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A rapidly spinning, profoundly dense object is blasting a "flame-like" beam into space.

It's a type of neutron star — the remnants of a collapsed, exploded star so dense that just a sugar cube-sized piece of this extremely compact material weighs 1 billion tons — called a "pulsar." That's because the star shoots out "pulses" of energy at regular intervals (kind of like a cosmic lighthouse). Astronomers have used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other instruments to watch this pulsar's behavior for over two decades, and it shows a vibrant interstellar scene.

"Normally found only in heavy metal bands or certain post-apocalyptic films, a 'flame-throwing guitar' has now been spotted moving through space," the space agency said in a statement.

Why a "flame-throwing guitar"?

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

As the image and clip below show, the fast-spinning pulsar, formally named "pulsar PSR B2224+65," is blasting out a 12-trillion-mile-long beam of energized particles and energy, which is colored reddish-orange. But that's not all. Beneath the pulsar is a colossal guitar-shaped cloud, made of hydrogen gas. This cloud, called a nebula, formed when particles shooting out from the pulsar blew gaseous bubbles over eons, ultimately amassing into the great cloud.

"The guitar shape is undeniable, and is traced by a thin white line in the labeled composite image," NASA wrote. It's located some 2,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cepheus.

The "Guitar Nebula" outlined beneath the filament-shooting pulsar. Credit: X-ray: NASA / CXC / Stanford Univ. / M. de Vries et al.; Optical: (Hubble) NASA / ESA / STScI and (Palomar) Hale Telescope / Palomar / CalTech; Illustrated outline: NASA / CXC / K. DiVona; Image Processing: NASA / CXC / SAO / L. Frattare Tweet may have been deleted

Pulsars make themselves known to us by the two jets of energized particles emanating from their poles (which are produced by the particles rapidly moving around the neutron stars' potent magnetic fields). From our vantage point many light-years away, these beams of light can pulse in seconds or even milliseconds. The fastest known pulsars spin at some 716 times per second.

Sometimes, two neutron stars collide, a dramatic event that can produce the most enigmatic object in the universe — a black hole, a realm so gravitationally powerful, not even light can escape.

It's a wild universe out there.

TL;DR: Give the gift of universal charging with the Statik 360 Pro, a magnetic cable for all devices, on sale for the early Black Friday price of $19.99 (reg. $23).

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable $19.99
$23.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal

Need a stocking stuffer that won’t end up in a drawer by New Year’s? The Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable is here to simplify their charging routine and make life a bit easier.

Designed to work with just about all devices, this cable comes with interchangeable magnetic tips for USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB — so they can power up phones, tablets, laptops, and more with just one cable. And right now it's on sale for just $19.99.

No more fumbling for the right charger or dealing with worn-out cables. The Statik 360 Pro’s magnetic connection swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to plug in from any angle without the usual wear-and-tear. Its durable design means it shouldn't fray or bend like traditional cords, so it’s built to last. With 100W power delivery, it’s strong enough to fast-charge everything from smartphones to larger devices, letting them power up in record time without switching cables.

This 3-foot cable is compact and travel-friendly, the perfect length for desks, nightstands, or on-the-go charging. It’s the kind of stocking stuffer that actually gets used, solving everyday charging hassles for anyone who juggles multiple devices.

For the early Black Friday price of $19.99, the Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable is on sale — a gift that combines versatility, convenience, and speed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: There's no need to wait for Black Friday — lifetime access to Babbel is now $149.97 (reg. $599) through Dec. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $149.97
$599.00 Save $449.03 Get Deal

Have you seen social media? There's a consensus that Americans are (arguably) bad travelers and unknowledgeable tourists. You could avoid falling into this category (and enjoy a more enriching trip abroad) by learning the local language of your destination or at least a few key phrases to navigate your destination more expertly.

Whether you're planning to stroll through the Champs-Élysées or surf in Indonesia, you don't have to look any further than Babbel to learn a new language. It's an App Store favorite, boasting 10 million users worldwide and counting. You don't need to wait for Black Friday to save, either, since a lifetime subscription is available for only $149.97 (reg. $599) through December 1.

Babbel's language lessons aren't the ones you had in school. These are 10 to 15 minutes long and can be studied at your own pace, providing a more sustainable learning experience to get you from beginner to speaker. Just select one of its 14 languages, which include Spanish, Dutch, and Indonesian. 

You'll gain practical conversational skills that you can apply in your international adventures, or maximize in your job hunt to land your dream job. Learn how to order food, ask for directions, and more to make navigating your vacation destination more easily. You don't necessarily have to be fluent to reap all the benefits of a second (or third) language, either.

While learning a language online does offer flexibility, it can pose a challenge when it comes to figuring out pronunciation and accents. Fortunately, Babbel offers speech-recognition technology that listens to and analyzes your speech to help you improve. Personalized review sessions are also available to ensure your learning actually sticks.

Why wait for Black Friday to start your language-learning journey? Grab this $149.97 Babbel lifetime subscription while supplies still last. No coupon is needed, but this price drop ends December 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT!

StackSocial prices subject to change.

When it comes to streaming, viewers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services trying to determine what to watch! We've got your back whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Craving something history-based that reimagines true events? In need of a funhouse horror or deep sea documentary? Even if you're seeking one of the most meta shows of the year or an unfathomable reality competition newcomer, we've got what you're looking for.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

12. Human vs Hamster

Yes, you read that title right. There is a new reality competition show on Max that pits human against hamster in a variety of challenges, from hot dog eating contests to a hamster wheel race. (Duh.) And based on its trailer, Human vs. Hamster looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

Hosts Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live) and Kyle Brandt, along with "hamster expert" Brian Balthazar, are here to guide us through the madness, as pairs of humans — ranging from nurses to firefighters to magicians — battle it out against these pint-sized pets. Thanks to its premise alone, I can safely say that Human vs. Hamster takes the title for 2024's most coveted prize: Show That Sounds The Most Like A 30 Rock Joke. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Human vs Hamster is now streaming on Max.

11. Spellbound 

Netflix's star-studded animated fantasy adventure Spellbound is flying onto the platform, with West Side Story's Rachel Zegler voicing and singing the leading princess Ellian. She's a regular 15-year-old in a lot of ways, but in others — namely she rides a giant, fluffy winged cat, has royal duties in the kingdom of Lumbria, and has two literal monsters for parents — she's a little different. That last detail forms the core of Spellbound, a tale in which Ellian goes on a quest to free her mother (Nicole Kidman) and father (Javier Bardem) from their beastly curse. — S.C.

Starring: Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Titus Burgess

How to watch: Spellbound is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Smile 2

If you thought smiling was safe again, there's a sequel to Smile, Parker Finn's buzzy 2022 horror film in which people suddenly engage in brutal violence wearing broad grins. "It's not often that a sequel exceeds its original, but Smile 2 delivers the thrills and chills of its predecessor with an even more pronounced funhouse feel," writes Monica Castillo in her review for Mashable. In Smile 2, popstar Skye Riley (Charlie's Angels star Naomi Scott) is at the centre of such smile-adorned traumatic events linked to a sinister curse. If you didn't get enough nightmare fuel last time, dive in. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Skye Riley, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray Nicholson.

How to watch: Smile 2 is now available to rent/buy on Prime Video.

9. Our Oceans

If the latest headlines have you wanting to get in the sea, Netflix's beautiful new docuseries Our Oceans will give you both a visual respite and a reminder that the drama doesn't cease at the surface. Narrated by Barack Obama and produced by the Obamas' Higher Ground company, the series will remind you of the vast, highly populated expanse that is our deep, dark oceans — one long under threat thanks to human-induced climate change. But there's wonder among the harsh reality; enjoy playful baby humpback whales, a spring cuttlefish ball, and the general sense that most regular humans have no real clue about what's beneath the surface. If you love David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, you should check this out. — S.C.

How to watch: Our Oceans is now streaming on Netflix.

8. James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome

James Acaster's first HBO special embraces chaos. The comedian invites his audience to heckle him throughout, with results ranging from a devastating Kermit the Frog dig to the most polite heckle ever. As Acaster feeds off the energy from the crowd, he also dissects his own relationship to stand-up comedy, weaving in stories from his childhood (including his lackluster Prince Charles impression) and his first gigs. Gloriously meta and bursting with contagious energy, James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome is a perfect streaming choice for this weekend if you're craving a laugh. — B.E.

How to watch: James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome is streaming on Max from Nov. 23.

7. Joy

Set in the late '60s, early '70s, Ben Taylor's Joy follows the British scientists who pioneered in vitro fertilisation, and enabled the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby born through IVF, on July 25, 1978. The film not only tracks the team — nurse/embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton), surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), and operating theatre supervisor Muriel Harris (Tanya Moodie) — but shows the battle they faced against church, state, and media at the time. A poignant, moving, and deeply timely film about the right to choose, Joy is a gem on Netflix's film slate this year. — S.C.

Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Bill Nighy, James Norton, Tanya Moodie, Joanna Scanlan, Charlie Murphy, Ella Bruccoleri, Rish Shah

How to watch: Joy is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Blitz

British film writer-director Steve McQueen delivers a powerful World War II drama with the London-set Blitz, which centers on a family torn apart by the threat of unpredictable German bombs. Hoping to save her young son George (mesmerizing newcomer Elliot Heffernan) from the violence of war, single mum/factory worker Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him off by train to be safe in country. But the headstrong boy runs away from this route, charting his own course back home to his mother and grandfather. Along the way, he'll meet warm-hearted heroes, and sticky-fingered villains. Meanwhile, she'll struggle with how to use her voice as the world around her falls apart.

While McQueen's film has received mixed reviews overall, Blitz comes alive through Dickensian characters, poignant musical moments, and the astonishing lead performances from Ronan and Heffernan. As Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards wrote in her review out of the New York Film Festival, "Ronan imbues Rita with both magnificent warmth and deep worry for her son, and Heffernan shines in his breakout role, bringing a still thoughtfulness to even the most harrowing scenes."

If you're seeking a drama that both confronts the horrors mankind is capable of and the hope, resilience, and love of humanity as well, you'll treasure Blitz. But have tissues at the ready. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Elliot Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, and Stephen Graham

How to watch: Blitz is now available on Apple TV+.

5. A Man on the Inside

The Good Place creator Mike Schur and star Ted Danson reunite for A Man on the Inside, a charming new Netflix sitcom. Danson plays Charles, a retired professor and widower who's grown distant from everyone around him. So when his daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) challenges him to find a new project that excites him, he does the unexpected: He teams up with private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) to go undercover at a retirement home and recover some stolen jewelry.

What follows is a delightful spy caper that, in true Schur fashion, quickly becomes a tale of Charles letting his guard down and finding a new community. You'll laugh plenty, but you'll also find yourself sobbing too, as A Man on the Inside delves into the issues many of its elderly characters face, like absentee family members or the beginnings of dementia. As I wrote in my review for Mashable, "[the show's] ensemble boasts incredible chemistry right off the bat, with Danson proving a rock-solid ringleader. These are things you'd expect from a Schur show, and they build A Man on the Inside's wonderful foundation. But it's the show's thoughtful portrayal of aging that really makes it stand out, and turns A Man on the Inside into something remarkable." — B.E. 

Starring: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz

How to watch: A Man on the Inside is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Missing

Fast-paced and unpredictable, Missing is an exhilarating new mystery for the modern age, where amateur detectives can be teens as long as they're techno-savvy. Storm Reid plays June Allen, an 18-year-old waiting to pick up her mother, Grace (Nia Long), and her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), at LAX after the pair’s trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, they never arrive. And when the FBI fails to make any headway investigating their whereabouts, June decides to use her Gen Z digital native powers to track them down with her friend Veena (Megan Suri).* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Writer

SEE ALSO: Directors Nick Johnson and Will Merrick talk 'Missing' and the real meaning behind its whirlwind ending

Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney

How to watch: Missing is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Alien: Romulus

The Alien franchise returns to its roots with Alien: Romulus, a stone-cold horror fest that pits a group of young space colonists against the scariest creatures in the galaxy: good ol' Xenomorphs. Chests will burst. Faces will be hugged. And director Fede Álvarez will deliver what might be the most gonzo, gross-out third act of an Alien film to date. The only thing holding Alien: Romulus back from true perfection? Too much fan service, including a cameo that's sickening — and not in a good way.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko said as much in her review. While she praised everything from the sound design ("you don't just watch Alien: Romulus; you are absorbed into it") to the film's gore ("this movie had me dry-heaving") to David Jonsson's performance as android Andy ("David Jonsson steals this movie"), she also noted that its deference to what came before felt stifling.

"Alien: Romulus won't be sunk by its flimsy final act," she wrote, "but some of the thrill is lost amid the clutter of callbacks." — B.E

Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu

How to watch: Alien: Romulus is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The Piano Lesson

August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning 1987 play The Piano Lesson has been adapted by the Washington family — it's the directorial debut for Malcolm Washington (who co-wrote it with Virgil Williams), his brother John David Washington stars, and their father Denzel Washington is producing. Set in the '30s in post-Depression Pittsburgh, The Piano Lesson centres on the looming sale of a piano, passed down through the Charles family, an instrument carved with intricate detail by their enslaved ancestor, and emblematic of generations of Black trauma, loss, and resilience.

As Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, "Rather than simply filming a stage show in three dimensions, as was the case with Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Fences, Washington uses his camera to interrogate the confines of the text, and builds on Wilson's Pulitzer Prize–winning play in impeccable ways." — S.C.

Starring: John David Washington, Samuel L Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins

How to watch: The Piano Lesson is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Interior Chinatown

Adapted from Charles Yu's National Book Award-winning novel of the same name, Interior Chinatown centers on Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a waiter in Chinatown who feels like a background character in someone else's story. (The "someone else" being the lead detectives in the cop show Willis and everyone in Chinatown are unknowingly trapped in, titled Black & White). But when Willis witnesses a crime, he'll team up with Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennett) to uncover the sinister truth at the heart of Chinatown.

Featured Video For You How 'Interior Chinatown' made the invisibility of Asian Americans visible

What follows is one of the most stylish, ambitious, and super meta shows of the year, which also doubles as an examination of Asian representation in media. As I wrote in my Mashable review, "between its [police procedural] parodies and its musings on identity, Interior Chinatown already proves that it's a sharply constructed show with a lot to say. But with the help of its dizzying genre switch-ups and some dynamic direction from episode directors like Taika Waititi, Alice Wu (The Half of It), and more, the show jumps into the realm of fearlessly unique, making a place all for itself." — B.E.

Starring: Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet, Sullivan Jones, Lisa Gilroy, Archie Kao, Diana Lin

How to watch: Interior Chinatown is now streaming on Hulu.

Based on the August Wilson play about the complex weight of Black lineage, Malcolm Washington's feature-length directorial debut, The Piano Lesson, fittingly breaks a family curse. It's the third Wilson adaptation produced by the director's father, Hollywood superstar Denzel Washington — after Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Fences, the latter of which Denzel also directed — but it's the first to fully succeed as cinema.

Set in the mid-1930s, the story follows a pair of siblings who come into conflict over what to do with a slavery-era heirloom: a piano that one of them hopes to sell in order to buy his own land, while the other tries to hold on to it. With a powerful cast at his disposal, Washington directs the hell out of Wilson's stage play, and transforms it into cinema by filling out its margins.

SEE ALSO: August Wilson's 'The Piano Lesson' film adaptation gets powerful trailer

This does, at times, lead to a literalization of the show's looming metaphors (the play has fantastical elements that the film practically transforms into horror), and the movie often suffers from some awkward assembly. However, Washington's remarkable visual approach transcends the two predecessors in his father's ostensible trilogy. Rather than simply filming a stage show in three dimensions, as was the case with Ma Rainey's and Fences, Washington uses his camera to interrogate the confines of the text, and builds on Wilson's Pulitzer Prize–winning play in impeccable ways.

What is The Piano Lesson about? Credit: David Lee / Netflix

With a script by Washington and Virgil Williams, The Piano Lesson is a faithful adaptation of its 1987 source material, though the writers add bookends to take the narrative outside the confines of its central setting. Most of the story unfolds in the Pittsburgh home of widow Berniece Charles (Danielle Deadwyler), where she lives with her uncle, Doaker (Samuel L. Jackson), and adolescent daughter Maretha (Skylar Aleece Smith). However, the movie opens with a flashback to 1911, depicting a key event recounted later in both the film and the play: Doaker and Berniece's father stealing their family's precious piano from a former plantation in Mississippi.

This heist takes place on the Fourth of July, a fleeting detail in Wilson's text that Washington turns into an opportunity for deeper reflection. Fireworks paint the characters in washes of red, white and blue, forcing consideration of what "freedom" really means, in a story where financial and emotional liberation are constantly at stake. Back in the '30s, the financial constraints of the Great Depression leads Berniece's brother Boy Willie — played by the director's brother and Tenet star John David Washington — to her doorstep, accompanied by his friend Lymon (Ray Fisher). The duo has made their way to Pittsburgh to sell watermelons off the back of their truck so Boy Willie can purchase a plot of land, but gathering the money would also require him to sell the piano his father stole. It's an object to which Berniece still clings even though she doesn't play it, a contradiction Deadwyler sells convincingly by turning the quiet moments between her dialogue into moments of intense personal dilemma.

This piano is special, for carved into its body — by Berniece and Boy Willie's great grandfather, an enslaved woodworker — are the faces of enslaved relatives who were sold to acquire the instrument, alongside depictions of their family's history. Part keepsake and part painful albatross, the piano remains central to several scenes and conversations that play out over a number of days, as Boy Willie and Lymon stick around in the hopes of convincing Berniece to give it up.

Along the way, numerous characters with whom the family shares a history come and go from Berniece's household, resulting in scenes of catching up, reminiscing, and even arguing, as Washington finds unexpected ways to explore Wilson's rhythmic dialogue.

The Piano Lesson adapts the famous stage play with flair. Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Like any good stage-to-screen translation, The Piano Lesson retains room for its actors to play. As soon as any two of them interact — with initial excitement that eventually gives way to more complex feelings — entire histories between them are clarified through the smallest of gestures. Washington doesn't mess with this formula, born of Wilson's thoughtful writing, and instead compliments it by allowing his cast to craft spontaneous performances.

As Boy Willie, John David Washington's rapid-fire dialogue lays track immediately before the charging locomotive that is the movie's plot, but he constantly laces his heavy exposition with infectious effervescence. When he finally slows down for more difficult dramatic scenes, moments of silence envelop the soundscape, and he practically warps the movie's texture around him, making its drama almost suffocating. All the while, the camera follows him through the lower floor of Berniece's home, between the kitchen and the living room, as he chews the scenery while bringing light and life to the setting. He does so via friendly conversations with Doaker and his other uncle, Wining Boy (Michael Potts) — a once-famous musical artist dealing with disappointment — and via more adversarial verbal tussles with the local reverend, Avery Brown (Corey Hawkins), who's smitten with his sister.

As a director, Washington unearths the intimacy of each conversation by either gradually circling around the characters and capturing their collective energy, or by holding on them in close-ups for long periods — and in unexpected moments. Rather than keeping the lens trained on whoever's speaking, he diverts our attention to reaction shots, building a more interpersonal story in the process, as characters respond to each other's recollections or to new information.

There is, however, a slight downside to just how in tune Washington is with his performers. The movie's moment-to-moment construction suffers on occasion; in order to capture the actors' spontaneity and their performances at length, shots feel inelegantly stitched together, with objects and bodies obscuring enough of the frame that it's momentarily distracting. The rhythm of Wilson's words is maintained, but the rhythm of the editorial cuts feels strange in the process; movement and blocking feels directionally correct, but the cuts from one character to the next become jarring in the process. Most viewers may not notice some of these individual instances, but the result is a compounding effect that subtly unsettles the audience.

However, the movie swerves into phantasmagorical territory often enough that these unsettling breaks in visual melody end up feeling part and parcel of its approach. A ghost happens to be haunting Berniece, or so she claims. Its historical meaning grows increasingly clear as the dialogue reveals more about the family's history, and in the meantime, Washington's horror-inspired flourishes create intrigue. Although he grants the play's invisible spirits corporeal form, cinematographer Mike Gioulakis obfuscates them in shadow for just long enough that they still remain mysterious. The film's use of light is often marvelous, veering between stage-like spotlights emanating from fixtures overhead, to warm glows that don't just softly illuminate the actors' faces but work in tandem with the echoes of the sound design to draw out internal thought from their performances. The family's legacy is constantly on the tip of Wilson's tongue, and Washington further elucidates this subtext through the characters' self-reflections, which attempt to draw out internal thought in moments of deep self-reflection on the family's legacy.

The Piano Lesson wrestles with the past. Credit: David Lee / Netflix

The eponymous piano has an enormous presence throughout the film, whether as a central element of production design — characters often lean on it or inspect it as they speak — or even as a lurking entity in the background and out of focus, lying in wait to cause a rift between the siblings. It is, at once, a reminder of the demonic white supremacy that defined their family's lives, as well as an embodiment of the continued resilience of those very same people.

In effect, the piano embodies the weight of history for the Charles family as Black Americans, for whom slavery is only two or three generations removed. They occasionally speak of this burden, but the dialogue is enhanced by the movie's use of flashbacks to decades before. As Doaker tells the story of the piano, what he's really recalling are the recollections of other characters — or recollections of recollections — since he hadn't been born until after slavery was abolished. And yet, the edit ties his words to this flashback footage as though we were witnessing his own memories.

The flashbacks in question involve fleeting, expressionistic images, both of woodworking and of enslaved people glancing at the camera, à la Barry Jenkins' The Underground Railroad. In the process, Doaker and the Charles family become a sort of conduit between the audience and the film, the play, the Depression-era setting — during which monetary survival was a topic on everyone's tongue — and eventually, the family's ancestors, whose lives have been preserved in wood.

More importantly, by expanding on Wilson's text though cinematic form, Washington more closely connects each character to the spiritual quandary the piano represents. Selling it would mean moving forward, as Boy Willie's ancestors would have hoped for him, and it would also mean putting generations of pain behind him. However, for Berniece, it would also mean forgetting the past. These opposing forces are inextricably linked in the consciousness of Black America, and the movie brings them to light in stunning dramatic form, through a film that makes living room chats feel like enormous proclamations that echo through history.

Combining the best of stage and screen, The Piano Lesson finds deft balance between overt melodrama and dazzling aesthetic flourishes. Through light and sound that guide and shift alongside the story, Berniece's home — and the film as a whole — come to life, transforming the screen into a living stage where practically any emotion can be expressed. 

The Piano Lesson is now streaming on Netflix

Blitz is what you get when you combine Oscar–winning writer/director Steve McQueen (Shame, 12 Years A Slave), the works of Charles Dickens, and the third act of Atonement. And while each of these parts may sound promising by themselves, the final combination proves frustratingly uneven.

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

There's no doubt that McQueen's World War II epic is among the most well-crafted films of the year, boasting some genuinely pulse-pounding sequences and lavish set pieces. But too often, this story of a mother and son weathering the Blitz in London falls into clichés that smother any elements setting it apart from other films portraying this era.

What's Blitz about? Credit: Apple TV+

Blitz drops us into London in 1940, where air raid sirens sound nightly to warn citizens of incoming German bombers. A shortage of bomb shelters leaves throngs of Londoners stranded in the streets, calling for the government to open up the Underground stations. Amidst all this chaos, parents evacuate their children to the countryside in order to keep them safe.

One such parent is single mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan, The Outrun), who's held off as long as possible on sending her son George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan) away. When she finally relents, George is less than understanding. "I hate you," he tells her, before boarding the train out of London without a proper goodbye.

SEE ALSO: 'Disclaimer' review: Cate Blanchett and Alfonso Cuarón's thriller series will shatter you

Devastated, Rita tries to go about life as usual (or as usual as life can be during wartime), working in a munitions factory and volunteering at a shelter. Little does she know that George jumped off his train to the country and is fighting his way back home to her.

Blitz toggles between Rita's day-to-day life and George's journey through London, with the occasional flashback to their family life or to Rita's time with George's Grenadian father Marcus (C.J. Beckford). These parallel stories play out in fragmented chapters, with neither mode of storytelling quite gelling with the other. Rita remains relatively static in London, allowing McQueen to hit on some standard WWII film tropes like a BBC broadcast to boost morale or a night out singing in the face of adversity.

George, on the other hand, experiences a true Dickensian odyssey. He'll cross paths with a number of characters ranging from kindly Nigerian night watchman Ife (Benjamin Clementine) to a group of street thieves led by the almost comically evil Albert (Stephen Graham) and Beryl (Kathy Burke), who force George to join up in what might be the film's most Oliver Twist-inspired section. But with so much going on in Rita and George's worlds, Blitz barely finds time to let its most interesting elements breathe.

Blitz's George shows WWII-era London through a perspective not often seen in film. Credit: Apple TV+

Most of these elements come from our time with George, as we experience the Blitz from his childish perspective. The barrage of bombs obviously presents a mortal danger to him, but there are other obstacles for a nine-year-old around every corner that an adult may not bat an eye at. In one of the film's funniest scenes, for example, George does his best to take in a very complicated set of bus directions — a sweet detail that emphasizes just how very small he is in the scale of this conflict.

George's relationship to race also makes for one of Blitz's most poignant throughlines. Half-Grenadian, and the only Black child on the train out of London, George experiences racism from everyone, from his fellow evacuees to shopkeepers who shoo him away. These instances puncture the idea of British unity in the face of the Blitz, a reminder that the motivational wartime slogan to "keep calm and carry on" also extends to the carrying-on of ugly behaviors.

SEE ALSO: 'The Apprentice' review: Donald Trump biopic's secret weapon is Roy Cohn

Yet George finds camaraderie in his journey as well, as Clementine's Ife gently prompts George to reconsider his ideas of Blackness. The two meet in the Empire Arcade, a covered walkway lined with racist caricatures of Black men and women. It's evident George buys into these depictions somewhat: He laughs at Ife's Yoruba name and tells him that he doesn't think of himself as Black. But the time Ife and George spend together clearly makes an impact on him, making for one of Blitz's most quietly affecting sections. Given how World War II films predominantly center white perspectives, George's journey of self-discovery is not only a moving examination of identity but a necessary addition to the genre.

Blitz is beautiful, but often relies on clichés. Credit: Apple TV+

It's a shame, then, that George's story and the holes it punches in the mythology surrounding the Blitz are often overshadowed by clichés that uphold that very mythology. Among these are multiple rousing bomb shelter speeches. Even Ife gets in on the action, with a monologue about how racism and division within one shelter is no different than what the Germans want — an on-the-nose sentiment that somewhat undercuts the film's prior handling of the subject. But as McQueen leans into genre staples like these speeches, or Rita running after George's train as it departs, or a harrowing underground flooding sequence (hello, Atonement PTSD), perhaps that embrace of the Blitz mythology is the point. Even if that stoic Blitz spirit really did exist, was there room in it for those white UK citizens considered "other"?

As McQueen grapples with this question, he also brings the Blitz to stunning life with tried-and-true tricks frequently seen in WWII movies. The bombed streets of London blaze with orange flames, while German aircraft loom overhead in the pitch-black night. Long one-take shots make sure we duck and weave through the action alongside George, positioning us firmly in his point of view as he's overwhelmed with the chaos. Booming sound design featuring air raid sirens and the deep rumble of bombs evokes chills.

Yet among all that fairly familiar imagery are some distinctive sequences that make you wish McQueen had taken more risks with Blitz. The opening focuses on an out-of-control firehose thrashing around on a burning street, a promise of chaos to come. The blur of the oceans beneath the German planes melds into a field of black-and-white daisies. A standout long take guides us through a joyous night at a dance hall, only to cut to its bombed-out remains moments later. If Blitz's story sometimes falters, at least these moments are riveting to experience.

The same goes for many of Blitz's performances. Ronan imbues Rita with both magnificent warmth and deep worry for her son, and Heffernan shines in his breakout role, bringing a still thoughtfulness to even the most harrowing scenes. Graham and Burke are delightfully fun as thieving villains, and Clementine grounds his scenes with George in a firm, quiet kindness. However, some members of the ensemble feel unfortunately underused: Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) gets very little to do as pining fireman Jack, and Leigh Gill's (Joker: Folie à Deux) shelter marshall Mickey is instantly magnetic, yet mostly presented as an avatar of Blitz heroics.

The untapped potential of these cast members speaks to Blitz's largest problem: It feels like it's trying to be too many movies at once. The film crams so much into its two-hour runtime — from munitions factory tensions to precocious runaway children to the barest hints of romance — that by the time it reaches its sweet, yet slightly perfunctory-feeling ending, you'll feel as if you've dipped your toes in several beautifully rendered perspectives of the Blitz, yet fully inhabited very few.

Blitz was reviewed out of the New York Film Festival. It is currently in theaters and streaming on Apple TV+.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 2:28 p.m. EST This review was originally published on Oct. 12, 2024. It has been updated to reflect theatrical and streaming options.

There's a deceptive simplicity to Flow. The premise of this animated film seems familiar: A motley band of animals join together to survive a terrible threat. But part of what makes co-writer/director Gints Zilbalodis' outing so sensational is its gentle rejection of American cartoon cliches. 

While the premise of this movie might sound like Madagascar, Ice Age, A Bug's Life, Zootopia, or any number of cutesy, kid-focused animated adventures, Flow refuses to turn its animals into wacky characters perfectly suited for lunch boxes and plush toys. Zilbalodis' hairy heroes don't have big googly eyes or sport spiffy clothes. They aren't voiced by A-lister actors. They don't speak a human language at all. This gaggle of critters mew or moan or cluck or chitter. And they move not with an anthropomorphic flare, but with a realistic anatomy, and act as their real-life cohorts might. 

While Zilbalodis strives for authenticity in the physicality of his creatures, he rejects the photorealism of — for instance — Disney's "live-action" remake of The Lion King. Instead, he creates Flow with a digital painting style that leans into the abstract. Every hair or feather or scale will not be dedicatedly rendered to awe the audience with the endeavor. His animals are made up of splotches of color that shift in light and shadow, effectively grounding them in an uncertain world that is wondrous, dangerous, and all theirs. 

A breathtakingly beautiful to behold film, Flow tells a story that might well enchant children with its cuddly heroes, but it will rattle grown-ups who can understand the cause for their deadly dilemma. 

Flow is a wordless tale of climate crisis. 

This gorgeous film, which has been selected as Latvia's submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, begins following a little black cat as it putters around a forest looking for food. Little clues suggest this has not always been an outdoor cat, like the cozy cabin surrounded by lovingly carved wooden statues of the feline's likeness. But like the discarded tools and empty bed, the cat has been abandoned by whatever human once lived here. And in this regard, he's not alone. 

SEE ALSO: How do we navigate climate disinformation online?

A pack of dogs made up of a mix of breeds frolic around the forest, learning how to clumsily catch fish in a nearby stream. It's as if a dog park party went stray. But as Flow progresses and its animals come upon more and more handcrafted trinkets and architecture in ruins, it becomes clear this beguiling film is set in post-human times. Another major hint to this setting is the massive wall of water that forces the animals of the forest to flee to higher ground, and eventually onto deserted boats. 

Flow is a parable of reluctant teamwork.  Credit: Courtesy of TIFF

The little cat scrambles onto a battered sailboat, where it is riled to discover a resting capybara. Reluctantly, the cat realizes this big but gentle rodent is no threat, and a motley crew of sailors begins to come together. A yammering lemur, whose tendency toward gathering baubles can be a risky compulsion, joins up. A majestic crane takes hold of the rudder. A tongue-wagging Golden Retriever hops aboard, eager to make new friends. 

There's an elegant pleasure in watching these unlikely animal friends grow close, and it's impossible to overlook Zilbalodis' dedication in keeping true to their natures. He doesn't cheat these moments of growth; there's pleasantly predictable bickering as the animals collide with each other's quirks. For instance, the lemur lovingly lays out his loot on the boat's seat, which attracts the cat, who naturally swats a treasure to the ground, much to the lemur's annoyance. But as moments of crisis — be it a predator on the horizon or an obstacle in their path — arise, these animals snap to attention and slowly but surely learn to trust each other. 

Visually, it's richly rewarding, as Zilbalodis paints a pretty world destroyed and yet alive with hope and hard-won harmony. It's heart-warming, as we witness these creatures (who are in some cases natural enemies) band together not just for a common goal, but ultimately a common bond. And because Zilbalodis rejects so many expectations of animated animals — from their appearance to their movements and their noises — Flow has an exciting spontaneity, as if truly anything could happen. And what ultimately does is epic and emotional. 

Refusing to pander to its audience, Flow is an animated adventure that is poignant, unique, absolutely gorgeous, and a must-see. While it should safely snag that Best International Feature spot, the American studios should be more worried about its chances in Best Animated Feature. 

Flow is in theaters now.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 2:28 p.m. EST "Flow" was reviewed out of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. This article was originally published on Sept. 13, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current viewing options.

UPDATE: Nov. 22, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with information on Amazon's Black Friday sale, which includes a discount on the new 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th gen).

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, despite the fancy name, is a simple device. It's exactly the same as the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, but it costs $40 more and has four upgrades: 32GB of memory (up from 16GB), wireless charging, an automatically adjusting front light, and no ads.

Since we already established that the standard Paperwhite is a great e-reader, the focus of this review is simple: To figure out whether these four improvements are worth the extra money.

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile A thoroughly great e-reader

My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the regular fifth-gen Paperwhite, but here are my basic impressions (coming from someone whose primary e-reader before now was a second-gen Paperwhite).

The new Kindle Paperwhite is just the right size and sat perfectly in my hand. It's also beach-ready, with an IPX8 rating, which is a big deal to me, especially when compared to my iPad mini, which officially isn't water-resistant at all.

The USB-C charging port on the bottom was a much-needed upgrade from the microUSB port on previous Paperwhites. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I have only one beef with the device's design, and that's the fact that Amazon moved the power button to the bottom from the top, which took some getting used to. (It's worth noting that this change happened on a previous iteration of the Paperwhite.)

The new Paperwhite is a lot faster than my old model, but it could be faster still, especially when browsing through menus. The battery lasts forever, and having a USB-C port instead of the old microUSB connector is a blessing.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Kindle Rewards Best Black Friday Kindle deals

Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday sales are always a great time to grab a discounted Kindle. Here are some of the best deals during Black Friday 2024:

• Amazon Kindle — $84.99 $109.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Kindle Kids — $94.99 $129.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition — $154.99 $199.99 (save $45)

So, what do you get for that extra $40? Compared to my ancient, 3rd generation Paperwhite, the new one is shaped a bit more like a typical book, which isn't a bad thing. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

One thing you won't get on this Kindle is ads. Compared to ads on certain other devices, advertisements on the Kindle's homescreen aren't nearly as intrusive, but I still prefer zero ads on something I paid for. You can remove the ads from the base model Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two is a mere $20, which means you should really look at the other extras you get with the Signature Edition.

You know what they say about memory: More is always better. That said, unless you're a voracious reader, or you constantly send a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you won't need more than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, but it is comforting to know you'll never have to worry about storage.

When this review was originally published, the Kindle Paperwhite cost $139.99 for 8GB of storage. That configuration is no longer offered, and the current base model includes 16GB for $149.99. So, there's an even smaller price gap between the standard model and Signature Edition now at $40 compared to the previous $50, making these bonus features even more worth the upgrade.

Whether wireless charging will be worth it for you depends entirely on whether you normally use it in other scenarios. All Kindles have great battery life, so you won't be charging them very often. I do have wireless chargers in my car and scattered all around the house, so the ability to just toss the Kindle onto them and have it charge is a nice, if marginal, improvement.

The MagSafe isn't the best way to charge your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it works! Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Fun fact: I tried to charge the Kindle Paperwhite SE using Apple's MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and not only does it work, but the charger sticks (though just barely) to the Kindle like it does to the iPhone. Pretty great.

The display, automated

The last big improvement on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the display.

The 6.8-inch, 300ppi display is sharp, crisp, beautiful to look at, and won't tire your eyes even after long reading sessions. The bezels on the sides and top of the device are far smaller than on the previous iteration, but there's still enough room to rest your fingers without accidentally flipping the page.

The display now makes brightness adjustments on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Now for the big difference between the regular and the SE version of the Paperwhite: Automatically adjusting front light. The best way to explain the importance of this feature is to think of smartphones: Literally every single modern smartphone has this feature. You don't think about it much, but if someone took the feature away, you'd definitely notice.

It's similar on the Paperwhite. The display automatically sets brightness depending on the amount of light in your environment. I like reading in very dim light, and the Kindle set the screen's brightness pretty much as I would do. The device supports dark mode (bright text on dark background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I love the feature and though I could live without it, I'd be slightly annoyed about having to adjust brightness manually again.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition battery life

A single charge should have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting up to 10 weeks. While we didn't run the e-reader for 10 weeks until it died, we can say it had excellent battery life based on our usage.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it?

This may be because I'm biased from reviewing Apple devices — Apple charges an arm and a leg for upgrades and extra features — but I feel like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth it.

For $50, you get no ads (a $20 value), wireless charging, 32GB, and an improved display. None of it is essential, but it does feel like you're getting a decent value for your money.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $189.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now

UPDATE: Jul. 9, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This review has been updated to reflect that the base Kindle Paperwhite model now houses 16GB and retails for $149.99. Previously, the device started at 8GB for $139.99. That means there's now a $40 difference between the standard Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, rather than $50.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

The discounts are just getting started and Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off. Running from Nov 21. through to Dec. 2, there are plenty of deals and savings to be had across TVs, headphones, tablets, and much more. And if you're on the hunt for a new set of headphones, why not check out this great deal on the Beats Solo 4.

As of Oct. 11, you can grab these headphones for just $99.99, saving $100 on list price. This deal is available across all colorways at Amazon, including matte black, black/gold, cloud pink, and state blue. However, this price is only available when purchasing without AppleCare+. You can add this on for a price of $118.99 (down from $228.95).

SEE ALSO: Don't miss grabbing an Apple Magic Mouse for its lowest price ever

The Beats Solo 4 were only released earlier in the year, so to see such a big discount already is truly a win. This latest model in the Solo range boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours, a super-quick 10-minute charge time, and personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a technology that creates a 3D surround sound, and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements, so music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike. As with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening.

Interested? Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

SAVE OVER $60: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD is down to $98.37 at Amazon. That’s 39% off its regular price of $159.99 for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD $98.37 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $61.62 Get Deal

Black Friday is here, and it's time to supercharge your PC or gaming setup without torching your wallet. Samsung's 990 PRO 1TB SSD sells for just $98.37 — an impressive Black Friday discount of over $60. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s, this PCIe 4.0 drive offers performance that smooths everything from gaming to heavy-duty workloads.

What makes the 990 PRO stand out? It's 40% faster than its predecessor, the 980 PRO. This drive can handle up to 1,400K input/output operations per second (IOPS). It is a beast for resource-heavy tasks like 4K video editing or running modern games. Power efficiency has also been improved by 50%, so you get maximum performance without stressing your system or energy bill.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Thermal control is a standout feature here, too. Samsung's nickel-coated controller keeps the drive cool even during intense use, preventing thermal throttling from slowing down your epic gaming sessions or massive file transfers. And with Samsung's Magician software, you can monitor drive health, optimize settings, and protect your data, all from an easy-to-use dashboard.

Upgrading a desktop, laptop, or even a PlayStation 5? The 990 PRO is an easy fit thanks to the PCI-SIG D8 standard for slim devices. Samsung's reputation as the global leader in flash memory backs its top-tier performance and durability.

At under $100, this Black Friday deal is a no-brainer for gamers, content creators, or anyone looking to breathe new life into their system. Don't let this Black Friday deal pass you by — this speed doesn't come cheap any other day of the year.

SAVE $800: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV is on sale for $1,397.99 at Amazon. That’s 36% off its $2,197.99 list price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,197.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

Black Friday is the perfect time to give your entertainment setup a serious glow-up, and this deal on Samsung’s 65-inch OLED S90D smart TV is a chef’s kiss. Originally priced at $2,197.99, this feature-packed screen is now just $1,397.99 — a whopping $800 in Black Friday savings.

So, what makes this TV worth your attention (and wall space)? For starters, Samsung’s OLED technology delivers unbeatable picture quality with inky blacks, dazzling whites, and vibrant, Pantone-validated colours. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or catching the big game, the HDR+ feature ensures stunning brightness and sharpness, scene by scene. It’s like seeing your favourite content in a whole new light — literally.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Gamers, this one’s for you too. The Motion Xcelerator 144Hz refresh rate keeps visuals smooth and lag-free, even during the most intense action sequences. Add in Samsung’s Real Depth Enhancer, which makes on-screen content feel almost 3D, and you’ll be totally immersed.

Audio fans aren’t left out, either. Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite create a 3D sound experience that follows the action on screen, making explosions feel bigger and dialogue more explicit. Plus, with Alexa built-in, you can control your TV and smart home devices and even check the weather without lifting a finger (or maybe just the remote).

At $1,397.99, this deal on the 65-inch Samsung S90D isn’t just a price drop — it’s a full-on Black Friday flex. Grab it now and make your living room the envy of your entire neighbourhood.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 21's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Notice me

• Green: One's interpretation of things

• Blue: Remote working apps

• Purple: Islands seen on TV

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

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

• Yellow: Publicity

• Green: Point of View

• Blue: Work Communications Platforms

• Purple: ___Island

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #530 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Publicity: ATTENTION, COVERAGE, EXPOSURE, PRESS

• Point of View: ANGLE, LENS, PERSPECTIVE, POSITION

• Work Communications Platforms: MEET, SLACK, TEAMS, ZOOM

• ___Island: FANTASY, LOVE, SHUTTER, TREASURE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 21's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 22 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An undersea gem.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PEARL.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

SAVE $350: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) is marked down to $949.99 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s 27% off its list price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Black Friday has delivered the ultimate upgrade opportunity for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship smartphone for 2024. Loaded with cutting-edge features and decked out in a stunning titanium violet finish, this device usually costs a wallet-pinching $1,299.99. But right now, you can snag it for $949.99 — a hefty $350 saving.

Why is this deal worth jumping on? Let’s break it down. This phone features a massive 200MP camera that’s practically a portable DSLR, capable of capturing jaw-dropping detail even in low light, thanks to Samsung’s Nightography feature. That 100x zoom? Perfect for snapping close-ups from, well, really far away. Whether photographing a bustling cityscape or a sleepy cat on the next rooftop, your shots will be ready for social media.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just take pretty pictures. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a buttery smooth 120Hz edge-to-edge display, this phone handles multitasking, gaming, and streaming without sweat. Need real-time translation while travelling? Check. Want AI-assisted photo edits that make every pic look flawless? Double-check.

Samsung’s S Pen is also included, transforming this phone into a mini productivity hub. Take notes, draw sketches, or circle and search things on your screen like a futuristic Sherlock Holmes. Plus, with 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room to hoard memes, photos, and all your apps.

At this Black Friday price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is hard to beat. So why settle for your outdated device when you can grab this tech marvel for less? Don’t wait too long — this deal will disappear faster than your phone’s battery after a TikTok binge.

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, the Dell S2721QS 27-inch 4K UHD monitor is available for $199.95 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That’s 33% off its usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell S2721QS 4K UHD Monitor $199.95 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.04 Get Deal

Forget Black Friday doorbusters — this is a desk upgrade you can snag from the comfort of your chair. The Dell S2721QS is a 27-inch 4K monitor ready to elevate your home office, gaming rig, or streaming setup. With its $199.95 price tag, down from $299.99, this deal is as sharp as the screen itself.

Let’s talk pixels: 8.3 million of them, to be exact. This monitor boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR content support, delivering vibrant colours and razor-sharp clarity. Whether you’re binging your favourite series or meticulously editing photos, the visuals on this thing are stunning. The ultra-thin bezel gives you that seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience — perfect for dual-monitor setups or just flexing your superior tech taste.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

But it’s not all about looking good. The S2721QS knows you’ll be spending hours staring at it, so it’s built with comfort in mind. The stand is fully adjustable, letting you tilt, swivel, and pivot until you find the perfect angle. Plus, the ComfortView feature reduces harmful blue light, which your eyeballs will thank you for after a long day.

Need functionality? The dual HDMI ports make it easy to swap between devices, and AMD FreeSync ensures buttery-smooth visuals during gaming sessions. Translation: no more screen tearing when you’re mid-battle.

Dell doesn’t put their monitors on sale like this every day, and seeing this 4K beauty drop under $200 is a rare treat. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, Black Friday just handed you the perfect excuse. Grab this Black Friday deal now — your setup (and eyes) deserve it.

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. India for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It really doesn't get much bigger than a Test series between Australia and India. This rivarly goes way back, with matches between these two sides often going down to the wire.

Australia leads the head-to-head record 45-32 in the Test format, and will be confident of adding to that lead at home. India are coming off a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand on home turf, but you can never count them out. Any team with superstars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant will always have a chance of winning. Australia will need to be at their best to win at home.

If you want to watch Australia vs. India (1st Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. India (1st Test)?

The 1st Test between Australia and India takes place from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26. This Test match takes place at the Optus Stadium.

The full schedule for India's five-Test tour of Australia is as follows:

• Australia vs. India (1st Test) — Nov. 22 to Nov. 26

• Australia vs. India (2nd Test) — Dec. 6 to Dec. 10

• Australia vs. India (3rd Test) — Dec. 14 to Dec. 18

• Australia vs. India (4th Test) — Dec. 25 to Dec. 30

• Australia vs. India (5th Test) — Jan. 2 to Jan. 7

The good news for fans is that every Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch Australia vs. India for free

Australia vs. India (1st Test) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus in Australia. 7plus is even offering Hindi commentary for all matches.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock 7Plus. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Australia vs. India from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Australia vs. India 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

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Stream Australia vs. India 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 Australia vs. India (1st Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite streaming platforms from anywhere in the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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.

Live stream Australia vs. India (1st Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Friday, November 22, 2024:

Across____ Wednesday

• The answer is Ash.

Old anesthetic

• The answer is Ether.

"Behold!"

• The answer is Voila.

Representative

• The answer is Envoy.

Break bread

• The answer is Eat.

DownObserve Yom Kippur

• The answer is Atone.

Supreme being

• The answer is Shiva.

Spartan serf

• The answer is Helot.

Adam's madam

• The answer is Eve.

Sunbeam

• The answer is Ray.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To undo something spoken.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 1 answer

UNSAY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A plainly true statement.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AXIOM

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A type of clothing.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DRESS

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Moisture in the air.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 4 answer

HUMID

Final Hurdle hint

A dark timber from a tropical tree.

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

EBONY

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

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow - Grabbing or catching

• Green - Hopping to it

• Blue - Likely to have or be near t-shirt cannons

• Purple - People with the same first name

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

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

• Yellow - Field a baseball

• Green - Figure skating jumps

• Blue - NFL mascots

• Purple - Famous Bills

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #60 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Field a baseball: CATCH, FIELD, PICK, SCOOP

• Figure skating jumps: AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW

• NFL Mascots: MAJOR TUDDY, POE, SIR PURR, SWOOP

• Famous Bills: BELICHICK, LAIMBEER, RUSSELL, WALTON

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, November 22, 2024:

AcrossIcelandic singer with 16 Grammy nominations

• The answer is Bjork.

Batman's sidekick

• The answer is Robin.

African mammal with striped legs

• The answer is Okapi.

Awkward response to hear when you introduce yourself to someone

• The answer is Wemet.

Competed in a 5K

• The answer is Ran.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 DownBody part that can be furrowed

• The answer is Brow.

Batman's archnemesis

• The answer is Joker.

President who used Keegan-Michael Key as his "anger translator" at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

• The answer is Obama.

Turn red, as a chili pepper

• The answer is Ripen.

Make a scarf

• The answer is Knit.

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

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

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

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