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Die My Love teaser sees Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson locked in a troubled relationship

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 14:00

Anyone who's seen We Need to Talk About Kevin will know that writer/director Lynne Ramsay has an impressive knack for exploring the dark hearts of seemingly ordinary families and relationships.

The teaser for her new movie, Die My Love, co-written with Enda Walsh and Alice Birch and based on Ariana Harwicz' book of the same name, looks like it'll be no exception. The one-minute mini-trailer doesn't give too much away, but it does show stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson locked in a seemingly blissful romance before things take a turn for the confusing and violent.

Die My Love is "coming soon" to Mubi.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bose announces follow-up to legendary QuietComfort Ultra headphones is coming in October for $449

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 14:00

Bose has announced the second generation of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Priced at $449, the updated model is available for preorder starting Sept. 5 and will be released in the U.S. on Oct. 2. A global rollout is expected the same day.

The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones keep the familiar focus on noise cancellation and comfort while adding several new features aimed at improving everyday use.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose
Pre-order Here The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones: By the numbers

How will the new flagship Bose headphones differ from the originals? Let's dive into the specs:

  • Battery life: up to 30 hours (45 with ANC turned off)

  • Charge time: 3 hours

  • Quick charge: 15 minutes provides 3 hours of playtime

  • Dimensions: 6.299” x 1.772” x 8.071”

  • Weight: 0.583 lbs

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite

New color options

The new headphones will be available in four colors: white smoke, midnight violet, driftwood sand, and black. The latter two colors are limited-edition. Bose sometimes releases limited-edition colorways at its online store, though only these four colors will be available at launch.

White Smoke Credit: Bose Driftwood Sand Credit: Bose Black Credit: Bose Midnight Color Credit: Bose What's changed?

The most notable change is USB-C audio support. The headphones can now play lossless audio at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz when connected to a laptop, phone, or gaming desktop. The first generation Ultra headphones relied only on Bluetooth or a 2.5 mm aux cable for wired listening.

Credit: Bose

Cinema Mode is another new feature. It expands the soundstage while sharpening dialogue, making it more useful for movies, television, podcasts, and audiobooks compared to the original immersive audio setting that focused mainly on music.

Other updates include improved adaptive noise cancellation through a new ActiveSense algorithm, more reliable on-head detection that removes the need for the power button, and a lay-flat disconnect feature that turns off Bluetooth and enters a low-power mode when the headphones are set on a surface.

Battery life has also been extended. The headphones now last up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, 23 hours with immersive audio enabled, or 45 hours with noise cancellation turned off. They can be charged during use over USB-C, and a 15-minute charge provides around three hours of playback.

Should you upgrade?

The design is largely the same as the first generation, with plush ear cushions, a collapsible frame, and the same overall weight. Comfort was already a strength of the line, but Bose has not reduced the size or weight compared to competitors.

Credit: Bose

Codec support remains limited to SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. Popular formats like LDAC, found on Sony’s XM5s, are not supported. Sound personalization through Bose’s CustomTune technology is still present, but the improvements this year focus more on usability than raw sound performance.

The original QuietComfort Ultra launched in 2023 as Bose’s first step into spatial audio. While generally well-received, it lacked USB-C audio, battery life was modest, and on-head detection often misfired. The second generation addresses those issues directly. It adds wired lossless playback, a longer-lasting battery, and reliable detection features. Cinema Mode broadens the use cases for spatial audio, but the improvements are incremental rather than transformative. Owners of the first generation may not find the upgrade necessary unless lossless audio or the new cinema-focused sound mode is a priority.

At $449, the price remains higher than some competing models such as the aformentioned Sony WH-1000XM5s, which retail for $399. However, these new headphones can still be purchased for less than Apple’s AirPods Max at $549. It's competitive out there, so every little helps.

Where to pre-order the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Pre-order in Black Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in Midnight Violet Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in Driftwood Sand Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in White Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Are Motion Controls Such a Rarity in Modern Gaming?

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 13:31

One of the most important aspects of immersing yourself in the games that you play is the feeling that you are actually within their worlds. Motion peripherals, such as Wii remotes or VR hand controllers, enable you to control your player character using your own hands or feet, helping to create this illusion.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spike Lee reveals how Denzel Washingtons performance changed a key element in Highest 2 Lowest

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 12:42

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have made four films together over the course of 30 years (Mo' Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man), cementing their legacy in the cinematic hall of fame. Their new film, Highest 2 Lowest, marks their fifth collaboration, making it clear they have a special artistic connection that transcends the screen.

In an interview with Mashable's executive producer Mark Stetson, Spike Lee shares a story from filming Highest 2 Lowest when he was so inspired by Denzel Washington's performance in a scene that he immediately changed the ending song. While Washington's character David King, a record executive, is listening to a new songwriter perform, you see him begin to reconnect with the joy of music he had long forgotten:

"You see in that last scene with Denzel Washington? Like, he's come alive, he's reconnected with the muse... That was recorded live. And in the editing room, I was looking at Denzel's face, and so I said, 'G**damn it, I got it!" The reaction you're seeing in Denzel's face? He's thinking about what the orchestration is going to be. So the song starts out with just piano and Aiyana[-Lee Anderson] singing. And then [in the final cut] as we see the emotion on Denzel's face, then comes the instrumentation. And that came from Denzel Washington, because he was reacting to her singing... So I called Howard [Drossin], the composer. I said, 'We've got to write orchestration for this.' So that came in post because when we were shooting, I just had a piano. That came from the genius of Denzel Washington."

Highest 2 Lowest is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best new Star Wars Lego sets dropping soon, including the biggest-ever Death Star set

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 12:29

Lego fans have already been treated to some really fun sets this year. And if you're a Star Wars fan, there's a lot to look forward to as we enter the latter half of the year, including the gigantic Death Star set. This colossal build isn't up for preorder, but it does have a release date of Oct. 4 that you can mark in your calendars.

Whether you're buying for an adult or kid, the latest Star Wars Lego offerings have a little something for everyone to enjoy. The AT-ST Walker from August is a particularly cool build for ages 18 and up, and the incredibly cute Ewok Wicket is great for ages 12 and over. There are even some holiday-themed sets already available if you want to pick those up ahead of time, like the always-popular Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar.

Those are only a few of the latest Star Wars Lego sets. Below you can find all of the newly released Star Wars Lego sets from August and September, and find out what October has in store so far.

Lego Star Wars sets released in August 2025AT-ST Walker Set Credit: Lego

The Lego AT-ST Walker set is a complex kit recommended for ages 18 and up. It comes with 1,513 pieces and builds a sweet looking model of an iconic machine. Alongside a plaque detailing what it is and a minifigure of an AT-ST Driver, the display model itself features a hatch at the top that opens up to display a two-person cockpit. The model's "head" can also be rotated, the laser cannons can be adjusted, and the shutters over the viewports open and close. It's a very detailed model that's a great pick-up for any Star Wars fan, and it's available to buy now for $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Lego
Shop Now Wicket the Ewok Set Credit: Lego

This Wicket the Ewok Lego set is a very adorable new drop. It's a great fit for slightly younger fans, recommended for those aged 12 and up. It comes with 1,010 pieces that come together to create Wicket, his spear, and a little treat you can give him. Similar to the AT-ST Walker, this set also comes with an information plaque and a minifigure of Wicket that can be set up alongside it. It's listed for $129.99 but is, unfortunately, currently on backorder. If you place an order, it'll ship in 60 days.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
Shop Now K-2SO Security Droid Set Credit: Lego

The beloved droid from Rogue One and Andor, K-2SO, is now available to buy in Lego form for $89.99. The K-2SO Security Droid set is recommended for ages 10 and up and comes with 845 pieces. These come together to build K-2SO, alongside an information plaque and minifigure of the droid. K-2SO's head and arms are also posable, so you can find the best way to display the droid at home, whether you choose to set it up on a bookshelf, table, or desk.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego K-2SO Security Droid $89.99 at Lego
Shop Now Jango Fett's Starship Set Credit: Lego

This set is a great fit for even younger Lego fans, recommended for ages nine and up. Jango Fett's Starship Lego set comes with 707 pieces to build the titular starship, and the set also features minifigures of Jango Fett (complete with two blaster pistols and a jetpack), Young Boba Fett, and Lama Su. The ship itself has cool features as well, including a cockpit that opens up and can fit two minifigures inside, four stud shooters, a seismic charge-dropping function, and rotatable wings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Jango Fett's Starship $69.99 at Lego
Shop Now Republic Juggernaut Set Credit: Lego

This is another set recommended for ages nine and up. The Republic Juggernaut set boasts 813 pieces to build the transport vehicle — which features front and rear cockpits that open, an observation post, and a turret with a stud shooter — and comes with a variety of minifigures, including Ki-Adi-Mundi with a Lightsaber, Commander Bacara with a blaster, three Galactic Marines with blasters, and three Battle Droids with blasters. It's now available to buy for $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Republic Juggernaut $159.99 at Lego
Shop Now 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack Set Credit: Lego

The 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack set can be built by even younger Lego fans aged seven and up. It comes with 258 pieces, the lowest total on this list so far, that build up a platoon of Clone Troopers. This set includes four minifigures of Clone Troopers in their 327th Star Corps uniforms and three Super Battle Droids, alongside an AT-RT walker and a Spider Droid. If it has caught your eye, you can pick it up now for $44.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack $44.99 at Lego
Shop Now The Force Burner Snowspeeder Set Credit: Lego

Coming to 349 pieces, the Lego The Force Burner Snowspeeder set is another one recommended for ages seven and up and features the snowspeeder from Season 2 of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Alongside the snowspeeder, this set also comes with a STAP and three minifigures — Sig Greebling, Darth Dev, and Solitus — who are each equipped with lightsabers. It's now available to buy for $54.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego The Force Burner Snowspeeder $54.99 at Lego
Shop Now Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT Set Credit: Lego

The Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT Lego set comes with a grand total of 976 pieces and is recommended for ages nine and up. It's a very cool set that comes with a full build of a Separatist MTT vehicle — which even features a droid deployment rack that slides out the front — and plenty of minifigures, including Commander Bly, Aayla Secura, three Commando Droids, a Pilot Battle Droid, and six Battle Droids with accessories. If you're looking to add this set to your collection, it's now available to buy for $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT $159.99 at Lego
Shop Now V-19 Torrent Starfighter Set Credit: Lego

This V-19 Torrent Starfighter Lego set is recommended for ages nine and up and comes with 567 pieces. These come together to create the V-19 Torrent Starfighter, which features a cockpit that opens, adjustable wings, and two stud shooters. The set also comes with three minifigures: Asajj Ventress, General Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a Clone Pilot. If you're looking to pick up this action-packed set, it's now available to buy for $64.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego V-19 Torrent Starfighter $64.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego Star Wars sets releasing in September 2025Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 Credit: Lego

There's only one Star Wars set dropping in September for Lego fans, and it's a perfect pick-up for those who simply can't wait for the holidays to kick in. Recommended for ages six and up, the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 is now available to purchase for $44.99. Each day in the lead-up to Christmas offers a new buildable toy to enjoy, alongside some adorable minifigures of characters like C-3PO, a holiday-themed Jawa, Babu Frik, and droid figures including R7-A7, BD-72, a Scrap Battle Droid, and even a very cute BB-8 who looks like a little snowman.

If you want to spread some holiday cheer this year, now is the time to grab this advent calendar for the Star Wars fan in your life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $44.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego Star Wars sets releasing in October 2025Death Star Set Credit: Lego

You'll want to clear your schedule in October, as the set on everyone's mind right now is the Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series set. Recommended for ages 18 and up, this gigantic build — no really, it comes to 9,023 pieces — is set to be released on Oct. 4 (though Lego Insiders can get early access from Oct. 1). It comes with a hefty $999.99 price tag to match its size, but there's a lot to love about this stunner. Coming with 38 minifigures, this set features iconic moments from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, making it the ultimate build for Star Wars fans to tackle.

It's not available to preorder yet, but keep your calendar marked for Oct. 4 to grab it on release day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series $999.99 at Lego
Shop Now Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Set Credit: Lego

This is another adorable little holiday-themed set that Lego is releasing this year: the Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. Coming to 697 pieces, this set is recommended for those aged 10 and up and is a great alternative to the traditional gingerbread house display. Once pieced together, it creates a gingerbread-style AT-AT that features a comfy interior with a fireplace, table, stockings hung up on the wall, a little drinking cup, and more to make it feel fantastically festive. In addition, there's also a gingerbread-style Darth Vader minifigure.

It's not available to preorder yet, but is coming soon on Oct. 1 for $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Conjuring: Last Rites review: Can the series deliver one last scare?

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 12:17

The Conjuring universe has quite literally administered its Last Rites, the ninth and (apparently) final installment in the religious horror franchise. It's been 12 years since James Wan scared the Valak out of audiences with the first film, when Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga first took on controversial real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren

With director Michael Chaves (The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Nun II) at the helm, and a storyline based on the alleged demonic haunting of the Smurl family in the late '80s, The Conjuring: Last Rites intentionally plays to every trick in the Conjuring book. Fan service in horror franchises comes with the territory, and Last Rites' cup runneth over with series cameos, familiar production design, and characteristic jumpscares aplenty.

SEE ALSO: Fact vs. fiction: 'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'

However, it's the film's reverence for the real Ed and Lorraine Warren and the Conjuring universe at large that could be its undoing. With the majority of the film spent delivering referential nods and unbridled adulation for its leading duo, we're left waiting long stretches for what we came for: one hell of a final scare.

What is The Conjuring: Last Rites about? A young Lorraine and Ed Warren (Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith). Credit: Giles Keyte

The Conjuring: Last Rites plunges us back into familiar territory. Like The Conjuring 2, there are parallel hauntings afoot: the alleged demonic disturbance of the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania in the late '80s, and chilling visions experienced by the clairvoyant Lorraine Warren (Farmiga) and her now-grown daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson), who is attempting to silence her burgeoning psychic powers.

To open the film, we're sent back to 1964, where a young Lorraine and Ed (Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith) investigate a spooky storeroom full of clocks (sure!), where a creepy mirror adorned with wooden angels screams "do not touch." Disregarding this of course, Lorraine's contact with said mirror propels one of the film's most disturbing sequences, in which our paranormal communicator is sent into early labour in the company of a demonic presence. As if giving birth wasn't intense enough, Last Rites plunges Lorraine into an experience of terrifying vulnerability. From here, however, Last Rites spends an outlandish amount of time on the Warrens' family life, in a saccharine montage of Judy's childhood, carousels, and running through flower fields, all the way up to their demon-shunning retirement in Connecticut.

Featured Video For You Weapons, and the comedian turned horror director

It's this overt admiration for the Warrens that feels extremely stretched out in Last Rites, despite the couple's real-life controversies. From the film's beginning to end, Wilson and Farmiga's Ed and Lorraine are portrayed as reluctant heroes of paranormal valiance and fiercely pious and devoted family members. The film spends almost half its run time following the Warrens in their barbecue-throwing, post-investigation era bliss and through a particularly tedious meet-the-parents sequence with Judy's boyfriend, Tony (Ben Hardy). Whatever you think of the real Warrens, Wilson and Farmiga have long imbued the screen Warrens with overwhelming credibility; Farmiga has always channelled Lorraine with understated believability, and Wilson's commitment to Ed's character is the only thing that makes a scene where characters need to move a mirror genuinely compelling.

Judy (Mia Tomlinson) has inherited her mother Lorraine's (Vera Farmiga) cursed talents. Credit: Giles Keyte

For those tapping their watch for the Warrens to get back to investigating, there's the other storyline, described by the series' signature bright yellow Courier New font declaring the subsequent events as "based on a true story" and loosely adapted from the Warrens' reported haunting cases — following the Perron family of Rhode Island in 1971 (The Conjuring), the Amityville murders and the "Enfield Poltergeist" case in the late '70s (The Conjuring 2), the murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It).  This time, it's a notorious case from 1986 in Pennsylvania, where we're introduced to characters based on the real Janet and Jack Smurl (played by Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan), who claimed that their family was plagued by a demonic presence.

And it's this storyline that sees the film slotting into classic Conjuring style.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a Conjuring movie by-the-numbers Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga take a final bow as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Credit: Giles Keyte

Director Michael Chaves is well-versed in the Conjuring universe, having directed the third Conjuring film as well as the sequel to The Nun and the thinly connected The Curse of La Llorona. However, despite its solid scares, the film feels somewhat trapped in fan service, ticking off signature Conjuring boxes and delivering two passable but undeniably well-soundtracked (hell yes, The Cult) storylines at once.

Everything you'd expect from a Conjuring film is here. Real footage of the Warrens spliced with that of Wilson and Farmiga. Eerie music boxes and cursed dolls from yesteryear. A happy family being terrorised in the night, often by way of their favourite games or in a creepy-ass basement. A family dog who makes the audience nervous for its safety. Menacing notes scrawled with the words "Miss me?"

There's a copious amount of references to previous Conjuring films in Last Rites, including The Nun and Annabelle movies. Fans might delight in hearing Ed warn his guests yet again not to touch anything in the basement of the Warrens' Connecticut home where cursed objects like the Annabelle doll dwell — the film even has Wilson repeat his lines from the first Conjuring movie: "Nothing's a toy, not even the toys." And as for the cameos? Just wait to see for yourself (though seeing Officer Brad Hamilton rocking his bite mark from The Conjuring in a barbecue scene is a frankly hilarious heads up).

But the real Conjuring style comes out in the scares — of which there are many.

The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers on jumpscares Uh, Judy? You OK? Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Never fear, Conjuring-style scares are present in both storylines, with the Smurls beset by more than bumps in the night in Pennsylvania, and poor Lorraine unable to order linguini or do the dishes in Connecticut without being interrupted by a malicious presence. Last Rites' parallel narratives follow the Warrens' constantly cited "three stages of demonic activity" to the letter: "infestation, oppression, and possession," from those early ghostly whisperings to the dreaded takeover, with ample scares along the way.

The Conjuring universe, established by Wan's brilliant 2013 original, has become synonymous with that classic horror weapon of the misdirected jumpscare. Cameras pan back and forth building up dread with fake-outs. Characters are consistently forced to use torches with limited lighting. Audiences frantically search for faces in dark corners, plunge their fingers into their ears, and wait for the drop. Though without as much unexpected innovation as the original (but with Wan in a producing role), Last Rites is brimming with these jumpscares, with Eli Born's audacious cinematography, nail-biting sound design by Harry Cohen, a particularly effective scene involving a phone cord disappearing into a pantry, and savvy use of VHS footage for solid creeps.

Last Rites feels like a Conjuring film in every sense of the franchise, but it's slightly disappointing the film doesn't pull out all the stops to bid adieu to Wilson and Farmiga's now iconic characters. Fan service, it has in spades. But truly memorable scares and compelling storylines that push the Conjuring series as far as it could go? Less so. However, if you want to take one more trip into the Warrens' basement of cursed curiosities, it's worth a watch, for old terrifying time's sake.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is now showing in cinemas.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Is How Your School Knows You're Using a VPN

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 12:00

Virtual private networks, or VPNs for short, are used to encrypt web traffic by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the wider internet. They promote privacy and anonymity, with additional benefits like circumventing region restrictions thrown in for good measure.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Drew Barrymores interview with Stephen Colbert ends with dancing on The Late Show desk

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:59

30 years ago, a 20-year-old Drew Barrymore made headlines when she danced on David Letterman's desk at the end of their interview.

Now, three decades later, she's reprised the stunt with Stephen Colbert, removing her blazer to reveal a "We Heart Stephen" shirt before climbing up on The Late Show desk and dancing while the band plays.

"Well, Drew," laughs Colbert as Barrymore finishes the desk choreography by lying down. "That's all we've got time for."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 15-inch MacBook Air M4 is down to its best-ever price at Amazon, but not for long

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:55

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 5, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's $200 off list price and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

We're not sure why, but our favorite MacBook Air deal looks like it's on the way out. The MacBook Air M4 has been sporting a $200 discount since just after Prime Day, but that deal is disappearing before our eyes. Maybe it's because Apple is preparing to launch a range of new products in the 2025 Apple Event. Or maybe it's because these MacBooks have been selling so well during this busy back-to-school season.

We don't have all the answers, but what we do know is that you can still get the record-low price across all configurations of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 in starlight. As of Sept. 5, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $200 off at Amazon. We can't predict exactly what's going to happen to this deal, but given that prices have increased for all other colors and on the 13-inch MacBook Air, we don't expect this low price to last long.

SEE ALSO: Buy a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, get a free Galaxy SmartTag 2

In our review of the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, Stan Shroeder said it's "powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades." The MacBook Air M4 also claimed top spot in our roundup of the best MacBooks. When it comes to cost, Dylan Haas praised the price point: "When most tech device prices are going up, it's nice to see a price decrease from a large company like Apple. This doesn't happen often, so take advantage of the deal while you can."

Save $200 on the Apple MacBook Air M4 before this deal vanishes before our eyes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a free $100 gift card when you buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:35

SAVE $100 As of Sept. 5, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE comes with a free $100 Amazon gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung/Amazon Samsung Galaxy FE + $100 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is finally here, and you can already secure a special launch deal at Amazon. As of Sept. 5, if you buy the new smartphone from Amazon, you'll get a free $100 gift card to spend on whatever you like. A new phone and a free $100 voucher? That's a win-win situation.

And if that wasn't enough of a sway, this phone really sells itself. It comes with a 6.7-inch display, a comfortable size for scrolling, streaming, and gaming. It’s designed to be lightweight and slim, so it’s easy to carry around and fits comfortably in your hand or pocket.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has just launched, and it's already on sale for $60 off

A big selling point for any phone is the camera, and the S25 FE won't disappoint. The 12MP front camera has a ProVisual Engine that captures sharp selfies and videos. For editing, use tools like Generative Edit that lets you move, resize, or remove unwanted elements from your shots, with Galaxy AI filling in the details naturally.

If you multitask a lot, or switch between a lot of apps at once, this phone can cope. It is powered by a premium chipset with improved cooling, so it handles all kinds of multitasking without slowing down. And let's not forget about battery life. The 4,900mAh battery keeps you going through the day, with Super Fast Charging 2.0 for quick top-ups when you don't have time for a full charge.

This deal comes in four colors: icyblue, jetblack, navy, and white. Get this limited-time launch deal from Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How-To Geek's Best of IFA 2025 Award Winners

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:31

How-To Geek is on the ground at IFA 2025, getting our hands on the latest technology. While there is a lot to choose from, these are the gadgets that we think stand out as the best of IFA this year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has just launched, and its already on sale for $60 off

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:19

SAVE $60: The brand-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a $60 saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) $799.99 at Amazon
$859.99 Save $60 Get Deal

Samsung's new tablets are here with the launch of the Galaxy Tab S11 series, unveiled at IFA 2025. The lineup includes the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, both available to order now. And better yet, the Galaxy Tab S11 is already on sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 5, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) is now just $799.99 at Amazon. That's $60 off its list price of $859.99.

SEE ALSO: ReMarkable Paper Pro Move: A perfectly pocket-sized e-ink tablet

It measures only 5mm in width, so it's impressively slim. But that doesn't mean it isn't powerful. It runs on a 3nm MediaTek processor that makes multitasking fast and easy, whether you’re working with multiple apps or scrolling through TikTok. And it's tough, too. It's built with an IP68 rating (meaning it can withstand 1.5 meters of fresh water) and a long battery life. It's hard to believe such power comes out of a portable tablet like this, but tablets are the new laptops, so what did we expect?

It also has an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for bright and crisp visuals. And it comes with the new and improved S Pen, which feels more natural for notes, sketches, or doodles.

Get the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 for $60 off at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lego just revealed a jaw-dropping new Star Wars Death Star — the biggest-ever set launches in October

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:07

That's no moon... it's the Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series, which has been officially announced and is the "largest Lego Star Wars set to date," according to a press release from Lego. Coming to an astonishing 9,023 pieces, this set promises to be quite the undertaking for even the most dedicated of builders. It comes with an equally hefty price tag of $999.99, but you just know this is going to sell out fast.

Fans don't have to wait too long to get their hands on this massive set. The set is expected to be released on Oct. 4, but if you're a Lego Insider, you can get early access from Oct. 1. Time to become a Lego Insider? We think so.

SEE ALSO: The best new Star Wars Lego sets dropping this month

Unfortunately, this gargantuan Death Star is not up for preorder at the moment, so excited fans will have to mark their calendars for release day instead. As a bonus, Lego has stated that those who buy the Death Star set between Oct. 1-7 will also get the Lego Star Wars TIE Fighter with Imperial Hangar Rack for free with their purchase, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series (75419) Shop Now

This truly is the ultimate Star Wars set, and is packed full of details for serious fans. For starters, the Lego Death Star set comes with 38 Star Wars minifigures. Yes, you read that correctly. Included are two variations of Luke Skywalker (Jedi and Stormtrooper), two variations of Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2. There's also Stormtroopers, the Royal Guard, and more to build out the rest of the crew on the station. It's a packed house, allowing you to recreate iconic scenes from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.

Credit: Lego

This set features a variety of unforgettable locations that were the stage for some of the original trilogy's most unforgettable scenes. These include the trash compactor, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Princess Leia’s prison cell, the tractor beam control unit, the Imperial shuttle hangar, and many more of your favorites.

Credit: Lego

It has a nice, open design as well, so you can admire each section of the station and the scenes on display once it's fully pieced together. It measures over 20.6 inches (52.3 cm) high, 18.9 inches (48.0 cm) wide, and 15.1 inches (38.3 cm) deep according to Lego, so you'll want to clear plenty of space if you're planning on displaying this beast. And why wouldn't you? It's glorious.

Credit: Lego

This set will be available from Oct. 4 or from Oct. 1 if you're a Lego Insider. Ready to drop $999.99 on Lego? You might need to start saving now.

Looking for more Lego sets before the Death Star is available? Check out our breakdown of our favorite Lego sets or check out Walmart's Bricktember event for excellent deals on just about everything.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile Tenkeyless HyperSpeed Review: Slim Form is Function

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 11:01

I’ve been skeptical of low-profile mechanical keyboards ever since they hit the scene. How could a small mechanical switch ever live up to a regular-sized one? Well, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile Tenkeyless HyperSpeed showed me just how wrong I was, though it has a few unrelated issues.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $3,000

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:21

SAVE OVER $3,000: As of Sept. 5, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit is on sale for $3,299 at Amazon. That's a 49% saving anf the best-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit $3,299 at Amazon
$6,499 Save $3,200 Get Deal

Whether you’re charging electronics in the wild, keeping essentials running during a blackout, or powering a weekend road trip, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit has you covered, and right now it’s going for $3,200 less than usual. As of Sept. 5, this power station is priced at $3,299, a 49% saving on the list price.

This is the record-low price for this model according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, so if you've been waiting for the right moment to upgrade, this could be it. You're unlikely to see anything better until October Prime Day or Black Friday, and we're not promising anything here.

SEE ALSO: The mammoth Jackery Solar Generator 4000 Kit is $2,000 off right now on Amazon

This generator is designed to give you reliable, long-lasting power whether you’re at home or exploring off-grid. With a 6128.4Wh capacity, it can run heavy appliances up to 3,000W, while staying at a comfortable noise level (just 30dB). Charging is quick, reaching 80% in about 1.3 hours via AC or 1.6 hours with the solar panels. It comes with battery packs that are expandable up to 24kWh for more serious power needs, including full home backup.

And for safety, this model is built with advanced lithium technology. That means it has efficient cooling, shock resistance, and fire protection. It's also built to last. It comes with a LiFePo4 battery that promises to go for up to 10 years, so you know you're prepared for any power emergencies in the forseeable future.

This is a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dyson Unveiled: Here are all the new vacuums announced

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:15

Dyson just announced a slew of new gadgets at its Dyson Unveiled event in Berlin, showcasing the latest innovations across its product range. Unsurprisingly, the stars of the show were Dyson's vacuums, the company working hard to maintain its reputation for being at the forefront of suction technology.

Here's a rundown of all new vacuums revealed at Dyson Unveiled.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuums we've tested, from robots to Dyson stick vacs Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless vacuum Credit: Dyson

If you're looking for the most advanced new cordless vacuum in Dyson's lineup, the V16 Piston Animal is where you should turn your attention. Like previous vacuums in Dyson's range, the V16 Piston Animal is mounted with a green light so you can see the dust you're vacuuming up, and uses air resistance to automatically detect the floor type and adjust its suction accordingly. However, it also introduces several new features designed to make both cleaning and maintenance easier.

One of the most immediately noticeable changes is the V16 Piston Animal's dual conical brush bar, which is designed to suck up long hair measuring up to 60 centimetres without tangling. Instead, the strands are directed to the external ends of the bar so they can be sucked up into the bin.

Featured Video For You Is a $2,599.99 robot vacuum with an arm something anyone should be buying?

The V16 Piston Animal also adds a manual compression system enabling users to push down the contents of its dust bin. This not only means you can go longer without emptying the bin, but it's also less messy to do so, as you can use the same mechanism to push the debris out. Dyson has announced that it will further release a self-emptying dock for the V16 Piston Animal next year.

Switching between vacuum heads is less of a hassle as well, as a new release mechanism on the V16 Piston Animal's stick allows users to detach them without having to bend over. The V16 Piston Animal is further compatible with Dyson's new Submarine 2.0 wet roller, an additional motorised accessory which turns the V16 Piston Animal into a wet and dry vacuum. This head seems impressively lightweight and manoeuvrable in comparison to other dedicated wet and dry vacuums, and is certainly a space saver if you're only handling small areas and don't want to house an entire separate unit.

Though the U.S. release date and pricing have not yet been announced, the V16 Piston Animal is available in Australia and the UK from today.

Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene wet and dry vacuum Credit: Dyson

For those who do want to pick up a separate wet and dry vacuum, the Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene is here to fill that void. While the Clean+Wash Hygiene carries its clean water tank on its trunk, it deviates from some of its competitors by mounting its dirty water tank on the vacuum head. According to Dyson, this means the dirty water has less distance to travel through the wet and dry vacuum, minimising the chance of clogging and risk of odor. It also doesn't use a filter, catching everything right in the vacuum head.

The Clean+Wash Hygiene's other features include its microfibre roller with nylon bristles for assisting in stain removal, as well as a self-cleaning function and 185F (85C) hot-air drying dock to reduce the need for manual maintenance. Like the Submarine 2.0 wet roller, the Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene is also compatible with non-foaming cleaning fluid, for those who want to go the extra mile when cleaning their floor.

While the Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene will land in Australia and the UK in the first half of 2026, it seems we'll have to wait a bit longer for news of a U.S. release.

Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum Credit: Dyson

Dyson made its long awaited reentry into the robot vacuum market last year, releasing the 360 Vis Nav to curious consumers. Sadly, the 360 Vis Nav was largely underwhelming, particularly compared to competitors in the robot vacuum scene.

Fortunately, Dyson is working to up its game, introducing the Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum. The Spot+Scrub Ai appears to be a significant improvement over the 360 Vis Nav, offering features it lacked such as mopping functionality (with a cleaning fluid compartment) and a dock enabling it to empty itself. Arguably the most exciting update is the Spot+Scrub Ai dock's bagless build, meaning users can simply empty the dust bin just like they would on a Dyson stick vacuum.

SEE ALSO: First look at Narwal's new robot vacuum: The Freo Z10 Ultra is millennial gray and makes game-time decisions

Despite these improvements, the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai does still lag behind the competition. Self-emptying and mopping are already fairly standard features in robot vacuums, which have moved on to improving threshold clearance and experimenting with prehensile arms. Dyson told Mashable that the Spot+Scrub Ai can clear ledges up to 20 millimetres high, which is fairly standard.

Still, bagless robot vacuums remain relatively uncommon, giving the Spot+Scrub Ai an interesting point of difference. It will be interesting to see how Dyson will continue to innovate down this path.

The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum is scheduled to arrive in Australia and the UK during the first half of 2026, with no word yet on the U.S. launch.

Dyson V8 Cyclone cordless vacuum Credit: Dyson

The Dyson V8 cordless vacuum was originally released back in 2016, and has since been followed by the V10, V11, V12 Slim, and V15 Detect. Even so, the V8 remains one of Dyson's most popular vacuums, thanks in no small part to its comparatively less prohibitive price point. Dyson has now released an upgraded version, so that more people can enjoy improved suction.

Dyson states that the new V8 Cyclone vacuum has 30 percent more suction power than the original V8, and can run for up to 60 minutes on a full charge as opposed to 40. The V8 Cyclone no longer requires users to hold down a trigger either, turning on and off with the press of a button. Fortunately, the V8 Cyclone will be compatible with existing V8 attachments, and like the V16 Piston Animal, it will also get a self-emptying dock next year.

The V8 Cyclone is available in Australia and the UK today, with the U.S. release date and pricing to be announced.

Dyson PencilVac cordless vacuum Credit: Dyson

While the Dyson PencilVac was technically unveiled in May, this ultra slim stick vacuum still received some attention at Dyson Unveiled. Measuring 38 millimetres in diameter, the PencilVac's improbably thin design is achieved by an airflow system which compresses the dust and debris it picks up. The result is a vacuum that looks as though it doesn't have a dust bin at all, with everything stored in the vacuum's handle.

The PencilVac also utilises four fluffy cone-shaped brush bars (all the better to avoid tangled hair) and is equipped with green lights on both its front and back. This enables users to see the dust to pick up, as well as the clean floor left behind. Alongside the PencilVac's lightweight design and considerable manoeuvrability, it seems as though it will be fairly adept at reaching difficult to clean crevices.

The Dyson PencilVac has already been available in Australia and the UK since August, but will arrive in the U.S. next year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Webb telescope snapped a baby picture. But these babies are tyrants.

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:00

Despite what you might assume, newborn stars aren't dainty, fragile creatures of the cosmos. They terrorize the neighborhood, reshaping space around them and deciding where the next stars can — or can't — be born. 

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists took an infrared image of a young star cluster called Pismis 24, a spot within the Lobster Nebula about 5,500 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. NASA has described the dazzling scene of gas and dust as resembling glowing mountains, "kissed by wispy clouds." 

But this stellar nursery, according to recent observations, is anything but cute. Astronomers were surprised by how much influence these young, massive stars had on their surroundings. Webb revealed that their super-hot radiation and stellar winds are so intense, they're bulldozing enormous walls of gas and dust that could have otherwise been used to form other stars. 

"This dramatic scene captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope looks like a fantastical tableau from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings," said the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which runs the observatory on behalf of NASA. "But truth is even stranger than fiction." 

SEE ALSO: New telescope images deliver sharpest-ever view of powerful solar flare

Webb, a joint partnership of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts, blasted off on Christmas in 2021 and now circles the sun about 1 million miles from Earth. From the start, NASA said Webb would revolutionize our understanding of the universe. And it delivered: when scientists saw the very first images, one even admitted to having an "ugly cry" because they were so sharp and detailed.

In just a short time, Webb has kicked off what astronomers are calling a golden age of discovery. It’s looking back to less than 300 million years after the Big Bang, when the first stars and galaxies lit up, and it’s also peering into the atmospheres of far-flung planets. Pam Melroy, a former astronaut who served as deputy administrator for NASA during the Biden administration, said the telescope's reign will continue for a long time, carrying enough fuel to run for at least 20 years. 

The James Webb Space Telescope explores star cluster Pismis 24 and finds massive young stars have outsize influence on new star births. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

Astronomers didn't fully appreciate how much influence young stars have on their surroundings until Webb peered into this cluster, one of the closest regions to Earth of new massive stars. 

The image shows it clearly: Rather than star birth being a gentle process hidden in a nest of clouds, the massive babies act like tropical storms, violently disrupting their environments by igniting or shutting down star formation. Some of these newborns are nearly eight times hotter than the sun. 

The towering, fingerlike structures of dust and gas extend from the glowing wall of gas, pointing toward the hot, young stars that shaped them. New stars are emerging within. The tallest finger is enormous, with a tip more than 200 times as wide as our solar system, according to NASA. And this image is only a small section of the nebula, which extends far beyond this frame.

The image also reveals thousands of stars ranging in color and size. The ones showcasing six-point spikes — diffraction caused by how light bends around Webb's mirrors — are the most massive stars in the cluster. Perhaps thousands of smaller stars appear as white, yellow, or red, depending on their type and the amount of dust obscuring them. 

At the center of the cluster is Pismis 24-1. Scientists once thought this object was the most massive star they had ever observed. They later realized what appeared to be one mega star was at least two. Still, at 74 and 66 times heavier than the sun each, the two known stars that compose Pismis 24-1 are among the most massive and luminous ever discovered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Félix Auger-Aliassime has never made a Grand Slam final, but he now has his sights set firmly on the showpiece event of the 2025 US Open. Standing in his way is top seed Sinner, which isn't exactly ideal. But if you want to win a Grand Slam, you need to beat the best.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime for free

Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 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

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Djokovic vs. Alcaraz in the 2025 US Open online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: Live stream Djokovic vs. Alcaraz in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 US Open semi finals were always going to be huge, but it really doesn't get much better than Djokovic vs. Alcaraz. Can Djokovic turn back the clock and produce a big performance to secure his spot in the final? He's going to need to be at his best to beat the young Spaniard, but if anyone is capable of doing the impossible, it's Djokovic.

If you want to watch Djokovic vs. Alcaraz in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Djokovic vs. Alcaraz for free

Djokovic vs. Alcaraz in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 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

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Djokovic vs. Alcaraz for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Twinless review: Queer culture thrives in dark comedy

Mashable - Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:00

Don't be fooled about Twinless. At present, it seems this dark comedy that earned rave reviews out of Sundance is getting lost in the shuffle, as a new wave of festival faves are buzzed about out of Telluride, Venice, and Toronto. Even the hearts of film critics — and certainly whatever remains of Film Twitter — can be fickle. But Twinless deserves better than being glossed over or forgotten. Because this comedy is fucking savage, and I love it for that. 

Written, directed, and starring James Sweeney, Twinless is far from a vanity project. Instead, it recalls Julio Torres' brilliant New York City satire Problemista, wherein the writer/director transforms himself into a cringe-inducing clown opposite a more established actor, who proceeds to make a feast of the film. In this case, rather than Tilda Swinton as a trash-hoarding dragon, Maze Runner's Dylan O'Brien plays a pair of twins who have virtually nothing in common. The results for both are movies that are devastating, hilarious, and unquestionably queer. 

SEE ALSO: Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres reveal 'Problemista's unexpected common ground

But Twinless gets much darker than Problemista, folding into its humor a Fatal Attraction sensibility that is deliciously deranged. 

Twinless delivers a twisted comedy with a dash of psychological thriller.  Credit: Roadside Attractions

On its surface, Twinless is about the unlikely friendship that forms between two guys who meet at a support group for people who've experienced the death of their twin.

Roman (O'Brien) is a brawny bro into sports, video games, and girls, but in his own words, he's "not the brightest tool in the shed." Dennis (Sweeney) is scrawny, cynical, gay, and very witty. For all their differences, the one thing they have in common is a deep loneliness. So, a trip to get groceries turns into a party, which then turns into a holiday trip to see family. But along the way, Sweeney clues the audience in on a lie that lurks between these quickly close friends: Dennis doesn't have a twin.

It's a lie, but not his biggest. Shrewdly, that mysterious, mighty mistruth is teased in the film's very first scene. It's so subtle, some might only catch it on rewatching. Suffice to say, loneliness can drive us to wild decisions, and Twinless delves into this problematic terrain with exuberance. 

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Because Sweeney lets us in on Dennis' lie during the second act, we're conflicted as we see Roman and Dennis grow closer. In some ways, they're good for each other. Dennis gives Roman a place to talk freely about his twin brother, Rocky (O'Brien). But perhaps most importantly, Dennis is a second chance for Roman to make amends with his brother in an indirect way. See, the twins had a falling out when Rocky came out as gay, and Roman took it the news poorly. But with Dennis, he's able to better understand queerness, and by extension Rocky, and even himself. Meanwhile, Dennis burns with a desire he can't confess.

All this to say, that is a story of lies, love, loss, and lust. Sweeney deftly balances the shocking turns, twisted punchlines, and earnest heart by playing these two lonely men off each other with a masterful hand. 

Twinless is brilliantly, brutally funny.  Credit: Roadside Attractions

It begins at Rocky's funeral, where his friends burst into tears as they tell Roman to his face, "It's like seeing a ghost!" Their self-indulgence spurs laughter from us, even as we see how it crushes the surviving twin. Later, when Roman and Dennis meet, it's over a joke about the taste of balls that plays as homophobic at first, then playfully kinky. 

Through Dennis, Sweeney is able to craft jokes that are prickly and smart, like a good and nasty read. Through Roman, he is able to set up jokes that are sweeter and frankly a bit stupid. Like when Roman explains he's been paying rent to live in his mother's basement, and Dennis asks, "How's she taking it?" He means Rocky's death, but Roman misses the change in topic, replying sincerely, "Mostly in cash." 

Sure, such punchlines urge the audience to laugh at Roman. But Dennis' arc gives plenty of reasons to laugh at him too, mostly for a cringe-worthy neediness. Yet, such jokes invite us to understand these flawed men, warts and all, and maybe even embrace them, even as they turn on each other.  

Dylan O'Brien delivers a knockout performance as a pair of twins.  Credit: Roadside Attractions

An unexpected trend in 2025 is leading men playing dual roles. So far, we've had Robert De Niro in Alto Knights, Robert Pattinson in Mickey 17, and Michael B. Jordan in Sinners. O'Brien's performance stands out even among these heavy hitters, because the contrast between Rocky and Roman is clear and so crucial to understanding not only who they are as characters, but also how they got into their respective predicaments

As Roman, O'Brien is a lovable himbo. Heartbroken but open-hearted, he is like a kicked puppy as he explores Portland, the city that his twin made home. He's lost, shrunken by hurt. Yet, there's a charm to his simplicity, even when he's simply awkward. But as Rocky, he's another beast altogether. 

Rocky is a swaggering stud. In flashbacks, he's powerful, seductive, and breezy, somehow all at once. He's the kind of guy who can pick up a stranger in a diner and have him in his bed minutes later. Rocky has the kind of easy confidence and enviable openness that makes us fall for him almost instantly, even though we know where he'll end up. By creating such a brief but blazing portrait of Rocky, O'Brien makes us relate to Roman's loss as if it were ours too. 

All of this builds to a climax that is smartly stressful and defiantly outrageous. True to queer culture, Twinless is transgressive in its humor and ultimately humane in its storytelling. So, as deeply deranged as Sweeney's thriller gets, there's still room to laugh and love these tragically twisted characters. 

So much more than a Sundance movie, Twinless is a jewel of queer cinema, rough, radiant, and beguiling. Seek it out. Then watch it again. 

Twinless opens in theaters on Sept. 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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