Uncut Gems (2019)
When stress becomes a genre of cinema.
Presentation:
In typical Safdie style, you have long lenses, grainy images in New York. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Safdies are really carving a style for themselves and you have one of the most chaotic nonstop films with no time to breathe, but you'll be gripped the whole time. Pacing is immaculate and engineered to a tee. The grain is gritty and perfectly complements the story. Adam Sandler is fantastic and so is his sexy co-star. The basketball cameos are also super entertaining.
The Safdie brothers bring us another great story of a grifter trying to make ends meet. This is a more polished version of Good Time as Adam Sandler really begins to show his chops as a real actor as opposed to comedian. You really bond with the struggles of this protagonist and you really wanna see him succeed or at least catch a break. The challenges feel insurmountable and grounded in reality as all the characters play their parts well. There are only a handful of films that can make you feel as stressed as this but you'll enjoy every second you invest in it.
Conclusion:
If you are new to the Safdie brothers, this is the film to watch. A stressful film experience, but a rollercoaster of emotions start to finish. You’re so invested that you try to pilot Adam Sandler’s character. There is simply no other cinematic experience in recent memory and wins the award for most stressful cinematic experience. There is some real genius here and it'll likely be proven in the brother’s departure for solo projects.
Recommendations
Come and become traumatized.