"Disclaimer," the Apple TV+ show from Alfonso Cuarn, aired its finale this week.The story ended with a twist, centered on a sex scene, that turns the rest of the show on its head.Star Leila George spoke to BI about filming two versions of the pivotal scene. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Warning: Major spoilers ahead for the season finale of "Disclaimer.""Disclaimer" ended this week with one major twist that changes how viewers consider the whole series.The Apple TV+ show, adapted by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarn from Rene Knight's 2015 novel, stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful documentarian whose life unravels when she's sent a novel where she's the central character. The novel depicts a young mother's scandalous affair with a teenage boy while on vacation in Italy, and the ensuing tragedy that occurs when the teen drowns saving his lover's young son.The book, called "The Perfect Stranger," was actually published by Stephen Brigstocke (Kevin Kline), a widowed retired schoolteacher and the father of Jonathan, the deceased young man at the center of the story. Stephen's late wife, Nancy, held a decadeslong grudge against Catherine after discovering erotic photographs of her among Jonathan's belongings after his death.Consequently, Nancy filled in the blanks and deduced that Jonathan and Catherine had a secret affair, and that Jonathan's love for Catherine led him to sacrifice his life saving her son, Nicholas. She writes a manuscript about what she is certain happened between the two, and when Stephen discovers it after Nancy's death from cancer, he publishes it with the intent to take his revenge on Catherine for his son's death. Cate Blanchett in "Disclaimer." Apple TV+ "Disclaimer" unfolds in a non-linear fashion, where we get bits and pieces of flashbacks to the fateful meeting between Catherine and Jonathan years before. Throughout the show's first five episodes, those flashbacks tell one cohesive story that Catherine seduced Jonathan, aggressively pursuing him.However, the penultimate episode reveals some inaccuracies with the novel's version of events (like Jonathan's girlfriend leaving Italy early because of a fight with him, not because of her aunt's death). That episode ends with Catherine and Stephen finally coming face to face, and Catherine demanding Stephen listen to her recounting of what really happened years ago in Italy.In the finale, Catherine finally tells her side of the story: She and Jonathan never had an affair. Rather, he broke into her hotel room, threatened her and her sleeping son with a knife, and then repeatedly raped her. The erotic photos Nancy discovered weren't mementos of their relationship, but rather images that Jonathan forced a traumatized Catherine to pose for during the violent encounter.Catherine says she'd collected physical evidence of her rape with the intention to go to the police but chose to destroy it and bury the truth after Jonathan died. Leila George in "Disclaimer." Apple TV+ The "flashbacks" we'd seen earlier in the season, showing Catherine as a sex-starved cougar and Jonathan as her hapless prey, were not flashbacks at all. Instead, they were enactments of Nancy's imagined (and ultimately false) version of what happened between the two.Stephen, at first unwilling to believe that his dead son was actually a rapist, commences with his plan for revenge. He leaves a barely conscious Catherine, who he'd already given drugged tea, and goes to the hospital to kill her estranged son, Nicholas, now a drug-addicted young man who's in intensive care after an overdose. He stops when an semiconscious Nicholas calls out for his mother, appearing to realize that what Catherine told him about Jonathan was true.In the end, he burns the photos of Catherine and abandons his plans. Meanwhile, Catherine chooses not to reconcile with her husband, who immediately left her after hearing the affair story and appeared relieved to learn it was actually rape, and makes amends with a recovered Nicholas.The 'Disclaimer' ending's twist hinges on dual versions of one sex scene, both performed by Leila George Louis Partridge and Leila George in "Disclaimer." Apple TV+ We first see the encounter between Jonathan and young Catherine (played by Leila George in the Italy sequences) depicted as a sex scene in episode three. The truth, that it was a rape, is shown in the finale. Both versions are extensive, detailed, and graphic, and were intense to film.According to George, Cuarn was completely upfront with her about what the role would entail, telling her exactly how he wanted to film the graphic scenes and what would be shown. Those scenes, she said, were very finely detailed in the script, which Cuarn showed her before she agreed to sign on.For George, it was important to know that any sex scenes she was doing were essential to the story and not gratuitous. "For this job in particular, I think the whole story revolves around this evening," George said. "It's vital to the story. There's nothing in it that's not needed there. It felt very, very necessary."She and Louis Partridge, who plays Jonathan, worked with intimacy coordinator Samantha Murray for roughly a week prior to filming the intimate scenes. "Everyone is safe as long as you're following the moves that you've pre-planned," George said, likening coordinated sex scenes to fight scenes or dance scenes. "That's what we did." Louis Partridge and Leila George in "Disclaimer." Apple TV+ It also helped that she and Partridge built a rapport."It really depends so much on the other person, and who you're working with," George said, adding of Partridge, "He's brilliant, and mature beyond his years. I felt so lucky to be paired up with him."Having confidence when you have to take your clothes off in a room full of people also helps: "I work out a lot."George has no idea why Cuarn called her out of the blue to ask her to be in 'Disclaimer' Leila George in "Disclaimer." Apple TV+ George's time on "Disclaimer" was a whirlwind.According to the actor, it all started with a "crazy phone call" from the Oscar-winning director asking her to be in his show. There wasn't a script for her to review ahead of time, so George quickly read the book it was based on in order to prepare.From there, she had only three days to hop on a plane, jumping straight into fittings before flying to Italy. She estimates she was on set about 10 days after that initial call."I don't know what made him call me that day, what he'd seen, or who had really put me in front of him, I really don't know," George said. "But it was definitely one of the best phone calls I've ever received in my life."The season finale of "Disclaimer" is now streaming on Apple TV+.

In the wake of President-elect Donald Trumps 2024 victory, online misinformation claiming the election was rigged in his favor has proliferated including theories about missing votes and voting machine dysfunction. As was the case with election denialism following the 2020 election, these conspiracy theories about election fraud are false. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the federal body that oversees risks to election systems, there havent been signs of meddling or hacks on machines affecting the race outcome. Importantly, we have no evidence of any malicious activity that had a material impact on the security or integrity of our election infrastructure, CISA director Jen Easterly said in a statement. Related:While its true that the current total vote count is less than it was in 2020, thats not because votes are missing a number of ballots are still being tabulated and the final count isnt yet available. Its worth noting theres a big distinction between 2020 and the misinformation being spread this time around. During the last cycle, Trump was one of the chief people perpetuating lies about the election being stolen and falsehoods about fraud. Powerful voices in the GOP including senators and House members echoed the claims. This cycle, Vice President Kamala Harris has already conceded the election, and Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden, have emphasized the need for a peaceful transfer of power. The misinformation this week instead appears to be coming from online observers many of them small accounts disappointed in the outcome of the election or eager to revive claims of election denialism from 2020. Theres no evidence to back up the missing ballots conspiracy theoryOne conspiracy theory thats spread online is that there are votes missing this cycle because the count so far is lower than what it was in 2020. In reality, thats because votes are still being counted particularly in populous states, like California, that rely heavily on mail-in ballots. Observers on both sides of the aisle have floated this theory. Those sympathetic with Democrats argue that its evidence that Trump cheated and that votes are missing from the final count. Those sympathetic with Republicans say its more evidence that something went awry in 2020 and that extra votes were counted that year. Neither is correct, experts emphasize. Those are both lies. Those are both complete misinterpretations of the data, David Becker, the founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, a nonpartisan nonprofit that works on election administration, told Vox. Claim: There were 20 million fewer votes cast in 2024 than in 2020.Reality: The final count for this election is still not yet in and could take weeks. Thats because a number of states including California, Nevada, and Arizona are continuing to process mail-in ballots. As a result, comparing the current vote totals with those in 2020 isnt an accurate approach. Thanks to slow counting of ballots mostly out west, there are still millions of votes to be added to the ultimate totals, UCLA election law professor Rick Hasen told Vox. When all is said and done, turnout will likely be on par with turnout in the last election.The changing vote totals is evidence of this dynamic. As Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer of the Georgia secretary of state office, noted on Friday, the difference in vote totals between 2024 and 2020 has already changed: While there was a difference of 20 million votes on Wednesday, it went down to 15 million votes on Thursday as more ballots were counted. As of early Friday afternoon, an estimated 91.8 percent of votes had been counted, according to the New York Times. That included a total of 144.7 million votes, including 69.2 million for Harris and 73.5 million for Trump. Given that estimate, there should be a total of roughly 157.6 million total votes cast, once the full count is in. That figure is similar to the 2020 final vote total. When 100 percent of votes were counted in 2020, 155.5 million total votes were cast including 81.2 million for Biden and 74.2 million for Trump. Another claim thats emerged centers on how Harris lost key swing states including Michigan and Wisconsin but Democrats won other seats, including Senate seats in those places. Because some voters in these states appear to have split their tickets, thats prompted some online observers to push theories that theres something amiss with voting machines or other parts of the election process.Claim: Democrats losing the presidency but winning other seats in swing states is evidence theres something awry.Reality: Even though theyve become less common over time, split-ticket voters still exist. Recall that in 2020, Biden won most of Maines electoral votes while Republican Sen. Susan Collins won the state. That year, a sizable proportion of the state backed both Biden and Collins. This cycle, that same dynamic was apparent with voters electing Democrats Tammy Baldwin and Elissa Slotkin to the Senate in Wisconsin and Michigan, respectively, and Trump to the presidency. There were Trump-Stein voters in North Carolina, there were Trump-Slotkin voters in Michigan, there were Trump-Gallego voters in Arizona, Becker says. Theres also evidence that a segment of voters in places like Wisconsin may have supported Trump but skipped the Senate question altogether. Historically, split-ticket voters have voted in this way because they see supporting different parties as an effort at moderation or putting checks on each party. In some cases, issues with candidate quality could also turn voters away: In North Carolina, for example, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein likely benefited because his opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, was under fire for making inflammatory statements.The presence of voters who either split their ticket or didnt vote in down ballot races is not, however, a sign of fraud. There are layers of election securityBoth Becker and Hasen note that post-election audits will be conducted to determine if there were any discrepancies in vote counts, or in election machine functionality. In these audits, officials do a hand count of a selection of paper ballots to ensure that the results being reported by the machines are accurate. Those audits should safeguard against any potential errors in machines though, again, there hasnt been any evidence that such issues affected the outcome. Broadly, though, both experts emphasize that the US election system is trustworthy and that the process went smoothly this year. The election was well run, Hasen stressed. Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Some people collect coins or stamps. For a time, I collected debit cards. Not stolen ones! Each one of them had my name on them, right below the logo of the latest banking app Id decided to try out: Venmo, Cash App, Chime, Varo, Current, Acorns. For the better part of a decade, I did all my banking through these apps, enjoying their slick user experience and lack of fees. The problem with every one of them, however, is that theyre not chartered banks. If the company behind the app went bankrupt, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) would not necessarily come to my rescue.This disaster scenario was a hypothetical worry when I eventually settled for Chase and its FDIC insurance. For millions of others, it became a reality earlier this year when a company called Synapse collapsed and froze them out of their accounts. Users of Yotta, a popular savings app with a built-in lottery, and other apps that relied on Synapse to help manage their accounts couldnt access their money for months. Now, as hundreds of thousands of Synapse customers dollars remain in limbo, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) are calling for banking reforms, and the FDIC is proposing changes to its rules.Still, a growing number of people are embracing these financial technology, or fintech, services. More than a third of Gen Z and millennials used a fintech app or a digital bank as their primary checking account, according to a 2023 Cornerstone Advisors study. So some questions are worth asking: Is it a bad idea to use an app like Venmo as your main bank? Are digital banks like Chime trustworthy enough?The answer to both questions is yes. Venmo is not a bank, and using it as your primary checking account comes with some risks. Some fintech companies, like Chime, are just as big as traditional banks and offer some nice perks. Again, because theyre nontraditional, there are risks.Youre not going to go back to a world where everybody works with a small bank and walks into a branch, Shamir Karkal, co-founder of Simple, one of the first digital banks. The future is just going to be more fintech, and I think we all just need to get better at it.To get better at all of this, it helps to know whats going on behind the scenes.Neobanks and money transmitters, briefly explainedThe term fintech can refer to a lot of things, but when youre talking about everyday services for everyday people, it typically refers to either neobanks or money transmitters. Chime is a neobank. Venmo is a money transmitter. Theyre regulated in different ways, but because most of these companies issue debit cards, many people treat them like checking accounts. Fintech apps are not the same thing as FDIC-insured banks. Neobanks are fintech companies that offer services like checking accounts in partnership with chartered banks, which are FDIC-insured. Neobanks sometimes enlist intermediaries known as banking-as-a-service, or BaaS, companies, which are not FDIC-insured. Still, you will often see the FDIC logo on neobank websites, just like you see it stuck to the glass doors of many brick-and-mortar banks. That logo instills trust, and thanks to their partnerships, neobanks can claim some FDIC protections. But because they do not have bank charters, these neobanks and BaaS companies are not directly FDIC-insured. Instead, neobank customers can be eligible for something called pass-through deposit insurance coverage.Three things to knowListen to Voxs Adam Clark Estes break down the potential pitfalls of keeping your money in a fintech app, like Venmo or Chime. @vox Venmo or Chime aren't as safe as you think they are. Here's what to know. original sound - Vox - Vox Pass-through insurance is a simple concept thats deceivingly complex in practice. Essentially, if you deposit money into an account with a neobank, like Chime, the funds get routed to a chartered bank, sometimes through one of those BaaS intermediaries. If the chartered bank fails, no problem: FDIC insurance kicks in, and you can recoup up to $250,000 of your deposits. If the intermediary fails or the neobank itself fails, you might be eligible for pass-through insurance but you might not. In its explainer about when or if youll get your money back in these kinds of situations, the FDIC literally says, It depends.American consumers see the FDIC logo, and they interpret that as meaning: My money is safe and I will get it back, said Jason Mikula, who runs the popular Fintech Business Weekly newsletter. Thats just not what FDIC does exactly.Money transmitters, also known as money services businesses, are even further removed from the perceived safety of the FDIC. Put bluntly, if youre keeping all your money in a Venmo or Cash App account, you dont qualify for FDIC insurance. Money transmitters are not neobanks or banks at all but rather completely different legal entities that are regulated by individual states as well as the Department of the Treasury. There are certain protections provided by these agencies, but FDIC insurance is not one of them.So when an app like Yotta or Chime says on its website that its FDIC insured, its not a lie, but its not necessarily true either. Venmo, to its credit, admits in the fine print of its homepage that its parent company PayPal is not a bank and is not FDIC insured. To confuse you even more, however, certain PayPal services that enlist a chartered bank partner, like a PayPal Mastercard or savings account, might qualify for FDIC insurance. Again, it depends.The perils and perks of banking with an appFintech companies take careful steps to make banking with them feel safe. They include the FDIC logo on the website to provide customers with some peace of mind, even though the fine print on those protections is more complicated. They issue debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo to suggest that these cards play by the same rules as any big banks debit card. These logos can act as a stamp of approval, an assurance that your money is in good hands.This is actually the heart of the problem, as far as Sen. Elizabeth Warren is concerned. This month, she and Sen. Van Hollen asked regulators to ban neobanks and fintech companies from using the FDIC name and logo if they were only offering pass-through insurance. They also called for greater supervision of these companies under the Bank Service Company Act.The average consumer shouldnt be expected to understand the intricacies of FDIC insurance in order to comfortably and safely save or invest their money, Warrens letter says. Consumers must feel confident that they are dealing with a regulated and insured entity when they see the FDIC logo.That doesnt necessarily mean that all neobanks and fintech companies are untrustworthy. In some cases, the sheer size and track record of fintech companies can instill quite a bit of trust. Chime, the largest digital bank with roughly 22 million customers, scored a $25 billion valuation in its latest round of funding and is planning to go public next year. Venmos parent company, PayPal, is widely considered safe and trustworthy. And dont expect Block, the $42 billion company that owns Cash App as well as its own chartered bank, to fail any time soon.The truth is, even if there is some false sense of security, fintech apps offer certain customers features that big banks cant or wont. One thing thats made Chime and many other neobanks so popular, for instance, is that they dont charge so many fees. Thats a huge boon to young people as well as people without bank accounts. If a fintech app is your only option, then you might not care so much about FDIC insurance.If youre poor in America and youre banking at Chase or Wells Fargo, youre going to get overdraft fees, minimum balance fees, Mikula explained. So there is a real need that [fintech] companies fulfill as a result of your establishment banks essentially not wanting to bank poor people because its difficult to do profitably. As many as 6 percent of Americans were living without a bank account in 2023, according to Federal Reserve data. That share grows to 23 percent for those making less than $23,000 a year. The unbanked population, which disproportionately comprises Black, Hispanic, and undocumented people, is at a greater risk of falling victim to predatory lending practices, including payday loans. Some fintech companies also offer short-term loans, though theyve been criticized for being predatory as well. Fraud alertPayment apps like Venmo are popular with scammers. Using a Venmo-branded debit card comes with some purchase protection. If you happen to fall for a scam, however, theres a good chance the app will not pay you back.Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle are all clear about issuing refunds for payments to other individuals: They dont do it. Or at least they cant guarantee it. You should treat these peer-to-peer payments like cash. Here are some tips for spotting and avoiding scams on Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. But if youre more of a motivated-by-fear person, read this story about a guy who wanted a deal on a swimming pool and got a $31,000 lesson in the downside of payment apps instead.Still, fintech companies offer the unbanked the ability to save money and build credit. For someone who cant open a traditional bank account, Venmo can be a lifeline, since they can add funds to their Venmo balance and then pay bills using their Venmo debit card without needing a traditional checking account. If they have access to a smartphone, getting basic banking services is simple these days.As I learned firsthand when testing out many of these services over the years, its very easy to sign up for and easy to deposit money into a fintech app. If you have a problem, however, help can be hard to find. Many fintech companies and neobanks, including Chime, lack brick-and-mortar locations, which means you cant walk into a branch to get an issue resolved. In fact, poor customer service is a common complaint for these companies. That means you should always research a company before giving money to it. Read the reviews and study the fine print. Obvious red flags include hidden fee structures and reports of customers not being able to withdraw their money. You should also consider trying services out with small sums rather than your life savings. And, as always, watch out for scams and frauds.What is true in the real world is even more true in the app world: Beware of deals that look too good to be true. Only gamble with what youd be willing to lose.A version of this story was also published in the Vox Technology newsletter. Sign up here so you dont miss the next one!Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

PS5 owners can play some great games this month, including a Bethesda hit and more. Here's what's free for PS Plus subscribers for November, with more to be announced.

Black Ops 6 is here, and fans have been itching to know what's included in Season 1 - and now we have an answer. Here's what's included, and when you can play

The PS5 Pro is not worth a near 50% price increase Readers FeatureGameCentralPublished Nov 9, 2024, 1:00amOddly thats also the same percentage the price has increased by (Sony)As Sony finally release the PS5 Pro, a reader explains why he hasnt bought it and compares it to the folktale of the emperors new clothes.If Sony is upset about the constant stream of complaints that fans have sent its way over the last year and more they dont show any sign of it. But thats the problem. They dont show any sign of anything. Its like an AI is running the company and it purposefully tries to communicate as little as possible or itll give the game away. Id almost believe that was happening, except theres no way computer logic could have lead to the PS5 Pro.Christmas is coming soon and I was pondering what to get (in conjunction with my girlfriend) for my big present. A PS5 Pro is the obvious answer, as I did get a PS4 Pro. It didnt make that much a difference but it was nice knowing you had the most powerful version and Im pretty sure by the end of the generation a lot of games were designed with it in mind, because even then they only barely ran well enough.But if theres going to be a similar problem this generation, Ill just put up with it because the PS5 Pro price is absolutely ridiculous. The standard PlayStation 5 is 480 (and can probably be bought a bit cheaper at this point) but the PS5 Pro is an incredible 700. Thats a shocking 45% increase in price for reasons that Sony has been completely unable to demonstrate.That reveal trailer would be funny if it wasnt so ridiculous, with two versions of what seems to be exactly the same version of a game running at the same time. Apparently, we cant see the important, and not at all trivial, changes because of YouTube resolutions and various other excuses, but if you cant demonstrate the benefits of the console in a video that is specifically designed to do exactly that then something has gone very wrong.It almost feels like a corporate bet to see if people will fall for it. Just show the same thing twice and I bet people will convince themselves theyre actually different, one exec may have said. (Id use the name of whoevers in charge of PlayStation now but Im afraid I have no idea who they are. I can only assume theyre embarrassed to admit it, given how they havent made any public appearances.)Seeing the footage, and everything that has come out since, reminds me of that meme about it being the same picture or, even more obviously, the fable of the emperors new clothes. If you remember, that story involves two con-men convincing the emperor, who always has to wear the newest and most fashionable clothes, that the outfit theyve made for him is amazing but its invisible to idiots.They are, of course, not selling him anything. Theyre just tricking him into walking in the nude and getting paid for it, and because nobody wants to risk making themselves look stupid nobody says anything. According to Wikipedia this was written in 1837, so I guess some things never change, eh?If the tiny improvements the PS5 Pro claims to have are important to you then I have no problem with the console existing. Im not here to spoil anyone elses fun but what I object to is Sony wasting their time with the PS5 Pro (and the PlayStation VR2) while doing so little to produce anything that the majority of their customers actually want.It tells you something that Xbox does not have an equivalent to the PS5 Pro. Considering the number of mistakes theyve made this generation, if even they realise a near-identical upgrade, that costs a fortune, is a bad idea then it should have been obvious to Sony too.The idea of spending that sort of money when you already own a PlayStation 5 I just cant get my head round it. People will though, so I guess in that sense you have to say that Sony arent so foolish after all.By reader Tom MeadowsWas this you watching the PS5 Pro reveal? (YouTube)The readers features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you wont need to send an email.MORE : Playing with my son at the UKs biggest games expo was unforgettable for both of us Readers FeatureMORE : Kids aren't playing Black Ops 6 and that's made it so much better - Reader's FeatureMORE : Final Fantasy 16 is Square Enix's biggest recent failure - Reader's FeatureSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

PS5 Pro doesnt enhance scalping (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Sonys PS5 Pro has been a failed endeavour for scalpers trying to profit from the console, as an accessory becomes more sought after online.The PS5 Pro might have been met with an understandable sea of negativity when it was announced with a 699.99 price tag, but the console is still expected to sell well to its niche audience.Sonys previous mid-generation upgrade, the PS4 Pro, only accounted for around 14% of PS4 sales overall, with the PS5 Pro expected to work out the same. At the time of writing, one day after the console launched, it is still widely available across Amazon and other retailers.As is the case with every console launch these days, scalpers try to buy consoles and sell them at an inflated price to capitalise on the high demand. In the case of the PS5 Pro, however, they clearly havent read the room.A handful of sellers on eBay have consoles listed under Buy It Now for less than the retail price, ranging from 680-700.While these listings appear to have been snapped up, theres still one going for the retail price of 699.99, while another under auction is currently at 650. Its likely that number will increase before the auction closes, but its hard to imagine it going beyond the retail price considering the console is still widely available from normal retailers.It seems like this is the case in other countries too. As reported by Otaku Research Institute, sellers on Japanese resale site Mercari are apparently only selling the console for 10,000 20,000 (around 50-100) more than the retail price.The publication notes, however, that Mercari takes a 10% cut from resellers and theres shipping costs to consider as well, so many are still apparently either losing money or only breaking even.PS5 Pros arent fetching much profit (eBay)It isnt all bad news for scalpers though (sadly), as demand has intensified for disc drives. The PS5 Pro is a digital-only console, with Sony selling external disc drives for an additional 99.99. At the time of writing, however, there is no stock across the UK and US PlayStation Direct stores, with many now going for inflated prices elsewhere.On eBay, PS5 disc drives are currently selling between 155-210, which will likely only soar upwards until its restocked by Sony.When you combine all these high prices, it certainly makes the PS5 Pros limited appeal seem even more dubious. Just dont mention having to buy additional faceplates too.As for the consoles positives, Sony recently revealed the improved specs, including 2TB of internal storage, and outlined all the games which will be compatible for enhanced upgrades at launch. Disc drives are the hot commodity (eBay)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : Sony reveals PS5 Pro enhanced games at launch from Black Ops 6 to Dragon AgeMORE : Marvels Wolverine director changes allegiance from PS5 to join XboxMORE : PS5 owner spends 1,500 on 24 years worth of PS Plus subscriptionsSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Terrifier 3 was an instant hit at the box officejust the latest success for the low-budget, gleefully gory horror franchise, which has (presumably) at least one more film on the way. But Terrifier series distributor Cineverse is also looking for the next gruesome breakout, and its turning to a 1980s franchise thats ripe for a revival, particularly since like Terrifier 3, it revolves around a psychotic Santa Claus: Silent Night, Deadly Night. Deadline had the scoop on the Silent Night, Deadly Night reboot, reporting that it will be written and directed by Mike P. Nelson. Nelson is no stranger to franchise revivals; he directed the 2021 Wrong Turn reboot, an entertaining entry in a franchise that had otherwise run out of steam. He also wrote and directed the intersecting No Wake and Ambrosia segments of V/H/S/85, which means hes responsible for one of the V/H/S series most startling twistsno small feat. The new Silent Night, Deadly Night will have the executive producers of the 1984 original aboard for added authenticity; Terrifier 3s Brad Miska, who had a big role in bringing Damien Leones creation to wide audiences, is also among the executive producers.According to the trade, Silent Night, Deadly Night is aiming for a 2025 theatrical release. A November-December run would make seasonal sensethough Halloween timing would also work: Terrifier 3, featuring Art the Clowns own holly jolly misadventures, hit screens in mid-October. The original Silent Night, Deadly Night is about a kid named Billy who witnesses his parents murder at the hands of a Santa suit-clad killer, then grows up to become a Santa suit-clad killer. It spawned several sequels (part two is to blame for the infamous Garbage day! meme), though later series entries are more of the in name only variety. In the 80s, a slasher film featuring Santa Claus as a murderous maniac was seen as outrageously shocking, and the film was quite controversial. Thats not likely to happen this time around, especially in a post-Terrifier 3 world.Theres no word on shape Nelsons version might takehopefully he keeps the nightmare-inducing grandfather character in the storybut Deadlines quote from him more than conveys his excitement. The opportunity to work with producers involved with the original Silent Night, Deadly Nightand to partner with theTerrifier 3 team is an honor, he told the trade. Ill never forget walking into the video store at the mini mall when I was five and seeing that poster for the original film. I was in awe and started imagining what horrifying things would happen. To be a part of the films legacy many years later is insane! Im looking forward to getting production underway, and unleashing my new take on this compelling story. Billy is back! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

By Isaiah Colbert Published November 8, 2024 | Comments (14) | Denis Villeneuve with Dune series stars Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin. Warner Bros. Its safe to say that director Denis Villeneuves Dune films are spectacular, both as works of cinema and in how they adapt author Frank Herberts best-selling sci-fi novels in a way that anyone can enjoy watching, whether they are longtime or newfound fans. However, fellow director Quentin Tarantino expressed a lack of interest in the films, to which Villeneuve coolly replied, I dont care. Before we dive into this story, it should be stated that neither partys comments mean they harbor hard feelings for the other, regardless of how badly film Twitter wants them to throw disses at each other like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The discourse started last week after Tarantinos appearance on episode of The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. In the interview, Tarantino revealed hed watched David Lynchs 1984 Dune film, starring Kyle MacLachlan, a handful of timesand doesnt see the point in revisiting its story through Villeneuves lens. I dont need to see that story again, Tarantino said. I dont need to see spice worms. I dont need to see a movie that says the word spice so dramatically.While theres some sense of irony in Tarantinos adoration for Lynchs film, considering Lynch wants nothing to do with it, Tarantino further elaborated his point by contextualizing it as part of his general fatigue with remakes in Hollywood, using FXs Shgunas another example. I saw Shogun in the 80s. I watched all 13 hours. Im good. I dont need to see that story again, I dont care how they do it, Tarantino continued. I dont care if they take me and put me in ancient Japan in a time machine. I dont care, Ive seen the story. But of course, headlines tend to be where the majority of readers stop paying attention and sensationalize what is a pretty tame take into a damning statement. Thankfully, a curious reader crossed beyond the grabby headline and asked Villeneuve for his take on Tarantinos comments during a recent Q&A with film students at Montreals Concordia University.According to the Gazette, Villeneuves humorous I dont care led to a lot of laughter in the room. Villeneuve then dove into how he agrees and disagrees with Tarantinos take. Its true, I agree with him that I dont like this idea of recycling and bringing back old ideas, Villeneuve said. But where I disagree is that what I did was not a remake. Its an adaptation of the book. I see this as an original. But we are very different human beings.With Villeneuves third Dune film, Dune Messiah, on the horizon, theres a glimmer of hope that Tarantino will venture into theaters (or wherever he prefers to watch cinema) to check it out and see how it will adapt storylines beyond the scope of Lynchs cult-classic film. Dune Messiah does not yet have a release date, but early signs point to December 2026. In the meantime, prequel series Dune: Prophecy premieres November 17 on HBO and Max. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Germain Lussier Published October 18, 2024 By Isaiah Colbert Published October 17, 2024 By Cheryl Eddy Published September 10, 2024 By Gordon Jackson Published August 26, 2024 By Gordon Jackson Published July 18, 2024 By Ed Cara Published July 12, 2024

WD Kindergarten / HIBINOSEKKEI + Youjo no ShiroSave this picture! Li QuanKindergartenGuangzhou, ChinaArchitects: HIBINOSEKKEI, Youjo no ShiroAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:3353 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Li QuanMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This is a renovation project for a kindergarten located in Nansha District, Guangzhou, China. The site covers over 16,000 square meters and features a one-story building with plenty of natural light and a spacious garden. Originally planned as a communal commercial facility for a residential complex, the building has been renovated to include 12 classrooms, an atelier, special classrooms, a library, a hall, a lounge, and a dining area.Save this picture!Although high-rise apartment buildings are located behind the kindergarten, one can observe ships navigating through the river mouth on their way out to the sea from the garden. The design of the kindergarten takes full advantage of the site, with a concept focused on learning, discovery, and growth through spontaneous play.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The existing building's distinctive arched exterior corridors have been transformed into semi-outdoor spaces that manipulate the tropical light and shadow, allowing all classrooms to have direct access to the garden, despite the region's frequently rainy climate. The dining area, located in the middle of the building, also becomes a semi-outdoor space during the spring and autumn seasons, providing an open and inviting atmosphere.Save this picture!Inside the classrooms, the high ceilings of the existing building are utilized, and small loft spaces have been created above the wet area and storage space to provide a special moment for the children. The garden is gently sloped overall, with dynamic hills and vibrant trees dotting the landscape, creating an environment that inspires children to explore, learn, and discover through play. Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Guangzhou, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeHIBINOSEKKEIOfficeYoujo no ShiroOfficeMaterialsWoodStoneMaterials and TagsPublished on November 09, 2024Cite: "WD Kindergarten / HIBINOSEKKEI + Youjo no Shiro" 08 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023173/wd-kindergarten-hibinosekkei-plus-youjo-no-shiro&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream