Uncut Gems

When I hear "main character," a likeable & competent person comes to mind. Protagonists are either polished ideals to strive toward, like James Bond or Ethan Hunt, or relatable diamonds in the rough, like Eggsy from Kingsman, who slowly start to shine.

Such stories are great for relaxed escapism or exciting fantasy. Both have a time and place. Uncut Gems offers neither of the two. Physiologically speaking, there is no difference between excitement and anxiety, but after watching this film, I wonder about that... 

In its 2 hours & 15 minutes runtime, it took me on a nail-biting, octane-fueled hellride whose recklessness neared suicidal. I felt stuck in a speeding car, narrowly escaping disaster every few seconds, at the mercy of a slurring, mumbling drunk driver.

Yet, for some reason, I just couldn't look away. That's the beauty of this film. Like mouth-numbing spicy food you can't stop eating, every scene snowballed until it reached an avalanche that was majestic, beautiful, and dangerous in equal parts.

I'm no masochist, but this story walks the tightrope like nothing I've ever seen before. One slip, and everything falls apart. As much as I love a good Adam Sandler flick every now and then, they tend to be comfortable, easy-going, and totally unserious. 

That's why I was absolutely blown away by his portrayal of Howard Ratner. He was gritty, raw, and had a texture to him that made him feel real. It's one thing to be morally ambiguous and another to actively tempt fate. 

I've seen it many times, especially in John Statham or Jon Bernthal movies- the hero is a bit of a meanie but has a heart of gold. Their jagged edges and rough exterior are redeemed by a moral compass or saving grace. There's no redemption for Howard.

Unconcerned with how others see him, free from the shackles of reason or logic, all he cares about is winning. Never have I seen someone so obnoxious, yet so charming, as attractive as annoying. That's what made this a special experience for me, but a few more things deserve appreciation.

This is a completely original story written by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, who also directed the film's shooting. In terms of camerawork, this one made me forget I was watching a film, like Good Time, Marty Supreme, and Succession.

Watch it to feel strong emotions & freshen up the quiet drudgery of everyday existence. Learn what it means to chase a high at any cost and why people love to gamble. Explore the mindset of a hustler and ponder: how far is too far?