Nathan Fielder's latest series, The Curse, is currently being broadcasted on Showtime. So, what exactly is this peculiar new show, featuring Emma Stone, all about? Fielder is renowned for his knack for awkward comedy, evident in his previous work such as the four-season run of his reality parody show Nathan For You from 2013 to 2017, and his 2022 docu-comedy, The Rehearsal.
Fielder has returned with a new series titled The Curse, a collaborative project with Benny Safdie. Both Fielder and Safdie, along with Emma Stone, take on prominent roles in the show. Find out what the series has in store and discover what viewers are saying about its peculiar nature on social media.
What is The Curse about?
The network's official synopsis of The Curse from Showtime provides a description: "The Curse revolves around Whitney and Asher Siegel, a recently married pair who face difficulties in bringing their eco-conscious housing concept to the tight-knit community of Española, New Mexico.
However, their endeavors become intricate when Dougie, an idiosyncratic reality TV producer with inherent flaws, recognizes the potential in their tale.
Throughout the unfolding of the series, the duo becomes entangled in a perplexing network of ethically and morally ambiguous situations, all while striving to maintain the stability of their relationship.
What viewers are saying about The Curse
Opinions about The Curse have differed among viewers. While some enjoy Fielder's latest peculiar creation, others find themselves bewildered by its unconventional plot twists.
Impressed by the film, Robert King describes it as a wildly satirical take on performative goodness that intentionally lacks a consistent tone. He praises the mixture of broad satire, subtle comedy, and gripping marital drama between Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder. Additionally, King commends the excellent casting of local New Mexican actors. Ultimately, he concludes that despite its oddity, The Curse comes highly recommended.
While Kendall Whitmore wrote: “The first episode hurt my soul, horrendous vibes, literally no one is likeable… will be tuned in every week.”
Regarding the show, Klein Felt expresses their enthusiasm, describing it as "Hilarious, biting, and a remarkably authentic exploration of privilege, class, and the society we inhabit. Nathan Fielder's work is flawless!"
On the other hand, 'Quoth the Raven' was not as impressed. They describe the show as "Awkward, peculiar, and moderately engaging. It takes a rather conventional approach to gentrification, lacking in thought-provoking content. I wish the skepticism had been developed before exposing the flaws. The narrative feels overly simplified, similar to Barbie, and left me yearning for more diversity in the writers room."
While Jesse Gill was freaked out by proceedings, writing: “Omg the amount of purposeful cringe is almost too much to handle… Nathan Fielder makes me so uncomfortable.”
The Curse is currently streaming on Showtime in the US and Paramount+ in the UK. For more TV and Movies coverage, head here.
Editor's P/S
As a Nathan Fielder fan, I was eagerly anticipating the release of The Curse. I was intrigued by the premise of the show, which follows a recently married couple who face difficulties in bringing their eco-conscious housing concept to a tight-knit community. I was also excited to see Fielder team up with Emma Stone, who I believe is one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
After watching the first episode, I was immediately drawn into the show's unique and off-kilter tone. Fielder's signature style of awkward comedy is on full display, and Stone is perfectly cast as the straight woman to his antics. The show's plot is also full of unexpected twists and turns, which kept me guessing until the very end.
Overall, I really enjoyed the first episode of The Curse. It's a quirky and original comedy that is sure to appeal to fans of Fielder's previous work. I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store.