Uncut Gems
In one of the very first scenes in Uncut Gems, we are introduced to our main character, Howard Ratner, via a colonoscopy. This is not only one of the most unconventional character introductions ever, but sort of summarizes what the entire film is about; an in-depth look at an asshole.
The Safdie brothers are at the forefront in turning anxiety into a film genre, and Uncut Gems might be their finest example to date. The story follows Howard Ratner, a sleazy jeweler working in the heart of New York City's Diamond District, who is going for broke on his gambling debts, betting what little money he has in a hilariously complex scheme to pay off his debtors and walk away with a pretty sum for himself. While other Safdie films, such as Good Time and Daddy Longlegs emphasized character over story, Uncut Gems manages to have its cake and eat it too, giving the audience a portrait of an American sleaze bag through the lens of a spider web of get rich quick schemes.
If the premise doesn't sound stressful enough, the Safdies manage to compliment this plot with some of their trademark claustrophobia to really test the tactile strength of your armchair. Everything from the uncomfortable close-ups to the tense score, to the constant shouting over one another adds to this feeling of being a helpless bystander, all leading to one of the tensest endings to a film I've ever seen. This is not a film for the faint of heart, but for those who can stomach it, it's a cinematic roller coaster without a seatbelt.
But at the heart of all of this is the casting. Not only from Sandler (who we will get to in a minute) but from the medley of other faces in this film who feel less like actors and more like people given the chance to act. Rarely have I seen a movie where each and every character is so distinct and different, regardless of their screen time. The real surprise here is Kevin Garnett, who might just go straight into the NBA actor hall of fame. His performance feels documentary like, never feeling exaggerated, but still feeling like a heightened version of the real man.
As good as the rest of the cast is, you can't talk about this film without talking about Sandler, who gives what just might be the performance of his life. The Safdies have spoken on this casting, emphasizing that Sandler brings an inherent likeability to this role that is necessary for bringing sympathy to an unsympathetic character. It wasn't until I actually saw the movie that I realized just how pivotal this choice was, as even in his lowest moments, I found myself rooting for him. The Safdies refer to this kind of character not as a loser, but as a "winner that doesn't win." An apt disclaimer, as even when he was making the stupidest, cockiest decision, I still found myself hoping it would work out for him. This is peak Sandler, and this film alone redeems him for his last decade of work.
Uncut Gems is film firing on all cylinders. It's a thrill ride of sleaze and excess that should be bundled with Nyquil and a blanket because once those two hours are up, only the sweet comfort of sleep can bring your blood pressure back down.