Mashable

It's a big week for Apple. The new iPhone 16 line hits store shelves today alongside the new AirPods 4. Just a few days earlier, Apple released the new iOS 18 and macOS 15, also known as macOS Sequoia, too.

However, Mac users are reporting some issues as it pertains to the latter release and the cybersecurity tools that they use.

As noticed by TechCrunch, Mac users who upgraded to macOS Sequoia are experiencing issues with their cybersecurity software and its compatibility with Apple's new operating system.

SEE ALSO: macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 new features that may convince Windows users to switch Cybersecurity tools reportedly clash with macOS Sequoia

The issue with macOS Sequoia not playing nice with cybersecurity tools was first discovered after some Mac users who upgraded reported that they were experiencing network connection issues on social media.

The errors were solved when users turned off cybersecurity tools from companies like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and ESET.

In addition, BleepingComputer also discovered reports of Mac users having issues with utilizing VPNs on macOS Sequoia as well. The cybersecurity news outlet noted a change in macOS Sequoia's release notes that could point to the potential problem. 

It appears that Apple removed a feature in macOS's firewall, which may have broken these applications. The firewall issue appears to be affecting some users' Firefox web browser too.

Obviously, turning off antivirus software or firewalls is not an ideal solution. Companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are recommending that users not upgrade to macOS Sequoia until the issues are resolved.

While many Apple Mac consumers may not be affected by these specific issues as they don't use these products, it's important to note how any new software launch can result in issues on day one.

Be cautious and check with the developers of your essential everyday use applications regarding any compatibility issues before upgrading.

We reached out to Apple for comment. If we get a response, we'll update this article.

You're probably reading this on a phone in your hand, or perhaps a laptop on your coffee table, and you have no idea — none — the blood, sweat, and tears that engineers endure to deliver the smooth-as-butter product you're using as we speak.

Before it got into your hands, it’s highly likely that engineers were hard at work, pulling their hair out and yelling obscenities, fixing hardware challenges that drove them up a wall. But there’s always a “Eureka!” moment where the masterminds experience that spark of a light bulb, bringing you the ready-for-market gadget you’re effortlessly using today.

For instance, I’ve spoken with engineers who’ve grappled with the difficult task of balancing heat output from powerful components with portability — a recurring issue in devices like headsets, gaming laptops, phones, and more.

This time, I got to speak with two head honchos behind the new AirPods 4 to take a peek through the peephole at how the new earbuds came to be — particularly the one with active noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: AirPods 4: The new active noise cancellation made ‘Espresso’ sound like it was performed in a soundproof café First, a little background on AirPods 4

Apple recently unveiled the new AirPods 4 with two iterations: one without active noise cancellation ($129) and one with active noise cancellation ($179).

Apple AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You may shrug and think, "So? What's the big deal?"

Well, before the AirPods 4 dropped, if you wanted ANC, you'd have to secure earbuds from the pricier AirPods Pro line. There's also the entry-level, non-Pro AirPods line (the lineage that the AirPods 4 descends from) that delivered great sound, but delivered zero ANC.

After all, the entry-level AirPods line have an open-ear design, making ANC trickier. Unlike the AirPods Pro, which have silicon ear tips that seal the ear canal to facilitate ANC technology, the non-Pro AirPods don't. But somehow, some way, Apple managed to pull it off with the AirPods 4.

AirPods Pro 2 with ear tips Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And as someone who has tested them on a plane myself, they're pretty damn good. So the question is, how did Apple pull it off? Well, I ended up asking the AirPods team myself.

ANC on AirPods 4 was a challenge

"It's unbelievable all the things that need to be balanced," Eric Treski, Director of AirPods Product Marketing at Apple, told Mashable regarding the AirPods 4. "It's battery size as it relates to battery life, and it's sound quality, which includes noise cancellation," and more.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Not to mention, Treski added, that our ears are very sensitive, making it difficult to include all of these internals into a tiny form factor that is the AirPods 4 without causing comfort to the average user.

But the real challenge, Treski said, was ensuring that active noise cancellation doesn't affect the music that you're listening to.

In other words, without getting too much into the weeds of things, active noise cancellation works by the device "monitoring" the outside noise and emitting an inverted soundwave, or what Treski calls "the anti phase," to neutralize or negate the external cacophony.

Let’s say you’re listening to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” The challenge is ensuring that the anti-noise signal filters out the background noise without messing with the song or diminishing its sound quality.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the AirPods team managed to dodge this issue with the help of "algorithms and filtering," Treski said, as well as the H2 chip — the processor that the new AirPods 4 earbuds adopted from the AirPods Pro lineup.

And that's not the only thing that the AirPods 4 borrowed from the Pro family.

"One of the microphones for [the AirPods 4's] ANC is from the 'Pro' product," said Kate Bergeron, VP of Hardware Engineering at Apple, adding that it's a high-quality microphone that is ideal for the open-ear design found on the fourth-gen earbuds.

Because the AirPods 4's form factor is, for a lack of a better word, more "leaky" than the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip has to work harder than it does inside the Pro model to execute ANC — but it gets the job done.

"If you don't have really good mics, you'll hear a low noise hiss," Treski added. "So we have exceptional microphones."

The microphone that facilitates ANC is monitoring what you're hearing at 200 times a second. With a process called "adaptive EQ," it's ensuring that sound distortions caused by noise cancellation and other factors are corrected ASAP.

As someone who has listened to "Espresso" on the ANC-supported AirPods 4 over and over again, I can confirm that the H2 chip and the microphones have been doing their thing. The sound quality is mint and the ANC is impressive.

But ANC wasn't the only hurdle Apple had to overcome.

Transparency mode is no easy task either

"Transparency seems so simplistic and easy," Treski said. Unlike ANC, Transparency Mode heightens environmental noise around you, so it can't be that difficult to implement, right?

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Wrong!

"It's incredibly challenging because you need to make sure that it sounds natural," Treski said. "Not just the environmental noise, but also your own voice while you're speaking."

On top of that, Transparency Mode would have to execute this task flawlessly with "extremely low latency." Otherwise, there would be too much of a mismatch between the sounds and what you're seeing.

Despite this challenge, Apple managed to fine-tune Transparency Mode to seamlessly blend environmental sounds with what you’re hearing through the AirPods. The result is a more natural experience, where voices and ambient noise flow through smoothly, making it feel like you’re not wearing earphones at all.

How did Apple discover the best fit for 'most'?

For some, AirPods fit perfectly — and for others, like myself — not so much.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I'm just one of those folks with "weird ears," I guess. Bergeron assured me that that's not the case. "You look at people's ears and they're totally different in all aspects of their physiology," she said.

"We'll hear from people, 'The Pro' doesn't fit me' or 'The AirPods 3' doesn't fit me,'" Bergeron added. "And we want to learn from the challenges that people have."

In order to educate itself, Apple did some extensive research to find a "one-size-fits-most" shape on the AirPods 4.

As mentioned in Apple's "Glowtime" keynote that introduced the AirPods 4, Apple analyzed thousands of ear shapes, relying on advanced technologies like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, that amassed over 50 million data points to refine the earbuds' design.

"We've come up with a relatively efficient way to scan people's ears through our own tools so we can build that database [and continue to find the 'best fit'] on an ongoing basis," Bergeron said.

After popping the AirPods 4 into my ears, I was relieved that they didn't creep out of my canal to take a tumble. Even when I violently shook my head from left to right, they stayed in place like they were holding on for dear life in a windstorm.

What's next for AirPods?

Out of curiosity, I asked what Apple had up its sleeves for the next AirPods down the line, like AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3, for example. The Apple representatives, as expected, declined to respond.

However, Treski did conclude the interview with some food for thought.

"As you think about Apple Intelligence and Siri, and how 'one' that's becoming," Treski said, "it's just so natural right?"

And so, that's this sort of journey that we're on to really, you know, extend it further, which is why Siri Interactions is also a great time and opportunity to interact with Apple Intelligence today." he said.

Siri Interactions, by the way, lets you reject calls and texts, as well as accept them, just by shaking your head 'no' or nodding your head 'yes.' This is available on both the AirPods 4 without ANC and with ANC.

The AirPods 4 lineup, starting at $129, is available for pre-order now — and it will hit store shelves on Sept. 20.

UPDATE: Sep. 20, 2024, 2:34 p.m. EDT A quote from Eric Treski was edited for clarity.

Best early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929 at Amazon (save $170) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $449 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal

Amazon's next big event — Prime Big Deal Days — is just around the corner. Prime Day Part Two will kick off on Oct. 8 and run for 48 hours, with big discounts going live throughout. Be there, or be square. And as usual, lots of early deals are already ripe for the picking, especially when it comes to Apple (the company, not the fruit).

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is closer than you think: 4 tips for finding the best deals

Check out our top early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day so far, including discounts on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and plenty more.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It doesn't really get much better than Apple's recent M3 line of MacBooks. The M3 Air is one of our favorites, and ahead of Prime Big Deal Days you can score one for just $929, which $170 off the usual price. This MacBook Air in particular comes with a 13-inch screen (great for traveling), and features the speedy M3 chip. It also has support for Apple Intelligence and can handle up to 18 hours of usage on one charge.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,699 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,896.51 $2,699 (save $803.49)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,999 $2,499 (save $500)

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119.00 at Amazon
$1,199.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're more of a tablet person than a laptop person, then the iPad Pro is where it's at. The Pro is packed with the lightning-fast M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and supports use of the Apple Pencil (which is unfortunately sold separately). It's on sale for $80 off ahead of October Prime Day, just $1,119 for one of the best tablets on the market.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad 9th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $379 $499 (save $120)

• Apple iPad Air (128GB, WiFi) — $559 $599 (save $40)

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $449.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Max are a great pair of over-ear headphones for those who prefer that style to that of earbuds. The Max provide super high-quality audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode so you can enjoy your tunes and the world around you, and personalized spatial audio. It's also got a 20-hour battery life, which is pretty sweet. Snag a pair before Prime Big Deal Days and save $100.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $89 $129 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129 $169 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $189.99 $249 (save $59.01)

Best Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a smartwatch made for active people. Apple's most durable piece of wristwear has advanced features for hikers, runners, and swimmers like offline maps, advanced metric tracking, and up to 100m of water resistance. The Always-On Retina display is bright and easily readable, and the watch also allows for up to 36 hours of use on a charge (and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode). Get one on sale ahead of October Prime for $689, which is $110 in savings.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch Ultra (49mm, GPS + Cellular) — $449 $559 (save $110)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + Cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

More Apple deals

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $29 $39 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $79 $99 (save $20)

• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad — $108.47 $129 (save $20.53)

• Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad — $278.99 $349 (save $70.01)

The best smart home deals at Target at a glance: BEST SMART SECURITY DEAL Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target (save $35.50 with Target Circle) Get Deal BEST SMART SPEAKER DEAL Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target (save $15) Get Deal BEST SMART AIR PURIFIER DEAL Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target (save $52) Get Deal

We're only a few weeks away from Target Circle Week, but the bullseye retailer is already dishing out plenty of deals. If you're looking to finally automate your home in 2024, you can start ASAP with some solid deals from brands like Ultraloq and Echo. We've rounded up a few we think are worth adding to your cart as of Sept. 20.

Best smart security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultraloq Our pick: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target
$179.99 Save $35.50 with Target Circle Get Deal Why we like it

One of our favorite smart locks for families with kids, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers six different ways to unlock your door. Each person in your home can create a user profile and add up to two fingerprints per profile. In other words, your fingerprint is your key, so you don't have to worry about forgetting it. There are also options to unlock by a passcode, voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, a button on the Ultraloq app, location-based auto locking and unlocking, and of course, a regular old key. Plus, all you need is a screwdriver for its DIY installation. As of Sept. 20, Target Circle members (signing up is free) can get the WiFi-enabled U-Bolt Pro for just $144.49. And although the original price listed on Target's website says $169.99, the MSRP is actually $179.99, making this a savings of 20%.

Best smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Like the Echo, but in smaller form, the Echo Dot is meant to seamlessly add smart benefits into your daily life. Its smaller design makes it ideal for a bedside table, shelf, countertop, or desk, and it can be used for everything. Ask it to set a timer, save a recipe, schedule a task, play white noise, call your mom, turn on your lights, set a reminder, or just play your favorite tunes. The 5th generation Dot features more vibrant sound, clearer vocals for phone calls, and deeper bass. While it doesn't include Dolby audio like its bigger cousin, the Echo, it does feature new motion sensors and a front-firing speaker. As of Sept. 20, it's on sale for just $34.99 a Target. That's a savings of 30%.

Best smart air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Our pick: Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $52.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While an air purifier might not be on your radar as a smart home deal, voice-assistant support and the ability to control it with your phone make the Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 a solid smart home addition. See the quality of air in your home via quick readings on the LED screen or through the app at any time. A convenient Welcome Home mode puts your purifier in standby when you leave the home and turns it back on when you're getting close. Plus, the RealTrack algorithm will inform you when it's time to replace your filter. Slash 15% off this purifier built for extra large rooms as of Sept. 20.

More smart home deals

• Amazon Echo Pop — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Kids Echo Dot (5th Gen 2022) — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Black+Decker smart home starter kit — $64.99 $105.99 (save $41)

• ULTRALOQ U-Bolt 5-in-1 smart deadbolt door lock — $93.49 $109.99 (save $16.50 with Target Circle)

• Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

Owners of three particular Anker products need to stop using them right away.

The portable battery maker issued a recall notice this week due to potential battery fire hazards in a few of its products. While Anker's recall notice noted that this problem should only affect a relatively small batch of batteries (i.e., those that were manufactured between Jan. 3 and Sept. 17 of this year), it's still recalling every unit it has sold.

The three Anker products that are being recalled are as follows:

• Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)

• Anker Power Bank

• Anker MagGo Power Bank

SEE ALSO: Anker 535 PowerHouse review: Is this power station the workhorse its name suggests?

If you own any of those three products, immediately cease use of it and store it on a safe place. Anker has a form on its recall notice page where you can fill in the serial number on the product to get the recall process going. After that, Anker recommends disposing of the device somewhere that accepts lithium ion batteries.

This marks the second time in 2024 that Anker has had to issue a recall for the same issue. If you regularly use an Anker portable power bank, maybe just make sure it doesn't get too hot.

SAVE $34.99: As of Sept. 20, get the Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle for just $24.99. That's a discount of 58%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb $24.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $34.99 Get Deal

Halloween's right around the corner. If you're planning a party, or just a hangout with friends where you touch grapes and pretend they're eyeballs or demand your visitors believe that spaghetti is a bunch of monster brains, you need ambiance. What better way to do that than with a smart bulb and a hub to control it? Amazon is offering its compact Echo Pop smart assistant with a smart bulb right now at a great price, which means you can have the coolest Halloween party on the block with little effort and without having to spend very much money.

As of Sept. 20, get an Echo Pop bunlded with a Sengled Smart Color Bulb for just $24.99. That's down from its normal price of $59.98 and a discount of 58%. You save $34.99 by snagging this bundle on sale, and it's $19.99 less than if you were to buy both items separately.

The Echo Pop is a smaller version of the Echo smart speaker, which can play music, podcasts, work with Alexa apps, and even make calls to other devices. But you'll likely find the most use with it as a smart home hub that can control your new Sengled smart bulb. Turn your lights on and off with the Echo Pop and change up your light colors as you please. You can even set a schedule during which your lights will come on – and other useful patterns as well.

Set up a blood red light for a full moon, pink and purple for a Halloween rave, or just use it to set the mood while you decorate for the season. Whatever you choose, this is a great deal you'll have plenty of uses for.

Out the gate, the cast alone for His Three Daughters demands notice: Carrie Coon, who deserved — but did not receive — an Oscar nomination for her performance as the combative twin sister of Gone Girl; Elizabeth Olsen, who has been awing critics since long before WandaVision with her turns in indie dramas like the cult-focused Martha Marcy May Marlene; and Natasha Lyonne, '90s cool girl icon turned Emmy-nominated Orange Is the New Black star turned rumply but riveting detective in Poker Face.

Each not only boasts a heady screen presence, making their heroines instantly feel like the kind of women who know how to handle themselves, but also possesses a dynamic range that intrigues immediately. Where might their latest role fall on the scale of damage and determination? (Their best characters offer plenty of both.)

Such powerhouse talent packed into one movie is enough to satisfy on performance alone, especially when these compelling actors are pitted against one another in His Three Daughters, a ruthless, humane, and darkly funny story of grief and letting go. And yet this family drama, sharply written and directed by Azazel Jacobs (French Exit), cuts even deeper with clever crafting.

SEE ALSO: 38 best dramas on Netflix for when you want to feel something What's His Three Daughters about? Natasha Lyonne as Rachel and Carrie Coon as Katie in "His Three Daughters." Credit: Netflix

In a lived-in but tidy two-bedroom apartment in Lower Manhattan, three estranged sisters are reluctantly reunited as their terminally ill father ebbs into his final days, which involve in-home hospice care. These sisters couldn't be more different, both in attitude and in how they're handling the impending death of the dad they shared in the apartment each has called home. (Sam Levy's cinematography often keeps the walls and narrow doorways in frame, constantly reminding us just how close — and almost suffocating — these quarters are.)

Coon kicks things off as Katie, a ruthlessly rational Brooklyn mom who begins the film with a breathless yet steady monologue explaining how the sisters must wall back their emotions and grievances to focus on the task at hand: giving their dad the most peaceful end possible. "Things from the past don't matter," she says firmly. "Not right now."

There's a rich New York sense of neurotic humor in Katie's opening speech, which is full of passion in its subtext but purposefully bled of throbbing emotion. This speech is not just a setup that she is a dam aching to break, but also a setup to the film's first sophisticated joke. The punchline is the reaction shot from Lyonne, whose weary expression screams "fuck you" though her lips never move.

Rachel (Lyonne), a Lower East Side stoner who makes her money through sports betting, lives in this apartment with their father. Yet when her sisters invade, she sidesteps, letting them make demands, lay down rules, and dominate the conversation with the hospice workers who come daily to give care and advise. While Katie and youngest sister Christina (Olsen) take turns watching over their father in his room at the end of the hall, Rachel ducks into her own room to get high or hang out with her maybe-boyfriend Benji (Jovan Adepo).

SEE ALSO: How Apple TV+'s 'Shrinking' tackles compassion fatigue, therapy, and grief

Where Katie is brisk and business casual and Rachel is laden in New York sports gear and pot smoke with the husky yet relaxed voice to match, Christina has a bright smile, near-teary eyes, and the kind of flimsy casual wear that could cost $1 or hundreds. The baby of this group lives across the country, somewhere that reflects her sunny attitude and allows her to indulge in seeing her favorite jam bands, like The Grateful Dead.

Where Katie enters their dad's room with a purpose (getting the DNR order sorted) and Rachel avoids it, Christina goes in shiny and with a song on her lips. Naturally, when tossed together, these forces collide in passive aggressive barbs, whispered resentments, caustic assumptions, and plenty of hurt feelings.

Coon, Lyonne, and Olsen are superb and nerve-racking in His Three Daughters. Natasha Lyonne as Rachel, Elizabeth Olsen as Christina and Carrie Coon as Katie on the set of "His Three Daughters." Credit: Sam Levy / Netflix

Thanks in part to Coon's rapid-fire monologue at the top, His Three Daughters feels like a stage play adapted to the screen. The claustrophobic setting of the apartment adds to this feel, trapping the characters in a fraught floor plan that means there's no way to escape to the outside world without emotional encounters at their dad's door, in the tiny kitchenette, or in the living/dining area that often becomes the stage for sister showdowns.

While Coon crisply sets the pace and the heady sense of theatricality through her punctuated stoicism, Lyonne brings misfit energy that infuses the film with New York authenticity. Whether shrugging off her sister's bad attitude or joking around with the building's security guard, she exudes that defiant individualism that defines the city. His Three Daughters offers pockets of private moments, in which each sister escapes the identity of herself among her sisters to give us a glimpse of who they are beyond these four walls. For Kate and Christina, this comes in the form of calls to their husbands and children. For Rachel, it's a walk through her neighborhood, where her smile comes out of hibernation and her shit talk is understood as affection. It's a role Lyonne was born to play.

Olsen's role might have been the one over shadowed, as Christina is the gentlest of the three, given the least cutting dialogue. However, Olsen weaves a nuance into the youngest sibling, whose breeziness is a radiant but thin façade. "Just because I don't complain doesn't mean I don't have issues," Christina asserts in a hard moment. And just like that, the bright baby sister is given depth that reaches into her love of jam bands, her choice to live across the country, and her unflappable warmth in the face of their father's death.

There's no one way to grieve, and His Three Daughters puts several — all heart-wrenching and all-too-familiar — on display.

His Three Daughters rejects treacle and tragedy porn in favor of giving death some dignity. Jovan Adepo as Benji and Director Azazel Jacobs on the set of "His Three Daughters." Credit: Sam Levy/Netflix

Perhaps one of the most compelling choices Jacobs makes (outside of casting), is keeping audiences out of the room of the daughters' father, Vincent (Jay O. Sanders). The camera will never peek through the door or cross the threshold. The film is not so much about their father, but about how they see him, and what legacy he leaves behind in the "three crazy bitches" he raised — as Rachel puts it with a crooked grin.

By keeping us out of that room, Jacobs rejects making a spectacle of dying and gives the father and his daughters a private life outside the film. Still, we see plenty of who they are through how they're coping. Katie needs a project to channel her nervous energy, even if that means targeting Rachel unjustly. Rachel is deep in avoidance, doing all she can to look away from the inevitable. Christina is endlessly seeking positivity, to the point of proving toxic to her siblings. Even Benji gets a showcase of grieving, delivering a speech about who Vincent was to him. It's an oration so full of righteous rage and the pain of loss that it rattles even Kate and Christina from their poses of composure — and could make Adepo a dark horse Best Supporting Actor contender. (He's sensational in this small but blistering role.)

I've written before about how grief is an ugly business. It's cruel and unfair and can cause us to lash out cruelly and unfairly. Three Daughters neatly puts such chain reactions on display while avoiding making a ghoulish meal of its characters' pain. The center of the film is grief, but its purpose it to show how three sisters were able to rediscover each other through this grim moment. It's a motherfucker, but grief can teach us who we are, not just as individuals, but also to one another.

In a tightly written drama binding us to a humble home and an imminent death, Jacobs and his cast unfurl a powerful story of love and loss that is ultimately hopeful. While a third-act flight of fantasy may prove polarizing — arguably breaking from the rest of the film's logic — for me, it deepened the sense of absence, giving audiences a grander understanding of who the eponymous heroines lose when they lose Vincent.

His Three Daughters is a simple but elegant drama that grapples with the ugliness of grief and comes out with as happy an ending as a shattering death might bring. It's chaotic, charismatic, and ultimately cathartic. Don't miss it.

His Three Daughters is in now playing on Netflix.

UPDATE: Sep. 5, 2024, 2:24 p.m. EDT "His Three Daughters" was reviewed out of its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival in this article, originally published on Sept. 9, 2023. This review has been updated to include information about the film's streaming release.

Sony might make PS6 — PlayStation's next-gen console — very expensive at launch.

In a chat with GamesBeat, multiple prominent games industry analysts, including Circana's Mat Piscatella and Midia Research's Rhys Elliott, expect a theoretical PlayStation 6 to cost around $600, whenever it comes out, though that likely won't be anytime soon.

Sony is about to release the $700 PS5 Pro in November, and these analysts believe the huge price tag on that mid-generation update console is a sort of trial balloon for more expensive consoles in the future.

For reference, the OG PS5 launched at $400 without a disc drive and $500 with a disc drive in 2020, so a $600 PS6 would indeed be an escalation for an entry-level machine.

SEE ALSO: PS6 rumor: Intel reportedly rejected for the next-gen console — here's why

But Sony might have an uphill climb to get there. The internet raised torches and pitchforks when the PS5 Pro price was announced a couple of weeks ago, but perhaps more relevant to this discussion is what happened when Sony originally revealed the price of the PlayStation 3 in 2006. The phrase "five hundred and ninety-nine U.S. dollars" has echoed through the halls of internet history ever since.

For those who remember the old days, it might be difficult to believe that Sony would repeat history more than 20 years later. But, like it or not, inflation is real, and prices tend to climb over time, whether it makes sense or not.

If you’re eyeing a PS6, it might be wise to start saving up now.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 20: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $196.06 at Amazon (save $103.93) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop $219.99 (save $380) Get Deal RUNNER-UP SMARTWATCH DEAL Garmin vívoactive 5 $249.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST POWER BANK DEAL Anker 633 Magnetic Battery $39.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Ninja Air Fryer XL (5.5-quart) $109.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Before you kick off your weekend shenanigans, we've rounded up a few sweet deals at Amazon for your retail therapy needs. As we inch closer to Amazon's October Prime Day, the mega retailer is already dishing out ultra-low prices on gadgets and gizmos from top brands. We've handpicked the ones we think are worth adding to your cart on Sept. 20.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to look back at our picks from Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. Many of those deals are still live, including a record-low price on the Google Pixel Buds A and $100 off a very advanced Garmin smartwatch.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $196.06 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $103.93 Get Deal

Now's as good of a day as any for a record-low price on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The 40mm model with Bluetooth, in particular, is down to just $196.06 at Amazon as of Sept. 20. That's 35% off. Named the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry upon its release, the Galaxy Watch 6 features a more nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. It also lasts longer on a single charge and has a 20 percent larger display than its predecessor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop $219.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $380.00 Get Deal

If you want a gadget that can tackle two cleaning tasks in one and you're on a budget, check out this deal on the Roborock Q7 Max. It features powerful 4200Pa suction and an electronic pump with 30 water flow levels, plus precise home mapping, a 180-minute runtime, and support for the Auto Empty Dock Pure (which is sold separately). It checks vacuuming and mopping off the cleaning task list. As of Sept. 20, it's on sale for only $219.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $599.99. That's 63% off and on par with the cheapest it's ever been.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

While we haven't reviewed the Garmin vívoactive 5, we have tested the previous model and were big fans. As per our reviewer: "The vívoactive 4 is an excellent smartwatch for active people wanting to be more in tune with their bodies, and for less active individuals who have the desire but need a little nudging to stick to their goals." The newer model boasts even more advanced features, an upgraded AMOLED display, better heart rate sensor, upgraded sleep and stress coaching, and over 30 sports apps. It's usually $299.99, but you can save 17% as of Sept. 20 and get it for $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 633 Magnetic Battery $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

The travel companion your phone has been searching for, the Anker 633 snaps magnetically to the back of your iPhone (compatible with iPhone 12 and newer) and extends your battery life without adding much bulk. And thanks to its built-in kickstand, you can keep your phone upright for comfortable viewing while you power up. The 10,000mAh battery contains enough power to charge up an iPhone 13 Pro 1.8 times. Plus, it comes in a couple color options, which are all on sale. Usually $79.99, it's on sale for just $39.99 as of Sept. 20. That's 50% in savings and the lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer XL (5.5-quart) $109.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Need a quicker way to whip up game day snacks this season? Grab this air fryer deal on the Ninja XL and save some time and money. With a 5.5-quart basket, it can cook up to three pounds of fries or wings in a flash. Forget waiting for your oven to heat up. Beyond crispy air fried goodness, it can also roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate at the touch of a button. Regularly $159.99, you can pick up the sleek and slim Amazon-exclusive Ninja XL air fryer on sale for $109.99 as of Sept. 20. While that's not the cheapest it's ever been, you'll still save 31%.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Best early deals from Target Circle Week Best robot vacuum deal Roborock S7 Max Ultra robot vacuum $949.99 at Target (save $350) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad 9th Generation (256GB, WiFi) $349.99 at Target (save $130) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 55-inch Class S5-Series 4K Google TV $269.99 at Target (save $80) Get Deal Best kitchen deal SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker $59.99 at Target (save $40) Get Deal Best air purifier deal Shark Air Purifier Max $179.99 at Target (save $100) Get Deal

With the announcement of Prime Big Deals Day returning on Oct. 8 and 9, fellow retailers are taking this as a sign to kick off the holiday shopping season. If your eyes just rolled, we're right there with you. Target was among the first to announce its competing event, with the news of Circle Week returning Oct. 6 through 12.

Amazon's "October Prime Day" runs just two days on Oct. 8 and 9, but Target is hosting a whole week of deals. Target's last Circle Week ran July 7 through 13, conveniently just before Amazon's July Prime Day. We're sensing a pattern...

Similar to Prime Day, Target Circle Week requires a membership to shop, but unlike Prime, Circle membership is free to join. In a press release, Target says Circle Week will feature deals on fall and holiday favorites as well as everyday essentials. Plus, they're bringing back the Deal of the Day program, an array of one-day-only deals available throughout Circle Week.

SEE ALSO: Walmart is going head-to-head with Prime Big Deal Days

Target says the holiday deals will last beyond Circle Week as the retailer plans to return Deal of the Day on Nov. 1 and run it through the rest of the holiday season (no specific end date was provided.)

Beyond the sales, Target will be offering holiday-exclusive partnerships. The brand is the "premier retail destination for Universal Pictures' Wicked" offering both merchandise and "experiences" around the heavily-anticipated film. Plus, Target is returning its partnership with British retailer Marks & Spencer to introduce new food, beverage, and home goods options.

Target's Circle week deals will be available to shop in-store and online. To join Target's Circle membership, sign-up for free online.

Best early deals from Target Circle WeekBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock S7 Max Ultra robot vacuum $949.99 at Target
$1,299.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Chore days are made so much easier if you have a robot vacuum in your arsenal, and the Roborock S7 Max Ultra is a great pick that also happens to be on sale ahead of Target Circle Week. The S7 Max Ultra brings a totally hands-free cleaning experience, including (in addition to its vacuum capabilities) a mopping function, automatic obstacle avoidance, and a self-cleaning, -drying, and -emptying base. Pick one up at Target and save $350 before Circle Week.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 9th Generation (256GB, WiFi) $349.99 at Target
$479.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're down to get an iPad from a previous generation iPad, you might want to check out this sweet discount on a 9th-generation model: It's just $349.99 for Target Circle Week, saving you $130. The WiFi-enabled tablet comes with 256GB of storage (which should be plenty), and is packed with internals that are still impressive even by today's standards. The Retina display, A13 Bionic chip, and ultra-wide front camera are all here.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class S5-Series 4K Google TV $269.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

TCL is basically budget 4K TV royalty. Their TVs are super affordable without sacrificing quality, and this 55-inch Google TV is no exception. Highlights include 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR support, a gaming mode, Dolby Atmos audio, and Google TV Smart OS with built-in Chromecast. If you need a new TV, TCL won't disappoint, especially when you're only paying $269.99 ($80 off the usual price).

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker $59.99 at Target
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're constantly stocking your fridge with comically large cases of La Croix, it may be time for you to move on to a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option like a SodaStream. Luckily, the SodaStream Terra is on sale ahead of Target Circle week — $40 off the original price, just $59.99. Using the SodaStream is simple. Just fill up the included bottle with plain water, stick it in the machine, and push the button to get a bubbly beverage in seconds. Trust us, it's worth it.

Best air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Air Purifier Max $179.99 at Target
$279.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Having an air purifier in your home is highly recommended if you want to keep your air quality as safe as possible. The Shark Air Purifier Max is a great option for exactly that purpose, and you can get one on sale for just $179.99 ahead of Target Circle Week ($100 in savings). The Max can help purify spaces of up to 1,200 feet, and can capture 99.98% of airborne particles thanks to its included HEPA filter. The purifier also uses Clean Sense IQ to automatically track air quality in real time so there's no guesswork on your end.

With Piece By Piece, American multi-hyphenate Pharrell Williams brings his life story to the big screen — but with a Lego movie twist.

Directed by heralded documentarian Morgan Neville, Piece By Piece is a musical biopic that translates American music icons like Williams, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani into Lego's signature minifigures. Now, ahead of the film's theatrical release, you can get in on the fun by building a virtual mini Lego of your own!

SEE ALSO: 'Piece By Piece' review: Pharrell Williams finds his happy place in Legoland biopic

Today, Focus Features has launched the Piece By Piece Lego Minifigure Generator, where you can toggle between seven skin tones, over 60 hair styles, scads of facial expressions, and over 90 outfits to create a mini-you that'd fit into Pharrell's imaginative world. Tied to the movie's theme, this online game encourages you to "build who you want to be, piece by piece."

And hey, you can even get a "pic" with Lego Pharrell.

Mini Lego Pharrell invites you into his playful world. Credit: Focus Features / screenshot

Piece By Piece opens in theaters Oct. 11.

Apple's iPhone 16 is launching without Apple Intelligence, but there's still a pretty simple way for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro owners to try it out — all you have to do is install the latest public iOS beta.

That's right, Apple's iOS 18.1 beta is here, and it brings — for the first time in a non-developer beta — a number of Apple Intelligence features.

SEE ALSO: Is Apple Intelligence only on iPhone 16? We have the answers

So how do you get the AI goods? First, it's important to know that Apple Intelligence still isn't available to all users. Merely updating to the latest version of iOS, even if you're one of the lucky few who already received their iPhone 16, will not get you any of the new AI features.

Don't forget to back up your device. Credit: Apple

Instead, you have to sign up for Apple's Beta Software Program, over at beta.apple.com. Then, you'll have to enroll your iOS device into the beta program by going to Settings - General - Software Update - Beta Updates. From there, you'll be able to choose the latest beta, which is iOS 18.1. Don't forget to back up your device before you install the beta software, which is by definition less stable and tested than public releases.

If you want to take it a step further and try the latest developer beta, check out Mashable's piece with the instructions on how to get that, but beware — developer betas aren't meant for wide public consumption and will almost certainly be buggy.

I'm running the developer beta, but you don't need it; iOS 18.1 public beta is very similar to the latest developer beta. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you want to try Apple Intelligence on your Mac or iPad, the iPadOS 18.1 beta and macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta are available as well; the onboarding process is the same as above.

There's a caveat to all this. If you're in Europe or China, Apple Intelligence features will not be available to you, no matter which iOS version you have installed. That's because of AI regulations, which are different in the European Union and China than they are in the U.S. I wrote a short primer on how you can try to overcome this limitation, but the short version is that it is not worth the trouble. And if you want to know more about EU laws that caused this gap, you can read about that on Mashable too

As far as what kind of AI features can you expect in this beta, the list isn't complete (some features are coming later this year) but it does include several key features seen in Apple's "It's Glowtime" event held earlier this month. For example, you'll get the glowy, around-the-display Siri effect when you invoke her, and Siri will be a little smarter when it comes to understanding your mumbly requests.

You'll also get AI-powered spell and grammar checks when writing, as well as AI summaries of your text. Photos will be able to create slide shows based on your text input, Clean Up can be used to remove unwanted objects in photos, and Messages and Mail are getting smart replies.

Over the years, I’ve trained myself to only use one monitor.

That may seem counterproductive to the millions of people out there who can’t live without a second (or third) screen at their workstations, but it works for me. It gives me more desk space, saves me money, and helps discourage digital clutter. And thanks to Plugable’s new $199 portable USB-C monitor, my hard-fought habits might have to finally die.

Plugable, a brand normally associated with docking stations, has entered the monitor game with a portable display that just works. You plug a cable into the monitor, and into your laptop, and that’s it.

High-end professionals might have needs that extend beyond what this thing can do, but for many, it's a godsend — thanks to its extreme portability, simplistic ease of use, and versatility.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max review: Battery life so epic, you'll ghost your charger Plugable portable monitor price and specs It's a good looking monitor. Credit: Joe Maldonado /.Mashable

When you plunk down $200 on Plugable’s display debut, this is what you get:

• 15.6-inch LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio and 60Hz refresh rate

• USB-C ports (3)

Normally when listing device specs, I’d include things like processors, cameras, and battery life, but hey, the Plugable monitor doesn’t really have any of those things. It’s…just a monitor, for better or worse. The $199 package also includes an attached travel cover that also acts like a stand, and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable that will make the whole thing work in the first place.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado /.Mashable Plugable Monitor Get Deal Plugable portable monitor design The travel cover is great. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

In keeping with the product’s overall simplicity, Plugable’s portable monitor also doesn’t have much going on design-wise. It’s a big, black rectangle that displays whatever you want it to display. Easy enough!

This is a good thing, as it’s extremely easy to figure out how to use the Plugable portable monitor without any kind of quick start guide or instruction manual, though the device comes with one of those in case you need it, too. There are no ports, buttons, nor features on three of the display’s four sides. On the right side, you’ll find buttons for controlling brightness and switching between picture modes, as well as three USB-C ports that do a variety of things that we’ll get to later.

Plugable also included a travel cover with the device that attaches magnetically — and as far as I can tell — stays that way. The cover is also designed to be used as a stand for the monitor in the absence of another one. In all, even with the cover on, the monitor is about 1.8 pounds in weight. You won’t even notice it in your backpack, which is lovely.

This is the source of my first problem (of very few) with the Plugable monitor: It can be hard to find the right vertical angle for it. You can fold the cover into a stand in a variety of ways (such as by laying it out flat on the desk or folding it up into a triangular shape), but in each configuration, your options are pretty limited. Put simply, the monitor is almost always going to be angled slightly upward, not unlike a laptop display. If you would prefer something more head-on, a traditional second monitor setup is probably the way to go.

Plugable portable monitor display You can use portrait mode if you like, but the travel cover won't work as a stand. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

This thing wouldn’t matter if the screen weren’t any good, right? Thankfully, Plugable did just enough to earn a passing grade here.

The 15.6-inch, 16:9 monitor is basically the perfect size as a laptop companion, as it’s as big (if not a little bigger) than most laptop displays. Its 300 nits of peak brightness are more than good enough for indoor office space usage, and the 1080p resolution is right in line with the expectations for a cheap-ish portable monitor, if not exactly awe-inspiring.

Some may be disappointed to hear the refresh rate maxes out at 60Hz. In a vacuum, I would be, too, but there are other things to consider. First, this device relies entirely on USB-C for image output. And finally, there just aren’t that many things the average professional needs a 120Hz refresh rate for, if we accept the premise that this monitor is mostly intended for work.

Folks who do video-centric jobs that might require a higher refresh rate should probably look elsewhere.

If I have one major gripe with the Plugable monitor’s display, it’s the less-than-ideal viewing angles. When looking at the display head-on, everything is sharp and clear, but when looking at it from a slight angle to the side or above, it becomes harder to see. This is a problem as old as displays themselves, so I’m not meaning to single out Plugable here, but I did notice it, especially in conjunction with the physical angle problems I had with the stand.

Plugable portable monitor features This image from Plugable's website demonstrates how power pass-through works. Credit: Plugable

I should probably mention how exactly this thing works, huh? 

Fortunately, it doesn’t take too many words to do so: Plug the provided USB-C cable into a port on your computer that supports video output. If you have a relatively modern laptop, that shouldn’t be a problem. Then, plug the other end into the bottom USB-C port on the monitor, which is helpfully labeled “Host” on the monitor itself. 

After a few seconds, you’ll have a perfectly functioning second display. On a MacBook, you’ll have to briefly give the monitor permission to work the first time, but that’s literally the only bit of friction I had with the entire experience. It’s so remarkably simple that you’ll instantly hate any other monitor you’ve ever had to set up that gave you even the slightest bit of trouble in the process.

But that’s not all! Remember those other two USB-C ports I mentioned earlier? You can use those while the monitor is connected to your laptop (or phone or tablet) for a variety of things. The top port allows you to connect and use other USB-C devices, such as portable speakers, while the middle port functions as a passthrough for charging your laptop, ensuring the display stays powered.

That last bit is especially useful because, in the absence of a power adapter, the Plugable monitor will drain your laptop’s battery in order to power itself. There's no onboard battery in the monitor. In fairness, though, I didn’t notice a huge amount of power drain on my M2 MacBook Air, and found it perfectly safe to use the monitor for long stretches without plugging in.

Your mileage may vary depending on what kind of laptop you have, though.

Plugable portable monitor performance Just try not to touch this part. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

As far as performance is concerned, almost everything is in order. I didn’t notice any kind of connectivity issues in my time with the Plugable portable monitor. When it’s connected to your laptop, it stays that way — and the video signal doesn’t ever get interrupted as far as I can tell.

The only performance issue worth noting is that the corner of the monitor where the three USB-C ports lie can get very warm to the touch after even a short usage session. The first time I tested the monitor at home, I was shocked at how hot it was after about 20 minutes of watching football highlights on YouTube. 

It’s not a dangerous or concerning level of heat, but it's worth mentioning. To Plugable’s credit, I suppose, the heat is localized entirely to that corner of the device and doesn’t permeate the whole chassis.

Is the Plugable portable monitor worth it?

Plugable’s debut in the monitor space isn’t mind-blowing or revolutionary, as there are other cheap portable monitors out there. Plenty of them come in at $100 or less, too, so Plugable doesn’t exactly win on price, either.

But what Plugable does have is a trustworthy brand name and a device that I can confirm works exactly as intended. It’s just so stunningly easy to get the Plugable monitor up and running and doing exactly what you want it to do. You don’t need a chunky HDMI cable or a power adapter (though you can use one if you want) — you just need a host device and a USB-C cable. 

I’d like to see future iterations of this product with higher resolutions and better refresh rates, but for now, Plugable’s first portable monitor is an impressive debut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado /.Mashable Plugable portable monitor $199.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Never Let Go creeps onscreen like a dark fairy tale, enveloping its audience in a forest landscape of gnarled tree branches and mossy stones. At the center of this grove lies a solitary wooden house, home to a woman known simply as Momma (Halle Berry), as well as her twin sons Nolan (Percy Daggs IV) and Samuel (Anthony B. Jenkins). According to Momma, they're the only three people left in the world. A great Evil wiped out the rest of humanity, and now it's coming for her family.

There are ways to fight the Evil, though. Like Never Let Go's wooded setting, these defense mechanisms come straight out of folklore. Momma, Nolan, and Samuel tether themselves to their house with a rope anytime they step outside. That bind grants them protection against the Evil. The same goes for the house as a whole, which the family treats as some kind of holy guardian. They touch its wooden walls to cleanse their souls of any contact with the Evil, reciting a well-worn rhyme that declares, "Heaven is here within our home."

SEE ALSO: 42 movies you'll want to see this fall

All these elements form an intriguing blend of folk horror with religious undertones. Yet Never Let Go, directed by Alexandra Aja (Crawl, Horns), fails to deliver on its promising start. The film sometimes plumbs the depths of sinking dread, but for the most part, relies on cheap tactics to elicit any kind of scare.

What's Never Let Go about? Anthony B. Jenkins, Halle Berry, and Percy Daggs IV in "Never Let Go." Credit: Liane Hentscher for Lionsgate

For Samuel and Nolan, the house is all they've ever known. The same goes for Momma's insistence that they stay attached to the all-important rope and follow each of her rituals. Momma knows best after all, as only she can see the Evil. It manifests in different forms for her, shedding its skin like a snake to take the shape of her deceased family members. Often in zombie-like states of decay, these apparitions shamble towards Momma and taunt her with painful memories.

All that definitely sounds scary, but since Samuel and Nolan have never seen or experienced the Evil themselves, even in the brief moments when they let go of the rope, it's only natural that doubt eventually creeps in. Samuel, ever the rule follower, remains steadfast in his trust in Momma. But Nolan grows bolder in questioning whether the Evil is even real. As starvation closes in and tensions rise, the stage is set for a family reckoning and all the beliefs they once held dear.

Never Let Go raises fascinating questions, but never goes deep (or truly horrifying) enough

Unfortunately, that reckoning never quite arrives. That's a shame, as Never Let Go does wring some dread from its ambiguous approach to whether the Evil is actually real or not. Take Momma's story of the time she left a young, injured hiker to die for fear that she was one of the Evil's many forms. Are we certain that she outsmarted some malevolent force? Or did she actually abandon a real girl who needed her help? The different possibilities can tear you in two, and Never Let Go remixes that scenario a few times throughout its run for maximum dread.

Too often, though, Never Let Go turns away from this complexity in favor of clichéd frights. Jump scares and nightmare sequences abound, prompting quick moments of fear that quickly give way to exasperation. I don't need to see another mysterious creature dart across the frame! Give me unbridled panic about losing that vital, protective rope or the horrifying inevitability of starvation any day.

Some genuinely fascinating ideas do shine through Never Let Go, even with these half-baked scares clogging the runtime. Real or not, there are different ways to read the Evil's significance to Momma, especially through the lens of family trauma. There's also the angle of children breaking away from their parents: Is Nolan's skepticism a coming-of-age moment for him? Momma mentions she had a similar phase once, so is her family trapped in a cycle of rebelling against then conforming to rituals surrounding the Evil? Never Let Go certainly seems happy to let us keep asking these questions, but after its plodding pacing and scattershot climax, you'll wish it had held onto those ideas for just a bit longer.

Never Let Go was reviewed out of Fantastic Fest's opening night. It is now in theaters.

Netflix dropped a behind-the-scenes look at "Wednesday" Season 2 with Jenna Ortega on set.

Netflix has dropped its teaser for "Devil May Cry", a demon-hunting anime based on Hideki Kamiya's famous game franchise of the same name.

A land succession drama on an Australian cattle ranch where everyone's out for blood? That's the pitch for Netflix's new drama series "Territory."

Netflix's trailer for animated series "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" is here, and our hero (voice by Hayley Atwell) has demons to conquer.

Netflix has dropped its trailer for "The Eternaut", a post-apocalyptic thriller series about a toxic snowfall and an alien threat.

Netflix dropped a new clip from "Arcane" Season 2 showing Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) in a fighting ring. Watch.