Mashable

Writer/director Ryan Coogler has previously awed audiences with Black Panther and Creed. For Sinners, he's reunited with longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan, who plays twins in the critically heralded vampire flick.

Set in Clarksdale, Mississippi circa 1932, where the blues was born, Sinners stars Jordan as the SmokeStack Twins, two debonair rogues who, after years up north in Chicago, are fixing to start a juke joint in their hometown. Helping them along the way is a smooth-talking bluesman (Delroy Lindo), the no-nonsense local grocer (Li Jun Li), old friends (Omar Miller), former lovers (Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld), a sultry singer (Jayme Lawson), and their young cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), who aspires to be a professional musician. But Sammie’s soulful music attracts more than revelers — it also attracts a prowling vampire (Jack O’Connell), determined to turn their juke joint into an all-you-can-eat buffet.

SEE ALSO: 'Sinners' review: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan deliver a vampire movie for the ages

This mix of sensational song numbers and vampire-led violence means Sinners is a film that might have some calling it a horror musical. But do Coogler and his cast agree? Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Coogler and his Sinners ensemble to discuss the matter, and to explore how making a “genre-fluid” film so physically demanding worked for the cast. 

Sinners is now in theaters.

ChatGPT users have discovered that the popular AI chatbot can serve as a reverse-location search tool. In other words, you can show ChatGPT a picture, and it can pretty reliably tell you where it was taken. The trend is inspired by the online game Geoguessr, where folks try to figure out a location from a simple web image.

We decided to put this new ChatGPT trend to the test, and the results were downright scary. Mashable tech reporters prompted ChatGPT to play a geo-guessing game and uploaded a series of photos. Even when ChatGPT identified the wrong location, it still got pretty close (such as identifying a rooftop hotel in Buffalo instead of Rochester). In other cases, it suggested specific addresses.

ChatGPT's new reasoning models are getting smarter

This week, OpenAI introduced its newest ChatGPT reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini, with improved visual reasoning. OpenAI also recently made its image generator available to free users. That's led to a number of ChatGPT-based viral trends. People have used it to turn their pets into humans or themselves into action figures, for instance. The reverse location trend, however, is a bit more complicated — and concerning from a privacy standpoint.

The trend started when folks online realized that ChatGPT has become proficient at guessing a location just by analyzing a photo. Ethan Mollick, a professor who researches AI, posted an example on X where ChatGPT was able to correctly guess where he was driving despite the fact that he stripped the image of location info. (Images often contain metadata that includes precise location data.)

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Mollick noted that this ability also shows off the capabilities of agentic AI, which allows AI models to reason out answers in multiple steps and perform more complicated tasks such as web searches.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Putting ChatGPT's visual reasoning to the test

We tested ChatGPT on these new abilities, and it did a decent, if imperfect, job. First, we uploaded a recent photo of a flower shop taken in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. ChatGPT was able to deduce the photo was taken in Brooklyn. It incorrectly thought the image was of a specific flower shop about seven miles away from the true location.

We then uploaded a photo taken from a car on a recent trip to Japan, and ChatGPT's new o3 model was able to identify the exact location. "Final answer:📍 Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, near the Togetsukyo Bridge, looking across the Katsura River."

The prompt... Credit: Screenshot courtesy of OpenAI ...and the correct answer. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of ChatGPT

When we ran the same prompt with an older reasoning model, the results were much more general: "Given the combination of mountainous terrain, the style of the guardrail, the road, and the overall setting, this looks very much like it could be Japan...The scenery is reminiscent of the areas around Kyoto or Nara, where the countryside meets historic and cultural sites."

We then took things a step further. We uploaded screenshots from the profile of a popular Instagram model — the type of person who would have genuine concerns about privacy and stalkers. With the latest reasoning models, ChatGPT correctly identified the general location, even suggesting specific high-rise apartments, and in one case, a specific home address.

Now, to be fair, the address in question is a home popular among influencers and TV productions, but the specificity was impressive. And a bit scary. It's yet another reason to be careful about what you post online — AI can now help folks deduce where you're located.

OpenAI has said ChatGPT's reverse location abilities could prove helpful, while also acknowledging privacy concerns.

"OpenAI o3 and o4-mini bring visual reasoning to ChatGPT, making it more helpful in areas like accessibility, research, or identifying locations in emergency response," an OpenAI spokesperson wrote in an email to Mashable. "We’ve worked to train our models to refuse requests for private or sensitive information, added safeguards intended to prohibit the model from identifying private individuals in images, and actively monitor for and take action against abuse of our usage policies on privacy.”

Among the eerie, slow-moving horrors of the 2014 film It Follows, the image I can't stop thinking about years later is that famous seashell e-reader. Unfortunately, its genius design was made just for the movie, but a new e-reader just debuted that may get us one step closer.

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This week, Taiwan-based company Readmoo debuted its latest color e-reader at the 2025 Touch Taiwan Exhibition. The mooInk V is a color e-reader that has a center hinge (à la the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) so it folds in half. This reminds us of another innovative technology — something called a book.

While specific dimensions of the e-reader have yet to be revealed, based on images released from the event, it appears to fold up smaller than a paperback book. However, it is slightly heavier than a Kindle at 225 grams, likely due to the mechanics of its hinged aluminum-magnesium alloy build. While we can't testify to its durability, the company claims it can handle more than 200,000 bends.

The mooInk V can bend at a 90-degree angle or lay flat. Credit: Readmoo

Press photos from the mooInk V's debut show an ultra-saturated color screen, but I'm cautiously optimistic about just how bright it will actually be. So far, the color e-readers on the market don't quite live up to their vibrant hype.

Current color e-reader models like the Kobo Libra Colour and Kindle Colorsoft use a Kaleido 3 display, which is a color filter layered on top of a black and white E-Ink panel. That limits the shades that those e-readers can display, usually resulting in slightly muted tones.

Another look at the mooInk V from Readmoo Credit: Readmoo

The mooInk V will instead feature E Ink's Gallery 3 display, which contains colored ink capsules to produce up to 50,000 shades. Like Kindle and Kobo e-readers, the mooInk V will have a screen resolution of 300ppi.

There's still a lot we don't know about the mooInk V, like its specific dimensions, cost, and release date, but we're curious about its promises.

UPDATE: Apr. 18, 2025, 12:15 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with additional information on tariff-related price hikes from Nintendo and Loftie.

President Donald Trump's tariff policies are causing chaos. Last week, the White House announced steep new tariffs, announced an exemption for some electronics, and then walked back the exemption almost immediately. Despite the uncertainty, we're already seeing some price hikes across consumer tech.

President Trump has imposed a huge reciprocal tariff on China, where many tech products are manufactured. Some Chinese goods may face a levy of 245 percent, and smaller global tariffs on most other countries remain in effect. That means importing goods to the United States is now much more expensive than it was two weeks ago. Several companies across multiple product categories, from laptops to GPUs and TVs and even toilet paper, have announced higher-than-normal prices.

Without wasting any more time, here are the confirmed tariff price increases in the tech world so far.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 tariff impacts: What we know so far Nintendo Switch 2 accessories

In an April 18 press release, Nintendo announced that while the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself and a handful of launch titles won't receive any price increases, the same can't be said for the new handheld's accessories. In particular, the Joy-Con controllers and Switch Camera will see small price increases. The statement reads, "Nintendo Switch 2 accessories will experience price adjustments from those announced on April 2 due to changes in market conditions...Other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future depending on market conditions."

This news comes after a temporary pre-order delay for the Switch 2, which the company implemented in response to the volatile tariff situation. The console was originally supposed to go up for preorder on April 9, but Nintendo paused U.S. orders just days after the Switch 2's official announcement. At the time of this writing, preorders for the console are back on — you can secure yours beginning on April 24.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo confirms Switch 2 pre-orders are back on, and the price is unchanged Loftie Lamp

Lofite announced that its award-winning smart Lamp will experience a price increase due to tariffs. At the time of writing, Loftie's popular alarm clock has not been affected.

"The U.S. is imposing steep new taxes on products made in China—including ours. Starting May 1, the tariff on each Loftie Lamp will increase to 175%. That means we’ll need to raise prices to account for the new taxes. We have fewer than 900 lamps left in inventory, and once they’re gone—or once May arrives—our pricing will reflect this new reality. Future production is on hold while we wait for clarity on what comes next," the company wrote on the Loftie Lamp product page.

Loftie has the remainder of its lamp inventory listed at just $274.99 right now, which is $175 off the original price.

Asus laptops

Taiwanese tech giant Asus announced price hikes on several of its Zenbook and Vivobook laptops back in March, before Trump's "Liberation Day" shenanigans set most of these other price hikes in motion. So far, these price increases aren't massive, per se; they range between 5 and 10 percent for each affected laptop. For instance, the Zenbook A14 went from $1,099 to $1,199.

Asus told Mashable at the time that more Asus products could receive tariff-related price increases as the situation evolves. Since the tariffs on China are now substantially larger than they were in late March, don't be surprised if some prices go up even further.

Dame

Sexual wellness brand Dame is calling out President Trump directly with its price increases. In an Instagram post, the company announced that it will be adding a $5 "Trump Tariff Surcharge" on all of its products made in China. "Yes, that’s a “Trump Tariff Surcharge” in your cart. We’re sorry, really. But a 54% tariff on goods made in China is hitting us hard. So we’ve made the tough call to adjust prices," the Instagram caption reads. Dame also added artwork of the president's signature hairstyle to its shopping cart.

View this post on Instagram Framework laptops

Framework may not be as big of a name as Sony or Asus, but tech enthusiasts should know it as the maker of uniquely easy-to-repair laptops. They're designed to be taken apart, even by the hands of a casual user, with intuitive repair/replacement instructions baked into the machines themselves.

On Wednesday, Framework announced a flat 10 percent increase on laptop prices... and then Trump instituted a 90-day pause on all non-China tariffs. Since Framework manufactures its devices in Taiwan, prices were then reduced back to their normal states. However, Framework indicated in a company blog post that some components like bezels and expansion cards are made in China, so there will be price increases on those.

GPUs

Rather than going company-by-company, it's easiest to just say that graphics cards for PCs could see blanket price increases across the board, according to our friends at PCMag.

Since they're largely made in China, the 145 percent tariff on that country could hit the GPU import market very hard. One online retailer, Newegg, hiked prices on certain Nvidia GPUs by as much as $400 because of the Trump tariffs. While this will be an inconvenience (to put it lightly) for anyone building a custom PC, these kinds of GPUs are also necessary for the development of generative AI on an enterprise level. This will affect both consumers and businesses, in other words.

Anker products

Anker, a Chinese company that makes a lot of different electronics, including phone cases, charging cables, and portable chargers, has instituted a tariff price hike on many of its products on Amazon. So far, 127 different Anker products have been affected, with average price increases of 18 percent.

Since Anker's portable power banks are generally of pretty high quality and (until now) fairly affordable, this one hurts. Now might be the time to get a smartphone with a longer-lasting battery...if you can, at least, until tariffs affect those, too.

Sony TVs

This is a bit of an odd one in that the company hasn't confirmed that tariffs are responsible for the price increase, but it sure seems that way.

To be more specific, The Verge found that some of Sony's new Bravia OLED TV models have had around $500 tacked onto their U.S. prices, compared to a currency conversion of the Canadian prices. To be clear, even before tariff increases, these TVs weren't cheap. The 65-inch Bravia 8 II TV costs $3,999 in the United States; at Canadian outlets, the price converts to about $3,500 in U.S. dollars. It's hard to imagine Sony plopping $500 onto the price of a TV in the U.S. for any reason other than increased import costs.

Foreo

Foreo is a Swedish beauty company that makes a popular line of facial massagers and brushes. We've seen multiple reports that Foreo plans to increase its prices by 20 to 30 percent beginning April 22. At this time, we haven't been able to independently confirm this increase, and we've reached out to Foreo for comment. We'll update this story if we learn anything new.

Jolie

Jolie, the maker of a filtered showerhead, is one of the first companies to confirm the addition of a line item for tariffs during the customer checkout process. First reported by The Information, the DTC brand will soon add a "Trump liberation tariff" surcharge to its bills.

In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Jolie Skin Co. CEO Ryan Babenzien said, "We think transparency is the way to go here and I am giving Trump full credit for his decision to add this Tariff to all US consumers."

Combustion Inc.

Combustion Inc. announced on its Instagram that tariffs would impact the pricing of its Predictive Thermometer, its accessories, and the Giant Grill Gauge. The company says that it has a limited inventory of Predictive Thermometer products that will continue to be offered at pre-tariff pricing. Once the inventory is depleted, the restock will reflect a new, increased price.

The Giant Grill Gauge will also remain at the same price until the closing of its preorder window in May. After that, a new price will be implemented.

We'll continue updating this post as new tariff price changes are confirmed.

Keep checking Mashable for our latest tariff news and explainers, from delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of iPhone 16 panic buying.

SAVE $8.25: As of April 18, get the AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter on white background for $46.74, down from its usual price of $54.99. That's a 15% discount, applied via clipping the on-page coupon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter $46.74 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $8.25 Clip 15% off on-page coupon Get Deal

Though we've been steadily moving away from 3.5 mm audio jacks in our electronics (and all but eliminated them from our phones), you can still find some here and there. And they can be instrumental in making your favorite tech, namely headphones, a little more convenient. In fact, they can help give you wireless functionality where it wasn't there previously. That's super helpful when it comes to situations where cords tangling up just doesn't work. And thanks to this Amazon deal, you can always be prepared for if and when it happens.

As of April 18, get the AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter on white background for $46.74, down from its usual price of $54.99. That's a 15% discount, applied via clipping the on-page coupon.

You can use the AirFly Pro to transmit and receive Bluetooth audio, such as with a pair of Apple AirPods or other headphones, say, on a plane or other location where there is none. From hooking up to in-flight entertainment or gym equipment, it opens up a whole new world of audio, including on gaming consoles and other tech. Best of all, it makes things quick and easy.

The AirFly Pro itself has 25 hours of battery life as well, with a 33 ft reach, so you can listen even when you're not up close and personal. That makes it an affordable and useful addition to your regular travel kit, or your gym bag. Just be sure to clip the coupon so you can have the 15% discount applied when you buy yours.

You're not the only one who turns to Wikipedia for quick facts. Lately, a deluge of AI bots training on Wikipedia articles has put enormous strain on the organization's servers.

To curb the influx of "non-human traffic" scraping the site for training data, Wikipedia is taking a proactive approach: serving up its data directly to AI developers.

On Wednesday, the Wikimedia Foundation announced a partnership with Google-owned company Kaggle to release a beta dataset "featuring structured Wikipedia content in English and French." Uploaded on April 15, the company said the dataset "simplifies access to clean, pre-parsed article data that’s immediately usable for modeling, benchmarking, alignment, fine-tuning, and exploratory analysis."

According to Ars Technica, bots that scrape Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons pages have consumed 50 percent of its bandwidth, putting a massive strain on the nonprofit's entire operation. Wikimedia hopes that serving up data to developers will dissuade them from deploying bots all over its pages.

The rise of generative AI has let loose a flood of scraping bots hungrily crawling all corners of the internet for more data. To compete against rivals, AI companies have a seemingly insatiable appetite for data. This has included copyrighted works, a contentious issue with artists. Authors, artists, and musicians are arguing in court that this training violates copyright law when it's done without credit, compensation, or consent.

That's why companies like Meta and OpenAI are currently embroiled in legal battles over copyright infringement from plaintiffs like the Authors Guild and The New York Times, who argue this practice is not protected by the fair use doctrine.

But the difference here is that all Wikipedia content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license, which means its content is free to use as long as it's properly attributed and distributed under the same license. The Wikimedia Foundation told Gizmodo that Kaggle paid for the data through the Wikimedia Enterprise, and AI companies "are still expected to respect Wikipedia’s attribution and licensing terms."

The partnership between Wikimedia and Kaggle represents a more nuanced way forward, allowing AI companies to train models on internet data that's been legally and, at least more ethically, obtained.

SAVE UP TO 30%: Celebrate Earth Month with up to 30% off at Grove Co. Shop dish soap, laundry sheets, multipurpose cleaner, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grove Co. Grove Co. Earth Month Sale Save up to 30% on household essentials Get Deal

I didn’t think there’d be a day when buying cleaning supplies and other household essentials would take such a big chunk of my paycheck, but it’s 2025, and here we are. But there are still ways to save and be environmentally conscious.

Right now, you can get up to 30% off sitewide during Grove Co.’s Earth Month Sale. This includes refills and dispensers for laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, and all-purpose cleaner, as well as products like toilet paper, paper towels, and more. You can also get free shipping when you spend $29 or more.

SEE ALSO: Grove Co. makes eco-friendly cleaning product swaps easy

That being said, Grove Co. is one of many companies affected by the recent tariff changes. They've announced that starting Tuesday, April 22, 2025, prices on a number of its products will increase. (If you’re a current Grove subscriber, you might want to check your cart to make sure you’re still happy with your scheduled order!)

So, what's the takeaway? Now’s the time to take advantage of the current Earth Month Sale (with up to 30% off sitewide and free shipping on $29+) and stock up on your favorite Grove Co. essentials before the new prices kick in on April 22.

SAVE $35.97: As of April 18, get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents at Amazon. That's a discount of 97%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents $0.99 at Amazon
$35.97 Save $34.98 Get Deal

Thinking about reading more books? It's a noble goal that many of us end up setting, but many also fall short. Books can be expensive, after all, and it always feels like there's just no time in the day to do everything you really want to do. But if you have tons of books at your disposal for a low price, that could change things significantly. Amazon's Kindle Unlimited subscription is a great option in that respect, and right now you can try it out for a significant discount.

As of April 18, get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents at Amazon, down from its usual price of $35.97 ($11.99 monthly). That's a discount of 97%. This offer only applies to Amazon Prime members joining Kindle Unlimited for the first time. You will need to be logged in to a Prime account without a subscription to be eligible (or to see the discount). After your 99 cent subscription ends, you must cancel or your subscription will raise to $11.99 monthly.

Kindle Unlimited allows you to read as many books, magazines, and audiobooks you want from Amazon per month. While not all of Amazon's books are included, there's plenty to choose from, with tons of NYT bestsellers, classics, and favorites to download and read on your Kindle. It's like checking a book out from the library without having to leave your home.

You can borrow up to 20 titles at a time and use your subscription across multiple devices. There are no due dates, so all you need to do is "return" a book when you're done and just get another one. It's a simple and affordable way to read more, and you can use it anywhere you can access your Kindle books. If you want to do all this on the cheap, be sure to snag this offer while it's available.

Best early Amazon Book Sale deals: Best Kindle deal Kindle Scribe (64GB) $364.99 (save $85) Get Deal Best subscription deal Three Months of Audible Premium Plus $0.99 (save $42) Get Deal Best book deal 'The Good Girl' by Mary Kubica $7.87 (save $11.12) Get Deal

Amazon’s annual book sale kicks off on April 23 and runs through April 28, but if you’re itching to get your hands on some new reading material, you can shop early deals now.

Here are the best early Amazon book sale deals we could find as of April 18:

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (64GB) $364.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $85 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) has returned to its all-time low price of $364.99, down from $449.99. That’s a 19% discount and $85 in savings.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) doubles as an e-reader and a digital notebook that you can literally write on (with the included Premium Pen). The “paper” is designed to feel and function like real paper, and with a 10.2-inch glare-free screen and 300ppi resolution, you can read and write comfortably in any light.

Write in the margins your favorite books (or textbooks), jot down notes, create to-do lists, and more. Then, convert your handwritten notes into text and email them to colleagues, friends, family, or yourself.

Best subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Three Months of Audible Premium Plus $0.99 at Amazon
$14.95 Save $13.96 Get Deal Why we like it

If audiobooks are more your speed, you can get three months of Audible Premium Plus for $0.99 per month. It’s regularly $14.95 a month, so you’re saving about $42 over the three months.

With Audible Premium Plus, you’ll get one credit per month to pick any title from the premium selection (including bestsellers and new releases) to keep forever. You also get unlimited access to the Plus Catalog, featuring thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.

This deal is available through April 30.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: MIRA 'The Good Girl' by Mary Kubica $7.87 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $11.12 Get Deal Why we like it

Tons of Editors’ Picks are on sale right now, including The Good Girl by Mary Kubica.

This book has sold over one million copies worldwide, and you can get your hands on the paperback version for just $7.87. That’s a 59% discount and a savings of $11.12.

The Good Girl is a thriller novel, but if you’re a fan of Gone Girl, you’ll probably like it.

SPEND $30, GET $5 CREDIT: As of April 18, spend $30 on home essentials at Amazon and get a $5 credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get a $5 Amazon credit when you spend $30 on home essentials Get Deal

Are all your home essentials running low? Need to stock up on everything you use regularly? Don't run to the department stores or put in a hasty DoorDash order. Amazon has a deal that could make filling your shelves a much less expensive and frustrating ordeal.

As of April 18, spend $30 on home essentials at Amazon and get a $5 credit. Add the products you want to shop from the Amazon promotion page to your cart. Be sure to add a total of items that add up to $30. When you're finished, simply check out. Your offer will automatically be applied at checkout.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide: Everything you need to know ahead of time

This sale isn't just about goodies for your pantry, though. It encompasses a wide variety of things, from beauty products to outdoor goods and baby items and much more. The luxurious Eos Shea Better Body Lotion is included, as is the popular Tree Hut shea sugar scrubs that come in several different scents. It's mostly a sale that nets you home items instead of food, however, so keep that in mind when shopping.

You can shop multiple orders with the credit, so if you need to grab items for different addresses, or you want to get away with saving more money, you can do that. Just be sure to grab the items specifically from the landing page to make your life easier.

Nintendo confirmed on its website today that Switch 2 pre-orders in the U.S. will officially start on April 24, two weeks after the originally scheduled April 9 start date.

Two weeks ago, Nintendo showed off the Switch 2. Just a few days later, pre-orders in the U.S. were shut down because of Trump's tariffs.

That's all over, for now, anyway. Besides the pre-order announcement, the biggest news here is that the console's price, after weeks of speculation, is not changing. At this time, the Switch 2 will launch in the U.S. for the original listed price of $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle going for $499.99.

SEE ALSO: 'Mario Kart World' Nintendo Direct: 3 big takeaways from the stream

With the chaotic situation surrounding U.S. tariffs in recent weeks, it was reasonable to expect a price bump on the console itself, but Nintendo was able to find a way to avoid that. However, not everything is so rosy. To compensate for not increasing the console's price, Nintendo has increased the prices of several accessories, but only by $5 to $10 per product, as far as I can tell. Some of the new prices include:

• Switch 2 Pro Controller: $84.99

• Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 set: $94.99

• Switch 2 camera: $54.99

• Switch 2 dock set: $119.99

Those are all big prices for video game accessories, but given everything we've been hearing about tariff price impacts over the past few weeks, it's almost a pleasant surprise that they aren't higher. Of course, there's every possibility these prices fluctuate over time (and not always in the right direction), so keep an eye out. Regardless, you now know when you can finally lock down a Switch 2.

Entertainers can't be tariffed — at least not yet — but content creators, especially those who double as small business owners, are in a world of their own when it comes to the impacts of President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs.

We're in a trade war. Last month, Trump announced a 10-percent levy on nearly all imports, plus steeper tariffs targeting specific countries like China, Vietnam, and Japan. The president even placed tariffs on a remote, uninhabited island called home by a bunch of penguins. As it stands, there's a 145-percent tariff on all Chinese goods bound for the U.S., with some exceptions, and a 25-percent tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada. 

The tariffs have been a bit of a moving target, causing economic distress for business owners and people who buy things from businesses, which is pretty much everyone. And for those who are part of the ever-growing $250 billion creator economy, these tariffs can have a pretty steep effect. Influencers, content creators, and entrepreneurs make money online in a variety of ways, and sometimes a combination of them all: selling their own goods, signing onto brand deals to sell other companies' goods, entertaining us, and, of course, using TikTok — a social media giant whose parent company is based in China and is already at the center of other U.S.-China debates.

SEE ALSO: Trump's China tariffs reportedly tanked the TikTok deal

It seems like the tariffs are affecting every industry. So what do they mean for the tens of millions of people who work within the creator economy?

How tariffs might affect small business owners — and how they can leverage social media to fight back

The line between small business owner, content creator, and influencer might seem blurred, but the tariffs can really put things into perspective. Take Chelsey Brown, founder of Curio Blvd, a home goods brand known for its sentimental items like the Time Capsule Journal and the Keepsake Case, which Brown said "went viral" a year ago and is built in China. She doesn't identify as an influencer, and actively does not send her products to influencers to review, but she's a savvy user of social media when it comes to getting the word out about her products.

Now, due to the tariffs, she’s had to take out a loan to keep her business going, and she's even considering closing Curio Blvd.

"We found out about the tariff on April 2, and by that time, the tariff went from 20 to 54 percent," Brown told Mashable. She already had inventory en route from China well before Trump announced the tariffs in April, and, by then, it was too late to pull her product. Now, she says, "We have a bunch of Keepsake Cases and our new bedding line headed to the U.S." That means that even though she purchased them before the tariff went into effect, Brown will now have to pay the tariff on those items.

Even worse, her remaining inventory is stuck in China because she can't afford to pay the tariff on those goods. She refuses to increase prices, wanting to keep her goods accessible, but that leaves her stuck in what she calls a “weird stalemate.”

Some of the comments on her TikTok have suggested she simply move production to the U.S., but that’s easier said than done. According to Brown, U.S. manufacturers can’t replicate the same quality, and charge significantly more when they come close. She argues that the materials and factories she needs simply aren't available in the U.S., and it would take far longer to begin producing her products. "Honestly, making it in the U.S. is actually more expensive than what the tariffs would be," Brown said. For now, she's just hoping the tariffs decrease because they're "essentially destroying small businesses like mine."

And that's just small businesses that handle product sales themselves. Brown doesn't use TikTok Shop or any third-party seller, but for those who do, there's another looming change: The "de minimis" exemption, which allows packages worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. tax-free, will no longer apply to Chinese shipments starting May 2. That means sellers using platforms like TikTok Shop, Temu, or Shein will face a 120-percent tariff on items, with a $100 “postal item” charge increasing to $200 by June 1.

"Many influencers aren’t just promoting products; they are the small businesses, often relying on affordable overseas manufacturing to run lean [direct-to-consumer] brands," Captiv8 Co-Founder and CEO Krishna Subramanian told Mashable. "If tariffs drive up costs, some creators may need to rethink pricing or product strategy." But it's not all gloom and doom. "Creators are uniquely agile," she said. "They’ve built loyal communities, and that direct connection gives them room to adapt faster than traditional retailers."

Some are already adapting by turning the economic fallout into content. Brown’s videos about how tariffs have impacted the financial side of her business have garnered hundreds of thousands of views and a wave of support. Most of the comments are full of empathy and encouragement — many even promise to start buying from Curio Blvd. right away.

"Your video just got you a new customer 🫶🏽 wishing you all the best," one commenter said.

Gartner Director Analyst Claudia Ratterman told Mashable that there's an opportunity for brands and creators to create content "really [highlighting] the value they bring" to connect with their audience during economic uncertainty.

"That kind of message not only grabs [people's ] attention but also makes [them] feel valued and understood. It's a win-win because it boosts engagement in the short term and over time, you’re hopefully nurturing a potential loyal customer," Ratterman said

How tariffs might affect brand deals 

When tariffs are put in place, brands have to either spend more money on their goods or move the production of them, which also costs money. Because of this, we might see brands having to shift their budgets. Usually, when that happens, they'll cut spending in places like marketing and public relations and instead focus on something that might be cheaper — something like influencer marketing.

We've seen these kinds of shifts before. In 2020, there were some short-term economic shocks to the supply chain because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, brands shifted their budgets to influencer marketing because it was a cheaper and more effective alternative to traditional ads. Of course, the pandemic isn't a perfect one-to-one parallel — people were stuck in their homes and scrolling with more fervor than ever before. But the spike in prices for many goods made consumers more cautious with their spending, and marketers had to rethink how to win them over.

Instead of taking out loans — an option many companies could pursue — some brands may choose to cut marketing budgets to prioritize production. If they want to market at all, they'll need to spend less, shifting away from costly tactics like TV ads in favor of user-generated content (UGC) and influencer partnerships.

Now, with tariffs driving up costs across multiple levels of business, we may see a similar adjustment. Businesses that can survive these tariffs will need to stay relevant, and one of the best ways to do so is to remain on consumers' For You Pages.

Subramanian told Mashable that rising costs "could trigger a shift in advertising strategy" and cause brands to move dollars towards lower-cost, high-ROI influencer marketing. "Creators offer flexible, authentic ways to engage consumers," Subramanian said, adding that "we’re already seeing brands double down on creator-led content that drives both trust and purchase intent." 

SEE ALSO: Updating: All the tariff price increases in the tech world so far

But it might be important that influencers shift the way they're showing up, too. Layla Revis, the vice president of social, content, and brand at Sprout Social, a social media management tool, told Mashable that empathy and transparency are more important than ever. With tariffs driving up the cost of everyday goods — and putting financial pressure on consumers — brands need to show they understand what people are going through. That’s where influencers play a crucial role.

"Influencers are trusted advocates, they have access to niche communities and they’re on the front lines of the consumer experience," Revis said, adding that the majority of people who shop from influencers are more likely to provide product feedback with an influencer over a brand. "For this reason, influencer marketing not only has an impressive ROI, on average $5.78 for every $1 invested, but it is key for developing long-lasting consumer trust and relevance — two factors brands must have in their strategies right now."

That's a lot to take in, but, ultimately, Revis said, "because of this effectiveness, I suspect we will see brands lean into influencer partnerships during this time."

"With so much skepticism these days, it's more important than ever for brands to leverage influencers and [user-generated content], because people connect with people," Ratterman told Mashable. "However, it must be the right influencer — someone who people genuinely trust — before their recommendation can truly influence buying decisions."

Will tariffs have any effect on content creators who are strictly entertainers?

Pure entertainers in the content creator space likely won't see the effects of the tariffs apart from the general malaise of living within a state of economic turmoil. Ratterman said this time opens up the ability for creators to offer a "fun escape" or dig into the reality of our times and give practical tips. But those creators will still reap the same monetary benefits from things like the Creator Fund that they always have — tariffs aren't going to stop users from watching TikTok videos.

"Overall, while tariffs introduce some short-term complexity, they also reinforce the long-term value of the influencer ecosystem," Subramanian said. "It’s decentralized, adaptive, and built on real human connection, which is exactly what brands need when market conditions are in flux."

Keep checking Mashable for our latest tariff news and explainers, from delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to reports of iPhone 16 panic buying.

TL;DR: Pick up a new language (or 56) with this lifetime subscription to Qlango for just $39.99 (reg. $119).

Tired of language apps that feel more like homework than fun? Qlango turns learning into a game — literally. 

With its playful, question-and-answer style, you can dive into any of Qlango's 56 language options and actually enjoy the process. And right now, a lifetime subscription is just $39.99 (reg. $119).

Say goodbye to boring language lessons

We've all tried to learn languages the boring way... how's the high school Spanish holding up? If you've been meaning to pick it back up and actually have it stick, or you're hoping to tackle Thai or understand Uighur, try Qlango. 

There are tons of language-learning apps on the market, but Qlango sets out to make learning enjoyable. 56 languages are available, all taught with a unique gamified approach. Their question-and-answer method prompts you to think and respond in the new language, with hints that move you along when you get stuck. 

Customize your lessons by choosing between words or sentences, multiple-choice, dictation, translation, sentence formation, or matching. It also offers flexibility to fit your busy schedule. Set weekly study goals and progress at your own pace with no deadlines or penalties. 

Qlango uses a scientifically proven spaced repetition technique, presenting words at strategic intervals to help you retain them more effectively. And they focus on 6,679 essential words you'll actually use, with six difficulty levels to keep you challenged as you progress.

Unlike many language-learning apps, Qlango lets you enjoy a lifetime subscription for a one-time low price with no recurring subscription fees required. 

Happily learn 56 languages with Qlango Language Learning. A lifetime subscription is now just $39.99, $80 off the usual price, for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Qlango Qlango Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $39.99
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TL;DR: Tidy up your nightstand in time for spring cleaning with this two-pack of MagStack Slim Pro 3-foot USB-C Tangle-Free Magnetic 100W Fast Charge Cables for just $34.99 (reg. $45).

Opens in a new window Credit: Statik MagStack Slim Pro 3ft USB-C Tangle-Free Magnetic 100W Fast Charge Cables $34.99
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We've all got multiple devices to power up, which leads to the inevitable mess of tangled cords on the nightstand or at our desks. MagStack Slim Pro solves that problem, offering a speedy way to power up that stays neat. 

Right now, you can score two MagStack Slim Pro three-foot USB-C tangle-free magnetic 100W fast-charging cables for just $34.99, or 23% off the usual price. 

No mess, no stress

The MagStack Slim Pro lets you say goodbye to frustrating, tangled-up charging cables. Their patented magnetic technology keeps your cables neat by automatically coiling them into a tidy, compact spiral. 

Aside from offering a more aesthetically pleasing option, the MagStack Slim Pro is also built stronger with a reinforced nylon braid that offers a lifespan ten times longer than your standard cable.

With 100W ultra-fast charging, the MagStack Slim Pro powers up smartphones, laptops, and tablets faster and more efficiently. It’s also ideal for transferring files between multiple devices, offering an impressive 480Mbps rapid data transfer speed.

You can rest easy when your electronics are plugged into a MagStack Slim Pro. It's a safe charging solution that won't overheat or damage your device. Plus, the tangle-free design makes it easy to pop into any bag, keeping your cables neat and always within reach.

Bring home a pair of MagStack Slim Pro 3-foot USB-C Tangle-Free Magnetic 100W Fast Charge Cables for just $34.99 (reg. $45) right here for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The KeySmart® SmartCard offers a slimmer tracking option for your belongings that easily fits in wallets and passports, and now a three-pack is only $89.99.

Looking for a way to track important items you use every day? AirTags are a clunky shape that is tough to fit into small spaces. The KeySmart® SmartCard has improved on that, providing a sleeker alternative compatible with the Find My app for seamless integration with Apple devices for location tracking.

 You can currently score a three-pack of these thin KeySmart® SmartCards for $89.99 — making them just $30 each.

Keep tabs on items easily with this sleek tracker

We've all been there — already late for something important when we have to dig under couch cushions to find our wallet. With the KeySmart® SmartCard, finding your items is as easy as opening the Apple Find My app. And its 2mm thick, roughly the size of two credit cards, makes it easy to place and forget.

Stick a KeySmart® SmartCard in your passport, luggage, purse, pet carrier, or other compact spot. The thin size not only comes in handy for fitting in more spaces, but also lets you be more subtle about your tracking. Stay under the radar instead of looking obvious with a chunky AirTag. 

The KeySmart® SmartCard also bests the AirTag when it comes to waterproof status. It offers an IPX8 rating compared to the AirTag's IPX67 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water for longer (one hour in 3.3 feet of water if you want to get specific). This makes it a great option for items that will brave the great outdoors.  

While the AirTag will constantly require new batteries, the KeySmart® SmartCard operates on a rechargeable battery that powers up with a Qi-enabled wireless charger. 

Enjoy peace of mind with this three-pack of the KeySmart® SmartCard, now only $89.99 (reg. $119.97), or just $30 each. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart® SmartCard - Works with Apple Find My (3-Pack) $89.99
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TL;DR: Enjoy award-winning sound in total comfort with the Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones for just $99.99 (reg. $199).

Want to tune in and tune out? If you've been looking for a more comfortable way to listen to music than wireless earbuds, it may be time to consider a pair of wireless on-ear headphones. 

These Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones offer total comfort without sacrificing high-quality sound. And right now you can snag a pair for just $99.99 (reg. $199). 

Enjoy award-winning sound with these comfortable on-ear headphones

Want to enjoy rich, award-winning sound anywhere? The Beats Solo 3 are wireless on-ear headphones that deliver finely tuned acoustics, noise isolation, and balanced audio... without hurting your earbuds. The comfort-cushioned and adjustable ear cups offer a luxurious listening experience. 

Whether you want to listen to your go-to playlist on a walk or unwind with your favorite podcast on the commute home, these wireless on-ear headphones offer all-day play with up to 40 hours of listening time. Running low on juice? Just a speedy five-minute charge can get you three hours of playback. 

There are controls located on the headphones, so you can take calls, control your music, adjust the volume, and even activate Siri right from the on-ear controls. 

The Beats Solo3 are equipped with an Apple W1 chip, so you'll take advantage of an extended range and fewer dropouts with Class 1 Bluetooth. And they're Android compatible, too. 

Curious how you're getting such a great discount? These Beats Solo3 are an open-box item, which means they are typically excess inventory in brand new condition, and you're receiving a steep discount due to the packaging not being in pristine condition. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats By Dre Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Open Box) $99.99
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Fruitvale Station. Creed. Black Panther. Together, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have built a cinema collaboration transcending genre. They've leaped from heart-wrenching biographical drama to soul-warming sports drama to a politically daring superhero movie that is undoubtedly the best the MCU has produced. Now, they reunite for a vampire movie with Sinners, and not only make one of the greatest vampire horror movies ever made, but also easily one of the best movies of the year.

Written and directed by Coogler, Sinners re-imagines vampires, making them a uniquely American monster and, moreover, reflective of his experience as a Black artist operating in a society in which white men often have control over the financing of art. And though the film has a literal preacher, Sinners is not preachy. It's poignant, provocative, and profound. It's also scary, funny, and it will fuck you up.  I laughed. I gasped. I screamed, and I wept. Let's get into why.

Michael B. Jordan plays beguiling gangster twins in Sinners.  Michael B. Jordan plays twins Smoke and Stack in "Sinners." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Following Mickey 17 and Alto Knights, Sinners is curiously the third movie Warner Bros. has released in 2025 that features an A-list actor playing two roles. In Sinners, Michael B. Jordan plays both of the Smokestack Twins. Nicknamed Smoke and Stack, they were born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, but made bank up in Chicago, where, according to the rumors, they worked for Al Capone. Seven years later, it's 1932, and the twins are back in town and fixing to found a juke joint "for us, by us," as Stack puts it.

Mostly set in one 24-hour period, Sinners follows Smoke, Stack, and their awestruck cousin Samuel (Miles Canton, terrific in his debut role), who dreams of playing the blues, as the twins prepare for opening night. That means buying a local mill to house their juke joint and building a crew to run the bar, fry the catfish, play music, and guard the door. Within the rollicking excitement of this first act, Coogler creates a vivid world of complicated relationships, love, loss, lust, and Hoodoo. Meanwhile, Jordan gives not just the performance of his career, but two of them. 

SEE ALSO: The 21 best TV shows by Black creators on Netflix

At first sight, the twins are easy to tell apart: Smoke wears blue and Stack favors red. But even without this sartorial visual cue, they are instantly distinctive because of Jordan's firm grasp on their differences. The planner, Smoke, is rigid, standing tall and firm, his tone crisp and serious, even when he's cajoling his former lover, Hoodoo conjurer Annie (a radiant Wunmi Mosaku), into helping him out one more time. Meanwhile, Stack's posture is suavely relaxed, his attitude devil-may-care. His red fedora suggests he's a romantic rogue, as does the snarling unplanned reunion with his ex, Mary (a ferocious Hailee Steinfeld), who may be married to a rich, white farmer, but won't be ignored.

With seamless compositing and visual effects, Coogler knits Jordan's two performances into a series of face-offs as the brothers disagree over little things — like whether to accept wooden nickels from cash-strapped clientele or what to do about some unexpected guests to their opening night. Every step along the way, Coogler and Jordan are elegant in building the Smokestack Twins' world, rich with friends, family, and charismatic characters, like a happily drunken harmonica player called Delta Slim (a sublime Delroy Lindo). Their world building is so enveloping that I began to wish Sinners were a series instead of a movie, just so I could spend more time with them before their community is ripped apart by supernatural fangs. 

Sinners vampire seeks not just blood, but souls and music.  Michael B. Jordan and Miles Canton embrace in "Sinners." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

By the time the vampire comes careening into Sinners, you might have forgotten it's a horror story at all. Sure, a bloody opening scene promises that preacher's son Samuel will come through a horrid event. But the world of Sinners is so grounded in the rigorous rationale of Smoke and Stack that an immortal bloodsucker nearly seems out of place. This is keenly scripted by Coogler, because we, like the twins, might build our lives with all we understand to ignore the threats we don't — doing so at our own peril. 

This is the twins' world, but it is Samuel's story. His gift of playing the blues, weaving compelling tales as he sings his heart out while playing his gorgeous guitar, is a magical power. In a solemn, soulful voiceover at the film's start, a narrator connects this sacred tradition across cultures, including Western Africa, explaining that such artists can heal their communities through song, but also that their talent attracts evil.

Indeed, a white vampire named Remmick (a hauntingly creepy Jack O'Connell), who begins his coven with a couple of Ku Klux Klan members, is drawn to the juke joint's opening night by Samuel's music. This creative cousin's song is so powerful that it transcends time, which Coogler displays in a heady musical number.

SEE ALSO: 25 of the best movies by Black creators to watch on Netflix now

As Samuel plays his guitar and sings, dancers and singers across Black culture appear in the juke joint. Alongside the revelers in their 1930s attire pops up a '70s funk guitarist with an afro, rocking out while an '80s breakdancer busts a move in a sharp sweatsuit. A DJ spins records and spits bars as fly girls twerk alongside West African tribespeople, bedecked in shells, beads, and ceremonial masks. It's a glorious celebration of Black culture, rallying under one roof. And the vampires want in or — as a vision overlays the wooden structure — to burn it all down.

Their attacks will be manipulative, using the language of "fellowship." But it's ultimately the promise of money that gives them an opening. Like many movie bloodsuckers who've come before, Coogler's vampires are averse to garlic and must be invited inside to enter a building. But beyond blood, Coogler's creatures are carnivorous of the very spirit of their victims, adding their memories to a hive mind controlled by their master Remmick. He taunts the twins that he can see the memories of all he eats, and that if he gets Samuel in his clutches, those songs will be his.

This spiritual cannibalization deepens the horror of Sinners. On a surface level, Coogler satisfies on vampire carnage. His monsters boast gnarly fangs, glowing red eyes, and an invincibility that means they can be shot, stabbed, and bleeding out yet still cackle and run away — or even dance.

In sequences of vampire ambush, Black Panther editor Michael P. Shawver builds tension by cutting from outside the mill, where the monsters lurk, to an inside moment of human revelry. The blow the monsters strike will not be shown. In denying us the view of the hit, we are robbed of the relief of its conclusion; instead, our anxiety worsens as we wonder what else is coming. The violence these stalking vampires do will be grisly, leaving gaping wounds in necks and jaws. Yet it is the threat of their cannibalizing Samuel's music — and thereby Black culture — for their insatiable conquest that is the most rattling. 

Sinners is a stupendous and scary movie. Michael B. Jordan readies for war in "Sinners." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

For those with no interest in subtext, Sinners can function as a solidly scary vampire movie in the vein of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn, which also featured brothers trapped overnight in a club by ravenous vampires. Coogler's riff on that idea is enriched by the period drama that is the first act, building intrigue with the Smokestack Twins' notorious reputation, the tension over Samuel's desire to chase the music despite his preacher father's warning that it's the devil's journey, and the women who want these men, despite the obstacles of reputation, racism, and husbands. Then, the heart-pumping music that plays within the film, sung by heroes and villains alike, brings a greater resonance to its drama and horror.

Moving deeper into the movie's meaning, it's easy to imagine that Coogler and Jordan are reflecting, through the lens of horror, their own experiences in Hollywood. Together, they've made five films, including Creed III, which Jordan directed; each one centered on Black heroes and Black culture. Like the twins and Samuel, they are building something for their community, by their community. And they are doing so in an industry in which Black characters have long been denied the spotlight by a studio system run predominantly by white men.

Take for example, Coogler and Jordan's Black Panther, the box office smash that finally put a Black hero in the lead, casting the late Chadwick Boseman, but only after 17 MCU films preceded it. For Sinners to focus on a blues musician reflects the historical cannibalization of Black culture within American art, particularly in music. The birth of rock n' roll is often credited to Elvis, but his inspirations were Little Richard, Fats Domino, and Big Mama Thornton. More recently, though Black artists pioneered the genres of hip hop and rap, a series of controversies — involving Macklemore and Kendrick Lamar, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj — have centered on how white performers seem to have a critical advantage in this space, often getting Grammy notice over their Black peers or influences.

This reality plays into Remmick's hunger and the symbolism of the gold coins that he carries as a lure. Just let him in, and the gold is yours. But through Sinners, Coogler and Jordan warn the true cost of such a Faustian deal could be your creative soul. This rich white man views them not as artists, but as commodities to be acquired, not treasured.

In that, Sinners is more than a hell of a thrilling vampire movie. Like Black Panther, it expands beyond the expectations of its genre to become a magnificent film, emanating with spirit, power, and purpose. Smoothly blending vampire horror into a unique tale of regret, resilience, and redemption, Coogler and Jordan have made a cinematic marvel that is terrifying, satisfying, and unforgettable. 

UPDATE: Apr. 15, 2025, 2:47 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on April 10, 2025. It has been updated to include current screening information.

Sinners is now in theaters.

Remaking Ang Lee's award-winning 1993 queer rom-com The Wedding Banquet is no mean feat, but Fire Island's Andrew Ahn makes a masterclass of it.

A wholehearted, hilarious approach to Lee's rambunctious narrative, The Wedding Banquet balances the pressures of cultural traditions and family expectations with the liberation and joy of found family. Boasting a veritable feast of a cast delivering impeccable, funny, and moving performances, the film is a deeply romantic tale about a brilliant ruse that spins out of control. But there's clarity (and love) to be found in the chaos for these wonderful characters.

SEE ALSO: 70 best LGBTQ films to stream right now What is The Wedding Banquet about? Han Gi-Chan, Youn Yuh-jung, and Kelly Marie Tran in "The Wedding Banquet." Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures

The Wedding Banquet centres on two gay couples who are friends, each with major life hurdles ahead of them — and a proposal that could prove a temporary solution to it all. Ahn teams up with Lee's co-writer James Schamus to move the original film's New York-set narrative to Seattle, and the pair expand on the tension between cultural tradition, family, and queer identity in the present day.

Killers of the Flower Moon's Lily Gladstone and The Last Jedi star Kelly Marie Tran play Lee and Angela, lesbians who are struggling with their IVF journey and its towering costs. Wicked star Bowen Yang and Our Song's Han Gi-Chan play gay couple Chris and Min, who are navigating differing levels of commitment and Min's looming student visa expiry. A talented artist who is not out to his wealthy Korean family, Min is faced with a conundrum: become the head of one of his grandparents' companies or be forced to return to Korea. And while Min plans to propose to his love of five years, Chris, Min's grandfather would likely cut him off financially if they got married.

So, for the ultimate win-win, the four decide on a deal: Min and Angela will get a green-card marriage if Min pays for Angela and Lee's IVF expenses with his family's money. With a city hall appointment in the diary, everything's on course. But when Min's grandmother Ja-Young (Pachinko and Minari screen legend Youn Yuh-jung) arrives to meet her grandson's betrothed and help plan the ceremony, the wedding scheme levels up in stress, extravagance, and comedic potential. There's just one hour for the group to "de-queer the house," and Chris, Lee, and Angela are thrown into a flurry of swiftly removing the house's wealth of Tegan and Sara and Elliot Page books, The L Word DVDs, and Lilith Fair posters. Will it work? 

The cast of The Wedding Banquet are sublime. Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in "The Wedding Banquet." Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures

You cannot ask for better than the cast of The Wedding Banquet, an ensemble of staggering talent who deliver truly exceptional performances.

Angela and Chris are longtime college friends whose ability to open up rests almost entirely with each other and a lot of tequila, and Tran and Yang bring a relatable fear of decisiveness to their characters. Why make a giant life decision when you can get shitfaced with your best friend instead, right? As Angela, Tran bears probably the greatest emotional arc in the film, slowly spiralling out of control without having the words to describe it all, and Tran's performance here is one of her best on-screen yet. Yang expertly keeps Chris' complete discomfort with commitment on track with hilarious physical comedy in unexpected moments — I would watch Yang unsuccessfully try to quickly get dressed in a panic every day of the week. And one of the unsung comedy heroes of the film is Bobo Le as Chris' party-loving cousin Kendall, a casual observer of the events who allows Chris' softer side out.

Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran in "The Wedding Banquet." Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures

In contrast, Min and Lee are open books, frustrated by the lack of emotional maturity and commitment from their partners while being extremely loving, patient people. Here, Gladstone's signature radiance and understatement shines through Lee, a character impossible not to fall in love with in their capable hands. 

Almost stealing the whole show is Han, whose offbeat and theatrical comedic timing as Min is simply perfect for the rom-com genre. Lines of dialogue that should be throwaway moments are unexpectedly hilarious or deeply romantic delivered by Han, who brings the power of his performance in South Korean gay drama Where Your Eyes Linger to this significantly lighter but just as meaningful role. 

Meanwhile, Didi's Joan Chen is outrageously funny and audacious as Angela's mother, May, a woman so publicly enthusiastic an ally and PFLAG member she gets literal awards for it. May's reaction to Angela and Min's wedding ruse subverts many a heteronormative rom-com with outbursts like, "My daughter, marrying a man?... Why did I put years into gay activism if this is what I get?" But Angela holds deep past resentment toward her mother for her private lack of support, and this internalised hurt bleeds into Angela's lack of ability to communicate; she refers to this as her tendency to "simmer" on things.

Joan Chen in "The Wedding Banquet." Credit: Bleecker Street / ShivHans Pictures

Where The Wedding Banquet soars is how the film treats Min's relationship with his grandmother Ja-Young, with a brilliant performance by Oscar winner Youn. She impeccably balances deadpan humour with moments of quiet love and growing empathy, and scenes between Youn and Chen as two contrasting matriarchs are highlights. Over the course of the film, Ja-Young gets to know her grandson not as man she and her husband want him to be, but as he is.

The Wedding Banquet is a beautifully filmed ode to queer love.

A film that explores the complexities of cultural and queer identity, The Wedding Banquet sees its characters examining their roots and looking to their futures. But it's also a really beautifully shot ode to queer love and creating a home with found family.

Ahn crafts tender moments of love and intimacy between the two couples in their own ways: handheld close-up shots of toes touching in bed, of brushing teeth together, of gardening in the backyard. The director creates a mellow, loving space in Lee's home for them all, one which Min's grandmother will eventually see for herself. Their lives are so intertwined Angela and Lee are literally sat in the middle of the room during a hilarious and heart-wrenching argument between Chris and Min, and Gladstone's reactions in this scene are deeply relatable.

Ultimately, The Wedding Banquet is a triumph of a romantic comedy, a smart and heartfelt update on Lee's '90s classic that explores the pressures of balancing cultural tradition with LGBTQ identity. Ahn's film leaves ample space for these wonderful characters to mess up, say the wrong thing, and figure out their next steps, all with the support and love of each other. Please let me marry this film.

UPDATE: Apr. 15, 2025, 1:48 p.m. EDT "The Wedding Banquet" was reviewed out of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2025. This article, originally published on March 22, 2025, has been updated to include current screening information.

The Wedding Banquet is now in theaters.

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.

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: Collector's items

• Green: Treatment

• Blue: Same last name

• Purple: Things that have this in common with a wheel

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: Sports memorabilia

• Green: "Rice" method

• Blue: Youngs

• Purple: Things that roll

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 #207 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Sports memorabilia - AUTOGRAPH, JERSEY, POSTER, TRADING CARD

• "Rice" method - COMPRESSION, ELEVATION, ICE, REST

• Youngs - CHASE, CY, STEVE, TRAE

• Things that roll - BOWLING BALL, DICE, GYMNAST, SCREENER

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 yesterday's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the board

The words are used in gaming.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are essential components of play.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is GamePieces.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 18

• Checker

• Domino

• GamePieces

• Battleship

• Tile

• Token

• Knight

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.