Any actor can deliver an incredible performance given the right script and director. It has to be a perfect storm. Adam Sandler probably isn’t a name that you would ever think of when conversating about incredible performances. Sandler is mostly known as the annoying comedic actor who never really grew past Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore. His production company is called Happy Madison, paying homage to the two roles that put him on the map. Sure, he’s had good roles following those two in The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer, Little Nicky, and Grown-Ups. More in recent years, Sandler has become a silhouette of his former glory.
Sometimes its in the cracks of that former glory that comes the dramatic roles he chooses. Punch-Drunk Love and Reign Over Me are both prime examples of Sandler’s range as an actor. Every time that he steps into the realm of drama, he receives critical praise. Perhaps, nothing in all of his career could have prepared him (or audiences) for the drama monster that is Uncut Gems. Gems is the follow-up from 2017’s Good Time from the writer-director duo, the Safdie Brothers. The film follows Sandler’s Howard Ratner, a jeweler and gambling addict, as he aims to sell a rare diamond to sell off his loan sharks – all while, continuing in his addiction of gambling. A portion of what makes Gems so powerful is the raw honesty they bring to the subject matter.
Coming from a personal level, I’ve seen what an addiction can do to a family. The level of chaos it can bring an addict to. Safdie brothers capture that lifestyle with such elegance and grace. Addiction is something that no matter how deep you dig your grave; the dirt always comes back to bury you. It’s just such a haunting job that Safdies are able to capture with Gems. Through their script can only come so far. You need a capable actor to really bring depth to this addiction and Sandler absolutely annihilates expectations. Even if you’ve seen the trailer for the movie and are blown away with what the trailer captures of Sandler – nothing can prepare you for his performance. Sandler elevates himself to a career high which he has yet to ever hit as a dramatic actor.
With a script and direction from the Safide brothers, expect anxiety from this movie. One of the major reasons, it works so well, is because of its fearlessness to showcase the legitimate depths of addiction. When you start to put your marriage, children, family, and business above everything else – that comes at a cost. That cost eventually catches up to you. That cost in actors like Eric Bogosian, Keith Williams Richards, Tommy Kominik, and more. While it showcases the expanse of Howard’s addiction, it also provides the few lifelines of the film that feel like they exist on life support. While the rest of the work of Gems feels defined and flushed out, the loan sharks feel two-dimensional and cliché. They also feed into the predictability of the film’s finale. Though, the ending will still catch viewers off guard – it still feels predictable.
Overall, Uncut Gems, is a brutally honest and powerful depiction of addiction. The Safdie Brothers manage to create an environment shrouded in anxiety, wrapped in high-octane and delivered with an unsettling after taste – Uncut Gems stands on its own beautifully. Gems is a fearlessly bold film spotlighting the effects of addiction on those around the addict. Adam Sandler completely loses his demeanor within the walls of Gems, reemerging as a tour de force of career high. Never have you ever seen Sandler take on such a role. He is an unmerited force to be reckoned with. Nothing can stop him and nothing can prepare you for his performance. A white-knuckle film that beats its audience through beautiful cinematography, mostly brilliant performances and a start to finish viewing experience equipped with anxiety.
RORSCHACH RATING
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
Music by Beggars. Uncut Gems is property of A24. We do not own nor claim any rights.