You are here:

Our Curse

Name: Our Curse
Director: Tomasz Śliwiński
Released: 2013
Duration: 27 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2013

Director

Tomasz Śliwiński

Runtime

27 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Our Curse is a documentary that eschews traditional narrative structures for a raw, observational study of a medical crisis. It succeeds in providing a realistic and dignified portrayal of the systemic challenges posed by a rare disease. While the film lacks diversity in terms of race, culture, and LGBTQ+ representation due to its narrow focus on a specific Polish family, it excels in its primary subject matter. It avoids the 'medical miracle' cliché, opting for a harrowing depiction of chronic illness. Ultimately, the film contributes significantly to discussions about neurobiological diversity and the lived experience of medical dependency.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Our Curse have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a straight-centered nuclear family unit. There is no evidence of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or narratives within the story.

How does Our Curse portray gender?

Fair

The film highlights the collaborative efforts of the director and his wife, showcasing their intellectual and emotional strength as they navigate the challenges of caregiving.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Our Curse?

Limited

The movie is set in a specific Polish context and does not include a diverse cast. It focuses solely on the experiences of a particular family.

How does Our Curse represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film centers on the fragility of the family unit when faced with biological challenges. It focuses on the biological aspects rather than engaging with social or religious critiques.

Does Our Curse include disability representation?

Excellent

The film centers on a child with Ondine’s Curse, a rare neurobiological condition. It avoids clichés by focusing on the harsh realities of mechanical ventilation.

Present on Screen

Provides significant visibility to the rare neurobiological condition of Ondine’s Curse.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the grueling, mechanical realities of life on a ventilator.
Highlights the strong, collaborative partnership between parents facing a life-threatening diagnosis.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining localized to a specific Polish context.
Offers no representation or narratives regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not engage with broader cultural or ideological critiques.

Official Synopsis

The film is a personal statement of the director and his wife, who have to deal with a very rare and incurable disease of their newborn child – the Ondine’s Curse (also known as CCHS, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome). People affected with this disease stop breathing during sleep and require a lifetime mechanical ventilation on a ventilator. The film shows the process of taming fear associated with the disease.

How are these scores produced? →