The Curse

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...

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.

When I mean uncomfortable I mean there's a lot of cringey moments in this show, but that's but makes it so good. The premise is really strong, a couple trying to modernize an old small town. The cast is absolutely flawless, especially Emma Stone as the wife. You can literally feel what the characters are feeling in every shot and look they give. It is a slow burn of a tv show but for this kind of plot it just works and never feels forced. Now of course this show hasn't been fully released and I'm just going off the first episode, but truly I can't wait to see the rest. This is a really good show.

---just don't apply when it's dark satire is about just those desciptors. A slow burn of cringe by the awkward, yet brilliant acting and anti-chemistry are what gives this series it's ignition point. If a young Kubrick made a neo dark satire series, it might just feel like this. Never mind the might, it would feel JUST like this.

It's definitely not for everyone and being a big fan of Fielder's work coupled with the Safdie's, this was catnip for the weirdo humor in me. It's takes patience and full understanding the delivery and pitch back humor is stylistic satirical genius.

The pretention and over the top 3 layer storyline is reminiscent of the very prentiously delicious (though found it a bit of a self indulgent slog in the third act) Ruben Östlund's "Triangle of Sadness"

This is brilliant to those that like this sort of offkilter independent filmmaking, and the flipside being people that go apeshit for a more "obvious" approach to humor might find this unwatchable.

And thats okay...its all subjective, and I'll take this all day.

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.