A Diamond in the Rough: An Uncut Gems Review

IndieWire: Kevin Garnett (left), Lakeith Stanfield (middle), Adam Sandler (right)

Adam Sandler’s dramatic roles are few and far in between. The last one I had the chance to see was Punch Drunk Love, and he really surprised me with how far he was able to push himself. I did not think I would be surprised again, but directors Josh and Benny Sadfie have given him a new character to immerse himself into in Uncut Gems. So well in fact, that I only registered it was Adam Sandler before and after the film.

I have to confess I saw this film in the most LA way possible: in a drive in movie theatre. To my left there was a showing of Jumanji: The Next Level, and to my right was the Will Smith animated feature Spies in Disguise. So it really leveled out the more mature nature of Sandler’s film.

Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a Jewish American who owns a jewelry store in New York’s Diamond
District. It is clear from the beginning that Howard is hanging on by a thread, but it’s caused from his own decisions. He is oblivious to his gambling addiction in a way that makes you want to scream. His personal life is split between his estranged wife Dinah (Idina Menzel) and his mistress (Julia Fox) who works at his shop. He has a can’t-stop-won’t-stop mentality, and it takes the audience for a spin. If friends were asked to describe Howard in three words, I have no doubt they would say a liar, a cheat, but also a family man.

The film is fast-paced and keeps you at the edge of your seat. Or in my case, the very edge of a car’s trunk. Throughout the chaotic film, one major problem is looming over Howard. He receives a larger than life black opal from Ethiopia and is instantly entranced with it, believing it will save him from his ever growing debt. But Howard can’t seem to hold onto a good thing once he’s got it. In an astonishing turn of events, he ends up in a wild goose chase with basketball star Kevin Garnett to retrieve the jewel back in time. His headstrong partner (Lakeith Stanfeild) is of no help to his hustle.

It becomes quite obvious that the Sadfie brothers enjoy making Howard’s life difficult, as well as keeping you perplexed and wanting to pull your hair out because of his actions. It’s nearly impossible to relate to Howard or, at times, have an ounce of sympathy towards him, but you’re too invested in his life to tear your eyes away for a moment. His ability to not care about consequences is too exciting. The Sadfie brothers do a great job of inserting the viewers in someone else’s life, in a way that you’re not even judging. You’re simply just watching.

Sandler’s performance was phenomenal. It’s clear you won’t resonate with Howard, but Sandler does cater to our humanity. You can almost feel a sense of revulsion for how far Howard throws himself down the rabbit hole, but in his darkest moment you’ll find a spark of pity for the man.

Unfortunately, the film and Sandler did get snubbed for the 2020 Oscars. The silver lining, though, is if it didn’t, we would never have had the pleasure of seeing this Twitter conversation between Sandler and his past co-star Kathy Bates. I see that as a win in my book.

Uncut Gems is available to watch on Netflix, but only internationally. So for us Americans, I would suggest another Sadfie brothers film: Good Time, starring Robert Pattison. It will be available on Netflix on February 11.