Uncut Gems (2019)
The Safdie Brothers' nerve-shredding crime thriller follows a New York jeweler whose gambling obsession pushes him to the edge of destruction.
Uncut Gems - Movie Information
- Original Title: Uncut Gems
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Hebrew
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 30, 2019 (Russia - 16+), December 25, 2019 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Nieoszlifowane diamenty (PL), Uncut Gems (US), Неограненные драгоценности (RU), Diamantes en bruto (ES), Pierres brutes (CA), 未成大器 (HK), Необроблені коштовності (UA), Небрушени драгуљи (RS)
- Production Companies: A24, Elara Pictures, IAC Films, Sikelia Productions, Scott Rudin Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Uncut Gems - Plot
A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
Uncut Gems - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the relentless tension ahead:
This is how I win.
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Uncut Gems - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Josh Safdie
- Benny Safdie
Main Cast
- Adam Sandler
- LaKeith Stanfield
- Julia Fox
- Kevin Garnett
- Idina Menzel
- Eric Bogosian
- Judd Hirsch
- Keith William Richards
- Mike Francesa
- Jonathan Aranbayev
Writers
- Josh Safdie
- Ronald Bronstein
- Benny Safdie
Producers
- Scott Rudin
- Sebastian Bear-McClard
- Eli Bush
- Irfaan Fredericks
Uncut Gems - FAQs
What is Uncut Gems about?
Uncut Gems follows Howard Ratner, a fast-talking Manhattan jeweler and compulsive gambler who bets everything on a rare Ethiopian opal. Balancing loan sharks, a crumbling marriage, and a high-stakes NBA wager, Howard careens through a pressure-cooker 48 hours that critics called one of the most anxiety-inducing films in years.
Does Uncut Gems have a happy ending?
No — Uncut Gems ends on a devastating note. Howard finally wins his massive parlay bet, but the victory is immediately undone by brutal violence. The Safdie Brothers deliberately deny any feel-good resolution, leaving viewers with a gut-punch finale that underscores the film's bleak view of compulsive gambling.
Where can you stream Uncut Gems right now?
You can stream Uncut Gems on Hulu or HBO Max with a subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand subscribers can rent it there as well.
Is Kevin Garnett playing himself in Uncut Gems?
Yes, NBA legend Kevin Garnett plays a fictionalized version of himself set during the 2012 playoffs. He becomes obsessed with Howard's Ethiopian opal, believing it gives him supernatural powers on the court. Garnett's performance was widely praised as a natural, charismatic turn that anchors the film's central plot.
Who are the main actors in Uncut Gems?
Adam Sandler leads the cast as Howard Ratner in what many consider the performance of his career. He's joined by LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, and Eric Bogosian. The Weeknd also appears in a memorable cameo as himself.
Is Uncut Gems based on a true story?
Not directly, but Howard Ratner is loosely inspired by real figures from the New York diamond district that the Safdie Brothers knew growing up. The film draws on genuine stories of jewelers and gamblers in that world. The Ethiopian opal subplot is fictional, though the 47th Street setting is richly authentic.
Why was Adam Sandler snubbed at the Oscars for Uncut Gems?
Sandler's omission from the 2020 Oscar nominations became one of the most talked-about snubs in recent Academy history. Critics and industry insiders overwhelmingly backed his performance, and Sandler himself joked he'd make a deliberately bad film in revenge. The snub is widely cited as a major Academy oversight.
How was Uncut Gems received by critics?
Uncut Gems was a critical sensation, earning a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised its relentless tension, Sandler's career-best work, and the Safdies' kinetic direction. Many placed it among the best films of 2019, with particular acclaim for its nerve-shredding pacing and immersive New York atmosphere.
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