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The 2026 World Cup final is here at last. We've had weeks of epic contests between the best sides in the world, and it all comes down to this. It's the defending champions against the Euro 2024 winners for a shot at immortality. The likes of Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi will battle it out for the trophy.

Here's all the information you need to watch the final.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: July 19

• World Cup Final: Spain vs. Argentina (New York New Jersey Stadium) — kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Spain vs. Argentina

Argentina are the defending champions, but they've largely relied on late goals to make the final. Spain didn't hit their best form in the group stage, but they've built momentum with some big wins in the knockout rounds, including an impressive victory over favorites France. Neither side is coming into this clash as real favorites, and we expect the final to be decided by a moment of brilliance or a mistake.

Live coverage will be on Fox and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

TL;DR: Own your cloud storage outright with this 6TB lifetime subscription to Drime Secure Cloud Storage, now for just $249.99 (reg. $599).

Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Drime Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (Advanced Plan/6TB) $199.97
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Sick of scrolling through your photos and trying to decide what to delete? Drime Secure Cloud Storage gives you a permanent spot to store your files, and you only pay once to keep them there for life.

Right now, you can lock down 6TB of storage for just $249.99.

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We own our laptops, our smartphones, and our tablets… so why isn’t there an option to own our cloud storage? Drime Secure Cloud Storage makes that possible, and this deal lets you pay once to secure 6TB of space for life.

Drime Secure Cloud Storage isn’t just more affordable than the competitors; it’s also safer. Your data is protected with end-to-end encryption. Drime is also a Europe-based, GDPR-compliant company, which means your data is hosted in Europe and never routed through the United States.

An easy-to-use interface makes it easy to upload, sync, and share files from different devices. You don’t have any upload limit — save any content to your storage space, no matter how big it is. And there are convenient ways to organize and manage your files, clients, and projects within Drime’s workspaces.

This lifetime subscription gives you 6TB of storage, plus helpful features like automatic device sync and password-protected link sharing if you’re using your storage for private or professional purposes.

Lock in this 6TB lifetime subscription to Drime Secure Cloud Storage for only $249.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get ChatPlayground AI Unlimited for $59.97 today only and compare 20+ AI models with unlimited messages in one workspace.

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If you’ve ever copied the same prompt into three different AI tools just to see which one gives the best answer, you’re not alone. Different models excel at different things — but juggling tabs and subscriptions gets old fast. 

ChatPlayground AI puts the top AI models in one place, so you can compare responses side by side without the back-and-forth. Until 11:59 p.m. PT tonight, a lifetime subscription is on sale for $59.97.

GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more — all in one clean interface. It’s built for people who iterate fast, test variations, and actually care about optimizing results.

Beyond comparisons, ChatPlayground AI includes prompt engineering tools to refine outputs, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved chat history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation powered by leading models. There’s even a Chrome extension to integrate it directly into your browsing workflow.

The Unlimited Plan means unlimited messages per month, making it ideal for startups, product teams, marketers, and prompt engineers who run experiments nonstop. You also get priority support and early access to new features and future models.

If you’re already paying for multiple AI tools — or constantly switching between them — this consolidates everything into one streamlined platform.

Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited for $59.97 through tonight — July 19 — at 11:50 p.m. PT and stop juggling models for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A lifetime Windows 11 Pro license is just $7.97 instead of $199 through today only.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $7.97
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Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $7.97 (MSRP $199) through 11:59 p.m. PT tonight — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

This really isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

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Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $7.97 (MSRP $199) through July 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

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

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

Rode over.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

DROVE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Salt water.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BRINE

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Bombardment.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BLITZ

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Fabric.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

CLOTH

Final Hurdle hint

Tunes.

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

MUSIC

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

TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered weeks of electric entertainment. We've had controversy, moments of ecstasy, and incredibly displays of talent from the best players in the world. And now we're down to the final, where Spain and Argentina will battle it out for the trophy.

Argentina are defending champions, but have stuttered through the tournament, relying on late goals. Spain also struggled to hit their best form in the group stage, but they've built momentum through the knockout rounds, culminating in an impressive victory over favorites France in the semi-final stage.

We're expecting a fiery battle between two teams laden with stars.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Argentina?

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 19. This fixture takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Argentina for free

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer and ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup final for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Spain vs. Argentina for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX

5. Watch Spain vs. Argentina for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup final without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Spain vs. Argentina before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the Summer Tech Sweepstakes promotional period (July 11 to Aug. 11), but you do have a chance of winning an iPhone 17 Pro. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for the World Cup final?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free.

Wondering what you're looking at on the Moon's surface? Wonder no more, with the help of NASA's Daily Moon Guide, we've broken down all the features you might be looking at when you look up tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, July 19, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waxing Crescent phase, with 29% of its surface visible.

You won't need any visual aids to be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. However, if you do have binoculars or a telescope, you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon completes one full cycle around Earth in about 29.5 days, moving through eight different phases along the way, NASA explains. Although the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes as it travels around Earth. This changing angle of illumination is what makes the Moon appear to transform throughout the month, from a thin crescent to a half-lit Moon and eventually a fully illuminated Full Moon, before starting the cycle again.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're good at reading people.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 19, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Electrical

• Green: To match

• Blue: Using the john

• Purple: Body language

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Circuit components

• Green: Digital coupling verbs

• Blue: Things toilets do

• Purple: ___ face expressions

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 #1134 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Circuit components: BREAKER, FUSE, RELAY, SWITCH

• Digital coupling verbs: CONNECT, JOIN, PAIR, SYNC

• Things toilets do: DRAIN, FLUSH, REFILL, SWIRL

• ___ face expressions: GAME, LONG, POKER, STRAIGHT

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 19, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like things large.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Big talk

The words are related to size.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Supersize it.

NYT Strands word list for July 19

• Giant

• Behemoth

• Leviathan

• Mammoth

• Colossum

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to make food from scratch.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 19, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A way to make butter.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CHURN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

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

Netflix paid over half a billion dollars for Ben Affleck's AI startup InterPositive, which he founded in 2022.

According to Variety, Netflix's Form 10-Q report with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosed that it paid $587 million in cash for an acquisition in March. While the company they acquired goes unnamed in the report, the InterPositive acquisition was announced on March 5, and a Bloomberg report estimated that Netflix could have paid up to $600 million.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'Wonka' reality show will use AI-generated voice of Gene Wilder

According to the March 5 deal announcement, Netflix viewed its acquisition of InterPositive as "investing in creator-led innovation that keeps filmmakers at the center of the process."

In that same announcement, Affleck wrote: "In 2022, I spent a lot of time observing the early rise of AI in production. As a filmmaker, I could see how these models came up short. For artists to apply these tools towards telling the stories we dedicate our lives to, they need to be purpose-built to represent and protect all the qualities that make a great story."

In a video released alongside the acquisition announcement, Affleck emphasized that InterPositive was "not about text prompting or generating something from nothing."

Instead, he explained, InterPositive's tools build a model specific to the film being made, which then gets employed during post-production for processes like mixing and coloring. According to Affleck, this would allow filmmakers to focus on performances in the moment.

As reported by Deadline in April, a 2024 patent application filed by Affleck stated that InterPositive's technology would yield "substantial" savings. It could potentially "replace" costs tied to everything from background artists to splinter film units to reshoots, leading to a "20% reduction in schedule and physical production," as well as a 50% reduction in VFX cost.

Everyone is watching the goals after they happen, and some get them significantly faster.

A new Disney princess might be getting the live-action treatment soon: Princess Tiana, from 2009's The Princess and the Frog.

SEE ALSO: 'The Odyssey' sails towards a record-breaking opening weekend

On Friday, Deadline reported that Emmy and Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Euphoria, Sing Sing) and Tony-nominated director Robert O'Hara (Slave Play) are in talks to co-write a live-action film centered on Tiana.

Originally voiced by Anika Noni Rose, Tiana is a determined waitress from New Orleans who hopes to one day open her own restaurant. Her grand plan gets derailed when she's turned into a frog alongside Maldonia's cursed Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruce Campos). So begins an adventure through the Louisiana bayou, with the two eventually falling in love. By the end of the film, the pair return to their human forms and get married. That's not all: Tiana's dreams finally come true with the grand opening of her restaurant, Tiana's Palace.

However, Domingo and O'Hara's film, still in extremely early days, reportedly won't just be a live-action retread of The Princess and the Frog, the way most of Disney's live-action projects are. Instead, it is set to be an original spin-off story, similar to Beauty and the Beast spin-off Gaston, also in development.

The original take on a beloved character could be just what Disney needs as it continues with its live-action projects. 2026's Moana and 2025's Snow White both floundered at the box office, suggesting audiences are growing tired with the constant remakes of classics. However, 2025's Lilo & Stitch did earn over $1 billion, so the appetite for live-action versions of certain properties remains.

True to its source material, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is headed for an epic opening weekend at the box office.

SEE ALSO: 'The Odyssey' review: Christopher Nolan turns an epic myth into a movie masterpiece

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Odyssey raked in $17.6 million from domestic Thursday night previews and is on track for a $117 million opening weekend. That would make it the best domestic opening for a live-action film this year, surpassing Michael, which took in $97 million and went on to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide in July. The two best domestic openings of the year belong to animated films: Toy Story 5 ($160 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131.7 million).

A $117 million opening would also be the best opening for an R-rated film in 2026, overtaking Backrooms ($81.4 million). It would also be the best opening for an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures, a record formerly held by Fifty Shades of Grey ($85.1 million).

The Odyssey's opening weekend box office is also set to surpass that of Nolan's prior film, Oppenheimer ($82.4 million), making it his biggest since The Dark Knight Rises, which still holds a commanding lead with $160 million.

Based on The Odyssey's reported production cost of $250 million and reported marketing cost of $125 million, Forbes estimates that after theaters take their cuts, it will take between $625 to $750 million for The Odyssey to break even. However, given Nolan's track record, The Odyssey is sure to have massive legs, especially in premium, if exclusive, formats like IMAX 70mm. Screenings for that format in particular are sold out for weeks into the future, and have been since tickets for The Odyssey went on sale last year.

Clearly, the demand for The Odyssey is there. Could it be Nolan's third film to break $1 billion, following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?

The Odyssey is now in theaters.

Can wildfire smoke get into your house?

Yes. It won't be visibly hazy like it is outside, but particulate matter like wildfire smoke — 20 to 30 times smaller than a human hair — can seep into your home in several different ways. Many air purifiers have sensors that provide live air quality metrics from the room they're in, including PM2.5 (particulate matter).

Indoor air still isn't innately clean when there's not a major air quality event happening. Indoor air pollution can be caused by cleaning products, cooking smoke, or microplastics embedded into dust or pet dander. It's all the more reason to keep an air purifier running 24/7 at home, regardless of whether you have allergies or not.

Just how bad is wildfire smoke for our health?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wildfire smoke can cause breathing issues, headaches, lethargy, coughing, and wheezing, to name a few ill effects. This applies to everyone after repeated exposure, not just "sensitive groups."

Even if you feel fine, smoke particles are small enough to get into our bloodstream. According to Yale Medicine, that means they also have access to other organs like the heart and the liver. Over time, exposure to PM 2.5 might lead to an increased risk of cancers, heart attack, and cognitive issues. Particulate matter like smoke can also mess with your skin barrier and trigger oxidative stress, actively working against your skincare routine.

Those who have asthma, heart disease, or diabetes are at an increased risk of getting sick. Kids and pregnant people are also considered high-risk when it comes to getting sick from wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke also affects the health of our pets. It can irritate their eyes, make it hard for them to breathe, or damage their tiny respiratory systems. The American Veterinary Medical Association says that if we can see or feel the effects from smoke, our pets can as well. That's especially true for pets with cardiovascular or respiratory issues.

The benefits of an air purifier

If your neighborhood gets socked in with wildfire smoke, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you keep windows and doors closed. Even still, it’s possible smoke can seep in under doors, through cracks, or from vents in the kitchen and bathroom. Running a portable air purifier can help cut down on harmful particles that might enter your home. 

Air purifiers work by sucking in the room’s air and sending it through a filtration system.

Most high-quality air purifiers do so with a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) in addition to a few other filters. A pre-filter is a great addition, and it looks similar to a screen with a fine weave. These help capture dust and hair, which leaves the more-important HEPA filter cleaner and less clogged up from larger debris that can float around in the air. A HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97% of tiny particulate matter in the air that we can’t see, but can cause us discomfort, according to the EPA. That includes wildfire smoke, cigarette smoke, pollution from nearby traffic, pollen, and dust.

A briefing on particulate matter: PM 10 and PM 2.5

When shopping for an air purifier, you’ll see many models explain that they capture particulate matter, or PM. For the most part, that’s stuff in the air that you don’t really want to inhale. We measure PM by its diameter. Either with an on-unit display or in the app, most air purifiers will track the level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air. To help get a baseline of understanding, a single strand of human hair measures between 50 and 70 microns in diameter, according to measurements from the EPA.

• PM 10: Particulate matter that measures 10 microns in diameter includes dust, pollen, mold, and some wildfire smoke particles.

• PM 2.5: These tiny particles measure 2.5 microns in diameter, which is true of the majority of particles emitted from wildfire smoke. 

Since PM is so small, it can enter our bloodstream and nestle itself deep in the lungs, according to Yale Medicine.

Do air purifiers help with allergies and viruses?

Since HEPA filters are designed to scrub the air of potentially harmful particles, they can also help cut down on pollen, dust, and even viruses. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says using a HEPA filter can reduce airborne allergens that wind up indoors. That can be from an open window, your clothes you wore to the park, or even when the dog comes home from a walk.

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can also be helpful during cold and flu season. Not all virus particles are large enough to get captured by HEPA filters. However, many are launched into the air via a cough or sneeze so those virus particles are traveling within a larger particle (what the CDC calls a respiratory droplet) which can get filtered out by a HEPA. By no means does using an air purifier mean you won’t get ill if you hang out in a room with a sick person all day, but it might reduce the likelihood.

Here at Mashable, we're constantly testing the best laptops based on an exhaustive in-house methodology that combines real-world use with performance benchmarking. In the past two years alone, we've tried over 80 different models across a range of price points.

To determine which of them fit the bill for college students, specifically, I researched the top 10 public universities' hardware recommendations for the upcoming fall 2026 semester. These include processor types, operating system support, RAM and storage minimums, and other spec requirements for different majors. I honed my guidance based on the common threads I noticed.

I also gave special preference to laptops that are long-lasting and portable enough to be toted around campus, and those that are competitively priced for the current market. Laptops aren't cheap right now, but a solid splurge can last you well past graduation. (Take advantage of student discounts whenever possible.)

Based on this analysis, I eventually settled on six top picks that make the best laptops for college students. Whether you're a humanities student, a STEM major, or still undeclared, I'm confident that at least one of my options will be your ideal machine. You can read more about these picks and my research below.

What to look for in a college laptop, based on my research A Windows laptop with a mid-tier Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7 processor is suitable for most college students. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Six of this year's 10 top-ranking public universities tell their incoming students to purchase Windows 11 laptops or MacBooks that are less than two years old. I wouldn't go any older than that for the sake of future-proofing.

Most of those schools tell their students to purchase laptops with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage at minimum. (Liberal arts majors might be able to get away with 256GB of storage, but you'll probably have to supplement that with an external hard drive.) More RAM and storage is better if your budget allows; more is mandatory if you're an engineering, design, or computer science major. Students in those fields are generally advised to get a laptop with at least 24GB to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

SEE ALSO: Laptop specs explained: A jargon-free guide to what's inside your computer

You can approach your processor options in a similar way. For Windows laptops, most schools suggest a mid-range CPU like an Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 5 at minimum, and a mid- to high-end Intel Core/AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 chip for more demanding workloads. Several schools recommend tacking on a dedicated GPU for such coursework, too (i.e, Nvidia GeForce RTX/Radeon RX graphics). On the Apple side, the MacBook Air and Pro with the base M5 chip are go-to recs for most students.

Two schools tell their students not to buy ARM-based Windows laptops (with Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors) because they can't run certain software natively, and because they don't support older peripherals like university printers and scanners. One software example is AutoCAD, a popular 2D and 3D design app that engineering and design students rely on heavily. I love a lot of ARM laptops because they're fast and long-lasting, and I will say that their compatibility is improving every year. Still, I've opted to keep them off my list of 2026 picks out of an abundance of caution; stick with Intel and AMD CPUs for now.

Be sure to budget for an extended warranty with accidental damage protection, as suggested by over half of the top 10 public universities. For reference, AppleCare+ for Mac costs $67.99 to $139.99 a year for students, depending on the MacBook model.

What type of laptop should college students buy? Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This is a question that only your college can answer for sure, as laptop type recommendations can vary by major. For example, the University of Virginia and the University of California, Davis approve MacBooks for their general student populations, but their engineering departments tell certain tracks to avoid them. Likewise, UCLA's Anderson School of Management hardware requirement page says, "Mac computers are acceptable to use as primary computers for study at Anderson. However, please note that some elective course software is only available for Windows. Students are responsible for ensuring compatibility and configuring their Macs accordingly."

I can say for sure that you probably shouldn't buy a Chromebook. Three schools in my research pool discouraged them for some or all majors, and one school — the University of Florida — only recommended them "as supplemental devices." I included a Chromebook in a previous version of this guide as a secondary option for note-taking, but price increases amid the ongoing RAM shortage have made many of them just as expensive as Apple's budget MacBook Neo (if not more so), which is a much nicer and more powerful computer, relatively speaking.

Do you need your own laptop for college?

Yes, you should have your own laptop at college. Most universities let students temporarily borrow laptops through their libraries and/or tech desks. However, these loaners are available on a first-come, first-served basis and wiped upon return (i.e., you can't save anything on them long-term).

I wouldn't rely too heavily on your school's computer lab, either, because you can't take bring those desktops to class or your dorm. Ultimately, owning your own laptop is way more convenient and ensures you'll have the exact specs needed for your major's coursework.

I'm pretty loyal to my Nutribullet blender, which is now over a decade old and survived my college years and multiple apartment moves. I wasn't surprised to see the brand expand its horizons into ice cream maker territory. Instant ice cream makers, like the Ninja Creami, which differ from traditional ice cream makers that focus on churning, are all the rage, making homemade ice cream a breeze. No more cooking custards on the stovetop or worrying about hours of churning.

But can a blender brand break into ice cream territory? These instant ice cream makers aren't so different from blenders, using blades to break up frozen confections to create deliciously creamy homemade treats. But how does Nutribullet's Chill ice cream maker fare in a crowded market already dominated by the Ninja Creami? Exceptionally well, if I do say so.

Nutribullet Chill at a glance: The components of the Nutribullet Chill include the 16-ounce pint, blade block, and motor base. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Nutribullet, the brand behind beloved blenders, has debuted the Chill ice cream maker. It's a simple but powerful ice cream maker with five presets that produces creamy, smooth frozen desserts in just minutes. For those looking for mix-ins, the machine doesn't have a preset for it, and be prepared for noise, as it's extremely loud.

It's not too big for small spaces and is thoughtfully designed The blade block attaches to pint containers and then slides into the Nutribullet Chill ice cream maker. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As a product reviewer with access to a whole world of kitchen gadgets, I have to be picky about what stays in my kitchen because there's only so much counter and cabinet space. While I love the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl, it stays in storage most of the time because I just don't have the space for it. But the Nutribullet Chill ice cream maker might just be the device that earns some kitchen real estate.

The whole device comes in three parts: the ice cream maker base, the blade block, and the blade cover. The base is smaller than a kitchen stand mixer, taking up very little square footage as it's taller than it is wide. It's decently hefty at 10.5 pounds, but it is fairly easy to maneuver on the kitchen counter. When not in use, I can easily tuck it away on the counter without losing too much space.

The Nutribullet Chill takes up less space on my counter than my stand mixer. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The blade is sort of a plunger shape and screws onto the top of the pint containers. The blade attachment and pint container are then placed on the base, upside down, as the blade rises and spins through the ice cream.

It's a fascinating design choice compared to other instant ice cream makers I've tried, like the Ninja Creami or Cuisinart FastFreeze, which has a blade spinning down from the top. However, its unique design definitely works.

Perfectly creamy texture on the first try

The ice cream maker's efficacy ultimately comes down to how well it spins the ice cream, and the Nutribullet Chill does an exceptional job. I made four different mixes on this machine: a classic vanilla ice cream, a dairy-free protein ice cream, a chocolate hazelnut frozen yogurt, and a strawberry frozen yogurt with fresh fruit.

The vanilla ice cream appeared a little melted while the dairy-free chocolate had a Wendy's Frosty-like texture. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

In most of Nutribullet's recipes, they recommend blending your concoctions before freezing — not entirely surprising from a blender company.

Across the board, the machine processed all of the flavors I made well. The textures were smooth and creamy, but to varying degrees of success. The vanilla ice cream was the least successful as it was surprisingly melted and loose in texture; however, I don't discredit the machine, it may have been a matter of the recipe, as other recipes fared much better.

The Nutribullet Chill makes exceptional frozen yogurt. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The dairy-free protein ice cream had a lovely, fluffy texture, almost like a Wendy's Frosty. The frozen yogurts were the highlights, though, developing a texture between a hard and soft serve. As a frozen yogurt aficionado, I was extremely pleased with the results, excited about my next batch.

None of the mixtures needed a respin, and it was ready after just one spin cycle, which is better than most ice cream makers I've tested. But it's also for the best since it doesn't have a respin option.

Five pre-built settings — but no option for mix-ins or re-spins The Nutribullet Chill comes with five pre-programmed settings: ice cream, sorbet, gelato, smoothie bowls, and frozen yogurt. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Preloaded with five settings, the Nutribullet Chill comes ready to make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, smoothie bowls, and frozen yogurt. The different settings worked well for their designated types, but I did feel a few were noticeably missing.

I expect a respin sitting on preprogrammed devices in case it doesn't come out the right texture. However, Nutribullet may not need it, since all the recipes turned out well. But the most egregiously missing setting was a mix-in setting, which most ice cream mixes I've tested recommend.

Checking in with what the brand recommends, Nutribullet says to add in your mix-ins before freezing, which get blended and incorporated in when it processes. I took that route with the strawberry frozen yogurt, which had fresh fruit mixed in that got fully blended. If you want chunks mixed into your ice cream, then you'll have to fold those in after.

It sounds like a truck and gets...hot?

One thing that I've come to expect with instant ice cream makers is the machines' volume — they're extremely loud. The Nutribullet Chill is the loudest ice cream maker I've tested, and while I can't measure its specific decibels, I can say that it shocked me, sounding like a garbage truck was in my house, and making me wonder if I should be wearing earplugs while using it. Apartment dwellers, be warned — I'm lucky to have some very understanding neighbors.

Be warned, the shaft of the blade comes out hot to the touch after use. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

What was most shocking was that for an ice cream maker, it gets pretty hot. The blade block has a metal shaft that slides into the machine, and after use, the shaft gets very hot. The ice cream maker has multiple "shaft hot" warnings (I know, I know), but it still surprised me how warm it was, and I wondered how that heat might affect the texture of the frozen treats, especially since the vanilla ice cream turned out so melted.

A total breeze to clean

Maybe I'm still salty about having to clean the Cuisinart FastFreeze, but cleaning the Nutribullet Chill components is a breeze. Luckily, nothing on the motor base needs cleaning, but the blade block, blade cover, and pint containers are all top-rack dishwasher safe. This was a pleasant surprise, considering most ice cream maker parts are not dishwasher-safe.

But if you don't have a dishwasher, don't fear. I hand-washed all the parts and found them very easy to clean.

Is the Nutribullet Chill worth it? The Nutribullet Chill ice cream maker is a worth competitor to the Ninja Creami. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Nutribullet Chill ice cream maker is a worthy rival of the Ninja Creami. It whips up perfectly creamy, smooth ice cream with no icy or watery texture. Be prepared for noise, as it's the loudest ice cream maker I've tested, but it's a nice option for people in smaller spaces, too.

If you just want the basics, making ice cream, sorbets, and frozen yogurt, then the Nutribullet Chill is a great machine and $30 cheaper than the Ninja Creami. But if you're looking for mix-ins or a milkshake option, the Creami may be more your speed.

Nutribullet Chill Ice Cream Maker $149.62 at Amazon
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How to choose an LED face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 to 100 mw/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results on a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically-placed bulbs. Some masks provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks work?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to know which red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 10 different products, we ultimately found five that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results). You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least 1-2 months.

If last week's trailer for Dune: Part Three wasn't enough to tide you over until the film's Dec. 18 release, you're in luck. You might be able to catch exclusive footage from Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic before screenings of The Odyssey.

Roughly four minutes of footage from Dune: Part Three will play before IMAX 70mm screenings of The Odyssey. The large film format is The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan's preferred way for audiences to see the movie, and only 41 theaters in the world are capable of screening it.

SEE ALSO: 'The Odyssey' has made IMAX 70mm a status symbol

If you're one of the lucky few who snagged tickets to these sold-out screenings, you'll be able to head back to the universe of Dune a little bit sooner. Just be sure to get to the screening on time! However, if you got tickets to any other format, including non-70mm IMAX, you'll tragically be Dune-less for a little while longer.

Last year, The Odyssey pulled a similar marketing tactic, showing six minutes of footage before IMAX 70mm re-releases of both Sinners and One Battle After Another. While that footage was exclusive to the 10 theaters showing those re-releases, the same footage later screened in front of all IMAX showings of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Hopefully, Dune: Part Three will keep following The Odyssey's playbook and similarly broaden its footage to more screenings.

What happens in the Dune: Part Three footage that plays before The Odyssey? Javier Bardem in "Dune: Part Three." Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Now, what if you didn't get IMAX 70mm tickets to The Odyssey, but desperately want to know what happens in it? You've come to the right place.

Earlier this year, at CinemaCon, Warner Bros. screened footage from a battle sequence in Dune: Part Three. The same footage screened again, in IMAX, at July 8's trailer release event, at which Villeneuve said "a glimpse of this scene" would play before The Odyssey.

Having seen the extended footage, I can confirm it is spectacular. It depicts a fleet of ships flying down to an unnamed planet. Onboard the ships is an army of soldiers, including Fremen leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem), ready to wage war in the name of now-Emperor Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). The planet they head towards is a far cry from Arrakis: cloudy, muddy, and rainy as can be. For some of the Fremen in the group's ranks, this is their first time seeing water fall from the sky, making it a monumental occasion.

That wonder dissipates once the soldiers land and the planet's surface becomes a horrifying war zone. A gargantuan gun tower rises from the ground. Lasers mow down Stilgar's soldiers. An explosion shakes the ground (and the theater). The entire sequence is grimy and visceral and loud, reminiscent of classic war movies like Saving Private Ryan. It marks a major shift from the sandy battles of the first two Dune films, making it a perfect introduction to the darker horrors of the galaxy under Paul's rule.

A shortened version of this sequence is what plays before The Odyssey, so all of the details above may not be present before those screenings. However, come December, everyone headed to Dune: Part Three will be able to catch this battle in all its terrible, thundering glory.

The Odyssey is now in theaters. Dune: Part Three hits theaters Dec. 18.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey follows one of literature's most famous and most laborious voyages home. In Homer's epic tale, Odysseus (Matt Damon) is challenged by the gods, the elements, and a fair few mythological creatures on his way home from the Trojan War.

Many of these myths will be easy to spot for classical mythology enthusiasts and newcomers alike, with goddess of war and wisdom Athena (Zendaya) being Odysseus' constant companion, the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron) keeping Odysseus marooned for almost a decade, and the mighty cyclops Polyphemus (Bill Irwin) crunching his way through the more known moments of the poem.

SEE ALSO: 'The Odyssey's ending makes it a stealth 'Oppenheimer' sequel

But what of the hinted-at, untold stories buried in The Odyssey? What of Circe's (Samantha Morton) bird sister, of the fallen soldier Sinon (Elliot Page), and the ill-fated sisters Helen and Clytemnestra (Lupita Nyong'o)? I'm going to drag out my uni textbook, Barry B. Powell's Classical Myth, as well as Edith Hamilton's Mythology, alongside Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey (the latter of which Nolan leaned on), and more, to give you a little overview.

What happened with Helen and her sister, Clytemnestra? Lupita Nyong'o attends "The Odyssey" London premiere. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Universal Pictures

As both Helen of Sparta/Troy and her sister Clytemnestra, Lupita Nyong'o plays two of Greek mythology's major female, human players, both of whom suffer enormously at the hands of men. But what actually happened between the scenes we get in The Odyssey?

Let's start with Helen. She's is married to King Menelaus of Sparta (Jon Bernthal), but her abduction by Trojan prince Paris, son of King Priam, sparks the Trojan War. She's "the face that launched a thousand ships," according to Christopher Marlowe. However, in Nolan's The Odyssey, Helen's face has been scarred, a mark of physical abuse, possibly by her husband, possibly by her captors.

The blame laid on Helen for the Trojan War reeks of misogyny. Wilson writes in her Odyssey translation, "In The Iliad, Helen tells Priam she wishes she had 'chosen death' rather than leave her husband for Paris… In The Odyssey, a much more self-possessed and cheerful Helen declares that the Greeks made war 'for the sake of’ her face — a formulation that suggests that the woman’s appearance is the men’s supposed motive, but does not imply that it, let alone its owner, can be blamed for their actions." In The Odyssey film, Helen is back on her Spartan throne beside Menelaus, and it's here they're visited by the young Telemachus (Tom Holland).

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And now, to Clytemnestra, Queen of Mycenae. In The Odyssey film, we learn the wife of King Agamemnon remained ruling their kingdom during the Trojan War. However, before he set sail, the king murdered their daughter Iphigenia as a sacrifice to Artemis, goddess of the hunt and the moon. This isn't detailed in Homer's Odyssey, but it's in Aeschylus' Oresteia. We see these flashbacks in Nolan's film, as well as Agamemnon's fate, which is in Homer's poem. We learn that Clytemnestra schemes with her lover, Aegisthus, to murder Agamemnon in vengeance on his return from Troy, as the dead king himself tells Odysseus of his plight in Hades.

In The Odyssey poem, Clytemnestra also kills Cassandra, the Trojan priestess abducted by Agamemnon after the war. Per Wilson's translation, Agamemnon tells Odysseus, "You must never treat your wife too well. Do not let her know everything you know. Tell her somethings, hide others." OK, guy. Enjoy the underworld.

Who is Sinon, the soldier played by Elliot Page? Elliot Page attends "The Odyssey" London premiere. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Not a character from Homer's Odyssey, Sinon (Elliot Page) can instead be found in the Aeneid, the epic poem by Roman poet Virgil. An Achaean soldier who fought alongside the Greeks in the Trojan War, Sinon is tasked with staying behind to convince the Trojans to take the colossal horse inside the city walls. Virgil writes, "When Sinon, favour'd by the partial gods, Unlock'd the horse and op'd his dark abodes; Restored to vital air our hidden foes, Who joyful from their long confinement rose."

Nolan does a couple of things here, namely Page's Sinon does not know the Greeks are inside the horse, instead thinking it's a genuine gift. It's the major betrayal he calls Odysseus out for in Hades. "You lied to me," he says, having drunk from the sacrificial blood puddle that enables him to speak as a shade. "I needed you to believe," Odysseus replies. In the Aeneid, Sinon volunteers for the job, which Odysseus kind of hints at him doing in Nolan's film, but the key thing here is Sinon thought the horse was empty. It's unclear how the Greek army hid inside it without him knowing. 

In his film, Nolan makes Sinon an Ithacan shepherd boy, who is pressured by the wealthy Antinous (Robert Pattinson) to take his place in the Trojan War. Avoiding conscription by trading tokens with the boy who Odysseus would later betray will come back to bite Antinous in the ass. But just know that Sinon and Antinous aren't associated in Homer's Odyssey or Virgil's Aeneid.

Who is Circe's sister, turned into a bird, in The Odyssey? Samantha Morton attends "The Odyssey" London premiere. Credit: Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Universal Pictures

In Nolan's Odyssey, Odysseus' encounter with Circe (Samantha Morton) is a standout scene. A sorceress who can transform anyone she so wishes into animals, Circe quite literally molds Odysseus' men into pigs, stretching their jaws and shaping their bodies into porcine forms as they greedily throw back her stew. 

However, these aren't the only humans Circe has transformed. Her hut entrance is guarded by a lion, tiger, leopard, and panther, who could be humans, though Homer writes in The Odyssey of Circe's home, "Round it were mountain wolves and lions, which she tamed with drugs," so they very well could be actual animals. Italian Renaissance artist Dosso Dossi painted Circe and Her Lovers in a Landscape, with the sorceress surrounded by seven animals — so if you thought those big cats were once men, you're not the only one.

However, another transformed human becomes very clear during Circe's meeting with Odysseus, when she speaks of her sister, referring to a caged raven on the table. "We get on better this way," she says, indicating that she has used her transfiguration magic on her own sibling. 

But who is Circe's sister? In Greek mythology, that would be Pasiphaë, the wife of King Minos and mother of the formidable Minotaur, the half-man, half-bull creature that stalks Minos' labyrinth on Crete, according to Powell's Classic Myth. There's no mention of a woman-turned-bird in this story, however. It's a stretch, but The Odyssey could be referencing another myth. The brutal Athenian story of sisters Procne and Philomela, recounted by Roman poet Ovid in Metamorphoses, sees the women turned into a swallow and a nightingale by the gods after they murdered Procne's son Itys, and served him to his father, Tereus, for dinner — it was an act of vengeance, but wow. However, Circe's sister bird in The Odyssey film is a raven, so it's probably a coincidence. 

The Odyssey is now in cinemas.