Young Hearts (The Curse)
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- Nathan Fielder
- Benny Safdie
| "Young Hearts" | |
|---|---|
| The Curse episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Nathan Fielder |
| Written by |
|
| Featured music | "Young Turks" by Rod Stewart |
| Cinematography by | Maceo Bishop |
| Editing by | Adam Locke-Norton |
| Original release date | January 7, 2024 |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Young Hearts" is the ninth episode of the American television satire black comedy The Curse. The episode was written by series creators Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie and directed by Fielder. It originally aired on streaming and on-demand for all Showtime and Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers on January 5, 2024, before making its on-air debut on Showtime on January 7, 2024. The episode was screened at the Film at Lincoln Center.[1]
The series follows Whitney and Asher Siegel, a newly married couple as they try to conceive a child while co-starring on their problematic new HGTV show, Fliplanthropy. Also joining them on their show is Dougie Schecter, a producer who is trying to make the best possible version of the show in order to reach a wider audience. In the episode, HGTV makes a request for Fliplanthropy, while Whitney tries to improve her image with Asher.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.034 million household viewers and gained a 0.01 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances (especially Nathan Fielder), character development, tone and ending.
Whitney (Emma Stone) and Dougie (Benny Safdie) meet with Martha (GiGi Erneta), an HGTV representative. They had already committed in working to portray Asher (Nathan Fielder) in a negative light, hoping it will lead to more buzz for the show. However, Martha states that she wants Fliplanthropy to depict a happy marriage without any kind of controversy, which contradicts Dougie's original statement.
Wanting to build a better image of herself and Asher, Whitney gets him to accompany her to a bowling alley to play and have fun, with Asher unaware of her plan with Dougie. Whitney also struggles when people continue questioning her for her parents' past, which results in a crew member getting fired. She tries to correct it by rehiring the crew member, to no success. She decides to confront her parents over their actions, scolding them for prioritizing their business over the community.
After overhearing Asher expressing his sexual fantasy over other men having sex with her, Whitney decides to show him a rough cut of Green Queen. The cut depicts many of the issues that Whitney has tried to tackle but is prevented from showing, as well as her comments over how Asher is holding her back from achieving her dreams. Asher is shaken by the footage and leaves the room. He returns shortly afterward and demands Dougie use the footage in the show, despite Martha's warning. Asher concludes that the curse was actually himself, blaming himself for all their shortcomings. He apologizes for everything and says he still wants to be with her, promising to change as he believes they can turn it around. Whitney silently stares back at him, trembling and crying.
Production
Development
The episode was written by series creators Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, and directed by Fielder. This was Fielder's ninth writing credit, Safdie's ninth writing credit, and Fielder's sixth directing credit.[2]