Christopher Nolan praises The Curse and compares it to Twin Peaks, highlighting the Emma Stone-led show‘s unique qualities at a recent panel in the USA. During a discussion celebrating the Showtime series, Nolan shared his enthusiasm for the creative risks and strong performances in what he considers one of his favorite contemporary shows.
Nolan Applauds The Curse and Its Standout Performances
Filmmaker Christopher Nolan has become renowned for his genre-defying blockbusters and innovative storytelling. With that background, it’s no surprise that Nolan is a fan of The Curse, the satirical black comedy featuring Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie. The television series, available on Paramount+, has captured a great deal of attention for its unorthodox plot and impressive execution, earning a 93% approval rating from critics.
At a press event held to celebrate the premiere of The Curse, Nolan sat down alongside creators Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie for a panel discussion. There, he candidly discussed his admiration for the work done by the cast, especially Emma Stone and her role as Whitney Siegel. The show centers on Stone and Fielder portraying the Sigels, a couple whose odd journey unfolds as they host a fictional HGTV reality show. Audiences and critics alike have noted the complex layers and psychological twists within the show’s first season.
“The performance, I think, is absolutely amazing and wonderful. She’s totally in it”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
Nolan’s praise highlights Emma Stone’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to Whitney Siegel, a performance that further cements Stone’s reputation following acclaimed roles in works like La La Land and The Amazing Spider-Man. The show’s ensemble, including Benny Safdie, managed to create something critics have described as both surreal and darkly comedic, blending genres in a way Nolan himself found compelling.
Comparing The Curse to Twin Peaks: Nolan’s Reflections
During the same lively panel, Christopher Nolan elaborated on what makes The Curse stand apart from other shows currently on television. As the ten-episode first season wrapped up in January 2024, Nolan openly shared why the series had become a personal favorite, linking his appreciation to its unpredictable and offbeat style. A recent Oscar-winner for Best Director, Nolan showed clear passion for innovative media, singling out The Curse for its distinctive impact and originality.
“It’s an incredible show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before.”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
His reaction underscores not only admiration for the cast but a recognition of the creative gamble that Nathan Fielder, Emma Stone, and Benny Safdie took in shaping the series. Nolan further suggested the show’s uniqueness by drawing a specific comparison to David Lynch’s iconic Twin Peaks. Twin Peaks is celebrated for its mysterious narrative and surreal atmosphere—qualities Nolan believes The Curse manages to channel in a contemporary form.
“There are so few shows that come along that have genuinely no precedence. You’re going back to things like Twin Peaks.”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
By aligning The Curse with Twin Peaks, Nolan recognizes the series for pushing boundaries and defying convention, something both critics and fans of the surreal genre appreciate. For Nolan, the combination of genre-bending storytelling, psychological intrigue, and standout performances makes The Curse a modern classic in the making.
The Future for The Curse and Its Stars
The panel made clear that Nolan’s enthusiasm for The Curse is not just rooted in admiration for the actors but also in recognition of the creative achievements of the trio behind it: Fielder, Stone, and Safdie. While Nolan continues his own cinematic journey with his next film, The Odyssey, he remains a vocal supporter of television projects that take bold risks, such as The Curse.
Despite its critical success and presence on Paramount+ in the USA, Showtime has not yet renewed The Curse for a second season. Nevertheless, the series remains a favorite for fans of unconventional TV, thanks in large part to passionate endorsements like Nolan’s and the strong reactions from both critics and viewers.
Nolan’s comparison between The Curse and Twin Peaks, along with his energetic praise for Emma Stone and her collaborators, reaffirms how groundbreaking television continues to influence even the most established filmmakers. Fans of mind-bending shows and creative storytelling can currently find The Curse on Paramount+, and the show’s bold approach may inspire future series seeking to blend satire, surrealism, and psychological depth.
