Uncut Gems is a American crime thriller film [ 5 ] directed by Josh and Benny Safdie , who co-wrote the screenplay with Ronald Bronstein. The film tells the story of Howard Ratner Sandler , a Jewish-American jeweler and gambling addict in New York City's Diamond District , who must retrieve an expensive gem he purchased in order to pay off his debts. Filming took place from September to November The original score was composed by Daniel Lopatin.
Uncut Gems was the last film by the Safdie brothers before they dissolved their partnership in The film premiered at the 46th Telluride Film Festival on August 30, A24 gave it a limited release in the United States on December 13, , and a wide release on December Uncut Gems was a box office success and received acclaim, especially for Sandler's against-type performance, which several reviewers described as the best of his career.
The film was chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of Although Howard has a well-paying job, his habits are even more expensive. Dinah is fed up with his antics and plans to divorce him after Passover.
Arno sends two hired goons, Phil and Nico, to accost him at his shop over the money owed to him. Garnett becomes enamored by the opal and believes it will bring him good luck at his playoff game that night.
He promises to give the opal back that night, giving Howard his NBA Championship ring as collateral. Howard quickly pawns the ring to feed his gambling addiction. However, he angers Howard by keeping the opal. The following evening, Howard is ambushed at his daughter's school play by Arno, Phil, and Nico. Arno tells him that he stopped the bet and lectures him about his reckless spending. The loan sharks strip Howard naked and lock him in the trunk of his car, forcing him to call Dinah for help.
