'The Curse' Review: A Mysterious Blend of Dark Comedy and Reality TV Satire

It's hard to classify the Showtime series "The Curse," which offers a unique blend of dark comedy and drama.

[{"selector":"#anim-4cb87beb-1d41-4820-88be-65e354f953d9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

It satirizes popular HGTV shows such as "Love It or List It" and "Flip or Flop".

[{"selector":"#anim-d2c9ada4-f7e5-4e41-a883-f3ea5dbbcb90 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

The series is co-created, co-written and co-starring Nathan Fielder, known for creating unconventional TV shows that blend dark comedy with questions of reality.

[{"selector":"#anim-98fd4d73-171f-42bb-b13a-27b7f34903e1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Other co-creator and co-star Benny Safdie is recognized for his work on extremely dark films such as "Good Time" and "Uncut Gems."

[{"selector":"#anim-7f3bb6ef-e647-4bff-a3fb-7748e247366b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

"The Curse" suits the styles of both Fielder and Safdie, with a dedicated performance from co-star Emma Stone. However the series remains intentionally elusive and mysterious.

[{"selector":"#anim-2c452f32-6fc9-4d25-b68a-1139a3a7f0d6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone play Asher and Whitney Siegel a recently married couple starring in an HGTV pilot called "Flippanthropy".

[{"selector":"#anim-7e133831-88ae-4261-ada0-858e191c25e3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

In a pilot project, they attempt to transform Española, New Mexico into a city of "passive houses" with eco-friendly technology.

[{"selector":"#anim-34b5f3de-041b-4cc2-b6d9-29eecd56d4e5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

“The Curse” exposes the shallowness of its characters and the stubbornness of reality TV. It highlights the manipulative aspects of reality television.

[{"selector":"#anim-0201b9b7-9374-4d23-8fbf-c95f5ab0fb11 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]