Mashable

X (formerly Twitter) is re-investing in its trust, safety and security teams pre-election, after CEO Elon Musk controversially dissolved the platform's oversight council nearly two years ago.

The company has opened up two dozen new safety and cybersecurity positions at sites across the United States, TechCrunch reported, a lean addition intended to bulk up its skeleton staff. Positions spread across existing teams, including roles for a director of strategic response, government affairs managers, security engineers, and a threat intelligence specialist. Earlier this year, X announced it wanted to build back out its content moderation team, beginning with 100-employee staff for a "Trust and Safety center of excellence" based in Austin, TX.

SEE ALSO: New evidence claims Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon could be listening to you on your devices

But these recent hiring announcements, and their modest staff numbers, come after years of Musk quietly chipping away at X's safety investments. A report by Australia's online safety commissioner published in January found that the CEO fired around 80 percent of its trust and safety engineers not long after the site's acquisition by Musk in the fall of 2022. At the time of the oversight body's analysis, the company had just 55 engineers on staff for global trust and safety operations, while the team at large had been whittled down by nearly half.

Continued staff cuts, as well as the CEO's own statements on the platform's role in promoting "free speech" and sparse content moderation, have led many to call into question Musk's investment in platform safety — or lack thereof. The new hiring also comes at a precarious time for the company as X's revenue prospects look dim for 2025, according to a new report in The Guardian.

I come bearing exceptional news for reply guys. You can now leave comments on Instagram Stories.

Previously, reply guys had just three options to display their devastating thirst on a Story post: like the Story with a heart, react with an emoji (🔥), or respond with a private DM. They've been disadvantaged, begged, and down and out. How are they supposed to get a good response when there are only three ways to request one?

SEE ALSO: Welcome back, MySpace: Instagram adds profile songs

Thankfully, Instagram has their needs in mind. For private accounts, anyone the poster follows back can now leave comments. And for public accounts, anyone the poster follows can comment, whether or not they are followed back. The comments are just as temporary as the Stories themselves, but they are public, and users can preserve them when they save their story posts as highlights.

Tweet may have been deleted

Beyond its dedication to reply guys, it makes sense that Instagram would add more features to Stories. Fewer and fewer people on their grids, and more users are gravitating towards Instagram Stories and Reels, so adding more ways to pull in engagement on Stories and Reels is probably a smart business move. The entire change encourages users to spend more time on the app.

The feature is still rolling out, so don't worry if you don't see it yet. If you do see it and want it turned off, you can do that by navigating to your settings and activity page, scrolling down to "how others can interact with you," clicking "comments," and turning the Stories setting on or off.

Will & Harper is an extraordinary story of friendship, a documentary portrait of how a relationship can grow and change over time, as we ourselves do. 

For 30 years, Will Ferrell has delighted audiences with his kooky capering and outrageous characters. Behind the scripts of some of his most daring ventures — like the Spanish-language telenovela spoof Casa de mi Padre, the sublime Lifetime movie parody A Deadly Adoption, and the absolutely epic musical comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga — was Ferrell's long-time friend and collaborator Harper Steele.

The two met back when they were both newbies at Saturday Night Live. But for all those years, Steele was hiding a side of herself, going by a given name and an assigned gender identity that chafed. At 61, she came out as a trans woman, re-introduced herself as Harper, and began to navigate what this would mean for her relationships to friends and to the wider world. When she was male-presenting, she used to go on cross-country trips, happily delving into dive bars, sporting events, and other traditionally macho spaces with relative ease. But would these same spaces still be safe as a trans woman? 

Seeking to reconnect with his friend as she eased into her transition, Will set out with Harper on a 16-day road trip across the U.S., revisiting old haunts and taking on new adventures to deepen their bond. Studded with celebrity cameos and silliness, Will & Harper is a must-see for comedy fans. Beyond that, it's a brilliant and moving documentary that captures how identity and friendships can change for the better. 

Will & Harper welcomes audiences into a warm and funny friendship.  Harper Steele and Will Ferrell go on a road trip in "Will & Harper." Credit: Netflix

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, helmer of the spectacular buddy comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Will & Harper reflects the defining humor of its subjects with dedication. Initially, Greenbaum employs traditional techniques, like talking head interviews and a montage of TV and movie clips to swiftly establish how Ferrell and Steele came to know each other. But there are details that break up that formality, like Ferrell commenting on the B-roll being shot as he sits down, and then describing his friend as a "a lovable curmudgeon with a super-weird sense of humor" who loves "shitty beer." 

From there, Ferrell shares the email Steele sent him in 2021, while he was shooting Spirited, the Ryan Reynolds'–fronted Christmas musical. "I'll be transitioning to live as a woman," Steele wrote, admitting now in her own on-screen interview that the email was "really hard to send." Shared with the audience, this deeply personal letter treats us as if we too are her long-time friend, the doc doc entrusting us with this vulnerability at the 3-minute mark. We also get a taste of the sensibility that has informed the titular twosome's bond and work together. 

"I doubt being a trans woman will change my personality that much," Steele reads her email on camera aloud, "Instead of an asshole, I'll be a bitch." Beyond this, Steele reflects on what sending the note risked, admitting her fear of coming out as trans: "Will I still be loved?"

For his part, Ferrell wonders in his interview, "OK, where do we go from here?...Will I be making a completely new friend?" And, "Does she still like shitty beer?" 

Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Seth Meyers, Will Forte, and more appear and show support.  Harper Steele, Will Ferrell, and Will Forte hitchhike in "Will & Harper." Credit: Netflix

The first stop on the duo's trip is New York City, where they reunite with an array of famous co-stars over dinner. It's a familiar space — near 30 Rock, where they were once royalty, among people they've known and loved for decades. But there's a tension amid the reverie and jokes, as Steele's friends worry aloud about her safety in this endeavor.

"My transition might change the way I navigate the country," she admits, noting she likes "the lowest worst places." To which Tina Fey chirps with worry, "It's not safe for you anymore!"

Other SNL cast members pop up later, with Kristen Wiig being conscripted for a special assignment and Will Forte meeting up for some casual hot-air ballooning. But Fey's fear is reflected in the reactions of Steele's grown children, one of whom presses as to how Ferrell might protect her parent should things get hostile on the road. Over lunch at a Greek diner, Ferrell makes a joke about being a trained martial artist, a bit that goes over like a lead balloon. But his shield is actually one of privilege. 

Will Ferrell knowingly wields his privilege as a rich and famous white cis-man. 

And it's often very effective. Without putting too fine a point on it, Ferrell understands that he possesses privilege that Steele does not. As they stride into a Pacers game at a sporting arena or a backroads dive bar or a Texas BBQ place, he knows he'll be fine because no one will question his place there. The clear expectation is that by being with him, Steele will be shielded, at least a bit. 

At times this works, like when an anti-trans politician bites his tongue about their road-tripping quest, seemingly because he values chatting up a celebrity more than revealing his bigotry. But this event also causes Ferrell to reflect about whether being a shield is enough. Should he have said something and challenged this politician? Should he have weaponized his privilege? The film won't preach an easy answer, but instead invites us to watch Ferrell and Steele hash that out together. If they could go back, what would have been done differently?

For her part, Steele is no damsel in distress. As she grows more comfortable on the road, she yearns to step outside of Ferrell's bubble of celebrity protection, going into one seedy joint on her own. And while the crowd there is welcoming — more so when she invites the SNL star inside to join her — another assembly along the way won't be. To assure those in want of a trigger warning: There's no violence. But one very public outing results in sneers and bigoted backlash online, in which both Steele and Ferrell are denounced, though Steele more grotesquely. This is the low point in the narrative, one the film asks us to take somberly, which the friends do as well, reflecting on what such reactions mean about America and Steele's life going forward.

Here, in a Texas BBQ, is the hate and judgment Steele feared for so long, but she got through it. Of course, others in the trans community are not so lucky, as stats point to anti-trans violence being on the rise in the U.S. However, Will & Harper doesn't pretend to be about all trans experiences. This documentary isn't meant to be a blanket statement about what it means to be trans in America. As its title suggests, it's about what it means for Harper to be trans in America, where she enjoys certain privileges that can shield her. But beyond that, it's about how a specific friendship evolved to help both sides grow more comfortable in their own skin and with each other.

Will & Harper is a story of trans joy. Harper Steele and Will Ferrell hang out in "Will & Harper." Credit: Netflix

In the end, that's what makes Will & Harper so remarkable. Sure, Ferrell will occasionally deflect tension by leaning into a bit, like dressing up as Sherlock Holmes or hiding his famous face behind preposterous glued-on facial hair. But at its core, this is a movie that's bracingly intimate, allowing us to ride along on a defining road trip.

Whether they're talking about Pringles flavors, tearful memories, or deep-set anxieties, we're buckled in with them. Maybe we'll see ourselves or someone we love in Will or Harper. For some, this movie may be the friend they need to help them better understand trans identity and themselves. Across this road trip, we are invited to awe in the blossoming of Harper, who went from hiding herself away to sharing herself with the world, not without fear, but with inspiring bravery. 

Will & Harper is a resoundingly joyful and moving documentary, resplendent in its openness. It's their love story, and it's glorious.

Reviewed out of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Will & Harper debuts on Netflix Sept. 27.

Welcome to Amazon Stuff Your Kindle Day. For today only, you can download thousands of Kindle books for free. If you're interested in suspense romance titles, here are some great options.

Suspense romance titles that are free today Best romantic suspense title overall 'The Kite' by N.R. Walker $0 at Amazon (save $5.99) Get Deal Best suspense romance book in a series Rocky Mountain Yoga $0 at Amazon (save $2.99) Get Deal Best beach-worthy suspense romance title 'Pretty Little Island' by Rhea Ryan $0 at Amazon (save $4.99) Get Deal

If you're the friend who's constantly recommending books, or you read an entire stack each month, Amazon has a pretty awesome day in store for you. Today, September 5, is Stuff Your Kindle Day, which means the mega-retailer has marked down the price of thousands of Kindle-edition books to exactly $0. You read that right: you can grab as many free Kindle books as your heart desires today — and your heart is definitely involved, because this event caters specifically to romance lovers.

If you prefer suspense romance titles, you're in luck, because we've seen plenty included in the sale today. Reading these on a Kindle device is a great way to keep hundreds of books at your fingertips. If you don't yet own an e-reader, our top pick is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but you can't go wrong with any of the Kindle devices.

Here are some top picks to snag for free today in the category of suspense romance.

Best romantic suspense title overall Opens in a new window Credit: N.R. Walker Our pick: 'The Kite' by N.R. Walker at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

The Kite follows the story of two powerful men on different paths in life. Tim "Harry" Harrigan is an ex-Australian special response group leader who's seen plenty of success with his missions. Asher Garin is a mercenary for hire who shows no loyalty. When their paths cross, the two realize they're better off sticking together to survive.

This gay romantic title by N.R. Walker is currently free today, taking part in the Stuff Your Kindle Day event.

Best suspense romance book in a series Opens in a new window Credit: Virginia Fox Our pick: 'Rocky Mountain Yoga' by Virginia Fox at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Turned off by her less-than-wholesome boyfriend, Jasmine grabs her dog and heads off to grandma's house in Colorado, only to find her vegetarian diet and yoga hobby don't mesh well with the small mountain town.

Rocky Mountain Yoga by Virginia Fox is included in today's free event, so you can read up on how Jasmine navigates her new life, which includes the local town sheriff. And when you're finished with Rocky Mountain Yoga, grab the other nine titles included in the Rocky Mountain Romances series.

Best beach-worthy suspense romance title Opens in a new window Credit: Rhea Ryan Our pick: 'Pretty Little Island' by Rhea Ryan at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

The goal was to get into the journalism program, but life had other plans. Torn between two of the school's hockey players, our main character goes down a path of discovering the truth about a murder that occurred two summers ago. If you're a fan of suspense romance with plot twists, the Kindle edition of Pretty Little Island by Rhea Ryan is current free today.

More suspense romance titles

• Love's Last Kiss by Sharon Wray — $0 $0.99 (save $0.99)

• Trevor's Redemption by Amber Daulton — $0 $3.99 (save $3.99)

• A Perfect Fit by Stephanie Louise — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

• Deadmen's Captive by Elizabeth Blackthorne — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

• Kingdom Fall by A. Zavarelli — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 5: OUR TOP PICK $50 DoorDash gift card $42.50 at Amazon (save $7.50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Soundcore Life Q30 hybrid noise-cancelling headphones $55.99 at Amazon (save $24) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $399.99 at Amazon (save $130 with Prime-exclusive on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Garmin Forerunner 55 $169.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) $339.72 at Amazon (save $110.27) Get Deal

We've made it over the hump this week and deals are flooding the pages of Amazon to lead us into the weekend. We've rounded up the best ones we could find on Sept. 5, with standouts from brands we love — like Samsung, DoorDash, and Garmin.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these speak to you, be sure to check back at our picks from Sept. 3 and Sept. 4. Many of those are still live — including 42% off a 58-inch Hisense TV and a record-low price on our favorite budget-friendly gaming laptop.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash gift card $42.50 at Amazon
$50.00 Save $7.50 Get Deal

Whether you're looking for a gift for someone (anyone, really) in your life or you've just got food on your mind, you can score a $50 DoorDash gift card for just $42.50 as of Sept. 5. That's 15% in savings. To redeem it, just login or create an account, select "Credits and Gift Cards" and enter the gift card number to add the $50 balance to your account. Since this is a Lightning deal, once it's 100% claimed, it'll no longer be available. At the time of writing, it's only 13% claimed. Enjoy while you can.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 hybrid noise-cancelling headphones $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

The Soundcore Life Q30 noise-cancelling headphones are back down to their Prime Day price of $55.99 as of Sept. 5. That's 30% in savings and just a few dollars shy of their record-low price. These headphones pack dual noise-detecting microphones to sense and filter out up to 95 percent of low-frequency ambient sound. You can choose from three different noise-cancelling modes and enjoy up to 40 hours on a single charge (or 60 without ANC turned on). Plus, the hybrid design allows you to connect them using an AUX cable.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $399.99 at Amazon
$529.99 Save $130.00 with Prime-exclusive on-page coupon Get Deal

If you love the look of Samsung's The Frame TV, but cannot fathom paying $1,000+ for a TV, allow me to introduce Amazon's Omni QLED Fire TV. Basically a more affordable dupe, the Omni QLED Fire TV offers an "Ambient Experience" mode that pulls up artwork, photos from your personal collection, or a selection of handy Alexa widgets. Plus, its QLED display features local dimming, an Adaptive Brightness feature, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. It's Amazon's best-looking Fire TV with lifelike color, bold contrast, and impressive clarity. The 50-inch option would regularly cost $529.99, but with the Prime-exclusive on-page coupon code 50QLED, you can knock the cost down to just $399.99. That's about 25% in savings. If you're not a Prime member, it'll cost you $419.99, which is still a pretty solid deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch $169.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you're just getting into running, the Garmin Forerunner 55 makes a great companion. It features top-notch GPS, a heart-rate monitor, specialized coaching and training plans, and stats galore. It suggests workouts based on your previous activities and performance, lets you know how long to rest for effective recovery, gives you GPS-based pace guidance, monitors laps, and can last up to two weeks on a single charge. The Apple Watch could never. As of Sept. 5, you can snag this beginner-friendly running watch on sale for only $169.99. That's 15% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) $339.72 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $110.27 Get Deal

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is essentially a budget-friendly version of the Galaxy Tab S9. It's not quite as great as the FE+, which has a larger screen and 2GB more of RAM, but it's still a high-quality, reliable device that's great for casual tablet users. It touts the same tough IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating as the S9, a slightly smaller battery capacity (8,000 vs. 8,400 mAh), and the same included S Pen. It's also significantly cheaper. Regularly $449.99, the 128GB version is on sale for just $339.72 at Amazon. That's 25% in savings. For what it's worth, the S9 with the same amount of storage will cost you almost double.

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

TL;DR: Live stream Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain are probably still riding the high of winning Euro 2024, but that trophy won't count for anything in the UEFA Nations League. Serbia will be looking to land an impressive win over the European Championship winners in the opening fixture, but with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading the charge for Spain, it's not going to be easy.

If you want to watch Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Serbia vs. Spain?

Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at the Rajko Mitić Stadium.

How to watch Serbia vs. Spain for free

Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, 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 Spain, meaning you can access free live streams on RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Serbia vs. Spain by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Live stream Serbia vs. Spain for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTVE, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Serbia vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

FREE KINDLE BOOKS: On September 5, celebrate Stuff Your Kindle Day and get thousands of Kindle Books totally free, including plenty of LGBTQ+ romance novels.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free Kindle books during Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

Readers rejoice! Our time is here.

September 5 marks Stuff Your Kindle Day, an author-driven event where Kindle books (among other e-book platforms) are totally free. Yes, you read that right — free. The best part is, you don't even need to actually own a Kindle (even though we highly recommend the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition). As long as you have the Kindle app, you can read thousands of books.

There are lots of genres to enjoy during Stuff Your Kindle Day, but romance is especially at the forefront. Plus, it's great for diverse reads like LGBTQ+ romances. You can dive into stories of sapphic or gay love to immerse yourself into a world that feels representative of your own identity. The choices are plentiful — here are some of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Best LGBTQ+ romance to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

• Bolt From The Blue by Willow Thomas — $0 $3.99

• Charles: Learning to Love by Con Riley — $0 $5.99

• Double Exposure by Rien Gray — $0 $2.99

• For Keeps by K.C. Everly – $0 $3.99

• A Forbidden Rumspringa by Keira Andrew — $0 $5.99

• Midsummer by Jena Doyle — $0 $3.99

• Mocha for Mateo by Melanie Greene – $0 $0.99

• Monsters within Men by TJ Rose — $0 $4.99

• The Opposite Worlds by Raluca M. Matara — $0 $4.99

• Pictures of You by Leta Blake — $0 $6.99

• Ready For His Close-up by Cyd Sidney — $0 $3.99

• Sophie and the Sea by Cassidy Langue — $0 $0.99

• The Stars in Her Eyes by C.M. Albert — $0 $0.99

• Zombie Daddy by Leslie Ayla — $0 $2.99

Amazon's Stuff Your Kindle Day is here, so be sure to take the time today to download all the titles your device can hold. With thousands of e-book titles available for free, there's a little something for everyone. Check out some of our top picks if you're looking to indulge in spicy romance reads.

Spicy romance titles included in Stuff Your Kindle Day Best overall pick 'Possession' by Jessica Hawkins $0 at Amazon (Save $3.99) Get Deal Best dark spicy romance 'Secret Betrayal' by Meg Shannon $0 (Save $4.99) Get Deal Best fantasy spicy romance 'Muse of Ruin' by Stephanie Hurst $0 at Amazon (Save $4.99) Get Deal

Stuff Your Kindle Day is the perfect time to fill your Kindle with as many new books as you can possibly read. With thousands of free titles available for the taking, you've got so many to choose from that it might make your head spin. This 24-hour event discounts tons of e-books to free or next to nothing, and they're yours to keep once you've downloaded them.

While there are plenty of different genres to choose from, one popular option is the spicy romance novel. "Spicy books" get more than a little hot and heavy, in addition to all the lavish romance you can't get enough of. If that's the type of read you're looking for, there are plenty to choose from during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

If you're looking to indulge in some sexy time in your literature, we've rounded up some picks below that you can start with. But act fast, because these books won't be available long. You're going to want to get to the "stuffing your Kindle" part quickly.

Looking for other genres? Be sure to check out the Stuff Your Kindle Day landing page for more.

Best spicy romance overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 'Possession' by Jessica Hawkins at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Waitress Lola Winters lives a fairly unremarkable life until the day she receives a proposition from billionaire Beau Olivier. He wants her, just for the night. To get her, he approaches her with the offer of a lifetime: making all of her dreams come true. But if he's going to change her life, Lola has to do everything he says for a period of 24 hours. For the next day to the next night, she must submit herself to his control. But what happens after that? Hawkins' sexy romance is all about exploring the result of a night of passion and how it continues onward after that.

Best dark spicy romance Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Secret Betrayal' by Meg Shannon at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

In this "dark mafia" romance, mafia member Nicholas Romano has agreed to forgive one woman's family's debts in exchange for one thing: her hand in marriage. The pair date like a "normal" couple and eventually wed, but it's a marriage that doesn't reflect the romance that was there in the beginning. That's when Nicholas is revealed to be a monstrous man who's cruel and unforgiving. But there's a light at the end of the tunnel: his "bride" will pretend until it's time for the titular betrayal can occur — but things are not all that they seem as you make your way through this steamy, spicy story that continues in two additional volumes.

Best fantasy spicy romance Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Muse of Ruin' by Stephanie Hurst at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

This extremely dark and steamy enemies-to-lovers tale explores the city of Tartarus and Calliope's plans to kill the infamous Titans. After taking one out, she's made to live with the rest of the Titans while coming to terms with what she's done. Of course, she's stunningly beautiful, with valuable blood, and extremely attractive to Zeus. You can probably figure out where it goes from there — and you can expect plenty of deviously steamy moments.

More spicy romance Kindle titles

• The Stars in Her Eyes by C.M. Albert — $0 $0.99 (save $0.99)

• Never Let You Go by Bella Rivers — $0 $3.99 (save $3.99)

• Wish You Knew by Julie Archer — $0 $3.99 (save $3.99)

• Ruthless by Gillian Archer — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

• Sidelined by Sarah Everly — $0 $2.99 (save $2.99)

• The Secret Fiancée by Catharina Maura — $0 $5.99 (save $2.99)

FREE E-BOOKS: On September 5, hundreds of e-books are totally free on Amazon for Stuff Your Kindle Day. Shop these historical romance books for free today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free Kindle books on Stuff Your Kindle Day Get Deal

For the voracious reader, there can never be enough books. And while we're big proponents of using your local library, sometimes you want books all your own so you can take your time reading without worrying about due dates. Stuff Your Kindle Day (September 5) is here to refill your library.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is an author-driven event from Amazon when hundreds of e-books drop to $0. You read that right — they're totally free! There are many genres available during Stuff Your Kindle Day, however, romance is at the forefront.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

And if you are particularly a fan of historical romance, there are plenty of books for you, too. Yes, you can stop rereading (or rewatching) Bridgerton and discover a new story.

Best historical romance to shop during Stuff Your Kindle Day

• A Beguiling Ruse by Laura Beers —$0 $5.99

• A Deal with a Devilish Duke by Tessa Brookman — $0 $0.99

• An Inconvenient Ward by Audrey Harrison — $0 $2.99

• Court of Kisses by Arla Jones — $0 $3.99

• Discerning Grace by Emma Lombard — $0 $0.99

• Don't Judge a Duke By His Cover by Emily EK Murdoch — $0 $0.99

• The Duke's Sword by C.H. Admirand — $0 $0.99

• Highlander Deceived by Jayne Castel — $0 $4.99

• How to Train Your Viscount by Courtney McCaskill — $0 $4.99

• In Want of a Wife by Rebecca Paula — $0 $3.99

• The Man of My Dreams by Daphne Quinn — $0 $0.99

• Midnight Marriage by Lucinda Brant — $0 $5.99

• No Man's Bride by Shana Galen — $0 $0.99

• One Kiss from Ruin by Nancy Yeager — $0 $3.99

• Storm Tossed Rogue by Sandra Sookoo — $0 $2.99

• To Steal a Duke by Maeve Greyson — $0 $0.99

• The Unsinkable Penelope Carnegie by Jorja Rae — $0 $4.49

Amazon's Stuff Your Kindle Day has arrived which means today is the day to download as many titles as you see fit for free. That's right — thousands of ebook titles are free today. Here are some of our top picks if you're interested in contemporary romance reads.

Contemporary romance titles included in Stuff Your Kindle Day Best overall pick 'The Cottage at Hope Cove' by Hannah Ellis $0 at Amazon (save $0.99) Get Deal Best young adult contemporary romance 'If We Say Goodbye' by Jasmine Little $0 at Amazon (Save $4.99) Get Deal Best contemporary romance book in a series 'Engagement Rate: A Billionaire Office Romance' by Annie Dyer $0 at Amazon (save $2.99) Get Deal

It's not everyday we get treated to free stuff. Amazon, however, is offering every bibliophile a special treat today by offering thousands (genuinely thousands) of Kindle books on sale for exactly $0. The author-led event means you can download as many free titles as you'd like. Today's event focuses on romance titles, and we've seen hundreds of noteworthy contemporary romance titles.

While the name implies you need a Kindle, that's not entirely accurate. Sure, Kindles are some of the best e-readers around and we're especially partial to our favorite, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but you don't need to own one to take advantage of these free books.

Anyone is eligible to download these free titles and read them on any e-reader or associated app. That means you can still snag free books if you read on your smartphone or a tablet.

These are some standout contemporary romance titles that are completely free today during the Amazon Stuff Your Kindle event. If you'd like to scan though all included titles, check out the Amazon landing page.

Best overall pick Opens in a new window Credit: Hannah Ellis Our pick: 'The Cottage at Hope Cove' by Hannah Ellis at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

The Cottage at Hope Cove introduces us to Lizzie Beaumont, who seems to have her life perfectly in order. A successful career, financial stability, and a fiancé with wedding on the horizon. However, her work-driven fiancé pushes Lizzie to spend a week alone at Hope Cove while he works, and someone special comes into her life during her time at the cottage.

Thanks to the Amazon Stuff Your Kindle event, you can follow Lizzie's story for free. And what's more, the book is title one of eight in the Hope Cove series, so you'll have plenty more to enjoy after you finish the first.

Best young adult contemporary romance Opens in a new window Credit: Jamine Little Our pick: 'If We Say Goodbye' by Jasmine Little at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

By author Jasmine Little, If We Say Goodbye takes on the story of tragic loss, life as a high school teenager, and a relentless neighbor. The relatable story follows a journey of life's ups and down, sorting through grief, and finding joy.

The title is also a winner of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards of 2024.

Best contemporary romance title in a series Opens in a new window Credit: Annie Dyer Our pick: 'Engagement Rate: A Billionaire Office Romance' by Annie Dyer at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

If your fall season calls for getting wrapped up in a book series, the Callaghan Green series by Annie Dyer could be perfect, and book one, Engagement Rate: A Billionaire Office Romance, is free today.

Set in London, we're off on an adventure with drama, family dynamics, and the story of what happens when someone gets tangled up in inner-office romance. In total, the series spans 10 already-released books, with the 11th title on its way this coming February.

More contemporary romance Kindle titles

• Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn — $0 $3.99 (save $3.99)

• The House that Alice Built by Chris Penhall — $0 $3.99 (save $3.99)

• Beach House Romance by Cora Seton — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

• The Wedding Agreement by Annie Dyer — $0 $4.99 (save $4.99)

As the tech landscape evolves, and the public's awareness of digital attacks grows, scammers are harnessing every tool at their disposal — including Google Maps.

A new sextortion scam (a form of financial coercion in which bad actors threaten to release personal, explicit images to the public) leverages publicly accessible geomapping data (read: images of your home) to make the threat even more serious.

SEE ALSO: How Big Tech is approaching explicit, nonconsensual deepfakes

As 404 Media reports, the scam begins with an email personally addressed to the target, filled with threatening lines insinuating the scammer has "proof" that the individual has been visiting illegal dark web sites or that they've been collecting illicit nude images, and capped off with images of the target's home address (most likely scrubbed from updated Google Maps street view images or similar databases).

The emails allege the installation of controversial spyware program Pegasus — a fake claim by scammers to up the legitimacy of their sextortion threats — and ask specifically for a ransom in Bitcoin.

Scammers frequently wave around personal information that appears to be hard to get in order to convince targets their threats are real, including previously used passwords and addresses. But this data is actually much easier to steal than the average person may assume, especially if their information has been recently compromised in a site breach. Instead, scammers are betting that people aren't privy to such data breaches, or hoping they're unaware that much of their personal information is easily obtained.

SEE ALSO: National Public Data breach: Do this to find out if your Social Security number has been leaked

Safety and privacy advocates warn that sextortion is still a pressing online issue, especially among young people. According to child safety nonprofit Thorn, an average of 812 reports of sextortion are sent to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) each week in the United States, and platforms for such abusive tactics include social media sites (like Instagram and Snapchat), encrypted messaging apps, and money transfer sites like Cash App.

If you receive a similar email attempting to blackmail you for Bitcoin, the FBI recommends reaching out and reporting the attempt to their office (1-800-CALL-FBI). Security experts urge individuals to never send personal images or money transfers, or click on suspicious links sent to you online. Covering your webcam is never a bad idea, either.

And you may want to just go ahead and blur your house on Google Maps while you're at it.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is packed with the new Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors set to contend with the show-stopping Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips.

(The Snapdragon X Elite chip is inside our best Windows laptop of 2024: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.)

It's not just the new chips, though, that caught my eye with the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon 13. Lenovo calls it "groundbreaking" — and I can't agree more. The Hong Kong-based company unveiled one of the most incredible laptop features I've seen in 2024: Smart Share.

At a recent IFA 2024 showcase, Lenovo showed off how the new ThinkPad can easily receive data from your phone by simply tapping it against the side of the display — and it blew my mind.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition

If there's any time to snatch a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon series laptop, it's now. As mentioned at the outset, it houses the new Core Ultra 200V series processors, which Intel says can deliver up to 20 hours of battery life (among other things).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition on a table Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Of course, we'll have to test this ourselves when we get the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 in for review. But that's not the star of the show here. Let's talk about Smart Share.

Smart Share

It doesn't matter whether you own an Android or an iPhone, the AI-powered Smart Share lets you send photos to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 with your device.

How does it work? There's an Elliptic Labs AI Virtual Sensor placed on the side of the laptop. After you tap your phone against it, the laptop will launch the Smart Share window. Next, you'll be able to drag-and-drop recent photos from your phone to the laptop — and vice versa.

This is huge, particularly for Android users. While sharing between devices is easy when they're from the same ecosystem (e.g., an iPhone and MacBook or a Google Pixel and Chromebook), it can get tricky if you like to mix and match your devices.

Although you can use the likes of Phone Link on Windows, with Smart Share, you can simply tap your phone on the side, and voila, you'll have the opportunity to share photos in a flash.

Smart Modes

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition also features four versatile Smart Modes. You can access them with a simple press of a button on the keyboard.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Here are the modes and what they can do for you:

• Shield Mode: Automatically fires up your preferred VPN when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, keeping your data safe no matter where you are.

• Attention Mode: Cuts down on distractions with the ability to set timers and mute notifications, helping you focus on your work

• Collaboration Mode: Enhances video calls with options to blur your background or adjust lighting, ensuring you always look your best during virtual meetings.

• Wellness Mode: Get posture reminders and eye fatigue alerts that encourage regular breaks.

• Power Mode: Make quick adjustments to your power settings

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 will support Microsoft's Copilot+ PC features and will reportedly offer up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge.

The new ThinkPad costs $1,999 and will hit store shelves on Nov. 2024.

Created by Vertical Meadows, the pilot project aims to bring biodiversity to busy urban areas, while also reimagining how development sites could look.

TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League for free on L'Equipe. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League can feel like glorified friendly matches, but we all enjoy seeing the best international sides in the world go head-to-head. And whether or not you're into the idea of the UEFA Nations League, true fans will appreciate the opportunity to watch games like Portugal vs. Croatia. And you can stream all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Portugal vs. Croatia?

Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estádio da Luz.

How to watch Portugal vs. Croatia for free

Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on L'Equipe.

L'Equipe is geo-restricted to France, 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 France, meaning you can access free live streams on L'Equipe from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Portugal vs. Croatia by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 France

4. Visit L'Equipe

5. Live stream Portugal vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for L'Equipe?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on L'Equipe, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including France

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Portugal vs. Croatia in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

The second and final season of "Arcane" premieres November on Netflix. Watch the trailer.

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

A lot of the attention when a new NFL season starts is on the defending Super Bowl champions. Everyone will be keen to see whether the Kansas City Chiefs can start strongly against the Baltimore Ravens. This opening game is a repeat of last year's AFC Championship game, so we're expecting a close contest.

The good news is that it is possible to stream select NFL fixtures for free this season, including this massive opening game.

If you're interested in watching Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Chiefs vs. Ravens?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens starts at 1:20 a.m. BST on Sep 6. This fixture takes place at Arrowhead Stadium.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Ravens for free

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, but fans in the UK 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 Germany, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access RTL+ from anywhere in the world.

Unblock RTL+ to live stream the NFL for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Germany

4. Visit RTL+

5. Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free from the UK

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to live stream a large number of fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. With this limited-time deal you also get an extra three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NFL is back, and it's back with an absolutely massive battle between Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. In a repeat of last year's AFC Championship game, we're expecting fireworks from the NFL season opener. And better yet, you don't need to spend anything to watch this fixture.

If you're interested in watching Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free, we have all the information you need.

When is Chiefs vs. Ravens?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens starts at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sep 5. This fixture takes place at Arrowhead Stadium.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Ravens for free

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, 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 Germany, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access RTL+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Germany

4. Visit RTL+

5. Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a quick fix, but it gives you enough time to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL live, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. With this limited-time deal you'll also get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Navarro vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

A place in the final of the US Open is up for grabs, so you know that the battle between Navarro and Sabalenka is going to be intense. Navarro is the home favorite, but Sabalenka is going to be very tough to stop. She destroyed Qinwen Zheng in her last match, and is looking in very fine form.

If you want to watch Navarro vs. Sabalenkain the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Navarro vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free

Fans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:

• Australia — 9Now

• New Zealand — TVNZ+

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone from around the world can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Australia or New Zealand

4. Visit 9Now or TVNZ+

5. Watch Navarro vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Navarro vs. Sabalenka without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every US Open match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the US Open for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Navarro vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Though it is unquestionably a horror movie, A24's The Front Room doesn't feature any blood until late in its second act.

Instead, practically every other bodily fluid appears on screen in copious amounts and numerous hues, with more than one instance evoking actual gagging noises from an entirely grossed-out audience. When regular ol' blood appeared, I’ve never been so happy to see that red liquid flow as a respite from everything else. In fact, The Front Room should come with a warning: Do not grab anything more than popcorn at the concession stand. This is not the movie for loaded nachos. 

SEE ALSO: Brandy's mother-in-law is pure horror in A24's 'The Front Room' trailer

Beyond the juices, those who recognize the last name of twin writer-directors Max and Sam Eggers alongside the imprimatur of the A24 logo may think they're in for a film along the lines of their brother Robert’s The Witch. But they will be disappointed.The Front Room is a wild, nausea-inducing ride that is not so much good as it is effective. The Eggers are capable enough directors, but other than a sickly hue and some fun canted-angle shots, there’s not a lot of style here. Instead, they get to coast on the work of the talented Kathryn Hunter (Poor Things), whose performance and physicality threatens to upstage the whole film.

What is The Front Room about? Credit: A24

The Front Room begins benignly enough. Belinda (Brandy Norwood) is a Black professor married to Norman (Andrew Burnap), a white public defender with a complicated family history unbeknownst to his wife. She is nearing full term with her pregnancy and stressing about money when his estranged, ultra-religious stepmother Solange (Hunter) promises them all her wealth — if they will take her into their home. 

Norman hesitates given the trauma he experienced with Solange and her personal Christian religious practices as a child. Belinda is willing to turn the other cheek and give her mother-in-law a chance, especially with the baby coming. But Solange's moving in serves as a warning for anyone who would try to do anything out of the goodness of their heart — or the desire to pay their mortgage more quickly. It is never worth it.

Featured Video For You 11 essential horror movies to stream this Halloween

For an R-rated horror film, The Front Room is relatively light on physical violence and is far more freighted with its emotional counterpart. It all begins with microaggressions (Solange constantly mispronounces Belinda's name) and the types of insults daughters-in-law often have to shrug off (Solange insults Belinda's cooking). But soon (way too soon), the insults escalate into unquestionable racism and shocking cruelty, and Belinda struggles to endure indignity after indignity from Solange, who seems to want to make their home her own. Belinda exists in white spaces; for most of the running time, she is the only Black person on screen and she lacks an ally, even in her husband, to help defend herself from Solange’s diabolical behavior. 

As the mother-in-law from hell, Kathryn Hunter is devilishly good Credit: A24

The role of Solange is a challenging one, requiring a bonkers level of physicality and an utter lack of vanity. Hunter is a longtime theater actress who caught broader attention with her critically lauded role as the witches in Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth. However, in The Front Room, she's somehow even more haunting, contorting her body into a hunch, laughing a terrifying cackle, and saying some truly messed-up shit. The aforementioned bodily fluids are disturbing, but her dialogue causes actual distress — especially when it’s said with an impish twinkle. The Front Room barely works, but it owes it all to Hunter who is simply everything as she smirks, snarls, and simpers.

Burnap is fine as the non-entity white husband. Meanwhile, Norwood is good and pretty funny at times in her relatable frustration, she’s not working at the same level as Hunter. (Though who is?) 

The Front Room refuses to go more than skin-deep with its social commentary  Credit: A24

The Eggers' movie hinges on that wonderfully unhinged performance from Hunter, and The Front Room is extremely, admirably gross with a hefty dose of camp. Unfortunately, that’s all there is here. That result would be fine, but the Eggers are aiming higher by their attempts to address more serious themes amidst all the effluvia. Adapted from Susan Hill’s short story, The Front Room deals with race, religion, and gender, but always on a surface level; it never delves too deeply into ideas about any of these topics or offers any cogent thoughts beyond "racism bad" and "Pentecostalism scary."

After watching The Front Room, a lot of viewers are going to have to unpack the shit their in-laws make them go through with their therapists, but something is validating in the idea that your experience probably isn’t going to be as traumatic as what Belinda goes through. Yet the movie itself often feels like a grueling ordeal, as you wonder exactly what shade and type of ooze will show up next or what terrible thing is going to come out of Solange’s mouth — and the answer is always somehow worse than you thought it would be. It’s a good enough bad time, worth it for Hunter's performance alone if you can stomach the rest. 

How to watch: The Front Room hits cinemas Sept. 6.

It's official: Tom Bombadil has finally made it to an onscreen adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. And it only took, what, 70 years?

Season 2, episode 4 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power introduces the somewhat polarizing character of Tom (Rory Kinnear), a merry, ancient being who, in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, hosts Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin on the early stages of their quest to destroy the One Ring. Opinions on Tom range from "what a lovely, helpful man" to "why is this guy even in the story again?" The latter may explain why both Peter Jackson and Ralph Bakshi cut Tom from their film adaptations entirely. But will Tom Bombadil have a larger impact on the narrative of The Rings of Power? Based on his introduction, it certainly seems like it.

SEE ALSO: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 drops a major Shire lore bomb in episode 4

Like the character we meet in the novel, The Rings of Power's Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow who's prone to singing, helping people in need, and telling stories. Of course, this version of Tom is also a tad different from Fellowship of the Ring's, just by virtue to the series taking place in the Second Age of Middle-earth as opposed to the Third Age. The show's Tom lives out in Rhûn, instead of on the edge of the Old Forest near the Shire. He also doesn't appear to live with his wife Goldberry — although we do hear a smidge of her voice (courtesy of Raya Yarbrough) in his house. Finally, and most importantly, he doesn't take in any Hobbits. Instead, he hosts the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), providing him with a preview of the hospitality Frodo and his friends will experience thousands of years in the future.

SEE ALSO: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' cast on the return of Sauron in Season 2

In some cases, though, it's less of a "preview" and more of a carbon copy. That's because many aspects of the Stranger's initial encounter with Tom Bombadil are lifted directly from The Fellowship of the Ring itself.

Take the moment right after the two meet, when the Stranger's map of Rhûn flies off onto a tree branch. When the Stranger tries to take said branch to make a staff, the indignant tree swallows him whole — exactly how Old Man Willow traps Merry and Pippin in his trunk in "The Old Forest" chapter of The Fellowship of the Ring. And, just like in Fellowship, who should come along to save him but Old Tom?

Both the novel and the show's Tom tame the offending tree by repeating the same phrases, word for word: "You should not be waking. Eat earth! Dig deep! Go to sleep!" In both cases, it works like a charm. (Later, we learn that the tree that swallowed the Stranger is named "Old Man Ironrod." A cousin of Old Man Willow, perhaps?)

Rory Kinnear in "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power." Credit: Ben Rothstein / Prime Video

This isn't the first time The Rings of Power has directly quoted a prior version of The Lord of the Rings. Heck, a direct quote from Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring all but confirmed the Stranger was Gandalf in the Season 1 finale. But Tom's exact wording here doesn't feel like a mere callback, or a fan theory-confirming quote. Instead, it establishes a connection between the Tom of the Second Age and the Tom of the Third Age, showing that he has been speaking to and calming trees for millennia. There's a sense of routine here, one only possible thanks to a deep-seeded knowledge of Middle-earth.

As The Rings of Power's Tom tells the Stranger, that knowledge comes from the fact that he is "Eldest" of all things in Middle-earth. "Tom was here before the river and the trees; Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn," he tells the Stranger. "He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless."

And wouldn't you know it, these lines also come right from The Fellowship of the Ring! There are a few other lines in Tom's speech in the book, which raises the question: Does Tom have an introductory speech he's rehearsed over the centuries, just so he can perform it to the people passing through his bed and breakfast?

SEE ALSO: 5 fantasy TV adaptations we'd rather see than a 'Harry Potter' reboot

In all seriousness, these direct quotations appearing in various takes on Lord of the Rings add an interesting depth to Tom Bombadil as a historical figure. His repetition of various lines and actions across time — such as saving both Merry and Pippin and the Stranger from various trees — creates a kind of cyclicality, one that rhymes with the rise of Sauron (Charlies Vickers) in both the Second and Third Age. Both times we've seen Tom, he's helping people who may just save Middle-earth from the spreading darkness, making him the guiding figure for heroes in multiple Ages. That the Stranger is most likely Gandalf makes the connection even more powerful, as the Hobbit-loving wizard is unknowingly going through the same experience that his friends will down the line.

Notably, Tom is also a greater lover of stories and storytelling. So while he might not always participate directly in the grand narrative of Middle-earth — seeming more at ease observing the rise of darkness than stopping it outright — he's still nudging people in the right direction, and likely recognizing the same types of stories as they reappear across time.

But the love for Tom Bombadil in this episode doesn't just stop with his appearance. Instead, we also get the first onscreen adaptation of Middle-earth's nightmarish Barrow-wights, who face off with Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond's (Robert Aramayo) Elven company. Tom's not actually in this scene, so what's the connection here?

Well, in The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo and his companions are captured by Barrow-wights not long after leaving Tom's house. Frodo calls upon Tom to save them, and he does — with the power of song! Sure, Galadriel and her crew don't do any singing in their fight against the Barrow-wights, but the fact that we get their introduction in the same episode as Tom Bombadil's is no coincidence.

Like Tom and Old Man Willow, the Barrow-wights were omitted from Jackson and Bakshi's adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Putting them and Tom (and the Old Man Ironrod scene) in the same episode creates a conversation between the characters, reminding us of their roles in The Fellowship of the Ring, and the fact that they were cut from subsequent film adaptations. Now, these elements of Middle-earth finally get their day in the sun in a Tolkien adaptation. Thanks to their inclusion, The Rings of Power Season 2, episode 4 becomes a nonstop love letter to The Fellowship of the Ring — and a portion of Tolkien's work that has never really been seen onscreen until now.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video, with a new episode every Thursday.