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Matthew McConaughey’s Extremely Graphic Netflix Thriller Kills When Least Expected

By Robert Scucci
| Updated

Here’s some free advice for anybody who doesn’t like living outside of a jail cell or a coffin. If you hire somebody to commit crimes on your behalf, the kind of crimes that result in the death penalty if you get caught, make sure you properly vet the person you’re working with. Because they don’t in 2011’s Killer Joe, and everything goes exactly how you’d expect. The crime in question is murdering a family member to cash in on their life insurance policy, and the desired criminal is actually a cop who moonlights as a contract killer.

I’d call Killer Joe a comedy of errors, because it certainly feels like it falls into that territory, but make no mistake. This movie goes beyond dark, and most of the humor, outside of Matthew McConaughey’s pithy observations, is situational. Here we have two would-be criminals who are too cowardly to do the deed themselves, but don’t have the funds to outsource it, culminating in the kind of family-annihilating disaster that could only truly be captured with a gritty Southern Gothic aesthetic.

It Won’t End Well For Adele

Killer Joe 2011

Killer Joe boasts a stupid-simple premise, but it doesn’t take much to understand the stakes. We’re introduced to Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch), a young drug dealer who owes $6,000 he doesn’t have to his supplier, Digger Soames (Marc Macaulay). The reason he owes money is because his abusive mother, Adele, stole the drugs he was supposed to sell and kicked him out of the house. Confiding in his not-so-bright, trailer park-inhabiting father, Ansel (Thomas Haden Church), who’s also not on the best of terms with Adele, his ex-wife, Chris comes up with what, in his mind, is the most logical plan: kill Adele, collect her $50,000 life insurance policy, and split the money evenly with Sharla (Gina Gershon), Ansel’s current wife.

The problem is that Chris and Ansel are profoundly stupid and unwilling to carry out the dastardly deed themselves. Chris has a solution in the form of “Killer Joe” Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a respected detective with a dark streak and secret double life as a contract killer. The terms of the deal are simple: Joe kills Adele, her insurance payout goes to Dottie (Juno Temple), Chris’ younger sister and the sole beneficiary of the policy, and everybody splits the money.

Killer Joe 2011

Here’s where things get very messy. Joe demands a $25,000 advance and has very strict operating rules since his day job puts him on the right side of the law while his extracurricular activities could land him in a whole heap of trouble. Unable to pay the advance, Chris and Ansel reluctantly agree to use Dottie as his “retainer” because she’s allegedly a virgin and Joe is very interested in her, with the promise that everybody will go their separate ways once the deed has been done.

As you would expect from this arrangement, nothing goes according to plan. Joe very quickly marks his territory by seducing Dottie, who often says cryptic things suggesting she knows about the entire murder plot even though nobody told her about it. She even recalls an incident from infancy when Adele allegedly tried to kill her. Joe’s presence is intrusive, invasive, and aggressive, and he’s hellbent on not only finishing the job, but also running off into the sunset with Dottie if he can help it.

Alright, Alright, Alright … 

Everything goes horribly wrong for Chris, Ansel, Sharla, and Adele in Killer Joe while Dottie, naive enough to not know any better, sits in horror on the sidelines. Loyalties are betrayed, motives are revealed to be dubious, and the third act gets so violent, among other things, that it’s hard to maintain eye contact with the screen but equally hard to look away. If you’re not quite picking up what I’m throwing down, here’s a spoiler-free hint: the most upsetting sequence in this movie involves a bucket of fried chicken, Matthew McConaughey’s performative Southern charm thinly veiling his sadistic tendencies, and everybody at the table trying to act like they didn’t completely screw up what should have been an incredibly simple job.

Killer Joe is a uncomfortable viewing experience, and every character in it is the worst person you’ve ever met. They’re so stupid, though, that you can’t help but laugh at their misfortune, of which there is plenty, when everything begins to backfire and they have nobody to blame but themselves.

As of this writing, Killer Joe is streaming on Netflix.

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Entertainment

The best Memorial Day tech deals you can shop this weekend — save on headphones, laptops, and more

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Replacing a busted laptop or losing your favorite earbuds is painful enough without having to pay full retail price to replace them. Memorial Day is historically a great weekend to score discounts on big-ticket electronics (and mattresses!), but finding a real deal among all the manufactured holiday markdowns can be confusing, and a little insulting. (Looking at you, inflated list prices!)

SEE ALSO:

The best deals this week, according to Mashable’s team of shopping experts

To help you find the biggest discounts, I sifted through the sales to round up the best tech deals happening this weekend. I prioritized Mashable’s favorite tech — so you get genuinely good, vetted gear, not just whatever inventory retailers are trying to clear out of their warehouses.

Best Memorial Day headphone deal

$169
at Amazon

$199
Save $30

 

Why we like it

Read our full review of the Nothing Headphone (a).

Mashable’s Lead Shopping Reporter is fresh off reviewing Nothing’s new mid-range headphones, which she rated a 4.3/5. She thinks they’re better than the flagship Nothing Headphone (1) because they offer the same app experience, comparable noise cancellation, and a comfier fit at a lower price. Moreover, they last for up to 135 hours on a single charge (!) without ANC, and their retro design is fun. Amazon has them on sale for a record-low price ahead of Memorial Day, saving you 15%.

More Memorial Day headphone deals

Earbud deals

Best Memorial Day speaker deal


Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Lightweight Super-Compact Travel Speaker, Durable IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof Shower Speaker, 16 Hour Battery, Versatile Strap, & Hands-free Calling, Black

$43
at Amazon

$64.99
Save $21.99

 

Why we like it

Read our full guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

If you’re looking for a portable speaker that you can just grab and throw in your bag, I couldn’t recommend the Sony SRS-XB100 enough. I’ve had this exact one for years and it goes everywhere with me — I take it to the beach, hang it in the outside shower at my parents’ OBX house, and set it up when I’m hanging with friends on the balcony. It has serious sound for how small it is, and right now you can get it for $43 (down from $64.99). That’s a total steal for a speaker this good.

Want to pay even less? You can get a “renewed” Sony SRS-XB100 for $39.99.

More Memorial Day speaker deals

Best Memorial Day laptop deal


Apple MacBook Air M5 13.6" Laptop (16GB/512GB, Sky Blue)

$899.99
at Amazon

$1,099
Save $199.01

 

Why we like it

Read our full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

The MacBook Neo is only $10 off on Amazon right now, but the brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air is $100 off there — you can get the base model for just $949. This is the lowest price we’ve seen it go for since April 6. In our review, Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth said the new MacBook Air “takes everything good about the MacBook Air and adds the faster M5 chip.”

More Memorial Day laptop deals

Best Memorial Day TV deal


50" Amazon Fire TV 4-Series 4K HDR10+ Smart TV (2025 Model)

$309.99
at Amazon

$399.99
Save $90

 

Why we like it

Right now, you can get last year’s Amazon Ember 50-inch 4-Series with Fire TV for $309.99. (If you’re a new Xbox GamePass customer, you’ll also get a month of the subscription service for free.) That’s a 23% discount and not too shabby of a deal for a 2025 TV.

More Memorial Day TV deals

Best Memorial Day smartwatch deal

$69
at Amazon

$99
Save $30

 

Why we like it

Read our full review of the CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro.

The Mashable Choice Award-winning CMF Watch 3 Pro features great health, fitness, and sleep tracking tools, and it lasts forever — it’s rated at up to 13 days per charge with average use. It’s not as sleek as other wearables, but it’s an impeccable value at its $99 MSRP: “Please, no one tell Nothing they should be charging a lot more for this watch,” writes Mashable Contributor and reviewer Lauren Allain. Right now, it’s yours for 30% off.

More Memorial Day smartwatch deals

Best Memorial Day smart home deal

$14.99
at Amazon

$39.99
Save $25

Enter code SELCT4K at checkout.

Why we like it

Amazon’s budget 4K streaming stick has been going on sale regularly since its launch last fall, but it’s never been this cheap before. (Be sure to enter the coupon code SELECT4K at checkout.) At 63% off, it’s very difficult to see it getting any cheaper come Prime Day.

More Memorial Day streaming stick deals

Home security deals

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Entertainment

Finally start learning Spanish, Italian, and French with this exclusive Babbel deal

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Babbel through this exclusive StackSocial offer for $159 with promo code LEARN before the deal ends June 2.

$159

$646.20
Save $487.20

 

Maybe it’s for travel, maybe it’s for work, or maybe you’re just tired of staring blankly at subtitles — whatever the motivation, this Babbel deal makes it easier to finally commit to learning a new language. StackSocial is currently offering lifetime access to every Babbel language course for a one-time payment of $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN, giving you permanent access without monthly subscription fees hanging over your head.

Unlike no-name apps that promise fluency without substance, Babbel takes a human approach and was developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by researchers from Yale University. It’s designed to help you actually speak a new language with confidence — whether you’re prepping for a trip abroad, connecting with family, or hoping to boost your career.

Mashable Deals

By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

You’ll get access to 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of high-quality content. Lessons are short and made to fit into even packed schedules — just 10 to 15 minutes — and available on desktop or mobile, with progress synced across devices. You can even download lessons to practice offline, whether that’s on a flight or in a Wi-Fi dead zone on the subway.

How Babbel can help you become fluent:

  • Real conversations: Lessons focus on practical topics like dining, shopping, transportation, and more.

  • Speech recognition: Built-in tools help you perfect pronunciation and avoid awkward slip-ups.

  • Personalized learning: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find lessons that match your level.

  • Expert design: A proven method that emphasizes conversational skills over rote memorization.

And with lifetime access, you’re free to hone in on one language or explore all 14 — on your schedule, forever.

Pick up a lifetime Babbel Language Learning access for $159 (reg. $299) with this limited-time exclusive offer from StackSocial using code LEARN for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Entertainment

60+ of the best Memorial Day deals: We found TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale

Table of Contents

The best Memorial Day 2026 deals at a glance:

ninja slushi

Toshiba 65-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV

black bose headphones

Best home deal


Ruggable

save up to 25% sitewide

Coral Ruggable rug with blue floral design

The unofficial start to summer is almost here, but you don’t have to wait until Memorial Day itself on May 25 to find those Memorial Day deals.

There are already deals live at Amazon, where you’ll find savings of up to 40%. There are also plenty of savings from other online shopping destinations, with deals on products such as mattresses, TVs, furniture, and outdoor patio items. Plenty of brands are getting in on early MDW action — you can grab the Dyson Airwrap i.d. for $150 off and the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $120 off.

We’ll be updating all the best Memorial Day deals throughout the weekend, so be sure to keep checking back on this page for the biggest and best savings.

Best Memorial Day Amazon deals


ninja slushi

$259
at Amazon

$349.99
Save $90.99

 

Why we like it

What says start of the summer better than slushies on demand? When Mashable’s Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi, she pointed out the merits of the Slushi over a regular blender: no ice is required, and it keeps drinks frozen while in its cooling cylinder. From cola slushies to frosé, this might just be the ultimate summer drink machine. It has some downsides (sugar-free beverages are a no-go), but if you’re a frozen drink enthusiast, this deal is worth a closer look.

More Amazon deals

Best Memorial Day TV deals

$264.99
at Best Buy

$529.99
Save $265

 

Why we like it

Best Buy and Amazon have been racing to match prices on this Fire TV. Best Buy was initially $75 cheaper than Amazon, so Amazon dropped its sale price to keep pace. But that’s only a piece of the picture demonstrating just how good this deal is. Our resident TV expert, Leah Stodart, pointed out that this $264.99 price point is so good that it’s less than the sale price of the 43-inch version of Amazon’s most basic Ember 4K Fire TV. In other words, if you’re looking to score a solid deal on a smart TV this Memorial Day, this could be the one for you.

More TV deals

43-inch to 50-inch TVs

55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

70-inch TVs and up

Best Memorial Day mattress deals

  • Avocado: Get up to 20% off organic mattresses, bed toppers, and bedding.

  • Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

  • Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

  • Casper: Get up to 30% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

  • Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

  • Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

  • Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

  • Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with queens starting at $189.99

  • Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

  • Saatva: Save up to $650 on mattresses, including the Saatva Classic and Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses

  • Serta: Save up to $600 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

  • Sleep Number: Save up to $1,200 on ClimateCool and ComfortNext mattresses, BOGO free Ultimate Shape Pillows, and BOGO 50% off sheets

  • Tempur-Pedic: Save 40% on the Tempur-Cloud Mattress or up to $500 on adjustable mattress sets, plus free gifts

Best Memorial Day home deals

  • Brooklinen: Refresh your bedding for summer with 25% off sitewide

  • Buffy: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Caraway Home: Save up to 30% on cookware and bakeware

  • Cozy Earth: Save 20% sitewide or 25% when you buy three or more items

  • Crate & Barrel: Save up to 60% on rugs, 35% on kitchen brands, and 30% on furniture

  • Cuisinart: Save 15% on $99.95+, 20% on $149.95+, and 25% on $249.95+

  • Home Depot: Save up to 40% on select appliances, 20% on select patio furniture, and up to $175 off on select tools now through May 27

  • Joybird: Take up to 45% off on bestselling furniture and up to 35% off sitewide through May 25

  • Kohl’s: Save up to 50% sitewide on clothes, kitchen appliances, bedding, patio furniture, and more

  • Lovesac: Save 40% sitewide through May 31

  • Lowe’s: Save on appliances, grills, patio furniture, gardening supplies, and more through June 3

  • Mellow Sleep: Get $20 off $100, $50 off $200, or $100 off $300

  • Nest New York: Save 25% sitewide with code 25OFF

  • Parachute: Save 25% sitewide plus 30% on bundles

  • Ruggable: Save up to 25% sitewide

  • Rugs Direct: Save up to 80% sitewide on brands like Safavieh, Chris Loves Julia, Loloi, Rifle Paper Co., and Rugs USA

  • SharkNinja: Save up to 30% on Ninja kitchen appliances and Shark vacuums, hair tools, and fans

  • Target: Target’s Hello Summer Sale brings deals on summer favorites, including up to 20% off kids’ outdoor toys and up to 45% off patio furniture and garden essentials

  • Wayfair: Save up to 70% sitewide

Best Memorial Day tech deals

  • Best Buy: Save on TVs, Apple products, laptops, monitors, Sony cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and more

  • BJ’s Wholesale Club: Get up to 50% off TVs and electronics, 25% off mattresses, and 15% off home and kitchen

  • HP: Save up to 72% on OmniBook laptops, Omen gaming PCs, All-in-One desktops, and more

  • Lenovo: Save up to 30% on ThinkPad, Yoga, ThinkBook, IdeaPad, and Legion laptops

  • LG: Save up to 44% on TVs, 40% on monitors, and up to 58% on appliances

  • Tile: Save up to 40% on trackers

  • TP-Link: Save up to $220 on select products, including the Tapo C460 (4-Pack) + H500, plus get an additional 10% off sitewide with code USA10

Best Memorial Day beauty deals

  • Dyson: Save up to $150 on the Dyson Airwrap i.d., Airstrait, and Supersonic Nural

  • FabFitFun: Save 40% on your first box, plus get a free Vacation bonus box ($250 value) with an annual membership signup

  • L’ange: Save up to 44% on select tools with code MEMORIAL, plus an extra 15% off your entire order with code EXTRA15

Best Memorial Day outdoor deals

  • Bote: Save 15% sitewide

  • Columbia: Save up to 40% on “almost everything”

  • Dick’s Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on bikes, kayaks, tents, grills, and golf gear, save up to to 40% on Nike and adidas

  • Huffy: Save 25% on select bikes

  • HOVERAir: Save up to 47%

  • Rumpl: Save 25% sitewide

  • Solo Stove: Save 15% on select fire pits and pizza ovens

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