Entertainment
Prophetic Sci-Fi Docudrama On HBO Max Sets The Tone For Our Future Dystopia
By Robert Scucci
| Published
If you’re wondering why speculative, apocalyptic sci-fi thrillers aren’t often presented through a documentary framework centered on real-life world events and public figures, it’s because it leads to disasterpieces like 2073; a film with a clear message that’s delivered to is audience in the most disjointed way possible. As ambitious as this film may be, it’s incredibly difficult to watch, and highlights a unique problem: it’s not allegorical, but rather too real to handle. I wish I was as original as Rotten Tomatoes reviewer Glenn Dunks, who simply referred to this film as “Doomscrolling: The Movie,” because that’s exactly what 2073 is despite the promising thumbnail and synopsis you’ll see when looking to stream the title on Max.
I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed, because even though 2073 is categorized as a documentary and a thriller, it’s, like, 10 percent thriller, if that, and the rest is just the kind of stuff you’ll see while swiping through your Instagram feed in a panic while wondering how close we actually are to the dystopian reality that, according to the film, we’re fast approaching.
The Future Is A Bleak Place In 2073
2073 starts with promise as it follows the point of view of a lone woman simply known as “Ghost” (Samantha Morton). Living under a long-abandoned shopping mall with other condemned humans, narrations from Ghost explain just how fargone society has become, and aims to tell a story about how humanity arrived at such a bleak destination. In constant fear of getting investigated and silenced (killed) by the government, Ghost dumpster dives for food and supplies when it’s safe to do so, and retreats back underground to her dilapidated compound occupied by other survivors who are equally worse for wear.
And let me tell you, these post-apocalyptic scenes are absolutely stunning. I wanted to learn more about how society functions in the year 2073, and I would have loved to see more of this. The hierarchy of power, the desire to reeducate the masses so they can overthrow their oppressors, and the state of constant surveillance that society is living through is captivating, to say the least, and this fictional yet unfortunately believable setting is fertile ground for some next-level storytelling about a society in disrepair that hasn’t yet discovered how to pick up the pieces and start the next chapter in our collective human history.
Well, That Got Dark
The best part about 2073 is the sequences set in the dystopian future that will fill any sensible viewer with an absolute sense of dread, and then suddenly the worst possible thing ever happens: we get a documentary that’s reminiscent of the fear-mongering Zeitgeist film series that did a great job pointing out the dangers of a totalitarian government, but never even tries to reassure audiences by presenting a viable, or even realistic, solution to the problems we face so we can actually make concerted efforts to get on the right side of history and prevent such a bleak future from happening.
In other words, 2073 is trying to be two different movies: a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a fictional not-so-distant future, and a documentary using real, archival footage from the present day used to explain how this dystopia was created.
But therein lies the problem.
While watching the documentary sequences that make up most of 2073’s runtime, I felt like Alex from A Clockwork Orange, who was forced to sit in front of television sets with his eyes pried open so he could take in all of the footage at an alarming rate. This kind of delivery strips the mystique from the more interesting story – the fiction set in 2073 – that could have been used as a vehicle to propose solutions for a society that’s been driven underground by the powers that be.
Two Different Failed Films In One
While I appreciate what 2073 was trying to accomplish, it left a bad taste in my mouth because it comes off as if it’s preaching to a choir that’s already aware of the current state of affairs, but feels powerless to act in any meaningful ways to prevent things from getting worse.
We already know that wealth is concentrated in such a way that keeps the working class under its ruler’s thumb. We already know that politicians and tech bros are sweeping humanity under the rug so a select few people in power can explore space while the rest of us suffer. We already know that data mining billionaires and chronically online worry warts are a terrible combination for humanity because it suggests how artificial intelligence will soon control the masses as it finds a way to become smarter than the humans it’s aimed to manipulate.
That’s all well and good, but what do we do about it? The interesting story – the story I wanted to see – in 2073 is how future humans cope with societal collapse and set their sights toward a brighter future. What we get instead is a rapid-fire news feed of the present day that’s beamed into our eyeballs as if to say “there’s nothing you can do about this,” and “we’re already doomed.”
Streaming 2073 On Max
If you’re looking for an ultra-condensed rundown of current affairs as told through various news sources that leads to a high-concept depiction of the future that may very well become a reality, then 2073 might pique your interest. But if you’re expecting to see how humanity aims to rise from the ashes through its speculative sci-fi storytelling, you’re going to be gravely disappointed. By juxtaposing real-life, present-day world events with what is by all measures a work of fiction, 2073 misses the mark on both fronts because it’s real, it’s scary, and it offers a disturbing take on how we’re collectively marching down a miserable path at an alarming rate, but never uses the fiction it establishes to meaningfully explore how we’re going to get out of this seemingly unavoidable mess.
2073 gets an A for effort and concept, and an F for execution. If you want to see how messed up the world is, just fire up your news apps, or hop on TikTok or Instagram, to get a crash course because it’s basically the same thing. If you want to just get it over with quickly and move on with your life, you can stream 2073 on Max.
Entertainment
Cordless power tool deals are already live at Amazon before Prime Day starts
Best early Prime Day deals on cordless power tools:
Summer is the ideal time to tackle home DIY projects. The paint will dry quicker, there’s more hours of daylight, and maybe some friends around to help out. If you have a list of home and yard projects to take care of this summer, make sure you have the necessary tools. Nothing sidelines a weekend project quite like realizing you need to run to the hardware store.
Lucky for us, early Amazon Prime Day deals already have great discounts on cordless power tools. Of course, we expect to see more as we get closer to the June 23 official start of the sale. But for now, here are the top deals worth shopping.
Best DeWalt deal
$169
at Amazon
$249
Save $80
Why we like it
Perfect for anyone building a new tool collection, the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit is on sale for $80 off before Prime Day. The kit comes with the 20V compact drill/driver, 20V impact driver, two 20V batteries, a battery charger, and a durable carrying case. Both tools have a built-in LED light so you’ll get a better view for optimal accuracy. The comfort grip with ergonomic design is also a major plus.
Best Craftsman deal
$299
at Amazon
$369
Save $70
Why we like it
Packing in seven tools, the Craftsman V20 Power Tool Combo Kit is an upgraded starter pack. It comes with a drill/driver, oscillating tool, impact driver, grinder, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and even more. You also get two 20V batteries and a battery charger.
Before Prime Day kicks off, the Craftsman Power Tool Combo Kit is on sale for $229, down from the normal price of $369.
Mashable Deals
Best Hoto deal
$79.99
at Amazon
$99.99
Save $20
Why we like it
Hoto makes some excellent cordless tools that are useful to have around any home, even if you’re not taking on DIY projects soon. The Hoto SNAPBLOQ S-A01 3.7V Electric Screwdriver is the perfect example given that it comes with 56 bits to cover every possible scenario. It also has three torque settings and an LED light. Use it to repair your glasses or sunglasses, get access to tiny screws in a watch or your laptop, while still having access to more standard bits.
Hoto says you’ll get about 60 minutes of runtime before the cordless electric screwdriver needs to recharge its 800 mAh battery.
More cordless tool deals to shop before Prime Day
Entertainment
The Decade's Funniest Sci-Fi Series Is Finally Complete On Netflix
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
Comedy is hard to do right. Science fiction is hard to do right. A sci-fi comedy is nearly impossible. That’s what makes Resident Alien one of the best series of the decade. It’s a funny, well-written sci-fi comedy allowed to tell a complete story from beginning to end. After originally airing on SyFy, the series went to Netflix, and now, the final season has arrived for you to easily binge Alan Tudyk’s greatest performance.
The Perfect Role For Alan Tudyk
Tuidyk plays “Harry Vanderspeigle,” or rather, the alien with a name humans can’t pronounce, impersonating the town doctor (also played by Alan Tudyk in flashbacks), whom he accidentally killed when landing in Patience, Colorado. Harry learns medicine by watching Law & Order, and slowly picks up on human emotions, customs, and social cues as the series goes on, all to further his mission to exterminate the human race. Early on, he realizes that a young boy, Judah, can see his true alien form. He tries to exterminate the witness, but fails, and ends up befriending him instead. Be a different series if the bone saw had worked.
The first few episodes have the other residents of Patience playing the straight man to Harry’s quasi-murderous antics, before Resident Alien finds its groove and settles in. As the seasons go on, Harry finds an ally in Judah’s mom, Asta (Sara Tomko), and a new enemy when the government moves into Patience, which, as with Stranger Things, is represented by Linda Hamilton as a no-nonsense extraterrestrial hunting General. Hamilton isn’t the only sci-fi cameo. Resident Alien is filled with familiar names and faces having the time of their life on the show.
Alan Tudyk’s Firefly co-stars, Nathan Fillion and Jewel Staite, turn up as a telepathic octopus and an FBI Agent respectively. Clancy Brown, Terry O’Quinn, George Takei, and Stephen Root all drop by while behind the camera, Star Trek Voyager’s Robert Duncan McNeill is often directing the big episode of the season. When the star of the show is one of the most beloved performers in Hollywood, it’s easy to get everyone to show up.
Resident Alien Is The Decade’s Best Sci-Fi Series
Resident Alien is an absolute blast of a series. It’s a throwback to the old SyFy slate of Eureka and Warehouse 13, and the only show this decade to nail that vibe. It took a while to catch on. Season 1 flew under the radar with barely a million viewers for each episode. Once it was available on streaming, it became a social media hit, and viewership boomed. Now that it’s complete on Netflix, expect it to again experience a new surge in popularity.
There’s a lesson to be learned here by studios about producing original sci-fi, or well, almost original, since it does adapt the comic book series by Peter Hogan and Steven Parkhouse, and then giving them room to grow, develop, and find their audience. Too often, sci-fi shows are canceled after one season before anyone even knows how great it is. Resident Alien did everything right, barely survived for four seasons, and is now going to be your new favorite series
Entertainment
The best early Prime Day air fryer deals you can shop right now
Best early Prime Day air fryer deals at a glance:
Prime Day is almost here — and Amazon isn’t waiting for the official start to roll out discounts. This year’s sale kicks off on June 23, but early deals on small kitchen appliances are already live, and air fryers are among the standouts.
Whether you’re after a compact basket-style fryer for weeknight meals or a larger oven model that can roast a whole chicken, brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, and Chefman are already seeing price cuts. Here are the best early Prime Day air fryer deals worth grabbing now.
Mashable Trend Report
Best mini air fryer deal
$64.99
at Amazon
$129.99
Save $65.00
Why we like it
If you live alone, like making apps or quick side dishes, or just want an air fryer that won’t take up your entire counter, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer (4QT) is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon, down from $129.99. This little air fryer can bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, and air fry small meals in minutes. Just press the preset button, and it does the rest.
Best large air fryer deal
$89.99
at Amazon
$149.99
Save $60.00
Why we like it
For households with more mouths to feed, the Chefman XL 6-in-1 Air Fryer (14QT) can make family-sized meals in no time. (There’s also a Hi-Fry button for those who prefer an extra crispy finish.) It comes with three removable wire racks, a rotisserie spit, a fetch tool to remove the rotisserie, and a dip tray/baking pan. And right now, you can get it for $89.99 — the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model to date!
More air fryer deals
Topics
Kitchen
Air Fryers
Cordless power tool deals are already live at Amazon before Prime Day starts
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