The Safdie brothers have struck much more than a precious gem, they’ve struck cinema gold. Uncut Gems is the newest heart-pounding crime drama/thriller from writer/director duo Josh and Benny Safdie. Adam Sandler (Yes, that Adam Sandler) plays New York jeweler and degenerate gambler Howard Ratner, on the cusp of a score unlike any other. As Howard reaches amazing highs and dangerous lows, Uncut Gems gives the viewer little to no breathing room, bringing a new definition to the word “tension”. Tension is nothing new to the Safdie brothers however. Their writing and directing style is back and better than ever in Uncut Gems. This visionary duo waste no time in laying the groundwork of their narrative, instead they insist on throwing the viewer right into action, and explaining as the plot progresses. We know we weren’t the only ones who were shocked to see Sandler attached to a project like this, but trust us when we say that no other man could’ve brought what he brought to the role of Howard Ratner. 

Sandler’s performance is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. He brings just the right amount of his trademark comedy to the role of Howard Ratner, the man we hate to love. As Howard seems to dig himself deeper and deeper into debt, we somehow fall more and more in love with the character. A cheater, a liar, and just genuinely despicable? Howard is all of the above. Yet Sandler plays him like the uncle that convinces us to invest in his “totally legal” scheme at the family christmas party. Uncut Gems has us rooting for Howard until the very end, praying to god for him to finally catch the big break. Although Sandler’s performance certainly stole the show, Lakeith Stanfield brings a performance that was stunning. This shouldn’t come as a shock at this point though, Stanfield has been dropping jaws since his breakout performance in the 2013 film Short Term 12 (We’ve got to be honest, GGM absolutely loves Lakeith Stanfield and everything he’s ever been a part of. Whether it’s a thesis film from AFI, or Donald Glovers Atlanta, we’ve seen and loved it all). Stanfield and Sandler play off each other in such a special and one-of-a-kind way, that sparks fly during any scene they share. This is all in addition to the pleasant surprise that athlete Kevin Garnett brings to the screen. Although there is not a lot of character development in Garnetts portrayal of himself, he’s clearly comfortable in his own skin, having that read on-screen. With the majority of Sandler’s repertoire residing in humor, he is obviously the main attraction of Uncut Gems bringing the powerhouse performance none of us knew we needed. 

While Sandler is nothing short of amazing, it needs to be addressed that only a visionary duo like the Safdie Brothers could pull such a groundbreaking performance out of him. Both Josh and Benny Safdie seem to gravitate towards these beautifully flawed characters with hearts of gold, despite the poor decisions they’re making. You’ll love them by the end, but hate that you’re encouraging someone’s questionable morals. Uncut Gems is no stranger to this narrative device. Don’t let this fool you however. This film is not only a treat for the heart, but for the eyes as well. Cinematographer Darius Khondji seamlessly captures the neon soaked jewelry district of NYC, without missing an ounce of the griminess that comes along with it. Uncut Gems is non stop ride that will undoubtedly leave you gasping for air.

UNCUT GEMS IS RELEASED WORLDWIDE 12/25

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OVERALL: 47/50 (94%)

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 9/10

ACTING: 9/10

SCORE: 9/10

WRITING: 10/10

DIRECTION: 10/10

CAST

ADAM SANDLER - HOWARD RATNER

LAKEITH STANFIELD - DEMANY

KEVIN GARNETT - KEVIN GARNETT

JULIA FOX - JULIA