In "Our Curse," director Tomasz Sliwinski takes us on a gut-wrenching journey through the first six months of his newborn son's life, as the family grapples with the rare and devastating Ondine's curse (congenital central hypoventilation syndrome or CCHS). But don't expect a polished, Hollywood-style production here. Instead, Sliwinski's raw and unadorned style mirrors the brutal reality of his family's situation, with long, unbroken shots that feel almost uncomfortably intimate.
Through Sliwinski's unflinching lens, we witness the exhausting physical demands of caring for a child on a lifetime mechanical ventilation system, as well as the emotional toll it takes on the parents. But despite the bleakness of the subject matter, "Our Curse" ultimately shines a light on the power of love and human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
While this may not be a film for the faint of heart, for those willing to take the journey, "Our Curse" is a powerful and deeply affecting documentary that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
