User Reviews

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.

From what i know, The Curse is supposed to be intentionally 'cringe' or 'uncomfortable' but in a funny goofy way. It's just cringe. I don't think i laughed at all. The jokes must've flew over my head. Though Nathan and Emma acted really well, i can't say that their character are likeable enough for the audience to care.

It shot decently, i like the focus on the 'grey area' of a satire charity reality show. But it's too slow paced with barely anything happened. The major plot points are very unrealistic. It's a far stretched, to somehow makes it relate to the title (i know it's a bit ambiguous, I'm trying not to spoil anything)

6/10.

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.

Seeing so many people calling the characters pretentious and cringe is hilarious to me. That's the whole point. Yes they are and that's what the show is doing. Geez it's like everyone wants the same lame show one after another with the same premise or storytelling. This show is so different and is taking a risk and it nails it. Perfectly almost. Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone feel so odd and out of place in these roles. And that's what makes them So perfect. Just a unique take on the genre. Ok that's all I have but I need to use up 70 more letters so I'm just going to keep typing. Ok that's good. Byeeeee.

---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.

The 3 stars are purely for Emma Stone, who is doing her best with the material she's given. Otherwise, I'd have to rate this one star.

I'm not familiar with any of the other actors in this show, but I feel like with all the hype this has gotten, there must be superfans of their previous work who will love anything that these people put out.

But for me, cringey scenes do not automatically add up to comedy. And that's pretty much all I saw in the first episode. No humor whatsoever, just awkward situation after awkward situation -- as if we were being told, "Oh look, these otherwise nice people are being put into embarrassing, mortifying, and uncomfortable predicaments, pushed to their limits -- isn't that hilarious?" Well, no. No it isn't.

One episode was more than enough.

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.

Ok so I don't normally write reviews, but I have to with this one if I can save someone else from having to suffer through it.

It is so very very cringe, and I don't find it even a little bit funny.

The whole thing is like one big, long slow bad joke with no punchline.

I only watched it because of Emma Stone but just watching her play her character makes me want to hide under my blankets from embarrassment for her.

As the episodes went on the worse it seems to get. So please save yourself some time and take a hard pass on this show I promise you won't regret it!

And now I just need to write some stuff to make it up to enough words. Done.

Cringe, weird, wild, meta, self aware, unique, innovative.

My first Nathan Fielder show and I have already become a fan. This is one of the most wildly creative and innovatively funny series I have ever seen. The premise isn't that wild, but it's the execution that makes this show so unique. The humour is intentionally cringe, which makes it so funny. It's a self aware show filled with meta jokes. The actions of the lead couple will give you second hand embarrassment and make you squirm. At times you will wonder where the show is heading, but the finale is so wild and innovative that the journey feels worth it.

Nathan Fielder is genius as the socially awkward husband of Emma Stone whose character is filled with white guilt. Their virtue signalling and self righteousness will make you despise them. Both of these actors are so good in their respective roles that it takes this show to a whole different level. And Benny Safdie is here playing a director doing all the inappropriate things. Whenever he is present on the screen, he is the funniest of all.

In summary, The Curse is a wild show. A24 strikes again. Bringing quirkily talented people like Fielder, Stone and Safdie was a masterclass. And the finale is the weirdest and most unpredictable thing ever.

Written, created, and directed by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, and starring themselves alongside Emma Stone, and finally produced by all three, we have The Curse, a surreal, satirical behind-the-scenes HGTV show gone wrong, with more subtle narratives and twists than you'd think could fit in 10 one-hour episodes. Again a plot which I could never predict the next turn, literally right through the end, I'm struggling to put to pen what I think of this series, now just over 24 hours since it was finished. It's very weird, and shockingly NSFW at times (warning is a tiny amount of penile nudity if that's not your thing), and touches not only the some of the most morbid or disturbing topics, but also then moves on without making anything clear as a statement or perspective. Not that that's needed, I can appreciate the sincerity, and it took the peak of Fielders credibility to get something wild like this made. Unfortunately, unlike his previous "reality tv" commentary in both Nathan For You and The Rehearsal, I just don't know what he's trying to point out. But whatever it is it feels very heavy, depressing, and deeply unsettling. Emma Stone is definitely the star, her performance is what carries the show and it would be much worse without her, I honestly can't imagine any one else with the ability to commit and nail it. Both Fielder and Safdie seem to play off some of their own natural quirks or personalities so while I expect their acting skills have little range they're obviously perfectly suited for each part they wrote themselves. The directing is also solidly strong, building on the eeriness with lots of longer takes, slow zoom shots building tension, and very often showing scenes via reflections or obfuscated by some foreground object, giving a sense of voyeurism or intrusion. It was unnerving and uncomfortable, and sticks with you after its done, I honestly don't know how I feel, maybe I don't know what's good anymore.

Nathan Fielder is a sadist, I'm convinced. After soldiering through 4 episodes of unimaginable boredom, I'm convinced no one could have thought this worthy of production. Does he just want us to suffer or is this the product of parents always telling their little boy that he's special? I couldn't decide until that 4th episode where I realized the joke is on the audience. And not in a fun or interesting way. This isn't art. This is bs. Why would Emma Stone sign up for this? I honestly do not understand. It's truly confounding that anyone beside Nathan Fielder found this to be a story in need of telling. Unless he hates the audience and wants them to suffer. I'm out. After 4 episodes, I'd rather watch commercials. They are less cringy. Avoid at all costs.

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.

This entire series was phenomenal. It's clearly not for everyone, nor is it an easy watch. The scenes are meticulously crafted to make you feel unsettled and uncomfortable. However, it's done in a way that feels very natural, like these could be awkward people you know in real life.

The soundtrack is incredible and the composer stated that the goal was to create a soundtrack that did not tell the viewer what to feel in the scenes, but to almost be a character on its own.

Mixed into the bizarre story is a lot of commentary on how detached from reality rich and privileged people can be. Highly recommended for anyone looking for something different and thought provoking.

"The Curse" emerges as a groundbreaking series in the landscape of contemporary television, ingeniously blending the comedic surrealism of "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson" with the depth and narrative complexity of an hour-long drama. Starring Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie, the show masterfully tackles themes like white saviorism and gentrification, doing so through the unusual yet brilliant lens of a home improvement reality show. This unique format allows for a rich exploration of societal issues, maintaining a delicate balance between humor and introspection.

The series' strength lies in its ability to weave its satirical edge into a more prolonged narrative form, something that sketch shows like "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson" often touch upon but don't fully explore due to their shorter format. "The Curse" takes this concept to a new level, offering viewers an extended, in-depth look at the absurdities and complexities of these themes.

In a way, "The Curse" can be seen as an evolution of the sketch comedy genre, taking the raw, unfiltered humor and unexpectedness characteristic of "I Think You Should Leave" and expanding it into a format that allows for more character development and narrative depth. The result is a show that is not only hilariously incisive but also a thought-provoking critique of modern society, making it a standout addition to the world of comedic drama.

The Fielder/Safdie union is a perfect union.

It's so incredibly sad reading the reviews left here by people who are so bored and seemingly watch things solely to not be bored. More a sign of the times, and where we're at with media literacy than anything to do with this brilliant series. I guess if anything, they should be congratulated for pulling themselves away from tiktok to watch something with more aim than triggering the baseset dopamine response. I honestly thought the comments about it being boring were a joke at first.

So much attention to detail and nuance. Few living filmmakers are capable of this, and it's really great to see in a miniseries format.

The Curse is absolutely riveting and has some of the funniest, most layered writing and performance I've seen in a show in years. While there are definitely lots of laughs, most of the humor is so dark that it lands in a place that resembles dread.

The pacing is so refreshing. It honestly don't understand how someone would describe it as slow. I can't even imagine. There are often several things happening at a given moment, and multiple layers of emotions to process.

It's the rare show that trusts the audience enough to figure out what is going on without being hit over the head with exposition, brave enough to let the tension grow gradually and steadily, perhaps too generously assuming that the viewer is smart, and not just watching this because they ran out of marvel movies.

I'm so thoroughly impressed by this show, it's just so well put together. It captures so many little details about the human condition. The acting is superb, carried by great writing. Emma Stone is excellent as always. Benny Safdie is terrifying and funny as hell. The camerawork and editing are powerful. Claustrophobic, nervous shots, often obscured and voyeuristic, with a very clear Safdie hand in the workings.

As for the score, I never would have imagined Lapodin and Medeski working together, but the score is fantastic and does a great part in building the growing sense of dread throughout without being at all heavy handed.

Two episodes in, and I can hardly wait for what's to come. I'm not someone who rewatches things, but I've already watched the episodes twice to catch little details and easter eggs.

I feel for those whose attention spans are too fried to know a great thing when they see it. I can only imagine how bored out of their minds if they had to sit through an entire Scorsese or Kubrick flick. Tarkovsky would probably send them to an early grave.

True what they say: boring people get bored.

The Curse is very clever, very unconventional, and was is a great social study of certain aspects of society. Themes of white savior complex, gentrification, impractical environmentalism...and hopeless do-gooders.

There's lots of great things that get sent up here. Some of the cringe is really well done, however, its the mismatch between all of it that perhaps means it doesn't work.

At some point, it appears to be a drama, and you invest in the characters, but at other points, that drama is thrown away for something to surreal to happen.

Major plotlines are not followed up and you are left wondering why they were really introduced. Characters make odd choices. The two main characters seems to unrealistically move in different emotional dir3ections that don't really make sense.

Asher's character is most developed, Whits is at times a great send up of the superficual white do-gooder, and dougie's while perhaps being the most interesting, is never really explored that much... with unsatasfying hints at what is going on.

There are also surreal elements that come into the show and really in my mind, don't quite fit.

While it has attracted critisism for being slow, that was not an issue for me, it was more the fact the show doesn't quite know exactly what it wants to be.

As Episode 1 of "The Curse" (2023 release; 10 episodes; Episode 1 runs for 61 min) opens, we get to know Asher and Whitney Siegel, recently married and who are in Española, NM hoping to film a pilot for a new HGTV show. Early on, an 8 or 9 yr girl who is unhappy with how Asher treated her proclaims that he is now cursed... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is the long awaited latest creation form the brains of Nathan "The Rehearsal" Fielder, who writes, directs and for good measure also co-stars (as Asher) in this series. Here he explores a number of ideas, one more off-center than the other. Some are truly bizarre, none more so that when Asher has a discussion with Whitney's dad about a certain male body part being 'small' or not. Beware: nudity is of course mandatory under these circumstances. In a way, this feels like a much darker side of "The White Lotus". "The Curse" is billed as a black comedy, but I don't see much of that so far (granted, I've seen only Episode 1). Still, I am intrigued, mostly because Emma Stone (as Whitney) is outstanding yet again. I'll give it a few more episodes to see how this evolves, as this could become very good, or it could go south as well.

Episode 1 of "The Curse" premiered on Showtime this weekend, and is also streaming on Paramount+'s SHO. Whether you are a fan of Emma Stone or of Nathan Field, I'd suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

I liked Nathan for You, but disliked the Rehearsal and especially disliked The Curse. This show honestly feels like the incoherent thoughts and ramblings of a 12 year old child with ADHD. Most scenes feel incredibly drawn out and pointless. A lot of times, it shows something that you think will come into play later, but no, it never does because it was just a random thing they through in the show for seemingly no reason other than to fill the time. I don't think any show has ever infuriated me as much as watching this show. It definitely wasn't a comedy either. I really wanted to like it and watched with an open mind, but it has no direction, no point to any of it, and frankly, there is no good reason to watch it.

Well, i guess that was the curse.

Every single episode, this series has taken us on a journey where honestly, you didn't know what the hell was going to happen next. It tackled privilege, racial tensions, white guilt and shame, and it always made your skin crawl with secondhand embarrassment.

Well, with that last episode it just took such a left turn that i would honestly call this a neo horror. My heart was racing the entire time! All the season it has just been cranking up on the absurdity and this last one just delivered on all fronts.

I don't know what genre this was but honestly this was next level stuff. All tv shows should be as daring as this. What an absolute TRIP!

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...

I just want to start off by saying that season finale was one of the worst episodes in tv series history.

The show was a really tough watch. It led you on to believe something crazy was going to happen, but nothing ever did. Being a fan of nathan fielders previous work, i stuck it out to see if it gets better- it doesnt. What you see is what you get. That is until the final episode, episode 10. This one was unlike the others, but in all the worst ways possible. I really dont know what they were thinking putting this out, but i felt robbed of my time after watching. You can argue that theres some deeper meaning to it, and youre probably right, but in terms of entertainment value, theres absolutely zero.