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The best streaming deals to watch 'Bring Her Back' at home: Best non-streaming option Rent or buy 'Bring Her Back' on Prime Video $14.99 or $19.99 Get Deal Best streaming deal HBO Max Basic (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal Best deal with no ads HBO Max Standard annual subscription $169.99/year (save $33.89) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads for Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal Best for students HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Best bundle deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 38%) Get Deal

Kick off spooky season with Bring Her Back — one of Mashable's favorite movies of 2025. The "gnarly psycho-biddy horror offering" is finally coming to streaming after a five-month wait, so you can tune into the deeply deranged tale from the comfort of your couch.

As the sophomore follow-up to box-office hit Talk To Me, directors Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou had a lot to live up to. And they certainly succeeded. Bring Her Back stars two-time Academy Award–nominee Sally Hawkins alongside Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally-Anne Upton.

If you missed the A24 horror flick in theaters, there are now a few different ways to tune in from your couch. Here's everything you need to know to watch Bring Her Back at home.

What is Bring Her Back about?

In Bring Her Back, Hawkins stars as former social worker and now foster mom Laura, who takes in siblings Andy (Barratt) and Piper (Wong). Despite her chipper demeanor, there's something off about Laura. While the siblings are looking for stability and a happy home, they find something much more sinister.

Check out the trailer for a sneak peek:

Is Bring Her Back worth watching?

In Mashable's review, Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes, "Bring Her Back is extraordinary. For those who found Talk to Me sensationally scary, this follow-up will thrill with its deeply deranged tale of heartache and body horror. But the Philippous went deeper, presenting a character-driven drama with flares of psycho-biddy and religious horror. That heady combination not only makes for a satisfyingly scary as hell movie, but also a profound one."

Other critics and audiences agree — the film currently holds an 89 percent critics rating and 79 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As one of Mashable's favorite films of 2025 (so far), we wholeheartedly think it's worth watching, especially to kick off spooky season.

Read our full review of Bring Her Back.

How to watch Bring Her Back at home Credit: A24

Bring Her Back hit theaters way back on May 30, 2025. If you missed out on the full theater experience or if you can't wait to watch it again, there are now a few different ways to watch it at home: purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand or, of course, streaming. See all the details below.

Buy or rent Bring Her Back on digital

As of July 1, the A24 horror thriller is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for a limited time. If you choose to rent, you'll have 30 days to watch, but only 48 hours to finish once you begin. While it's the most limited option, renting is the cheapest way to watch Bring Her Back unless you qualify for a free or discounted HBO Max subscription (more on that below).

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Apple TV — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• Google Play — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

• YouTube — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Bring Her Back' at Prime Video $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Stream Bring Her Back on HBO Max

Thanks to A24's multi-year output deal, new theatrical releases exclusively head to HBO Max before anywhere else. After a long wait, Bring Her Back is officially streaming on HBO Max as of Oct. 3, 2025 — just in time for spooky season.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to shave a few bucks off your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

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A yearly HBO Max plan can save you about 16% compared to a monthly plan. While the Basic plan with ads typically costs $9.99 per month, that cost drops to about $8.33 per month for the annual plan — a yearly total of just $99.99. We think this is the best HBO Max streaming deal for most people.

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If you prefer to watch movies and shows without ads interrupting your experience, you'll have to upgrade to a Standard or Premium plan. Fortunately, you can save about 16% on these annual plans as well. The Standard tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). Both tiers offer ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier goes a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

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There are a couple of ways to get HBO Max for free in 2025. First, you can switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan and get HBO Max Basic (with ads) included for no extra cost. Just open up the HBO Max app or website and select Cricket as your provider to log in with your credentials.

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Another way you can get HBO Max for free in 2025 is by signing up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan for $96 per year ($8 per month). Besides $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, an annual DashPass also gets you free streaming (with ads) through HBO Max. You'll just have to activate your HBO Max Basic subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can upgrade for a discounted rate.

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College students can get an entire year of HBO Max Basic (with ads) for just $4.99 per month. That's half the price of a typical subscription. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS and use the discount code you receive to slice the price in half per month. After the year is through, your subscription will go back up to full price unless you cancel.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

The Disney+ bundle deal remains the best bang for your buck in the streaming world. It includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for only $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $25.97 per month, so you'll keep an extra $9 in your pocket monthly by bundling them together.

If you'd rather go ad-free, it will run you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries — arguably the best ongoing streaming deal around.

You ever get the feeling that your pet can sense something you don't? Maybe it's the way they hard stare at an empty corner. Maybe it's that abrupt bark in the middle of the night, or the skittering paws propelling them out of a room at a moment's notice. Whatever the quirk, it leaves you feeling shaken and wishing they could just talk and spill the spooky tea. Good Boy drops audiences into this scary terrain, centering its haunted house story on a dedicated dog who is desperately trying to warn his human bestie about the supernatural threats closing in. 

Focusing on a dog in danger is a bold move. There's a general unspoken rule in Hollywood that though you can kill scads of humans in movies, you'll outrage your audience if you kill the dog. Our empathy might not extend to every slasher victim or a nameless gang of gun-toting minions, but our hearts immediately go out to a dog in danger. There's a whole website dedicated to warning tenderhearted dog lovers if a canine will die in a movie. Hell, the wildly popular action series John Wick is predicated on this very idea, knowing we will watch a man kill hordes to avenge his beloved puppy.

Good Boy's independent director/co-writer/cinematographer/producer Ben Leonberg realizes this, and puts his viewers through the wringer by casting his sweet family pet, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Indy, to be tormented by ghosts and vicious visions of doom and death. The resulting horror movie had me yelping like I was a kid seeing her first scary movie. Props to you, Ben and Indy. 

With one clever gimmick, Good Boy brings fresh life to horror cliches.  Indy, the dog star, behind the scenes of "Good Boy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC

Penned by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the scares of Good Boy do start standard: flickering lights, a creepy sound coming from an unlit basement, a dark figure lurking in the shadows, and glowing eyes in a black night. Yet by putting a dog in these scenarios, the filmmakers play on a delicious knowledge imbalance that fuels suspense. We, as humans who've watched (arguably too many) horror movies, can clock these conventions from their first appearance. We immediately understand there's a malevolent supernatural force toying with Indy and his human, Todd (Shane Jensen). But Indy, much like the little girl in Poltergeist, he has no context for what's happening around him, so we fear for him even before he fears for himself.

The plot of Good Boy is simple. Feeling ill, Todd decides to escape his cramped city apartment for an cabin upstate, where his late grandfather (Larry Fessenden) lived. But long abandoned, the vibe is far from cozy. Indy, which is both the character's name and his dog actor's name, doesn't like it from first sniff. While Todd gets to the arduous task of starting up the electric generator and ducking calls from his concerned sister, Vera (Arielle Friedman), Indy is immediately alert to strange energies. 

While we might realize the threat before Indy — or at least more keenly — there's a mystery in what these spirits want and a mounting stress in how oblivious Todd is to all of it. While Todd has the ability to take them away from this creepy space, Indy is trapped because he's not being heard! 

Good Boy's dog star Indy gives an impeccable performance.  Indy and his plush stunt double, "Findy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC

Beyond being a scary-as-hell watch for dog lovers, Good Boy has a built-in allure as Indy is just a star from his first frame. His dark eyes, floppy ears, and sweet expression make him instantly lovable. But more than that, he is so game for whatever Leonberg directs him to do. Staying and staring into an eerie abyss? Jumping into action? Reacting to a burst of blood? Racing to Todd to protect him? Indy is a good boy, through and through. 

Leonberg's personal connection with his star/pet surely plays a crucial role here, as Indy's comfort with him allows for an ambitious array of sequences with specific asks. To be clear, it never appears the dog was put in any real danger, and the end credits promise, "No animals were harmed in the making of this film." Shot over three years, it seems Leonberg had the time, patience, and appreciation for his animal companion/collaborator to nurture a truly moving performance. 

On top of Indy's screen presence, Leonberg balances the film with smart cinematography that plays on horror lovers' expectations. The out-of-focus background, flanked by shadows, draws our eye behind the lovable dog, because slashers and haunted house movies have taught us to look where our heroes are not. Moreover, a wealth of close-ups of Indy draw us again and again into his softness and his trusting gaze, pinning us to the ground in fear for him. 

Good Boy is basically about how we don't deserve dogs.  Director Ben Leonberg and Indy, behind the scenes of "Good Boy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC

More than an internet meme, that sentiment feels like the thesis of Good Boy. Todd is far from a bad pet caregiver, but he is so caught up in his own problems that he's blind to everything Indy is experiencing. From a long-distance phone call, sister Vera introduces the very real way dogs can smell things we can't, not just bombs or drugs but incoming death. Indy is an oracle ignored by the one he wants to protect most. 

Forget complex heroes. Good Boy offers the goodest of boys, putting its viewers in a vice grip of suspense. When clamoring gray hands reach out for him in a jump scare, I screamed so loud I shocked myself. And I did it again and again as this haunted house story ramped up. Leonberg's pacing is fitful, pitching Indy into new scenes of tension in basements, bedrooms, dog houses, and the wider woods. And then after a spiking scare, the narrative jumps to some time later. How long is unclear, giving the film that surreal passing of time that happens when your schedule is out of your control. We, like Indy, are a prisoner to the whims of Todd. Within this whirl, it's impossible to get your footing. Clues drop about what this supernatural force is and what it wants, but the mystery is secondary to the suffocating fear that Indy might not survive. 

I won't answer that for you. But I will say that Leonberg understands the power of his leading dog and what his audience wants. That understanding allows him to tighten the chokehold he has on us through a climax both chilling and satisfying. In the end, Good Boy is a deceptively simple horror movie that hits hard. You'll gasp. You'll scream. You'll pull your hands over your eyes and hope desperately for the best. It's a ruthless blast.

Good Boy is now in theaters. 

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2025, 3:23 p.m. Good Boy was reviewed out of its World Premiere at 2025 SXSW film festival in the Midnighter section. This article was published on March 8, 2025. It has been updated to include the movie's theatrical release.

American cinema has long been fascinated by professional fighters. Rocky, Raging Bull, The Fighter, The Wrestler, Cinderella Man, Creed, Million Dollar Baby, Girlfight, Ali, The Hurricane, Warrior — the list goes on and on. Within this sports subgenre, actors like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Russell Crowe, Will Smith, Hilary Swank, Michael B. Jordan, and many more have made their mark, with rave reviews, big box office, award nominations, and big wins. So, it's a shrewd move for Dwayne Johnson to prove he's ready to leap from smoldering action-comedy star to dramatic heavyweight with The Smashing Machine. 

The pro wrestler formerly known as The Rock has spent decades building broad appeal as a movie star, ranging from the lip-curling machismo in the Fast and Furious franchise to the bouncy bravado of his voicework as Maui in Moana to a swath of half-baked action movies that coast on his broad shoulders and signature smile. But with The Smashing Machine, Johnson sheds his larger-than-life persona to disappear into the role of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

The ways he does this are laudable, but the results are mixed because of writer/director Benny Safdie's challenging choices in constructing this narrative and reconstructing his leading man's face. 

The Smashing Machine reveals the out-of-the-ring struggles of Mark Kerr.  Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Picking up in 1997, the Safdie-scripted drama follows the beginning of Kerr's MMA (mixed martial arts) career within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Set across several years, The Smashing Machine ushers audiences to Japan, where Kerr would compete in Pride FC, then back to the U.S., where he trained while carrying on a tumultuous romantic relationship with Dawn Staples (played here by Johnson's Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt). 

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Rather than centering his narrative around a particular goal — like winning a belt or defeating a particular nemesis — Safdie chooses a more scattershot approach. A smattering of scenes across Kerr's highs and lows aim to capture the contrast of "The Smashing Machine" in the ring, where he was mighty and intimidating, to the man behind the persona, who was gentle, even when battling his own demons. However, without a driving narrative, the film feels meandering, lacking momentum.

The Smashing Machine shies away from sports drama cliches, with mixed results.  Benny Safdie, writer/director of "The Smashing Machine," holds a camera in the film's final sequence. Credit: A24

Elements of Kerr's story are pretty common within the pro fighting industry. Take a look at Dark Side of the Ring for many examples. The incredible demand put on a fighter's body and the ruthless training regimen can encourage abuse of painkillers and other drugs to cope with the physical strain. However, Safdie's so matter-of-fact about Kerr's intravenous drug use that it almost seems harmless. There's a casualness to how Mark is shown readying an injection, doing so while getting dressed and carrying on a conversation, that almost suggests his drug use is not a problem, but part of a routine. But a vague but vicious argument with Dawn shortly after suggests Kerr's losing his grip. 

It might be lauded that Safdie and Johnson (who is also a producer on The Smashing Machine) aren't interested in making Kerr's real-life low points into a gaudy spectacle. But little is given to otherwise illustrate his battle here. Safdie's script reveals a near-fatal overdose through a phone call between Dawn and Mark's friend/colleague Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader). His time in rehab happens entirely offscreen. Thus, much of his struggle with addiction is limited to strained jokes about doctors who offer him over-the-counter painkillers and his passive-aggressive comments to Dawn, when she returns from a boozy meal with friends. Essentially, the punches feel pulled, outside the ring and inside too. 

The Smashing Machine won't let audiences get close to Mark Kerr.  Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt embrace in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Safdie rejects the standard of Hollywood boxing movies by keeping his cameras firmly outside of the ring. A cavalcade of other directors have used close-ups to give audiences an unblinking look at everything from the fear or confidence flashing on the fighter's face to the sweat and blood streaming down their muscles. But Safdie won't let us any closer than the fans in the film, stuck behind the ropes. It's a choice that echoes his aim of authenticity over Hollywood razzle-dazzle. But it literally and emotionally keeps us at a distance. 

Other forms of authenticity work better. Handheld camera lends energy and a hazy excitement to everything from Mark striding to the arena to his grappling with a hysterical Dawn. A soundtrack of late '90s/early '00s songs (like Sublime's "Santeria" and Sugar Ray's "Every Morning") played in the background help audiences time-travel back to his heyday. But most impactful is Safdie's unconventional casting choices.

As he's done in past films like Uncut Gems, he peoples The Smashing Machine with nonactors. In this case, to play Mark's friends and rivals, the director brought in fighters Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk, Satoshi Ishii, James Moontasril, Cyborg Abreu, and Marcus Aurélio, many making their acting debuts. They bring an earthiness and earnestness to the film, with Bader being a terrific standout, seemingly effortless in scenes of professional drama and domestic bliss. 

In terms of Johnson's performance, authenticity meant asking the actor to bulk up and to wear facial prosthetics and meticulously detailed wigs to resemble Kerr. And here's where Safdie's choices hurt Johnson most. 

Dwayne Johnson is incredible in The Smashing Machine, but the prosthetics are a problem.  Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Props to the make-up team — the prosthetics are seamless and do the job of erasing the familiar face of The Rock. This transformation gives Johnson the space to create a performance that is distinctly separate from his own personas in pro-wrestling and as the leading man of many an action franchise. Do they make him look like Mark Kerr? I'm less convinced. But we've seen plenty of thespians get Oscar gold for hiding their famous features to better inhabit a character. (That includes Charlize Theron in Monster, Brendan Fraser in The Whale, and Nicole Kidman in The Hours, just to name a few.) 

The problem is that while these prosthetics erase The Rock, they also inhibit Johnson's face. Sure, his performance here is more nuanced than in his splashy blockbusters. An early scene where Kerr, bruised and battered, gently explains his work to a little boy and a judgmental grandmother is gracefully done. The softness in his tone is reflected in a gentle physicality as he insists there's camaraderie outside the ring. Later, this gentleness reemerges as he talks to his fellow fighters and as he pleads with a spiraling Dawn. (Blunt gives her best to a role that is achingly archetypal, painting Dawn as a volatile drunk with a Jersey Shore thirst for fashion and fighting). However, this performance is often cut off by the brow bone of the prosthetic. 

Creating a ledge that throws a dark shadow, the make-up too often makes it hard to see Johnson's eyes. So, much like being pushed out of the ring in the fight scenes, we're pushed out of Mark's experience by not being able to see how he's feeling. In a showier Johnson performance, this might not be an issue, as he can ooze emotion out of big gestures and bellowing line delivery. But here, nearly every aspect of the film is aiming for subtlety, to better explore the shades of gray of Kerr. And without seeing his eyes, we're too often left in the dark. 

In the end, Johnson gives a career-defining performance that should well prove he can handle meatier, even artier fare. Blunt gives her all in a thankless role, and Safdie, in his feature-length directorial debut without his brother/Uncut Gems co-helmer Josh Safdie, takes some big swings. It's a shame he didn't have a sharper eye on what was hitting, and what was leaving his audience needing more.

The Smashing Machine is now in theaters.

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2025, 2:41 p.m. EDT "The Smashing Machine" was reviewed out of its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in this article, originally published on Sept. 20, 2025. It has been updated to include its theatrical release.

Steve may not be the movie you'd expect, as it certainly wasn't what I anticipated.

An exciting element of film festivals is seeing movies before the barrage of trailers, talk show appearances, character posters, and all other manner of spoiler-y promotions. So, for a critic planning their screening schedule, you're piecing together few clues.

Not familiar with the best-selling novella on which Steve is based, I expected a tearjerking drama that might leave me rattled and heart-aching, like RaMell Ross' soul-scorching Nickel Boys. After all, Steve is not only a drama set a reform school, but also a film starring Murphy, who has played a long line of intense characters facing horrid circumstances, from zombies (26 Days Later) to a dying sun (Sunshine) to a world at war (Oppenheimer). Plus, Murphy and Mielants' last movie together was Small Things Like These, a harrowing tale of the sins committed and covered up by an Irish convent. 

SEE ALSO: 'Steve' trailer: Cillian Murphy is a 'very, very tired' headmaster at an English reform school

For all of these reasons, I braced for violence, trauma, and abuse. But while there are dark moments in Steve, it's chiefly an energetic and even at times joyful film about hope and community.

Novelist Max Porter adapted his novella Shy into the screenplay for Steve, which offers complicated portraits of the troubled youth in a reform school and the grown-ups assigned to their care. The resulting film is an emotional roller coaster and a call to action, demanding its audience rethink their views of such schools and those within them. 

Steve is set over one very bad day at work.  Students gather around Steve in "Steve." Credit: Robert Viglasky / Neflix

A propulsive energy drives Steve forward, from a mellow opening scene in which the titular lead teacher is dictating notes into a recorder, mapping out his strategy to help each of the boys in his care. Then, Steve (Murphy) is driving into a rural area on a long, winding dirt road, when he sees a teen boy smoking and dancing with headphones on in a field. Here, Porter's script introduces us to Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a mercurial young man capable of joy, anger, depression, and compassion. In this moment, he is giddy, playing with Steve and gossiping about the news crew set to arrive on campus this very day. 

By setting the film over the course of this day, Porter smartly condenses the action to make every choice feel urgent. By introducing a camera crew to the mix, he adds additional conflict and stress for Steve and his team to put forth a good face to a public all too willing to misunderstand their spirited students. So, Steve's battered vehicle pulls up to the school, a hundred-year old estate called Stanton Wood that's steadily falling into disrepair. A well chosen location begins to tell the story even before a newscaster's scripted introduction confirms it. 

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This grand building once had money flowing to it for upkeep of the place itself and its students. But as giving a second chance to impoverished young men with criminal records became politically unfashionable, funding has dried up. Stanton Wood now operates with a skeleton crew, caring for one class of very rowdy boys who are all too willing to act up in front of the cameras. 

Steve must not only manage his staff, counsel the boys fired up by the arrival of an audience, and keep an eye on the nosy news crew (who is too eager to invade the boys' privacy for good B-roll), but also fawn over a visiting politician in hopes of securing some more funding. He's being pulled in every direction, and yet the film is more of an ensemble than the title might suggest. 

Steve delivers a walloping group performance.  Jay Lycurgo as Shy and Simbi Ajikawo as Shola in "Steve." Credit: Robert Viglasky / Neflix

Murphy is the eye of the storm of Steve, exuding an intense focus whether talking to students or venting with his colleagues. His sharp blue eyes ache with the awareness of his responsibilities and the powerlessness an apathetic government gives teachers like him in place of support. 

His frustrations are echoed by fellow educators, like his second in command, the outspoken Amanda (Tracey Ullman in a rare dramatic turn), a very patient therapist called Jenny (Emily Watson), and new teacher Shola (Simbi Ajikawo, aka rapper Little Simz). Each of these women brings a different energy to Stanton Wood. Amanda, vibrant and frank, has a grandmotherly tough-love approach, telling the camera crew about how each of these boys is complex and that she "fucking loves" them for it. Jenny has a cool facade, but once the boys leave — sometimes after vandalizing her wood-paneled office — she shrinks into a pose of radiating disappointment. Shola, as the youngest and the only Black woman working there, faces the additional challenge of receiving unwanted sexual attention from some of the boys, and having to preserve a professional front even in such uncomfortable and unfair predicaments. While each of these roles is slimly written, they're given proper depth from these sensational actresses. 

Then there's the boys: Shy (a mesmerizing Lycurgo), Riley (a chaotic Joshua J. Parker), Jamie (a brash Luke Ayres), Ash (Joshua Barry), Nabz (Ahmed Ismail), and Tarone (Tut Nyuot), to name a few. In a clever device by Porter, the youths are introduced in interviews with the news crew, who ask their names and three words they'd use to describe themselves. Among the batch are braggarts, button-pushers, aspiring moguls, and heartsick lost boys. The sharp contrast between one interview and the next not only sets up the dynamic between this group, but also suggests the highs and lows that each of them are experiencing in the challenge of growing up and succeeding in reform school. 

The staff here doesn't beat or abuse them. In a number of scenes, Steve carefully approaches heart-to-hearts with a mix of psychological tools and frank slang. ("This is the thing, you can't just casually call me a dick," he patiently explains to one student.) It's clear the boys are given patience, understanding, and second chances. But still, there are explosions, because within these boys is both brilliance and pain, kindness and rage. It's a constant dance that erupts into fights, shouting, impromptu soccer matches, and a suicide attempt.

Steve grapples with teen suicide. Tracey Ullman as Amanda and Cillian Murphy as Steve in "Steve." Credit: Robert Viglasky / Neflix

Not so much a spoiler as a warning, Steve involves one student's suicidal ideation playing out into a prolonged and painful sequence. His eyes are wide and scared as he considers his next move. Sitting at the center of the theater, I was looking directly into his eyes, and the boy seemed to look directly into mine. He didn't cry, but I did. I wept, worried for him as my thoughts wandered to those in my own life who've had such moments. In reflection, I'm awed that Steve doesn't make a spectacle of a suicide attempt, but instead dwells on the decision, not the act. 

Making this sequence even more impactful is the film's cinematography. Much of the movie's sequences are shot in handheld, allowing for fluid, even frantic movement as cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert chases the boys as they barrel down hallways, throw punches against steel lockers, bound over countertops, and race through a soccer pitch. But in this moment, quiet and dark, a boy alone with his thoughts and this big choice, the camera is still and unblinking. Through this simple framing, head-on and unmoving, we are with him, waiting for his decision and feeling powerless (like Steve, who is in a frenzied search for the boy), as we can't make it for him. 

That brings us back to Steve. The film named for him might seem preachy or sentimental to some. But Porter's earnest script and Mielants' kinetic approach urges audiences to look beyond the outraged op-eds about tax dollars being wasted on bad eggs (a sentiment spoken directly by the cynical news crew). With each young actor throwing himself full-bodied and furious into the roles of these students, a tableaux is painted of a moment in time, where they full of life, trouble, and possibility. Then, beyond that, Steve looks to the people who are underpaid and underappreciated as they do the work to make such youth feel truly heard, respected, and loved. They aren't saints anymore than their charges are devils. 

Steve talks with a Stanton Wood student in "Steve." Credit: Robert Viglasky / Neflix

In this mindful and dynamic portrait, Steve presents a message deeply humane, that all of these folks, from the students to the teachers to the news crew and even the smug politician looking for a good photo op are just people — people helping people. It might seem an obscenely simple message. Yet, as the film's climax makes clear, it's one worth repeating, even if it seems cringe or simplistic. "Why do you fucking give a shit?" one boy challenges the Stanton Wood staff. And the answer to that is not simple, but it is powerful. 

Steve is now streaming on Netflix.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2025, 2:20 p.m. EDT "Steve" was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, in this article, originally published Sept. 15, 2025. The article has been updated to include current viewing options.

The true story behind The Lost Bus is stranger than fiction. More specifically, its premise feels like something dreamed up by a screenwriter in the late '90s, when disaster movies like Twister, Volcano, and Deep Impact were all the rage. An average Joe with problems of his own heroically uses his blue-collar skills and homegrown gumption to rescue a bus full of children stranded by a ravenous wildfire. And the cherry on top? This community that's ablaze is called Paradise. 

Yet The Lost Bus is based on the true story of school bus driver Kevin McKay, who on Nov. 8, 2018, rescued 22 grade school students from the Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. In the movie version of McKay's life, details will be tweaked for dramatic effect. And this brave everyman gets the Hollywood glow-up, being played by Matthew McConaughey. However, director Paul Greengrass, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brad Ingelsby, battles back against a full-fledged glossy disaster movie. 

So, what might have been a spectacle, channeling real-world heroism into the dynamic derring-do of an American action hero, instead becomes a rocky ride, taking turns into the maudlin one moment and the theatrically threatening the next. The result is a movie that is gripping, but only in gasps. 

The Lost Bus cherry-picks grit and glamor.  Credit: Apple TV+

When a wildfire spreads faster than the firefighters can handle, school evacuations are called so quickly that some parents can't get to their kids in time. So the bus depot sends in Kevin (McConaughey), who's got open seats and determination to get these kids — and Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), the teacher looking after them — to safety, whether that means traversing troubled routes or carving out daring detours. 

When it comes to the film's depiction of fire, Greengrass is devoted to instilling terror. Scenes of a California town burning are depicted like a war zone. Smoke turns a sunny day dark as night. Fire rages, making a once cozy street unrecognizable. Civilians flee, screaming and even trying to hijack vehicles through violence. This same attention to the gravity and griminess of wildfires extends to the faces of the children on Kevin's bus. While Mary and Kevin warn them to stay away from the windows, their cheeks are smudged with soot. Their eyes are weary from tears and exhaustion. 

Most effective in getting across the fear fire should instill is cinematographer Pal Ulvik Rokseth's use of POV shots for the fire. Beginning low to the ground in brush, these initially recall the POV shots of slashers like Michael Myers, peeping on their unaware victims. But as the intensity grows, so does the height and speed, suggesting the rushing of the wind and how it carries the flames farther and farther. Until finally, the fire's POV soars into the air, swooping down like a descending dragon. It's a flourish well used, as this device establishes the position of power the fire possesses over people, who can only run or burn.

By contrast, Greengrass tries to ground the infrastructural drama of the rescue crews by repeatedly cutting from the flame-afflicted bus of children to a conference room, flanked with firefighters and other municipal authorities. These scenes are so heavy on exposition that they bring tension to a dead stop. And the fumbling of the actors' lines in these scenes might be meant to feel naturalistic, but comes off as clumsy — especially in contrast to Ferrera and McConaughey.

Even dressed down in casual wear with some make-up to make them look less debonair and more haggard, they have the capable screen presence of movie stars — and the teeth, too. This is actually distracting on McConaughey, as the film goes to such lengths to stress the poverty and lack of self-care his character practices, yet he has perfectly straight pearly whites.

This might be overlooked were The Lost Bus a movie like Armageddon or Independence Day, where everything is heightened — including the appearance of average Americans. But here, every flash of those pearly whites is a reminder that The Lost Bus aims to be grounded in its heroics... while maintaining a Hollywood glossiness. It feels like two movies at battle with each other, and the conflict kills engagement.

The Lost Bus is slyly misogynistic. 

Before the fire, Greengrass and Ingelsby take great pains to show just how hard Kevin has it. Within the first act, he faces conflicts with his mother, his ex-wife, his boss, a pharmacist, and his son —and all but the last of these people are women.

Through casting, Greengrass sets up that this traditionally manly man, who is trying to provide for his family, must contend with emasculation at every turn. His mother is a burden. His ex-wife is a nag. His boss, Ruby (Ashlie Atkinson), won't give him the overtime he needs to make ends meet (even though she explains rationally why that's not possible), and the pharmacist at a small convenience store dares to be on the phone when he rushes in demanding help. If I recall correctly, even the veterinarian who calls to tell him his beloved dog must be put down is a woman. 

Aside from proving Kevin's got a lot (of bad) going on, this also establishes Kevin as a man in need of proving himself, proving he is a man who can push back on all these female forces that overwhelm him. So, when he arrives at the school and meets Mary, he diminishes her by calling her "ma'am" and "teach" — anything but the name she's given him.

Over the course of their dangerous journey, Kevin's attitude softens to Mary, as she wins his respect through her composure and endurance. The film even briefly seems to flirt with a romantic subplot (Speed 3: Fire in Paradise), though that cliché is dropped as half-heartedly as it's suggested. However, this framing of Kevin vs. every woman in Paradise (and beyond, as his ex is a phone call away), positions The Lost Bus as a tale of redemption on strictly machismo terms. 

In the movie's start, Kevin fears he's a failure as a son, husband, and father. But this rescue — which relates to none of those roles — is meant to redeem him? It's a bit confounding. What the real-life McKay did is incredibly heroic. What the onscreen Kevin does is too, but is tainted by chauvinist politics that see value in bravery chiefly if it validates a man's identity as protector. And yet the most compelling performance is from one of Kevin's supposed antagonists. 

Ashlie Atkinson runs away with The Lost Bus. 

I'm ashamed to admit I'm unfamiliar with Atkinson's work on The Gilded Age as Mamie Fish. But in The Lost Bus, she carries so much dramatic weight with every breath that I might need to start a binge-watch. On paper, Ruby's role is thin. She's the director of the Paradise bus depot, responsible for assigning routes and overtime, as well as organizing maintenance checks and — apparently — evacuations when the need arises. 

When Kevin approaches her, it's with a facade of gentility, pleading a sob story to convince her to bend the rules on overtime to benefit him. Her answer is delivered gently, but firmly. Her eyes are open, but reflecting a thinly veiled warning: Not today. His response is fury, but one he takes with him out the door.

In one scene, Atkinson represents a woman I've seen over and over. Ruby is in a male-dominated workforce, often regarded with feigned politeness that's actually kind of infantilizing! And when she comes back into the movie, again and again trying to make order out of chaos, I was invested every time. While Kevin is battling a fight against furious nature, Ruby battles the emotional warfare of comforting the awaiting parents without providing false hope. Between this and Mary's role in keeping the children on the bus calm and alive, Greengrass must have some awareness that barreling through hard times with lock-eyed determination and grit isn't all it takes to save the day.

Now, in the end, Greengrass does offer some recompense, with Kevin making brief amends with some of the women who'd been painted as his antagonists. But as title cards reveal the facts about what followed, the misogynistic slant to the story feels even more out of place. 

The Lost Bus is an odd film. At times, Greengrass embraces the '90s disaster movie theatrics that can give an audience catharsis through the hero's survival over seemingly impossible odds. At times, he's inexplicably fascinated by control room strategies that play out with all the excitement of a business meeting.

In some moments, he clearly values the incredible character work of supporting actress Ashlie Atkinson, whose dynamic portrait of a blue-collar woman doing her part (and her damndest!) is so moving that it almost single-handedly saves this movie from its regressive sexist messaging. But in the end, Greengrass favors a sentimentality for an old-school brand of macho identity that is toxic. So, The Lost Bus — despite its best efforts to celebrate an everyday hero — becomes a messy journey of rancid masculinity. 

The Lost Bus is now streaming on Apple TV+.  

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2025, 2:22 p.m. EDT This review was first published on Sept. 6, 2025, out of the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It has been updated to reflect current viewing options.

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill up your summer reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading.

Amazon has revamped its entire line-up over the past year, and as of Sept 30. 2025, the company introduced a new batch of Kindle Scribes, less than a year after the previous generation launched. The updated line-up includes an upgraded front light as well as the addition of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.

Plus, another big Amazon sales event is about to start. The retailer's Prime Big Deal Days, otherwise known as October Prime Day is coming Oct. 7 and 8, which typically brings some decent savings on the Amazon Kindle. But temper your expectations. Kindles are wildly popular devices, meaning they don't get the biggest discounts during these sales.

Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers.

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.

Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and as of July 2025, the Colorsoft lineup includes three models. The Colorsoft is the second most expensive option among Kindles, and after finally getting our hands on a model, we've added it to this guide.

As of Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon also announced a revamped Kindle Scribe. The new model is exceptionally thin and has a front light for a brighter display. Plus, the new Colorsoft edition of the Scribe lets you annotate, journal, or sketch in color. Neither the Kindle Scribe nor Kindle Scribe Colorsoft are available for preorder yet, but we'll update this guide once we've fully tested the devices.

No matter which model you choose, all of the latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it's hard to make a bad decision in this product category.

So, what's the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.

Which Kindle is right for you?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

How to make the most of your Kindle

Through our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle
  

The NYT Connections puzzle today shouldn't be hard to solve if you're a theater kid.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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.

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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.

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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 Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A partition

• Green: They spin

• Blue: They can be found on Broadway

• Purple: A popular nickname

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: Boundary

• Green: They move in a spiral

• Blue: Songs from musicals

• Purple: What "Ed" might indicate

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 #846 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Boundary: BORDER, EDGE, EXTREMITY, LIMIT

• They move in a spiral: EDDY, FOOTBALL, TASMANIAN DEVIL, TORNADO

• Songs from musicals: CABARET, EDELWEISS, MAMMA MIA, MEMORY

• What "Ed" might indicate: EDITOR, EDUCATION, EDWARD, PAST TENSE

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 September 29, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are all about the big cheese.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve, provided that you're in charge.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Who's in charge?

The words are related to guidance.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe authority figures.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Leadership.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 3

• Manager

• Head

• Director

• Leadership

• Boss

• Chief

• Supervisor

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer can be a real pain, but we're here to help!

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.

Today's NYT Wordle puzzle shouldn't be difficult to solve if you're a runner.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 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 Pips hints, answers for September 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A convulsion.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SPASM

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 September 2, 2025

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 today's Wordle.

For me, every weekend is a binge weekend. And there’s nothing I love more than unplugging and settling in on my couch to escape into another world of a great TV show for a while.

Whether you're looking for a new subscription service, or just trying to remember how much you're paying for HBO Max — and what you're getting for that price — you've come to the right place.

Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how much HBO Max costs per month, including what each plan gives you, and how these price points compare to those of other streaming services.

SEE ALSO: How much does Netflix cost per month? How much does the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan cost?

HBO Max offers three subscription plans. First up is the Basic with Ads plan, which gives you access to the HBO Max catalog, with ads. It costs $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year. If you choose to pay the annual price, that would save you almost $20 per year.

The Basic plan also gives you the ability to stream on two devices at once, with a video quality of full HD 1080p resolution.

How much does the HBO Max Standard plan cost?

HBO Max's Standard plan costs $16.99 per month, or $169.99 per year. The annual price saves you almost $34 per year.

With the Standard plan, you get access to HBO Max's catalog without ads, as well as select live sports like certain MLB and NHL games. Like with the Basic plan, you can also stream on two devices at once, with video quality of full HD 1080p resolution. You also get 30 downloads.

SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Hulu? Our film critics weigh in. How much does the HBO Max Premium plan cost?

HBO Max Premium costs $20.99 per month, or $209.99 per year. The annual price saves you just under $42 per year.

With the Premium plan, you get access to HBO Max's catalog without ads, along with select live sports. Premium also upgrades the number of devices you can use and the video quality you get. You can stream on four devices at once, although only two can be used for sports at a time. You also get 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, as available. Finally, you get 100 downloads.

How do HBO Max's prices compare to other streaming services?

When it comes to streaming services prices, HBO Max is on the more expensive side, cost-wise. However, it is not the most expensive. Here's how things shake out.

At $9.99 per month, HBO Max's Basic with ads tier is more expensive than the ad-supported tiers of Netflix ($7.99), Paramount+ ($7.99), Peacock ($7.99), and a Prime Video subscription by itself, without an Amazon Prime subscription ($8.99). However, once Disney+ and Hulu increase their prices come Oct. 21, 2025, HBO Max's Basic tier will be cheaper than both of their ad-supported tiers, which will cost $11.99 per month.

At $16.99 per month, HBO Max's Standard tier costs more than Peacock ($10.99), Prime Video ($11.98), and Paramount+'s ($12.99) ad-free tiers. However, it costs less than Netflix's ($17.99) and Hulu's ($18.99). After its Oct. 21 price increase, Disney+'s ad-free tier will also be more expensive, at $18.99.

Not every streaming service has a third, Premium tier like HBO Max. Several streaming services call their equivalent of HBO Max's Standard plan "Premium." However, of those that do, HBO Max is once again in the middle of the pack. At $20.99 per month, it is more expensive than Peacock's Premium Plus tier ($16.99), but cheaper than Netflix's Premium tier ($24.99).

Vice President JD Vance has defended a racist AI-generated video that President Donald Trump posted to social media, stating that he considers the mocking depiction of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero to be a funny joke. Now Stephen Colbert has countered with an offer of his own, accompanied with his own "joking" video.

When asked about the video on Wednesday, Vance said, "I'll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now: I make this solemn promise to you that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop."

"If that's how we're doing it, JD, then we here at the Late Show also enjoy humor," said Colbert. "We've created our own funny good time animation based on something that isn't real to help end the shutdown. Enjoy!"

The Late Show host then proceeded to show an animation of Vance having sex with a couch while wearing a sombrero on his butt. A viral rumour claimed that Vance admitted to masturbating between two couch cushions in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, however the book does not contain any such admission. Even so, Vance's supposed sexual inclination toward furniture has become a pervasive joke online.

"We're joking!" said Colbert. "I'll tell you what, here's the deal. If you resign as VP, I won't keep showing that every chance I get. And I definitely won't put it on all of our socials so people can share it and maybe roll it on a loop during their holiday parties this year."

I'm still discovering new things to watch on Paramount+, which is a good sign. Of course, there are all kinds of Star Trek movies and series I can sink my teeth into, but many of them are more long-term commitments than what I'm suggesting here—nice, bingeable TV shows you can get through in a weekend.

We're slowly making our way through the lunar cycle, and we're just a few days away from the full moon.

The lunar cycle is a 29.5-day cycle of eight distinct phases of the moon. According to NASA, these phases happen as the Sun lights up different portions of the moon while it orbits Earth.

Keep reading to find out what you can spot in the night sky tonight, October 3.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Oct. 3, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 83% of its surface is illuminated tonight.

You won't need any visual aids to spot features on the moon's surface tonight; with your naked eye alone, you can see the Kepler Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Tycho Crater. With binoculars, you can also see the Archimedes Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris.

If you have a telescope, you can also spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 7. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.

What are moon phases?

NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.

This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're slowly crawling to the end of the 2025 MotoGP season, so fans need to stop and really appreciate every remaining race weekend. So we're suggesting you cancel all your plans, block out the world, and follow all the action from the Grand Prix of Indonesia. And better yet, do it for free.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia?

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia takes place at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia race starts at 3 a.m. ET on Oct. 5.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

4. Connect to ServusTV

5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

We all want our homes to be safe and secure. That's part of what makes it a home, after all. In the 21st Century, being safe and secure home means upgrading your home the latest and best smart tech around. In other words, a smart security camera.

Security cameras work as an effective deterrent against break-ins and unwanted visitors, but they're also great for monitoring your home at all times. It's little wonder that smart security cameras are very popular, as evidenced by the always advancing smart tech and range of available models.

But how do you know which home security camera is the best for you and your family? Selecting any technology for your home is hard. It's easy to get blindsided by specifications, complicated by the fact that everyone's home and daily routine is different. But don't fret: We're here to help secure your home. Here's some helpful information and a roundup of the best security cameras currently available.

What is a smart security camera?

A smart security camera connects to an app or to your WiFi. They tend to stream live video directly to your smart device (such as a phone or tablet) and will generally have features that can be controlled remotely or via a voice assistant, They may even be powered by AI technology, with features such as automatic motion detection. You don't have to choose a smart security camera, of course, though all of the cameras on this roundup have smart tech capabilities. It's pretty much the standard now.

What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor security cameras?

Outdoor cameras must be robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and a variety of weather conditions. And when it comes to indoor cameras, most people prefer devices that easily blend into their home/decor. You don’t want anyone to be aware that they’re being recorded. After all, intruders are notoriously camera shy!

Are wireless security cameras reliable?

It’s important to consider what kind of “juice” a camera needs to operate. Does it rely on batteries or does it require a power source? You might face constraints as to where you can place a camera that needs a power source. Conversely, batteries obviously have a limited life. We can say with some degree of confidence that a dead camera isn’t incredibly useful. It’s not a case of which is best, but which type better suits you.

Do security cameras have audio?

Some cameras do indeed offer audio surveillance as well as imagery. Some options will simply have a microphone that allows them to capture sound. Others can both capture and emit sound, turning them into a sort-of intercom with two-way audio.

Do security cameras require WiFi?

Like the vast majority of technology today, many security cameras available have WiFi capability. This is great for a handful of reasons including the fact that it's harder to disable them. Moreover, most cameras with WiFi allow you to turn your house into a smart home. They can integrate with Amazon and Google and allow you to remotely lock your door and control your lights, as well as sending you texts/alerts.

How do you access your video footage?

Though some cameras come with microSD cards, most models rely on cloud services for storage and offer you remote access. Keep in mind that not all storage is alike. Some might save footage for a month, others only a week. Additionally, you may have to pay a subscription fee for the cloud service.

What is the best security camera?

It’s all about which security camera suits you and your home. Your lifestyle or comings and goings may require a particular set of features. What you need are options. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together some of the top picks.

These are the best security cameras in 2025.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you're reading this, you almost certainly own a laptop. And if you do own a laptop, you need a practical bag for carrying it around. After all, the point of a laptop is portability — to take your work, games, and pretty much your whole life on-the-go.

But it's so much trickier than just grabbing the first backpack off the peg. Backpacks are like life partners. We all need one to get through the day, but it's about finding one that perfectly suits you. There are loads of different factors to consider: your daily routine, functionality vs. comfort, and how much stuff you have to cram inside.

Indeed, there's plenty to think about. Choosing a backpack depends entirely on your lifestyle and day-to-day activities. Almost as much as when choosing the laptop itself. Here are some helpful pointers and a round-up of the best backpacks for laptops.

How big is a laptop backpack?

If only it was as easy as simply picking a backpack that fits your laptop. As for overall size, think about how you most commonly use your backpack. If you use it while commuting, you might want a slimmer size for saving space on busy trains or buses — or maybe you need it to store away easily in the office or at home, or under the desk.

Conversely, maybe you double-up and take your everyday laptop backpack on hiking or weekend excursions, in which case you may want a bigger bag for packing in extra belongings and accessories. A smaller bag is around 15 litres and larger capacities are somewhere around the 30-litre mark.

What size laptop can a backpack carry?

Different laptop bags are built to fit different laptop sizes, from 13 to 17-inches. But the size of the backpack's laptop sleeve will vary from brand to brand. To make sure your laptop fits, look at the manufacturer’s specific measurements. The size of other compartments will also be a factor.

What other features do laptop backpacks have?

A laptop sleeve is your base requirement, of course. As opposed to a general bag compartment that will hold your laptop but won’t keep it secure, which means your laptop will be banging about. Commuters or frequent fliers can look for backpacks that have a USB port, which eliminates the issue of needing to find a seat next to a powerpoint. They should also seek out secure locking functions.

Hikers may want features such as handy water bottle pockets, extra padding on the straps, or an attachment for a torch. Easy-to-reach front pockets for holding your phone or other necessary items are useful too. If you’re dedicated to fitness, look for a compartment that's similarly dedicated to holding your gym gear or trainers.

What types of laptop backpack can you buy?

The backpack is not the only option, of course. There are also tote, messenger, duffel, and briefcase-style bags available. But if it’s a backpack that you’re after — and the backpack is the best all-rounder — there are still style variations to consider:

• Business — These bags will include a high-end style, such as laptop bags made by Samsonite, or a business casual style that will look good with a suit but shrug off the formality. Look out for brands such as Bellroy or Lily & Drew.

• Classic — These bags will look like an upgrade on your school bag and will accompany timeless, no-frills fashion. See brands such as Herschel, Jansport, or Fjallraven.

• Sports — These bags will likely come from well-known sports brands like Nike or outdoors brands like Osprey and North Face, and will accommodate gym gear, or offer features suitable for active and outdoors lifestyles.

• Technology — These are well suited to anyone whose job or day-to-day activities includes carrying lots of gadgets, devices, leads, and accessories. They typically feature lots of compartments for good organisation.

How much does a laptop backpack cost?

It’s one of the big questions. As ever, you get what you pay for. Most people aren't willing to drop more than £100 on a backpack — but if you want one that’s robust and big on features, you might need to invest a little extra.

What is the best backpack for your laptop?

Whether you're looking for a basic option for the commute or a heavy-duty backpack with all the bells and whistles, we've got the best bags to fit your needs. We have lined up a selection of the very best laptop backpacks from all the biggest brands. There is something for everyone in this list.

These are the best laptop backpacks for 2025.

Happy Friday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Today's games make heavy use of "less than" and "greater than" areas, but we have all the tips you need to navigate them.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 3, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 3, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add to 15. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 Pips

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.

Greater Than (11): Everything in this space must be greater than 11. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add to 7. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally.

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

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A flat dish.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PLATE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Fire.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BLAZE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Royal.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

REGAL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A heavy steel tool.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

ANVIL

Final Hurdle hint

Often used to describe a cranky baby.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

FUSSY

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

Bad news. Android, which has for years been pretty democratic when it comes to sideloading, is locking things down a lot starting next year. The company has now gone into detail on how this will work, and while there's some silver linings, it might still be bleak for some of you.