watch the Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury?Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 13. This fixture takes place at the Footprint Center In Phoenix, Arizona.
How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix MercuryYou can watch Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.
However, you can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx. Both teams have secured their postseason spot and will now be looking to improve their positioning.
To watch the Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx?Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 13. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota LynxYou can watch Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx with the WNBA League Pass. However, it's worth keeping in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.
You can get around this with just a few simple steps, however. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Seattle Storm and Dallas Wings. The Seattle Storm have already clinched their playoff spot, and are currently in fifth position. However, it's all over for the Dallas Wings who have been eliminated from the post season.
To watch the Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings?Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 13. This fixture takes place at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
How to watch Seattle Storm vs. Dallas WingsYou can watch this latest fixture with the WNBA League Pass. But keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.
You can bypass these restrictions with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Seattle Storm vs. Dallas Wings in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Get this comprehensive ethical hacking bundle on sale for $39.97 (reg. $1,098) through September 29 and learn everything from Python to social engineering.
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $39.97Cybersecurity is a fast-moving field, and ethical hacking is your gateway to understanding how to protect systems from real-world attacks.
This all-encompassing ethical hacking course bundle is packed with expert-led courses designed to take you from beginner to pro — all while staying hands-on and practical. From building your own tools in Python to testing wireless networks, this bundle covers all the bases for a budding ethical hacker. Through September 29, you can score lifetime access to all of it for just $39.97.
One course worth mentioning is Hacking Wireless Networks. You’ll dive deep into WiFi hacking techniques used by professionals, uncovering vulnerabilities in wireless networks and learning how to secure them. With more than 50 lectures and access to all the necessary tools, you’ll be equipped to understand the vulnerabilities of modern WiFi environments and how to mitigate them.
If you’re curious about how to break into secure systems, the Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing course gives you a hands-on approach to finding and exploiting weaknesses. You’ll work through everything from cracking passwords to taking control of vulnerable systems, all while learning the theory behind each attack — making it easier to apply these skills in real-life situations.
Another course, Hack People, Systems and Mobile Devices, offers an in-depth look at social engineering. You’ll use tools and techniques that professionals rely on, getting the full picture of how to protect against these crafty attacks.
Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your skills, this comprehensive collection will help you become an ethical hacking pro.
Priced at $39.97 until September 29, this extensive ethical hacking course bundle is packed with value for anyone serious about cybersecurity.
Curious about other privacy and security deals? Shop here.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a 3-pack of RGB LED app-controlled floor lamps for $139.97 (reg. $299.97) through September 29 and bring custom lighting to your home for less.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 56-inch RGB LED App-Enabled Remote Floor Lamp (3-Pack) $139.97After a long day, the last thing you want is harsh lighting ruining the vibe of your relaxing evening. Or maybe you’re hosting friends and need your space to feel a bit more lively — either way, basic lamps might not cut it anymore.
Through September 29, get three 56-inch RGB LED app-enabled remote floor lamps for just $139.97 (reg. $299.99) to help you create a space that fits your style, mood, and activities.
With over 16 million colors to choose from, these floor lamps let you set the mood exactly how you want it. Whether you’re going for a relaxing evening vibe, an energizing workout atmosphere, or a fun, party-ready glow, these lamps do it all. Control the lights through a smartphone app or a handy remote, making adjustments as easy as a tap.
The lamps also offer customizable brightness and lighting effects, so you can switch from soft, subtle tones to dynamic, pulsating colors to suit any occasion. Sync the lighting to your music for a next-level experience, or choose from preset modes for quick customization.
Designed to be sleek and minimal, these lamps fit into any corner, making them perfect for apartment-dwellers or homeowners looking to avoid permanent fixtures.
At $139.97 for three, these RGB LED floor lamps gives you full control over your home’s ambiance without the hefty price tag.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Grab the Flash Pro Plus 100W Graphene Power Bank for $199.97 (reg. $319) through September 29 and charge all your devices faster, anywhere you go.
We’ve all been there — running out of battery at the worst possible moment. But what if you had a power bank that could keep your devices going no matter where you are? Enter the Flash Pro Plus 100W Graphene Power Bank — powered by Panasonic to bring you fast, reliable charging with the latest tech. Get it on sale for 37% off of $319 at just $199.97.
With a massive 25,000mAh capacity, this power bank can charge your phone, laptop, or tablet multiple times on a single charge. Whether you’re on the road, camping, or just out for the day, this portable powerhouse has your back. Plus, it’s equipped with USB-C and delivers 100W of charging power, so you can juice up even the most power-hungry devices quickly.
What makes this power bank stand out? It uses advanced graphene technology, which means it charges faster and lasts longer. This tech also keeps it running cooler than standard power banks, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. It even comes with three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, making it versatile enough to charge all your devices simultaneously.
No more stressing about dead batteries — just plug in and power up.
Regularly $319, the Flash Pro Plus 100W Graphene Power Bank is on sale for $199.97 until September 29.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus 100W USB-C 25000mAh Graphene Power Bank w/ Magsafe Compatibility $199.97TL;DR: Get wireless CarPlay and Android Auto plus streaming app support for just $89.97 (reg. $149.99) through September 29 and take your driving experience to the next level.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $89.97Tired of plugging in your phone every time you get in the car?
If you’re a commuter or road trip enthusiast who’s tired of fumbling with cables, this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter — on sale for $89.97 (reg. $149.99) — is the upgrade you may have been waiting for. It brings you all the convenience of wireless connectivity while keeping your favorite streaming apps and playlists accessible to you right in the car.
Not only does it offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, but it also brings the power of a modern operating system with built-in apps like YouTube and Netflix for on-the-go entertainment.
Powered by the Qualcomm QCM2290 and running on Android 11.0, this adapter provides smooth, reliable performance. With 16GB of storage, you have plenty of space for seamless operation and additional apps, and if that’s not enough, the adapter supports TF cards for expanded storage (SD card not included).
Stay connected with dual-band WiFi and dual Bluetooth technology, allowing you to pair multiple devices at once without any interruptions. Need extra convenience? The included USB-A to USB-A Tee cable adds another layer of functionality.
This adapter is designed for universal compatibility, working with over 800 different car models and supporting both iOS and Android devices. Just note it’s not compatible with cars that already have wireless CarPlay, like certain models from BMW, Tesla, Mazda, and Nissan.
No more digging around for your phone or dealing with tangled cables — this adapter gets you connected instantly and wirelessly, so you can focus on the road. Whether you’re managing your tunes, checking directions, or even catching up on podcasts during long drives, everything is right where you need it.
Ditch the cables, stay connected, and make every drive smarter with this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless adapter for 40% off at $89.97 through September 29.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
I can guarantee you you've never had a worse birthday than How to Die Alone's Melissa Jackson (Natasha Rothwell).
Her best friend Rory (Conrad Ricamora) ditches their birthday plans for a hookup. Her ex Alex (Jocko Sims) chooses that very day to send out his wedding invites. And on top of all of that, Mel straight-up dies. Just for three minutes, but it's enough to make an impression.
SEE ALSO: 40 shows we can't wait to see this fallMel's death and its circumstances — alone, crushed under furniture, and choking on a crab rangoon — prompt some serious soul-searching. As Mel sees it, her love life is nonexistent, her family doesn't believe in her, and in some kind of cruel cosmic joke, she's an airport employee who's too scared to fly. Is this really the life she wants to flash before her eyes when she dies for real? No, no, it's not.
Created by Rothwell, How to Die Alone takes Mel down a winding road of self-discovery, one full of hard truths, awkward romantic encounters, and just enough hope to keep her pushing for the life she deserves. The ensuing journey is hilarious, yes, but also a deeply candid portrait of a woman in the never-ending process of figuring it all out.
What's How to Die Alone about? Natasha Rothwell in "How to Die Alone." Credit: Ian Watson / HuluFollowing her near-death experience, Mel decides to embrace her inner "boss-ass bitch." At her job as a cart driver at New York's JFK airport, that means trying to get into a management program — and quelling any feelings she may still have for Alex, who is also her boss. (If you think that sounds messy, just you wait.)
SEE ALSO: 'Rebel Ridge' review: Aaron Pierre and Jeremy Saulnier's cop corruption thriller will floor youHow to Die Alone's airport setting creates several opportunities for elaborate hijinks in the vein of workplace comedies like The Office or Superstore. A hunt for confiscated painkillers leads Mel and Rory deep into the bowels of JFK. Elsewhere, a terminal-wide lockdown forces Mel and Alex's fiancée Julie (Chantel Riley) on an awkward side quest. However, as fun as these moments may be, How to Die Alone's workplace comedy side isn't the show's primary focus. It can occasionally chafe against the show's more grounded core of Mel's personal growth instead of complementing it. Thankfully, How to Die Alone figures out a balance between the two as its first season picks up steam, giving Rothwell space to deliver not just some great physical comedy but some seriously vulnerable work as well.
Natasha Rothwell is delightful and vulnerable in How to Die Alone. Natasha Rothwell in "How to Die Alone." Credit: Ian Watson / HuluRothwell has always shined in supporting roles, from Insecure to The White Lotus. But in How to Die Alone, she gets to take center stage and creative control, helming the series alongside co-showrunner Vera Santamaria (Pen15, BoJack Horseman). The result is a performance that isn't afraid to get messy or vulnerable, whether Mel is bemoaning her dating life — "Because of societal standards, I'm like human cilantro," she tells her friends — or self-sabotaging in order to avoid being hurt down the line.
While Rothwell shines consistently throughout How to Die Alone, there are still some standout moments where she and her co-stars go above and beyond. Mel and Rory's painful unpacking of their friendship in one episode is an absolutely devastating blowout. A tense Thanksgiving conversation between Mel and her brother Brian (Bashir Salahuddin) cuts deep and provides a much-needed opportunity for both characters to vent their frustrations. These are the kind of scenes that can only happen thanks to layered, complicated relationships between characters, and luckily, Rothwell and Santamaria keep Mel wrapped in an intricate web of connections that accrues more and more meaning as the show progresses.
Among these connections is a love triangle that slowly creeps to the forefront in How to Die Alone's final episodes. Our candidates are Alex, who still supports Mel even though she rejected him two years ago, and JFK ground crew member Terrance (KeiLyn Durrel Jones), Mel's go-to conversational partner on her smoke breaks. In my mind, there's a clear answer on who Mel should go with, but trust How to Die Alone to keep you guessing. Even when it's playing up some classic rom-com tropes, the series may just turn around and hit you (and Mel) with a heartbreaking gut punch.
As juicy as Mel's romantic endeavors can be, it's her quest for personal happiness — whether that involves a man or not — that proves the most rewarding. She learns some fairly valuable life lessons throughout How to Die Alone, sprinkled amid quality one-liners and her many, many poor decisions, and it's a treat to watch her find her footing alongside the series. Mel may not be ready to get on a plane yet, but Rothwell and How to Die Alone are ready to soar.
How to Die Alone premieres Sept. 13 on Hulu, with new episodes every Friday.
It's easy to get jaded in the streaming era. There are so many apps, and prestige TV peaked years ago. Still, some shows this past year really wowed us. As Mashable's Belen Edwards summarized, "We were floored by the historical epic Shōgun, rejoiced in the return of shows like We Are Lady Parts and Interview with the Vampire, and couldn't get enough of Fallout."
It appears the Television Academy agreed re: Shōgun, given that it received the most Emmy nominations of any show this year. Other shows we loved, like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, and Baby Reindeer, also received high praise from the Academy. So, which series will take home the biggest awards at the 2024 Emmys? You'll have to watch to find out — here's how you can watch the Emmys live with or without cable.
When are the 2024 Emmys?The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 and will air live at 8 p.m. ET. This year's awards will be headlined by the father-and-son hosting duo Eugene and Dan Levy. For those with cable or over-the-air TV, you can tune your TV to your local ABC station, watch online via ABC.com, or log into the ABC app with your pay TV service provider.
No cable access? No worries; we've rounded up the best ways to watch the Emmys without cable below. The show is also set to stream the next day on Hulu, if you don't mind missing out on the live shenanigans (and can avoid spoilers).
Who are this year's Emmy nominees?FX shows are dominating this year's Emmy nominations, with Shōgun picking up 25 nominations and The Bear picking up 23. Note that since the Emmy eligibility period runs from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024, these nominations are for The Bear's second season, not the recently released (and slightly underwhelming) third season. Other major contenders include Fallout, Only Murders in the Building, Baby Reindeer, True Detective: Night Country, Hacks, Ripley, and The Crown. See a full list of the 2024 Emmy nominations at the Television Academy website.
How to watch the Emmy awards live without cableIf you've cut the cord on cable and committed to streaming, then you know how oversaturated the market is today. There are simply too many different services. Networks like NBC and CBS have their own streaming apps, but ABC doesn't. So what can cord cutters do?
Live TV streaming services are cable alternatives, giving you live access to a well-rounded channel selection via your internet connection (rather than a cable connection). Unlike cable, these services are contract-free, so you can cancel whenever you wish. And as a bonus, many of them offer free trials — that means you could very well watch the Emmys live for free, then cancel before you're charged. But we'll leave that up to you.
You can also use a digital TV antenna, a one-time purchase that will unlock all the local networks — ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC — within range.
Below, we've rounded up your best options (and streaming deals) for watching the Emmys without cable.
Best way to watch the Emmys for free: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV Free 10-day trial, then $64.99/mo for your first 4 months (save $32) Get DealYouTube TV includes over 100 live channels in its base plan, including your local ABC network. You'll also get unlimited DVR space, three simultaneous streams, and up to six individual accounts with personalized recommendations. Our reviewers believe it's "the best premium live TV streaming service," especially with the current introductory offer.
For a limited time, you can get your first 10 days of streaming for free, then pay just $64.99 per month for your first four months — that's $32 in savings. If you sign up for your free trial around the time of the Emmys, you can definitely watch the broadcast live for free. Just be sure to cancel before your 10 days are up.
Best for bundling: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu + Live TV Hulu + Live TV Free 3-day trial, then $76.99 per month Get DealHulu + Live TV is pretty similar to YouTube TV, with access to over 95 live TV channels (including your local ABC network), personalized profiles, and unlimited DVR. However, it's a bit pricier at $76.99 per month. But we still recommend it for two reasons. First, you get three days for free to test the waters, and second, your subscription comes bundled with Hulu with ads, Disney+ with ads, and ESPN+ with ads (a $14.99 per month value). That's three premium streaming libraries on top of nearly 100 live channels all for just $76.99 per month.
Stream the Emmys for free during your three-day trial, then decide whether you want to stick it out for a whole month or cancel before you're charged.
Most affordable overall: Sling TV (only for select areas) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue package $20 for your first month, then $40 per month Get DealWhile we love Sling TV for its a la carte setup and affordable pricing, we're hesitant to call it our favorite since some markets cannot access local networks. In order to watch the Emmys live, you'll need access to ABC, which is included in Sling's Blue base package. However, live local streaming of ABC (as well as NBC and FOX) is only available to Sling customers in or around specific cities.
Check to see if your local market includes ABC before you pull the trigger — Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, and more are included. Typically, Sling's base package costs $40 per month, but with the current introductory offer, you'll pay just $20 for your first month.
Best for streaming later: Hulu with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads Free 30-day trial, then $7.99 per month Get DealIf you're able to avoid spoilers and don't mind waiting a day to watch the ceremony, a regular Hulu with ads subscription will give you access to the Emmys on Sept. 16, the day after the live show. It's definitely the cheapest option: you can sign up for free for 30 days, then it'll cost you just $7.99 per month. You won't get the excitement of watching live, but if you don't mind that, this is a solid bet.
Honorable mention: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Free 7-day trial, then $49.99 for your first month Get DealAnother live TV streaming service option is Fubo. Though it's more geared toward sports fans, with over 200 live channels, it does include access to your local ABC network. You can test it out for seven days, then get $30 off your first month, knocking it down to just $49.99. After that, you'll have to pay $79.99 per month for the Pro plan, making it one of the more expensive options on the list.
Another option for watching live: Get a digital antenna Opens in a new window Credit: Mohu Mohu Leaf 50 Digital TV Antenna $39.99 at AmazonIf you live close enough to your local TV station broadcast towers, you can access broadcasts live and for free with a digital antenna. These aren't the antennas of yesteryear; these indoor option can simply stick to your wall and hide behind your TV. There are a ton of options on the market ranging in price and style. Just be sure to check the distance and range before making a purchase.
The closer you are, the clearer your local broadcasts will come through. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have a few recommendations, including the Mohu Leaf 50. It's reversible to match your decor, multidirectional, and includes a USB-powered amplifier to add 15dB of signal strength, giving it a range of over 60 miles.
Grindr's been in the news a lot lately, but not for the reasons one might expect. This popular hookup app has been doing the most — from celebrating the US Open with a cheeky "grunt" notification to prioritizing the safety of international users during the Olympics.
SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer menNow, the company is going beyond the app with the launch of its Host or Travel online series, which explores different gayborhoods around the globe. A gayborhood is basically an area known to welcome and attract LGBTQ people. So far, Host or Travel has featured six destinations: Madrid, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Los Angeles, U.S.; Zipolite, Mexico; Berlin, Germany; and Malta. The series (available on YouTube, the Grindr blog, and social media) offers a more intimate look at local culture, nightlife, and hole-in-the-wall places that only LGBTQ insiders would know about.
As, unfortunately, not everyone's hometown has a gayborhood, Grindr hopes to bring a "global gayborhood" — a digital space within the app that connects and provides resources for the worldwide LGBTQ community — to life. In tandem with the show, the app is developing an interactive map to help users find LGBTQ-friendly hotspots and events. (This feature isn't fully rolled out yet, but you might see it before the year's end.) Additionally, the company is testing a new "Roam" feature, which will let users temporarily set their profile location to anywhere in the world so they can chat and connect with locals ahead of their trip. This is pretty similar to location features that Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have.
"Roam is the first of many future Gayborhood features we are launching, and it unlocks new travel functionality to bring you one step closer to other Grindr users around the globe," George Arison, chief executive officer of Grindr, said in a press release.
This shift might surprise those familiar with Grindr's well-known reputation for quick hookups sans shame. However, at a recent presentation at Grindr HQ (which I attended in person), company leaders revealed that approximately 3.5 million people already use the app to make traveling in new cities easier — from finding LGBTQ-friendly accommodations to connecting with locals for recommendations and events.
We're excited to see what other travel-focused features Grindr has planned, and will keep you updated as more details are shared in the coming months.
Daydreaming about what you'd tell your younger self is a fool's game. Sure, we'd like to imagine bestowing words of wisdom, mind-blowing messages of solace, or maybe even stock tips to our past selves. But if middle-aged you abruptly stumbled across teen you, what would you really say? That's the promising inciting incident of My Old Ass, a time-travel comedy from Megan Park, the brilliant writer/director behind the sensational (and underseen) The Fallout.
Starring Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella as older and younger versions of the same Canadian woman, My Old Ass reminds us that though we're older, we may not be all that wiser. And anyway, there's something to be said for the reckless naiveté of youth.
Though among this year's Sundance darlings, the coming-of-age comedy — from Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment — doesn't fall into maudlin navel-gazing or complicated artsy twists. Instead, it's a briskly funny time-travel movie that bucks genre convention and allows its characters to be as charming as they are messy.
My Old Ass rejects the cliched time-travel mission plot line. Kerrice Brooks, Maisy Stella, and Maddie Ziegler play friends in "My Old Ass." Credit: Amazon StudiosTime-travel movies mostly fall into three categories, all of them fixated on change for better or worse. There's the Groundhog Day time-loop, where a hero repeats a cycle over and over until they get this one pivotal day right. There's the Back to the Future model, where a fun-seeking dip in the past could irreparably change your future, even erasing you from existence. (See also: much of Doctor Who.) Then there are the many, many movies — be they Terminator or The Greatest Hits — that take the Quantum Leap approach: traveling back in time to set right what once went wrong! My Old Ass isn't really any of these. And that's wildly refreshing.
This very different spin on time travel begins with the casting of Aubrey Plaza, who between Parks and Recreation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and her chic yet surly interview persona, encapsulates a distinctive brand of elder millennial over-it. So the moment she shows up next to a bubbly, blonde Maisy Stella — 18-year-old Elliott, a small-town girl on the brink of booking it to the big city — you know this isn't going to be your standard "save the future" adventure. Not that Plaza's elder Elliott doesn't try.
While younger Elliott is out in the woods, celebrating her birthday with a shroom trip among friends, 39-year-old Elliott party crashes with some advice that is as admittedly cliched as it is true: Be nicer to your mom. Beyond this, "My Old Ass" (as she labels herself in teen Elliott's cellphone contacts) refuses to speak much about the future, fearing this unplanned meeting could have massive consequences. She occasionally alludes to some major disasters to come, but her only warning is comically simple: Avoid Chad at all costs!
Naturally, what follows is younger Elliott skinny-dipping into a meet-cute with a sweet boy named Chad (Wednesday's Percy Hynes White), with whom she shares an undeniable chemistry no matter how much she tries to ignore it.
Maisy Stella outshines Aubrey Plaza in My Old Ass. Maisy Stella dazzles in "My Old Ass." Credit: Amazon StudiosWhere Plaza is here to be the cynical sage, Stella is radiant as the free-spirited goofball. Whether she's partying with friends, hooking up with her hot girlfriend, or grousing at her family, Elliott's charm is intoxicating — not because she's exceptional, but because she's not. Rather than setting her protagonist up as some noble savior of the future, Park allows Elliott to be a pretty average small-town girl desperate to move out and on to a life of her own. As such, Elliott is exuberant, horny, and reckless, colliding into awkward situations and unexpected vulnerabilities as if she's driving a bumper car full speed down the winding road of this formative summer. Park captures the joy of carefree youth without romanticizing it, and she offers the same determined empathy for Elliott's older half.
With Plaza's beleaguered eye rolls, Park swiftly dispels these fantasies that as we get older, we'll have it all figured out. Instead, My Old Ass challenges juvenile notions that with age comes a coveted completeness, the sense that we're not just settled but have life all figured out. The movie suggest such a hope is as absurd as our youthful ambitions to be a marine biologist and a professional dancer and President of the United States. So this story becomes less about a mission to change the past to impact the present, and more about coming to terms with our choices and who we were and are.
While thematically, Park's script is moving and spirited — just as The Fallout before it was — Plaza struggles to nail this balance. While she's shown range in series like Legion and White Lotus, here she wobbles when playing anything but irritated. In scenes of bonding between the two, there's an buzzing edge to Plaza's tone even as she smiles at her character's younger self. When the third act calls for softness, Plaza's vulnerability feels performed instead of organic. Here's where My Old Ass undercuts its sharp self-awareness and sincerity and slips into saccharine.
My Old Ass rebuffs time-travel standards, like looking into the future to see how Elliott's life changes. It treats the mission, and even the sci-fi premise, as little more than a launchpad for its heroine's summer of reflection. If anything, the movie is more a teen coming-of-age comedy about that leap from high school to whatever comes next than a Quantum Leap at all.
Yet where those two subgenres collide is in a shared sentimentality over the past, and that veers into schmaltzy, for better or worse. Still, aside from this trip into treacle, My Old Ass is a spirited comedy about growing up and moving on that's a true joy — just as Stella is a star on the rise to watch.
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