Detailed Summary
The Introduction: Ethiopia and the Rare Black Opal
The film begins in Ethiopia, where miners discover a rare black opal hidden within a rock. This gem will later become the centerpiece of the story. Cut to New York City, where we meet Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a fast-talking jeweler with a gambling addiction and a knack for making risky decisions.
Howard Meets Kevin Garnett
Howard acquires the black opal and shows it to Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett, who becomes obsessed with it, convinced it gives him extraordinary powers on the basketball court. Reluctantly, Howard agrees to let Garnett borrow the gem. That single decision quickly spirals into a series of chaotic events.
Gambling, Loans, and Dangerous Associates
Howard owes a significant amount of money to his loan shark brother-in-law, Arno. Instead of paying him back, Howard pawns Garnett’s championship ring to place another risky bet. His personal life is equally chaotic: his marriage with Dinah (Idina Menzel) is falling apart, and his relationship with his mistress Julia (Julia Fox) adds more tension.
The Cycle of Risk
Every step Howard takes seems designed to buy him a little more time, but each gamble digs him deeper into trouble. The Safdie Brothers masterfully ratchet up the tension, with overlapping dialogue, rapid pacing, and a relentless soundtrack that mirrors Howard’s fraying psyche.
Movie Ending
The climax of Uncut Gems is brutally intense. After getting the black opal back from Garnett, Howard finally has the chance to sell it at auction, but when the stone doesn’t reach the price he expected, he explodes in frustration. Eventually, he manages to get the opal to Garnett directly, who buys it for a hefty price.
Howard uses the money to place a massive parlay bet on the Celtics game, locking Arno and his henchmen in his shop’s vestibule to prevent them from interfering. For the first time in the film, everything seems to be going his way. The Celtics win exactly as Howard predicted, and his bet earns him a fortune.
But just as he celebrates, thinking he has beaten the system and escaped his debts, Arno’s enforcers break free. In a shocking, sudden twist, one of them shoots Howard in the head, killing him instantly. The camera lingers on his lifeless face, the triumph evaporating in seconds. Arno himself is also killed shortly after, as the goons loot the jewelry store.
It’s a devastating conclusion: Howard wins the bet of his life, but he never gets to enjoy it. The film ends with Julia carrying the winnings, unaware of Howard’s fate.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Uncut Gems does not feature any post-credits scenes. The finality of Howard’s death is the definitive ending, and the Safdie Brothers chose not to extend the story beyond that moment.
Type of Movie
Uncut Gems is a crime thriller with elements of psychological drama. It’s fast-paced, anxiety-inducing, and often feels more like an emotional rollercoaster than a traditional narrative.
Cast
- Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner
- Julia Fox as Julia De Fiore
- Idina Menzel as Dinah Ratner
- Lakeith Stanfield as Demany
- Eric Bogosian as Arno
- Kevin Garnett as himself
- Judd Hirsch as Gooey
- Keith William Richards as Phil (the enforcer)
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack, composed by Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), is an electronic, synth-heavy score that pulsates with nervous energy. It often feels disorienting, amplifying the film’s tension and chaos.
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Filming Locations
The movie was shot mostly in New York City, particularly in Manhattan’s Diamond District, where Howard’s shop is located. This location is essential—it grounds the film in a gritty realism, immersing viewers in the high-stakes world of jewelry, hustlers, and street-level business deals.
Awards and Nominations
- Won Best Director at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards (Safdie Brothers)
- Adam Sandler received widespread critical acclaim and multiple nominations, including Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead (which he won).
- The film also appeared on numerous critics’ “Best of 2019” lists.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Adam Sandler was not the Safdies’ first choice; they originally envisioned Harvey Keitel or Sacha Baron Cohen. Sandler, however, delivered a career-defining performance.
- Kevin Garnett’s role was originally written for Amar’e Stoudemire. When Garnett joined, the script was tailored to him.
- The Safdie Brothers used real Diamond District jewelers and shop owners as extras to capture authenticity.
- Julia Fox was discovered by the directors, making her acting debut in the film.
Inspirations and References
The film is heavily inspired by the Safdie Brothers’ father, who worked in Manhattan’s Diamond District. Its narrative roots lie in the frenetic lifestyle of jewelers, gamblers, and hustlers in New York.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no confirmed alternate endings. The Safdies have said Howard’s death was always the intended conclusion, as it represented the only logical outcome of his relentless self-destruction. Some minor scenes were cut for pacing, but nothing majorly alters the story.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is not based on a book. It’s an original screenplay by the Safdie Brothers and Ronald Bronstein.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Howard showing Garnett the opal for the first time.
- The auction sequence, where Howard’s frustration boils over.
- The climax with Howard locking the enforcers in the vestibule.
- The shocking final scene with Howard’s death.
Iconic Quotes
- Howard: “This is how I win.”
- Dinah: “I think you are the most annoying person I have ever met.”
- Julia: “You’re a crazy-ass Jew.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The gem itself symbolizes Howard’s addiction: beautiful, mysterious, and ultimately destructive.
- The opening transition from Ethiopia into Howard’s colonoscopy is a deliberate metaphor—linking the vastness of the universe with Howard’s small, messy existence.
- Many of the background extras are real jewelers, not actors.
Trivia
- Adam Sandler spent weeks learning how to convincingly appraise jewelry.
- The movie was filmed largely with handheld cameras to add to its chaotic energy.
- The Safdie Brothers originally began developing the film in 2009 but struggled to secure funding until after Good Time (2017).
Why Watch?
Watch Uncut Gems if you want a film that grips you with unrelenting tension from start to finish. It’s an unforgettable showcase of Adam Sandler’s dramatic talent, a masterclass in suspense, and one of the most realistic depictions of self-destruction in modern cinema.
Director’s Other Movies (Safdie Brothers)
- Good Time (2017)
- Heaven Knows What (2014)
- Daddy Longlegs (2009)
- The Pleasure of Being Robbed (2008)
