The Curse

This is absolutely NOT a normal TV show, but if you love A24 and Safdie Brothers stuff (and who doesn't?), you're in for a treat. 'Curse' thrusts you into the uneasy world of Whitney and Asher Siegel, a newlywed couple attempting to pioneer eco-conscious housing in the quaint community of Española, New Mexico. The narrative takes a bizarre turn when the eccentrically flawed reality TV producer, Dougie, sniffs out an opportunity in their story. Brace yourself for discomfort; 'Curse excels in cringe-inducing moments, crafting a dark comedy that deliberately pushes boundaries.

The show boldly ventures into social satire, navigating a maze of ethical and moral gray zones that leave you squirming. It's a total gender bender, blending drama and thriller elements into an intensely uncomfortable yet captivating experience. Emma Stone and Benny Safdie deliver outstanding performances, adding depth to the characters entangled in this gripping narrative. "Curse has set a high bar for dark comedies, and so far, it's great. I can't wait to see where it goes-eagerly anticipating the twists and turns ahead in this daring exploration of relationships, ethics, and the unexpected consequences of eco-conscious dreams.

One would think the first episode of a show would be really entertaining, right? Not this one. There were moments in the first episode that were really funny but in one hour of TV time I'd say I was interested in about 14 minutes of the show. I get what the show is trying to do but this one has missed the mark. With the multitude of options we have I don't have time for a show that doesn't draw me I immediately. I honestly don't care what happens to any of the characters. I don't care what happens to the town.

The fact that the show is called The Curse and the first episode barely even acknowledged there being one was a big miss, at least end the episode with some sort of ominous foreshadowing...

The Curse is a slow, long, and uncomfortable watch. There is not much of a through-plot in the series (the story is coherent, but does not have consistent, clear direction). If you go into this show for a story, you will be greatly disappointed.

The aspect of the show with the largest draw is the complex dynamics of the characters. Each lead character is deeply flawed, and the events of the show are primarily a way to explore these flaws. My viewing experience consisted of one part watching the episode followed by an equal part sitting and trying decode the characters' behaviors, helped along in many cases by the heavy use of metaphors and symbolism in the show.

The show is perplexing, in a way I happened to find entertaining. I would not expected it to be a particularly entertaining or enjoyable watch for a viewer whose brain isn't tickled in a similar way. I understand why people dislike the show, and most of their criticisms are perfectly valid.

I would recommend giving it a shot. If you do not connect with the first two or three episodes, you should know it will not improve. But if you connect with the style of the show, it is a fantastic experience.

I keep hoping each episode get's better but it doesn't. There is absolutely no chemistry between Emma Stone's character and her husband. The incredibly odd and manual sex scene they share is comical at best and hard to digest as their reality. I wish them good luck on pulling this one from the trash bin but they are already into episode 3 and it's not looking very positive. Skip this entirely or if you must disappoint yourself, watch episode 1 and blow off the rest. I can't believe Showtime is making crap like this and dumped Bellator to make more original content. Oh well, worse decisions have been made by subscription television.

Nathan Fielder is a generational talent. He looks to have hit another cultural home run with the Curse. He has come up with a plan thanks to his really good business knowledge, which allows him to film himself being intimate with Emma Stone, I have a feeling we will see multiple versions of this.

I for one am here for it, if you are a Nathan for you fan or a Rehearsal fan, or a fan of his old spots from that Canadian news show, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check out anything he has done you haven't seen.

I look forward very greedily for upcoming episodes, if all 10 would have dropped I have no doubt I'd still be watching.