Entertainment
Extreme Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Will Either Cure You Or Break You
By Robert Scucci
| Published
One of the common pitfalls post-apocalyptic thrillers run into is trying to do too much at once, because there are a lot of angles to consider. The Mad Max franchise works because there is dense, folklore-driven worldbuilding that we’re made aware of as a smaller group of people navigate the wasteland looking for answers. The 28 Days Later films handle this well too. We’re briefed on what’s happening globally, and then things are handled locally.
2025’s Uncontained, despite the fact that it has a lot going for it, struggles with this balance. The result is a tonally inconsistent film that I wish stuck the landing better, because the potential is clearly there.
Found Family During End Times
Billed as a zombie horror drama, Uncontained tells a much more personal story through the eyes of Dan (portrayed by writer director Morley Nelson). Dan is a drifter who appears to be immune to the zombie virus that has decimated society, and he eventually happens upon a smart house occupied by two children, Jack (Jack Nelson) and Brooke (Brooke Nelson).
Their mother, simply billed as The Woman (Nicole Nelson), works for Homeland Security and is desperately searching for a cure, because Jack carries a latent version of the infection.
Dan, initially just looking for shelter, slowly becomes a surrogate father figure for Jack and Brooke. The Woman is also glad to have him around, mostly because he’s able to clock an intimidating amount of time on the treadmill that doubles as a power source for the house.
Jack handcuffs himself to the bed before going to bed, because he occasionally turns into a bloodthirsty zombie in his sleep and needs to wait out his episodes so he doesn’t harm his family. He also sets elaborate snare traps in the backyard and spends his time studying captured zombies, which initially disgusts Dan, who doesn’t yet realize that he and Jack have more in common than either of them would like to admit.
The B Story
Meanwhile, Uncontained introduces additional conflict in the form of militia leader Brett Carson (Peter O’Meara), who refuses to leave the property because he’s searching for his missing daughter, Melanie (Courtney Blythe Turk). This entire plot line feels largely unnecessary, as it neither helps nor meaningfully disrupts the dynamic inside the house that Dan and the family are occupying.
The limited value these scenes provide comes mostly from comic relief, particularly when Brett talks shop with a police officer who grows more visibly concerned with each passing exchange, as if silently thinking, “dude, you need to go home before you get killed.”
Speaking of comic relief, Uncontained earns genuine points for the dynamic it establishes between Dan, Jack, and Brooke, and The Woman. Dan has a gruff exterior and doesn’t look like the kind of guy who enjoys screwing around. But the moment Brooke offers him her hair clips, he immediately takes her up on it just to be kind. These subtle moments are both funny and disarming, and they say a lot about Dan’s character. The world is effectively ending, and nobody is obligated to be pleasant if they don’t want to be.
Uncontained ultimately leaves a lot on the table, and it’s because it tries to think globally and locally at the same time. Had the film committed to being a bottle story focused on the house and its occupants, I think it would have landed more cleanly. It simply tries to do too much at once, when the initial survival story is already compelling on its own. The moments I enjoyed most came directly from this central dynamic. The idea that an infected child could be the key to a cure while the family battens down the hatches and rides out the proverbial storm is strong enough without a side story pulling attention away from it.
Uncontained is streaming for free on Tubi.
Entertainment
This lightweight and portable Lenovo Chromebook is now 70% off
TL;DR: The refurbished Lenovo 11.6-inch Chromebook 100E Gen 2 is on sale for $59.99 (reg. $199).
A capable everyday laptop doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For anyone who browses, streams, or handles light work on the go, this refurbished Chromebook checks the right boxes, and for a limited time, it’s down to just $59.99 (reg. $199).
The Lenovo 11.6-inch Chromebook 100E Gen 2 is built for lightweight, web-based use. Powered by an AMD A4-9120C processor and 4GB of RAM, it handles multitasking across browser tabs, email, and cloud-based apps like a charm. The 32GB of solid-state storage isn’t meant for a large local library, but it delivers quick boot times and reliably smooth day-to-day performance.
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Because it runs on Chrome OS, it’s designed around cloud storage and browser-based tools, which help keep things fast and simple without requiring much maintenance. Automatic updates and built-in security features also make it a low-effort option for everyday use.
Its compact 11.6-inch HD display and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, whether you’re moving between rooms, commuting, or packing it in a bag for school or travel. You’ll also get a mix of modern ports, including USB-C for charging and accessories, plus USB 3.2 and an SD card slot for added flexibility.
This laptop is listed as Grade A refurbished, meaning it should arrive in near-mint condition with minimal signs of wear. That can be a practical way to save on a device that still handles everyday computing needs.
This setup makes the most sense for students, casual users, or anyone who primarily works in a browser and doesn’t need high-powered specs. If you’re editing video or running demanding software, this won’t be the right fit, but for lighter tasks, it keeps things straightforward.
For a limited time, you can get the Lenovo Chromebook 100E Gen 2 for $59.99 (reg. $199), which is 70% off.
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Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Entertainment
Build confidence in a new language with Babbel
TL;DR: Lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning is just $159, thanks to the StackSocial code LEARN.
$159
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Save $487.20
Planning a trip often comes with a familiar thought: I wish I knew at least a little of the language. And it makes sense. Learning to speak the language is a surefire way to enjoy your trip more.
Babbel makes it easier to learn, and a lifetime access is just $159 (reg. $646.20) with the StackSocial code LEARN.
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Babbel focuses on helping users build practical conversation skills, not just memorize vocabulary. Lessons are designed by more than 100 linguists and structured around real-world scenarios — like ordering food, asking for directions, or navigating transportation. The idea is to help learners feel more comfortable actually speaking, not just recognizing words on a screen.
Lessons typically run 10 to 15 minutes, making it easier to fit learning into a daily routine without the overwhelm. Over time, that consistency can add up, and many users find they can handle basic conversations within a few weeks. A key part of the experience is its speech recognition technology, which helps guide pronunciation. Instead of guessing how something should sound, learners can practice speaking and get feedback along the way.
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There’s also an AI-powered conversation feature that allows users to simulate real dialogue, helping bridge the gap between studying and actual communication.
The subscription includes access to 14 languages. With offline access, personalized review sessions, and a focus on everyday topics, Babbel positions itself as a practical tool for building language confidence.
Don’t miss getting lifetime access to Babbel for a one-time $159 payment (reg. $646.20) with the StackSocial code LEARN.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Entertainment
Clean, restock, refresh — all with one $15 Sam’s Club membership
TL;DR: A $15 Sam’s Club membership can help streamline your spring refresh with bulk essentials and lifestyle finds.
Spring tends to bring a long list of to-dos — organizing closets, kitchens, outdoor spaces, and even office setups. It’s also a time when shopping trips can start to add up.
A one-year Sam’s Club membership for $15 (reg. $50) through March 29 offers a way to streamline that process by bringing a wide range of essentials into one place.
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Rather than bouncing between multiple stores, members can access groceries, household goods, seasonal outdoor items, clothing, and more in a single trip. For anyone tackling a spring refresh, that convenience alone may help save time and simplify planning.
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Bulk purchasing is another key advantage. Buying larger quantities of frequently used items — like pantry staples, cleaning supplies, or paper goods — can help reduce the cost per unit over time. For families, that can translate into fewer midweek store runs.
For small business owners or home-based entrepreneurs, it can also support more predictable inventory and supply management. Beyond products, membership includes additional perks that add value. These include discounts on travel, which is a fan favorite. There’s also a practical side to having fewer errands on your list. Consolidating shopping into fewer trips can free up time for other priorities, whether that’s work, family, or simply enjoying the season.
Don’t miss getting a one-year Sam’s Club Membership for just $15 (reg. $50) through March 29 with code MARCH15.
Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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