Uncut Gems reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Uncut Gems. A New York jewellery seller tries to cover his mounting gambling debts by selling an uncut black opal.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
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[@GT-wo2oj]

Me: put a grand on Kermode talking about Punch Drunk Love for half the review. Gary: that’s the dumbest bet I ever hear of. Me: I disagree . . . . I disagree Gary.

[@ciaronthomascraig2075]

Gethyn Thomas this comment made my day, bravo

[@simonmandrakejones]

What did you want from Mark? He didn't make it about the Exorcist.

[@TheKamilkrawczak]

Not here for destination but journey itself.

[@roryengland9131]

LOL this review is a real mess,

[@cheeez9438]

rory england ain’t it always though? Kermode never seems to review movies, only provides a synopsis of contextual information to make better sense of a few metaphors about the story.

[@nlg]

great punch drunk love review

[@alexoh4699]

Good shout haha

[@FVD]

Must watch that movie again.

[@SuperMovieLvr933]

@@FVD It's a masterpiece.

[@brendanbloomberg3283]

I was pretty happy to know it's origin. Pretty cool.

[@tw0ey3dm4n]

Again...

[@charlottewilby3214]

I think Kevin Garnett deserves a shout out for being so good at playing himself

[@NickHunter]

this is funny if it's sarcastic and also if it isn't lol

[@charlottewilby3214]

@@NickHunter it's not sarcastic lol. You'd be surprised at how bad some people can be at playing themselves. Mark kermode always points out the Gordon Ramsay incident in "love's kitchen"

[@NickHunter]

@@charlottewilby3214 haha, I can imagine. KG was indeed excellent, especially as an acting debut

[@Dudeldani]

He was the perfect manifestation of the single want to own this metaphysical stone that the story evolves around.

[@kiy5278]

Just as impressive as Sandlers performance imo. Incredible acting debut

[@bokehintheussr5033]

Uncut Gems Is the most stressful film and acting performance I've ever watched. Exhausting. The ending is actually a relief.

[@1991jamesbond]

Great description. No matter what happened at the end I was just glad it was over. But the movie was amazing.

[@thebagelsproductions]

I didn't make it to the ending

[@Blackhawk211]

"REAL PROPER ABSOLUTE TURKEYS"

[@slonique]

God I love his way with words

[@theoriginalheartstrummer]

Yeah, without saying what movies he's referring to. Pretty lame.

[@danny9556]

@Didac Cerver Well they clearly do, because he's just said it.

[@ethanwiltshire3239]

@aljanat5 hahahaha ha!!!!!!

[@davidjones272]

Happy gilmore is the greatest sports film ever made. That is all.

[@devonhansen7705]

never thought i'd ever hear both mark kermode and simon mayo say oneohtrix point never

[@callum6224]

I was hoping they’d both get nominated for oscars just for the sake of both OPN (absolutely deserving of best score) and Adam Sandler for best actor just because it’s hilarious to think of them both potentially winning oscars for the same movie

[@IamFirtyDucker]

Adam Sandler truly disappeared into this role. Hopefully he’s on course to work with more great directors.

[@fbcaware8805]

He should disappear for real instead.

[@IamFirtyDucker]

johnulcer I disagree. Barring occasional displays of anger it wasn’t an evocation of a conventional Sandler character. He disappeared as Howard who in my opinion was very different to anything Sandler has done.

[@IamFirtyDucker]

aljanat5 Remember to take your meds mate

[@LiamLiminal]

@aljanat5 Any proof to the claims you're making or are you just going to make all these claims with no evidence?

[@itsrya6530]

He’s going to disappear. Look at his reaction to being snubbed from the Oscars.

[@gjonesx7]

John Amos saying "no" to the kid using his bathroom

[@walzybby]

Wasn’t bored for a single second, such a damn good movie

[@Dessydd]

Adam Sandler IS the Uncut Gem

[@ulfricstormcloak4230]

This makes sense

[@Spliffcraniums]

But he’s Jewish...

[@Dessydd]

@oktopustrainer hello other human. Great reply. Kinda got that msg by watching the film. I was sober for this one. Ermmmmm I said Adam Sandler. I believe the character of the film is called something different. In fact maybe something Jewish as well. See ya on the flat moon x

[@TETCOM.]

of course....halfway through,it becomes clear

[@gundabalf]

we are all uncut gems

[@yoitsmattrosario]

What a exciting and exhausting movie

[@erdingtonsfinest937]

Would you say it's better than Good Time? I thought that was really good, but found it ran a bit out of steam towards the end

[@wmwinterbottom]

Erdingtons Finest it’s not, it’s not as engrossing and Lazer focused as GoodTime, not to mention it doesn’t wrap up as incredibly perfect but it’s still VERY GOOD

[@whoopsie890]

@@erdingtonsfinest937 In my opinion I think Good Time is better. They are both good and have a lot of similarities in the emotions they evoke but I think Good Time had a tighter script and story. Uncut Gems felt a bit bloated and meandering at parts.

[@dmanntube]

Exhausting is spot on. The first 20mins made me feel queasy it was that unrelenting

[@ethanwiltshire3239]

@aljanat5 hahahahahahahahaha

[@NickHunter]

"Suffocating" was the word I used to describe this film to my best friend lol

[@hellodavey1902]

Same!

[@aldrinspeck2724]

Uncut Gems: like watching a trainwreck in slow motion = you can't take your eyes off it.

[@chrisgolden00]

This movie is so similar to Good Time because they both take place in the same cinematic universe: Reality

[@BooseJuice]

chris golden I got an hour in and thought ‘this is the exact same film’ because it was a long comedy of errors, and anxiety like Hitchcock on drugs

[@geg6315]

KabooseJuice it’s not the same as good time at all. You could argue the events in Good Time are intentional and not errors because Connie is so cunning and quick on his toes

[@danielplainview2584]

@@BooseJuice I think Howard is a bit more sympathetic than Connie, but the Bail Bonds scene in Good Time is basically proto-Uncut Gems

[@Jo-xd4ne]

Wow Kermode I didn't know Jack and Jill was your favorite Adam Sandler movie.

[@vars280287]

The first 3 and half minutes are Mark’s review for Punch drunk love

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

Context

[@rajpillai5225]

I cannot believe Adam Sandler was over looked by the academy. what a performance!

[@tonyabrookes9931]

Sandler's character was all the "bad" things that Mark mentioned but he was also somewhat child-like and joyful and, yes, an eternal optimist. Such an engrossing (yet horrifically stressful) movie!

[@green_eggs_and_9890]

watching this on 1.25x speed: the way the safdie brothers would've wanted it

[@musicaleuphoria8699]

Makes sense. New York City is pretty much 1.25x compared to rest of the US.

[@beanz6745]

Adam Sandler's character not only reminded me of Harvey Keitel in 'Bad Lieutenant', but also James Caan in 'The Gambler' and de Niro's Johnny Boy in 'Mean Streets'

[@ep1phany62]

Gut-wrenching portrayal of a gambling addict. A brilliant but really unsettling performance. Should get a nomination. Not a film I would like to watch again. But a brilliant film all the same

[@The3p3hr]

The whole movie is like gambling. I know it is better not to watch it again but i will and i will suffer all that anxiety

[@BL-mf3jp]

@@The3p3hr I love this comment

[@5DollarGaming]

I ended up watching this a second time because I loved it so much and I was really impressed how much of that tension and anxiety was still there during a second watch when you already know how each of his decisions plays out

[@30minorlessshortfilms4]

Tyler Shobe YES this was exactly how I felt a second time I saw it. I’m seeing it a third time this weekend because I absolutely loved it and can’t stop thinking about it!

[@tonywords6713]

I think that makes it worse in a way like Hereditary which also runs on the classical philosophy of the Greek Tragedy right ? Foregone conclusion makes it even sadder for me, but also kind of funny.

[@BongEyedBastard]

I felt as though I was about to have a stroke when watching this.

[@FVD]

Looking forward to seeing this. Another amazing "Sarndler" performance of note was he played a broken man in 2007's Reign Over Me.

[@streetstruck8951]

Loved that movie. Incredible performance.

[@rickg8015]

Fabian Lelo Yes.. I also liked Spanglish a lot..

[@DavidByrne85]

Very underrated film, love it

[@dd45fs23]

Funny People is also great (for about 3/4 of it)

[@michellebiland5163]

Great that Adam has done so well with this film. Not right that he wasn't nominated for a Globe or Oscar. 😥😥

[@thatomokhethi8580]

I never thought I would ever watch a character that left me so frustrated that I would actually shout at the screen while watching the movie

[@jonnyhosking1]

Loved this review for Punch Drunk Love, Magnolia, Good Time, Bad Lieutenant and every bad Adam Sandler comedy of all time... and Uncut Gems

[@chinaski31dj]

Another classic from A24 Films

[@theconsciousobserver6829]

They are the best studio at the moment. Nothing but gems.

[@brycepetty9791]

Alim Kinte I mean their earlier catalogue has some stinkers in it. But it seems like now they have some footing in the industry they just pop out excellence. They take risks on visionary directors and the kind of scripts most studios would say are not viable. I am truly grateful for what they do.

[@iSmidgeons]

A24 only distributed Uncut Gems, Netflix produced it.

[@hipsterelephant2660]

Wrong to both a24 released it in the states, Netflix released it everywhere else

[@saturatedcranium]

@@hipsterelephant2660 wrong on all. a24 directed it, marvel produced it

[@seanelstob5922]

Looks like he’s channeling Turturro in this. And that’s not a bad thing. Looks riveting.

[@fromthehaven94]

Finally, the cameo in Mr. Deeds pays off!

[@ambskater97]

@@fromthehaven94 Not so much a cameo as an important role.

[@SatanDynastyKiller]

I thought the exact same thing, about 3 mins into it.

[@TETCOM.]

nice viewpoint

[@Cactuspractice12]

"Cocteau recognized what really should have been the concern of all major readers of Proust (or Howard Ratner) and yet has served no one as the pivotal point of his reflections or his affection. He recognized Proust's (Ratner's) blind, senseless, frenzied quest for happiness. It shone from his eyes; they were not happy, but in them there lay fortune as it lies in gambling or in love." Walter Benjamin

[@oliverbanks1975]

It was utterly mesmeric. Couldn’t look away, Sandler melted into the world. I was shocked

[@sjs7917]

Lord, this film was amazing, definitely anxiety inducing. Adam Sandler was incredible, the supporting cast were amazing. Just a fabulous film but tough on the nerves!!. I can't believe he hasn't been nominated for anything, it's crazy. His performance was flawless. Hope Oscar notices. A 'gem' of a film. Highly recommend.

[@NickHunter]

He won an Independent Spirit Award in case you didn't know. Look up his acceptance speech, it's hilarious

[@violinsinthevoid4579]

Here’s to Lopatin’s amazing score! There is a great little documentary on KZbin about the making of the soundtrack.

[@mumadadd]

Can you share a link?

[@danielplainview2584]

@@mumadadd A year late, but it's on the MOOG music channel.

[@mumadadd]

@@danielplainview2584 ¡Obrigado!

[@brendanlittle2498]

The top 4 for Best Actor at the Oscars are basically locked in with Joaquin Phoenix, Adam Driver, Leonardo DiCaprio, and now because of his win at the Globes Taron Egerton. I really hope Sandler can get that 5th spot

[@theoriginalheartstrummer]

Driver? Not in the same league as DiCaprio

[@Lmaoh5150]

Sandler should get it but I’d be ok with Driver winning as well

[@kishenkoolskills90]

I want Joe Pesci to win

[@Gramercy_Stiffs]

Always taken aback when I speak to people who weren't impressed by Uncut Gems. Just the rush of seeing Sandler at the height of his acting prowess is in itself enough. Big props to Eric Bogosian and Keith William Richards too for inhabiting their characters so effortlessly.

[@musicmann1967]

I heard a podcast with the Safdies and Paul Thomas Anderson. All of them really are unapologetic Sandler fans. They think he's amazing actually (particularly the Safdies) which I find hysterical. But there's no denying that they, hands down, got his best performances to date.

[@jamestownsend5005]

Just watched it, absolutely sensational and breathless.

[@Rob-di6sv]

Spent most of this movie thinking Ratner is a pretty horrible character. Still by the end I felt horrified by his unjust end. Cracking film.

[@brotherbrod]

Sandler is the front runner for best actor in my eyes. he gave the absolute with out a doubt best performance this year. i legitimately didn’t see adam sandler when watching the film. i’ve seen it twice and both times i found the film absolutely riveting

[@jonathanb1406]

He should be, but for some reason isn't. Mark absolutely used the right word to describe his performance: mesmerising. But he seems to be getting overlooked at the big awards shows along with the film and I don't understand why. Nothing at the Golden Globes, nothing at the BAFTA's, nothing at the SAG Awards. I don't get it at all.

[@SX1995able]

I wonder what Roger Ebert would've thought He championed AS in Punch Drunk Love

[@systemmonitor5295]

how many seconds into an adam sandler review will he mention punch dr- oh... before i could even finish typing.

[@BigNat3000]

This is the reason I refuse on principle to ever watch Punch Drunk Love 😡

[@edward4840]

@@BigNat3000 why?

[@connornorcott4422]

I’ve not stopped thinking about this film since I’ve left the cinema, beautifully infuriating, exhausting and exhilarating in the very best way. Give Sandman the Oscar

[@DeadlockMusic]

From the man who brought you Jack and Jill...

[@chumleyk]

The most exhausting film I have ever watched.

[@ResevoirGod]

Try watching Climax...

[@januarybaby1063]

Only two more exhausting films I’ve seen are We Need to Talk about Kevin and Requiem for a Dream

[@murrayp4]

The circle is complete. Adam Sandler has finally pulled out the 2nd brilliant performance.

[@mez7736]

Which do you consider his first? I'm guessing _Punch Drunk Love_ but could be wrong. After all, I thought he was brilliant in _Reign Over Me._

[@kylestyyle987]

2 points doesn’t make a circle Lol

[@skellvarnsen23]

uh oh, happy learned how to putt

[@vdoza33]

Don’t act like click didn’t get you.

[@vdoza33]

And Funny People!!

[@jackashworth3956]

Finally weve arrived at the point where Adam Sandlers does a Leonard Cohen biopic, at last...

[@spoony01428]

I have been waiting for this review!

[@Jacksirrom]

This definitely in my top 10 movies post 2000. The music was incredible!

[@harryh3203]

Been looking forward to this for a while, even more keen on hearing who did the score. Its only Steve Davis (yes the snooker players favourite electronic artist.

[@MrSardonix]

You're so right about the links with Ferrara. By utter chance, I had actually rewachted Bad Lieutenant the night before I discovered Uncut Gems - the mirror effect was striking.

[@jd899]

I saw Uncut Gems at the London Film Festival last year and it was my highlight of the festival and favourite film of last year. The film is full of twists and turns that it is almost like a rollercoaster. Adam Sandler has never been better and it makes you wonder why he hasn't done more dramatic roles.

[@GoldnDusty]

You can tell the movie’s good when Kermode is rushing around other reference points like a kid trying to clean up a mess before mum comes home.

[@loonylaura85]

That's such a good description. 😊 👍

[@portland-182]

Great, thoughtful review, well done Mark!

[@Hendrixium]

Great performance by Sandler, right up there with his other incredible acting pinnacle...Jack and Jill.

[@euanmitchell6879]

Mike Stoklasa would like a word with you.

[@Hendrixium]

Euan Mitchell he’s too drunk to talk to me.

[@roycastanon5754]

Doesn’t matter that it came out at the end of the year. It immediately made my number 3 spot

[@SanshoTheBailiff]

Saw this a while back, absolutely loved it! Sandler is amazing, hope he does get the oscar! Mar4k please review Lazarro Felice!

[@Bobble86]

Between this and The Meyerowitz Stories I hope we're at the beginning of a career rebirth on par with Matthew McConaughey. Sandler was mesmerising in this and I hope he gets recognised enough to appear in many more films which showcase just how fabulous an actor he can be, given the right material.

[@chubbylegend]

Kermode: Oscar worthy performance from Sandler. Here's why.... Mayo: You won't fall asleep.

[@hlysnan6418]

This review was gripping - I couldn't look away!

[@robspunk]

I love this Saftie genre of self destructive characters doing self destructive things, as in 'Good Time'. Just a perfectly uncomfortable performance by Sandler too, don't want this one to go unrecognized. Also Oneohtrix music is perfect for it too, just amazing new age directors congratulations Safties.

[@musicfilmhead9051]

Safdie

[@bengejuknowit3048]

This was a really good movie & Sandler was fantastic! It's like that feeling when your trying to organise things for something & times running out & your getting stressed & even more stuff gets dumped on you!

[@ARCMusic]

Spot on felt so real and interesting, great performances all round aswell

[@LexmanUK]

Adam Sandler wasn't nominated for an Oscar so he could wim a Kermode Award for best actor, truly deserving performance.

[@RudieObias]

I believe "Wise Up" was written for JERRY MAGUIRE, but later used for MAGNOLIA

[@demetriuszara5768]

You are correct. Cameron Crowe liked Aimee Mann's "Wise Up" demo buy not her finished version so he didn't put it in the movie. After the movie came out, Crowe admitted he was wrong having warmed up to the finished version so he put it on the "Jerry Maguire" soundtrack album.

[@BaronVonPenguin]

I thought he was great in Funny People

[@ethanwiltshire3239]

@aljanat5 Hahahahaha

[@johnrankin7135]

@aljanat5 I'd be more likely to believe you if you provided even a shred of evidence

[@z-beeblebrox]

@aljanat5 is this a copypasta

[@Sheeezus]

@aljanat5 Reply to this so I can find it later

[@mikeymike1981]

me to

[@EndaRochford]

I'd love a pint with Kermode, I also love both Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love

[@theoriginalheartstrummer]

Great for when you've just had voice surgery.

[@brendandunne8483]

Anxiety inducing is very apt. You will so want the main character to succeed just to make it stop or at least slow down. It's brilliant.

[@808GT]

Holy tinkytonk balls! Did I just really hear Mark say Sandler should get an Oscar nomination?!?

[@seansersmylie]

Shocking to say it but he deserves to get the win and the bros should get best Director.

[@hipsterelephant2660]

Wise Up was written for Jerry McGuire, actually.

[@andybullemor-music5928]

I was going to comment the same thing.

[@Val_Smith]

Wish I heard you earlier I had too much coffee, was stressed out and decided to chill by watching this movie and it gave me so much anexiety.

[@Indietrix]

Really great thriller. A great comedy too, albeit a bleak and tense one; all the action comes from Howard’s failings, and his troubles are an indictment of the ‘hustle’ mentality. So on the edge of my seat I felt like I needed a blood pressure test afterward.

[@i_am_Vuss]

he starts talking about Uncut at about 3:28

[@KatieBeanz4eva]

I loved uncut gems. It was so panic inducing for me that I had to keep turning it off and coming back to it. Adam Sandler was snubbed hard here

[@vivneb]

The film isn’t coming to cinemas in my country, I have to wait until January 31st for the Netflix release

[@donaldjack7749]

Just back from cinema. That movies was amazing! Never thought Adam Sandler had that sort of performance in him.

[@MegaBagera]

Saw this last night...very uncomfortable stressful anxiety inducing movie...its superb. Just a shame this is hard to find in the cinemas as I feel this would be great on the big screen.

[@bungle3912]

I've seen it three times and it's utterly fantastic. He won't get nominated for an Oscar, but he should be.

[@treynoldsman1981]

Wow Mark what a great review. Very interesting. Really enjoyed the film as well. Adam Sandler's character reminds me of a lot of people I knew growing up in so much as they bounce from one disaster to another-they always hold out for a win and believed that around the corner was the solution to their woes. Anyway great 5/5

[@explanationmark_]

so proud of mark for pronouncing “oneohtrix point never” correctly

[@callum6224]

I’ve heard some big outlets who reviewed or reported on it just casually butcher his name while trying to read a line that reads like they’re familiar with his work of mentions it or something and it’s hilarious.

[@justicejericho97]

I don't get it? It's hardly a difficult word

[@dariushcreates]

This review was hilarious because I legitimately was thinking of having a mocha before going to see this film. Only drank a water instead. That was enough! This film was stressful and comedic 😂 😂 Adored it.

[@ulfricstormcloak4230]

Whole film is a thrill/anxiety rollercoaster which accumulated in to that ending that feels like a sledgehammer over your head. This film will go down as a classic.

[@djtimsbeatsauna1114]

There were parts of this that reminded me a lot of Nic Roeg's earlier films - the disorientating, trippy style, particularly Man Who Fell to Earth and Eureka - it was like Nic Roeg meets John Cassavetes on amphatamines

[@nota_2526]

Amazing movie, Paul Thomas Anderson is such a great director.

[@ion_iot]

it was a great movie with an amazing performance by Sandler which definitely deserves an Oscar nomination at the least

[@paranoidandroid4956]

Just like the characters who get trapped in the film, all I could think of when watching this was ‘buzz me outta here!!’

[@caitlinbrennan9039]

Excited to see this

[@connie_d]

i was shocked by how good sandler is in this. i've never liked anything he's been in but he was so, so good in this. don't usually fully agree with you about anything but i fully agree about your description of and reaction to his character. really love this film. kinda the biggest surprise of my life.

[@NxDoyle]

I've watched 20 minutes of Uncut Gems, fresh off the back of Mark's 'anxiety' warning. He's right. That's why I've only seen 20 mins.

[@xym07]

It’s so relieving that I saw this film at home. At one moment I was really stressed, shouting at Sandler “Just don’t do that! You idiot!”

[@lucasm3879]

This and Good Time were two excellent, very involving films. I'd put them on a par. Btw no one seems to have mentioned the prologue, and the hint at the otherworldy powers at play. Obviously inspired by The Exorcist when it starts in Iraq. The rest of the film doesn't need it but it was a nice touch.

[@Ben-xl4hp]

Perhaps also a nod to David Lynch with the zoom in/zoom out shots at the beginning and end of the film, a definitive trademark of his

[@TKoote]

Saw the movie this morning and it's the best film I've seen this "Oscar-season". And as per usual, Mr. Kemrode exactly describes my feelings and findings about the film in ways no one else manages to do. Great review of a powerhouse of a film.

[@TKoote]

@Hamish Munroe haha well that's not what I meant but I get your point

[@vvp1229]

Somehow this is the best film of the year and performance. Eclipsed Joker and I don't say that lightly

[@telephonic]

I loved this film, what a performance by Sandler.

[@Soopytwist]

For a brief moment there I thought that was Gordon Freeman in the thumbnail.

[@fabiomonteiro6664]

I can't wait to see it

[@robthom9277]

To be fair he was also in Happy Gilmore and The Waterboy, which are some of the best comedy films.

[@walkermorgan1710]

Especially with the way sports betting element. And in bad lieutenant I always loved the mike and the mad dog in the beginning very iconic sports talk radio in nyc

[@aderemiporsche]

Judging from what I have heard of Uncut Gems, the Safdie Brothers would make a great Kakegurui film adaptation.

[@olderloverxx]

GOOD TIME left me reeling... Uncut Gems frustrated me no idea why. Guess I need to watch it again.

[@mrenovatio3739]

it's the right feeling to have... i still enjoyed it

[@deeppete1557]

Top 2 films of all Time 'Good Time' & 'Uncut gems' stand out performances go to the 2 non actors in both films Buddy Duress and Keith Williams

[@evanirwin4035]

Keith Williams Richard is not even close to a stand out in Uncut Gems. In terms of non actors Kevin Garnett takes that spot easily.

[@danielcruse6686]

Evan Irwin I wouldn’t say Keith gave the best performance in the movie but he was really great. He was incredibly menacing and I never would’ve guessed he was a first time actor

[@evanirwin4035]

@@danielcruse6686 not taking anything away from the performance he was menacing af. Can tell he's a scary dude irl.

[@deeppete1557]

@@evanirwin4035 Are you off the crack pipe yet kid?

[@carrielcarll]

This is why I love Mark cuz he spent 1/3 of his Uncut Gem talking about Punch Drunk Love lol. Everything is connected to each other. I believe in that