Uncut Gems Review

The confounding and frantic new drama Uncut Gems from filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie is an extremely effective piece of anxiety-inducing cinema that pushes and pulls its viewers in disorienting directions. The Safdie’s prove they possess the ability to craft an efficacious atmosphere and tone, but the methods of execution that the brothers decide to take in order to achieve that success act somewhat as a double-edged sword. While its overly chaotic and unhinged elements go overboard in certain areas, the undeniably inventive filmmaking and intoxicating performance from Adam Sandler helps lift Uncut Gems past its shallow and aimless moments, fashioning a memorable and engaging film that will surely divide audiences.

Uncut Gems follows Howard Ratner, an energetic New York jeweller and ultimate opportunist who is down on his luck and seriously in debt. When Howard comes in possession of a rare uncut Ethiopian Black Opal that he values at over one million dollars, he sees it as the ticket out of all of his problems, sending him down a pathway to potential fortune that proves more difficult and sacrificial than planned.

Almost nothing about Uncut Gems feels like a linear or predictable experience. Scenes are often extremely claustrophobic, bursting with large groups of people fighting to talk louder than one another. Conversations often overlap while topics dance between meaningful and pointless pieces of exposition and world-building. The film stays at such an unrelenting pace that it can sometimes be a challenge to know what to take away from certain scenes. It's resoundingly evident that these elements were accomplished on purpose. Still, those intentions can only validate the film's tense and energetic events for so long, eventually becoming more overwhelming than entertaining. Luckily, the Safdie's manage to round things off in a violent and somewhat haunting third act that feels strangely satisfying in its abruptness.

Despite the Safdies being inventive creators, its hard to imagine the head-spinning pace and wild array of themes to be so exciting if it wasn't for the riveting effort from Adam Sandler, who gives a career-defining performance and one filled with more personality and character than any of his roles in the last decade combined. Sandler's incredible charisma and humour continually add refreshing aspects to every scene he's in, forging a character that is immensely lovable despite his despicable actions and mentalities throughout the narrative.

Overall, Uncut Gems is an expertly crafted film that feels divisive and arresting, even when it appears like it's drowning. The Safdie brothers have proven to be creative authors within the visual medium who aren't afraid to push boundaries to achieve momentous and noteworthy storytelling.

The combination of Adam Sandler's outstanding performance and the Safdie brother's unique visual methods help the polarizing Uncut Gems to be a favourable experience.

Produced By: A24
Runtime: 135 minutes
Rating: R