Uncut Gems was...great!
Adam Sandler gives a career-best performance as Howard Ratner in this anxiety-inducing tale of highs and lows as he tries to hustle, cheat, and gamble his way out of a hole he inevitably keeps digging.
The Safdie's neon style returns with trippy visual effects and lighting that accentuates the constant headache that is this man's daily routine. The cinematography is bold with tight angles and extreme close up's that serve to put us on edge and communicate the character's inner turmoil. The film is sometimes ugly but in a very deliberate way.
It's amazing what Sandler can do when he actually bothers to try, his character is fascinating, and I found myself absorbed into his world and mindset with ease. Julia Fox and LaKeith Stanfield serve as excellent supporting characters as well, drawing out Howard's best and worst qualities. Even Kevin Garnett did a decent job in the film for a non-actor.
The soundtrack is again fantastic, utilizing synths to really drive up the tension and keep those hairs on your neck standing on end. Even the more relaxing tracks have a kind of edge to them as Howard never rests, neither do we.
Overall, I thought it was a fantastic follow up for the Safdie's that came onto the scene in a big way with 2017's Good Time.
9/10 A gamble that pays off.