Christopher Nolan praises The Curse as groundbreaking television, lauding its originality and comparing it to some of the most innovative series in TV history during a recent Q&A event. The acclaimed director’s passionate endorsement highlights how the show, starring Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone, delivers a genre-defying, darkly comedic experience unlike anything currently airing.
A Bold Direction in Television Storytelling
Christopher Nolan, typically celebrated for his trailblazing approach to cinema, has often surprised fans with his personal media preferences—having acclaimed the Fast and Furious saga and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and acknowledged the Marvel Cinematic Universe for reviving theater attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, even Nolan’s dedicated followers may not have expected his recent enthusiastic support for Showtime’s The Curse, describing it as unlike any other show on television.
The Curse centers on Asher Siegel, portrayed by Nathan Fielder, and his wife Whitney, played by Emma Stone. The couple hosts an HGTV program called Fliplanthropy, aimed at renovating neighborhoods while managing their own desire to start a family. Their lives take a sinister shift when a young girl named Nala, played by Hikmah Warsame, places a curse on Asher, following a staged charitable gesture for the show. This event initiates a series of unsettling occurrences which drive a wedge between Asher and Whitney, complicating their journey into parenthood—their pregnancy is revealed to be ectopic, putting their dreams at risk. The curse storyline escalates when Dougie, Asher’s friend and show producer, renews the superstition after a heated argument. Fielder, co-creator of the series alongside Benny Safdie, drew inspiration from a personal encounter where someone supposedly cursed him:
“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, Star of The Curse
The series has drawn widespread acclaim from critics for expertly weaving elements of black comedy and intense drama. It addresses potent subjects beyond the supernatural curse—gentrification, marital tension, and the complex morality of Asher and Whitney as they strive to be seen as “good people.” Their show inadvertently contributes to gentrifying the town, while Whitney’s parents are exposed as slumlords. Asher’s personal insecurities and his relationship’s fragility add further depth, resulting in a rich, provocative narrative tapestry. It’s this intricate balancing of storylines that seems to have captivated Christopher Nolan.
Nolan’s High Praise and a Remarkable Comparison
Following a pilot episode screening of The Curse, Christopher Nolan hosted a Q&A session with Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, voicing his deep admiration for the series and likening it to notable avant-garde television.
“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, Filmmaker
The comparison to Twin Peaks is especially striking, as both The Curse and David Lynch’s iconic show defy expectations—beginning with familiar genres, only to take increasingly surreal turns. Fielder’s previous projects, such as Nathan For You and The Rehearsal, display a similar bent toward the unpredictable and the abstract, echoing the narrative boldness admired by Nolan and viewers alike.
During his remarks, Nolan also focused on Emma Stone’s complex performance as Whitney:
“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, Filmmaker
Stone gradually reveals greater nuances in Whitney as the series unfolds, especially in the penultimate episode Young Hearts, where Whitney delivers a powerful and raw monologue confronting Asher on how their relationship has affected her aspirations. Her portrayal in The Curse stands alongside her notable work in other projects, including the award-winning Poor Things, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
An Unpredictable Finale and Nolan’s Connection to the Cast
The Curse’s finale, “Green Queen,” delivers a twist that epitomizes its offbeat reputation. Despite apparent marital healing and anticipation of their child, Asher begins to literally float away, losing his grip on gravity and ascending into the sky. The bizarre rescue attempts by fire crews—despite Asher’s desperate pleas—further underscore the series’ dark humor. This mind-bending event demonstrates that the curse’s influence endures, and its surreal climax reflects the type of narrative innovation regularly employed in Christopher Nolan’s own films.
The series’ creator Benny Safdie has already collaborated closely with Nolan, having portrayed physicist Edward Teller in Oppenheimer and set to appear in Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. This professional connection no doubt added to Nolan’s engagement with The Curse.
While The Curse has not been officially renewed for a second season, both Fielder and Safdie have indicated that the story has been developed beyond the initial run, with Fielder explaining:
“There definitely could be. From the start, we had it mapped out beyond the first season.”
—Nathan Fielder, Co-creator, Star of The Curse
The possibility of further exploration assures fans that The Curse could maintain its distinctive blend of dark comedy and drama, and Nolan himself, with his passionate endorsement, might even play a creative role in its future development.
The Cultural Impact and What Lies Ahead
The Curse’s reception stands as a testament to the appetite for unconventional storytelling in television, attracting attention from both critics and acclaimed filmmakers like Christopher Nolan. Its fearless approach to genre and subject matter enriches the current media landscape, raising the bar for how TV can blend surrealism, humor, and deep human themes.
With its celebrated cast including Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie, and critical acclaim for pushing boundaries, The Curse not only signifies a turning point in serialized storytelling but may pave the way for future boundary-pushing projects. Nolan’s endorsement cements its reputation as essential viewing for those seeking something truly original.
The Curse is currently available for streaming on Paramount+, offering viewers a chance to experience the type of groundbreaking television that has left an indelible impression on Christopher Nolan and audiences alike.
