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Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems is a 2019 American crime thriller film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, who co-wrote it with Ronald Bronstein.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Uncut Gems is a 2019 American crime thriller film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, who co-wrote it with Ronald Bronstein. It stars Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweller and compulsive gambler who tries to pay off mounting debts after obtaining a rare opal. The film was distributed by A24 and runs 134–135 minutes.

Plot

The story follows Howard Ratner, a jeweller and gambler whose debts put him under increasing pressure. His attempt to secure and profit from a rare opal drives the film’s escalating tension.

Production

Uncut Gems was directed by Josh and Benny Safdie and written with Ronald Bronstein. Filming took place from September to November 2018. Daniel Lopatin composed the score.

Cast and characters

Adam Sandler plays Howard Ratner, with LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, and Eric Bogosian in supporting roles. The cast mixes professional actors with a high-profile appearance by former NBA player Kevin Garnett.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2019 and later became widely available through streaming and home media platforms. It was notable for strong critical attention and for broadening perceptions of Sandler’s dramatic range.

Key facts

  • Uncut Gems is a 2019 American crime thriller directed by Josh and Benny Safdie.
  • Adam Sandler stars as Howard Ratner, a jeweller and compulsive gambler.
  • The plot centres on Howard’s attempt to use a rare Ethiopian black opal to solve his financial problems.
  • The film received major acclaim for Sandler’s performance.
  • It was distributed by A24 and had a United States theatrical release on 25 December 2019.
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Canadian context

Uncut Gems was released internationally and became available to Canadian audiences through mainstream film distribution and streaming services, making it part of the wider English-language North American film market.

Frequently asked questions

What is Uncut Gems about?
It follows Howard Ratner, a New York jeweller and gambler, as he tries to manage mounting debts by using a rare opal to secure a financial win.
Who directed Uncut Gems?
Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie directed the film.
Who stars in Uncut Gems?
The film stars Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, and Eric Bogosian.
When was Uncut Gems released?
It was released in 2019, with a United States theatrical release on 25 December 2019.
What genre is Uncut Gems?
It is generally classified as a crime thriller, with drama and mystery-thriller elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncut_Gems
    Supports: Basic film identification, directors, writers, cast, premise, production period, and score.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5727208/
    Supports: Runtime, genres, release date, cast, and plot summary.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/uncut_gems
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, director, screenwriter, distributor, runtime, and release information.
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/uncut-gems-movie-review-2019
    Supports: Plot framing, tone, and Adam Sandler's central performance.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80990663
    Supports: Streaming availability and concise plot description for later distribution context.