Today, on 7 December 2025, The Curse of Modigliani was released on Amazon Prime, a Finnish psychological drama in English that weaves together two lives separated by a century yet bound by the same silent force—the uncompromising spirit of art. The film, shot entirely in Helsinki during the summer of 2024, follows the fate of its protagonist, Max (Edward Pishiyski), a struggling American painter trying to establish himself in the Helsinki art scene, whose path intersects, mystically, with that of Amedeo Modigliani, the iconic Italian artist whose short life was marked by poverty, addiction, rejection, passion, and tragedy.
Max’s descent into obsession begins with the discovery of an antique diary that he believes once belonged to the legendary Italian master. This finding is the catalyst for his undoing: as he delves into its pages, he begins to experience eerie visions, and his own life starts to unravel in a haunting spiral of passion and betrayal that eerily mirrors the fate of Modigliani himself. Director Diana Ringo, who also stars as Max’s love interest, Julia, explores the destructive power of this artistic fixation in her first English-language feature, blending expressionistic visuals and a richly textured score to reflect Max’s unraveling psyche. The film is crafted as a multisensory experience: the original score, also composed by Ringo, blends melancholy, tension, and lyrical beauty; the narrative is punctuated by expressive dance sequences that mirror the characters’ inner conflicts; and the story unfolds through picturesque cinematography reminiscent of painted canvases—shadow, color, and movement shaping each emotional turn.
One of the film’s strongest themes is the argument that the art world hasn’t grown kinder in the hundred years since Modigliani died. The film suggests that the true curse is not Modigliani’s tragic fate but the system that continues to break those who refuse to bend. The work, featuring original paintings by acclaimed artist Elena Ringo, is a reflection on the system that forces artists to conform to market demands, sacrificing authenticity for commercial success, confirming the director’s view that “genuine talent is becoming ever more overlooked.”
The film brings together a dedicated cast, led by British actor Edward Pishiyski in his most challenging role yet as the tormented protagonist, Max. Pishiyski, known for his work in acclaimed series such as Netflix’s The Sandman and Black Mirror, delivers a gripping performance embodying the artist’s raw intensity as he descends into delusion. Despite the film being an English-language production, it relies heavily on local talent; Pishiyski is the sole foreign cast member, with the rest of the ensemble composed of Finnish actors, including director Diana Ringo as Max’s love interest Julia, and other local performers such as Aksel Spencer, Sakari Viitala, Ilkka Hautala, Frits Soetmann, Tuure Ollila, among others.
The Curse of Modigliani is more than a biographical echo; it’s a psychological meditation on why artists create, what they sacrifice, and why the world so often fails to protect its brightest voices until it is too late. By intertwining two destinies, Max’s and Modigliani’s, the film reminds us that every generation of creators faces the same crossroads: compromise or remain free—and pay the cost. It is a powerful tribute to all those who dare to create against the odds, reflecting on the intoxicating power of creation and the illusions it weaves.
Buy or rent the film now on Amazon Prime.
