Christopher Nolan praises The Curse as groundbreaking TV, spotlighting the Showtime black comedy as a series that stands apart from its contemporaries. The acclaimed director’s enthusiasm brings further attention to the show’s unique storytelling, blending dark comedy and intense drama.
A Bold New Direction for Prestige Television
While Christopher Nolan’s reputation is built upon cinematic achievements, his admiration for daring entertainment extends into television. Known for championing eclectic films like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and even the Fast and Furious franchise, Nolan has surprised fans once again by celebrating The Curse as a groundbreaking TV show. This recognition adds to the chorus of universal acclaim from critics, who have highlighted the series’ sharp tone and thematic complexity.
The Curse follows Asher Siegel, played by Nathan Fielder, and his wife Whitney, portrayed by Emma Stone, as they navigate the construction of an HGTV program called Fliplanthropy. Their on-screen efforts to improve local neighborhoods are quickly overshadowed by offscreen turmoil when a girl named Nala, played by Hikmah Warsame, places a curse on Asher after a staged act of generosity. What begins as a seemingly simple act triggers a series of bizarre, unsettling events that threaten not only their television enterprise but their marriage and aspirations of starting a family.
Nathan Fielder, who co-created the show with Benny Safdie, drew inspiration from a personal experience that anchored the series in psychological realism.
“I don’t believe in that stuff, but I can’t get those things out of my head. Sometimes if someone says something to you, even conversationally, where you feel like you messed up something, it can linger in your mind and grow and consume you. Then we just started riffing on that idea, like, ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if that vibe was hanging over an entire show?’”
—Nathan Fielder, Co-Creator
The series stands out for its willingness to blend supernatural unease with real-world challenges. It tackles subjects like gentrification and the struggle for moral self-worth, all while peeling back the layers of Asher and Whitney’s personal insecurities and failures. The narrative explores how their TV show, Fliplanthropy, may be complicit in changing neighborhoods they intend to help, and delves into Whitney’s family history as slumlords. Each character, from Benny Safdie’s Dougie to the supporting cast, brings depth and tension that heighten the viewer’s engagement.
Nolan Draws Parallels to Iconic Television Series
Christopher Nolan’s appreciation for The Curse became evident during a Q&A session following a screening of the series’ pilot episode. That event, attended by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, saw the filmmaker compare The Curse to genre-defining works from television history.
“It’s an incredible show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before. There are so few shows that come along that have genuinely no precedence. You’re going back to things like Twin Peaks, or The Prisoner, or Dennis Potter’s Singing Detective and things like that, so you’re in an amazing space, and I can’t wait to catch up with the climax,”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
This comparison to classics like Twin Peaks and The Prisoner highlights how The Curse transforms expectations, starting in familiar territory but moving into uncharted narrative twists. Fielder’s previous shows, including Nathan For You and The Rehearsal, carry a similar unpredictable streak and surreal humor, echoing the sensibility of David Lynch. The creative risk-taking found in The Curse resonates with Nolan’s own reputation for blending mystery and emotional depth in his films and explains, in part, why the series has captured his attention.
Emma Stone’s portrayal of Whitney, Asher’s partner on- and off-screen, drew explicit praise from Nolan.
“I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say, as the series develops, she can be pretty maddening at times, in a very credible way. The performance, I think, is absolutely amazing and wonderful. She’s totally in it,”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
Throughout the season, Stone reveals the emotional complexities of Whitney, especially as her marriage to Asher unravels. In standout episodes like Young Hearts, her performance delivers a compelling exploration of marital resentment and unfulfilled dreams, reminiscent of her intense role in Poor Things. The emotional realism she brings to Whitney underscores why the series has such a powerful impact.
A Finale Full of Surprises and Lasting Impact
The Curse distinguishes itself with a climactic ending that rivals the most memorable twists in modern television. In the finale, Green Queen, Asher and Whitney appear to have achieved a measure of reconciliation and hope, with Whitney about to give birth. However, the narrative takes a mystifying turn when Asher loses his connection to gravity and floats skyward, defying logic and expectation. The surreal moment becomes even more absurd as fire crews attempt to retrieve him from a tree while he pleads for help. This unexpected development not only cements The Curse’s reputation for creative risk-taking but also channels the type of narrative surprise often found in Nolan’s own films.
Benny Safdie, who plays Dougie and co-created The Curse, has increasingly become part of Christopher Nolan’s roster of collaborators, recently appearing as Edward Teller in the film Oppenheimer. Safdie is also set to appear in Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, further linking the creative worlds of these television and film innovators.
Despite the overwhelming critical praise and the series’ ability to tackle issues such as personal responsibility, morality, and the impact of gentrification, The Curse has not yet been renewed for a second season. Both Fielder and Safdie, however, have expressed a willingness and readiness to continue the story if given the chance.
“There definitely could be. From the start, we had it mapped out beyond the first season,”
—Nathan Fielder, Co-Creator
The Curse is currently available to stream on Paramount+, where its bold storytelling and multi-layered performances continue to attract new audiences. As the show’s reputation grows, its blend of black comedy and drama remains a benchmark for innovative television, and with Christopher Nolan’s praise, anticipation for a possible second season or even a Nolan-directed episode runs high.
