And This is How I Feel:
Delirious, Confused, Anxious, Moved, Shocked.
Here’s Why:
It’s rare that a movie moves me to think about it well after the credits have rolled. Admittedly this happens when the film has a conclusion that leaves me with more questions than answers. This film is one of those “gems.”
Speaking of gems, the crime thriller Uncut Gems is well, a gem. It follows the life of a charismatic jeweler who uses his connectivity in NYC, his mistress, his stamina to avoid the debts and people he owes, and his gambling addiction to fuel his every move.
In the beginning, it’s unclear what his goal is. Heck, during most of the movie Adam Sandler’s character, Howard “Howie” Ratner, doesn’t really seem to move with a clear purpose. Yes, he cares about the money that he makes and being flashy, but only when it suits him so that he can swindle people and make more money. His plans and goals for his money are a mystery, and will remain a mystery. On the flip side, perhaps that’s the catch, there is no plan. In fact, maybe the lifestyle is just a “high.” More on this later.
The takeaway that I got from this film is two-fold. The saying of “go big or go home” will ring out loud and clear to many after watching the jeweler’s flashy lifestyle, but will also serve as a lesson as the audience views his self inflicted challenges. How far are you willing to go for a big gain, and what does that mean for your loved ones? These are just some of the questions that Howie must consider throughout the movie.
The next thing I took away from this film is a very important lesson in loyalty and psychology. How do you know who to trust, when the human psyche is unstable within itself? The answer is, you don’t. Secondly, you never ever know what will make a person tick and then go boom.
*Once you see the film you’ll get this Weeknd reference 😉*
Adam Sandler flexed his acting muscle a ton in this film and stepped out of his comedic realm. He did an excellent job of portraying a “47th Street New York City Jeweler.” Admittedly I don’t know much about what goes down in NYC’s Diamond District, but if the lifestyle that writer’s and co-directors, Josh and Benny Safdie portray are as exhilarating as this movie shows, then the eye-opening story is one that’s worth sharing.
Speaking of that, the brother’s stressed that this film is not directly based on any one person in particular (thank goodness!) It is however inspired by the district and the stories that they have heard from their father’s time on 47th.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the meat of this film. The ensemble of supporting cast — which featured both seasoned and fresh-faced stars — also did an amazing job. There is also a nice shift in power throughout the film. Adam Sandler is no doubt the glue and driving force that holds the film together, but his cast definitely has room to breathe and shine in their own spotlight.
There is no doubt why Netflix has chosen this film to be a part of their dual release slate. This is definitely one that will have some buzz around it come Oscar season.
Uncut Gems officially drops nationwide in Theaters on December 25. You can also catch it on Netflix on January 31!
Uncut Gems (2019)
Directors: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Writers: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein
Stars: Adam Sandler, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, The Weeknd, and Eric Bogosian
Run time: 2h 14min
*This review was written after viewing an Advanced Screening of Uncut Gems. I was not paid to write it, and all opinions are mine*
Sound-Off On: Uncut Gems!
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