Uncut Gems 2019
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Uncut Gems (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 2010, a group of Ethiopian Jewish miners uncovers a rare black opal from the depths of the Welo mine in Africa. By 2012, the story shifts to Howard Ratner, portrayed by Adam Sandler, a gambling addict who owns KMH, a jewelry store nestled in New York City’s bustling Diamond District. Howard is ensnared in a web of gambling debts, most notably the $100,000 he owes to Arno, his loan shark brother-in-law. His personal life is torn between his estranged wife Dinah (Idina Menzel), who has agreed to a divorce after Passover, and his girlfriend Julia, an employee at KMH and played by Julia Fox.
The narrative intensifies when Howard’s business associate Demany introduces Kevin Garnett, a basketball star, to KMH. During Garnett’s visit, the coveted Ethiopian black opal that Howard has been eagerly anticipating arrives. Garnett becomes fixated on the opal, believing it will bring him good fortune in his game that evening, and Howard reluctantly accepts Garnett’s 2008 NBA Championship ring as collateral.
However, immediately after Garnett departs, Howard takes a risky turn; he pawns the ring and places a six-way parlay bet, wagering on Garnett’s excellent performance during that night’s game. Luck seems to be on Howard’s side as he lands a $600,000 win. Yet, the tide turns when he is confronted at his daughter’s school play by Arno, accompanied by his men Phil and Nico. Arno discloses that he placed a stop on Howard’s bet since it was funded by the money he owes him. In a brutal turn of events, they strip Howard naked and lock him in the trunk of his vehicle, forcing him to call Dinah for assistance.
Desperation drives Howard to a party thrown by The Weeknd, where he tracks down Demany, only to learn that Garnett still has the opal, which inevitably provokes Howard’s ire. He then discovers Julia and The Weeknd engaged in drug use, culminating in a confrontation with the singer. Betrayed and furious, Howard orders Julia out of his apartment.
After a tense Passover dinner, where Dinah firmly rejects Howard’s attempts to salvage their marriage, Garnett returns the opal and offers to buy it for $175,000. Yet, Howard, banking on a much larger appraisal, turns down the offer. As the auction nears, Howard learns with dismay that the opal’s appraisal falls vastly short of his initial expectation of $1 million. In a desperate move, he enlists his father-in-law Gooey to bid on the opal to inflate the price. Unfortunately, their plan backfires when Garnett’s final bid fails to surpass Gooey’s, resulting in Howard being assaulted outside the auction house by Arno, Phil, and Nico.
Bloody and devastated, Howard returns to KMH, where Julia comforts him, leading to a moment of reconciliation. Howard later finds out Garnett remains interested in purchasing the opal. Upon the sale’s completion, he stakes his winnings on another parlay, betting on Garnett’s stellar performance. In a tense scenario, he instructs Julia to fly via helicopter to Mohegan Sun to place the bet on his behalf. As Arno, Phil, and Nico close in on KMH, Julia narrowly escapes.
In a dramatic twist, they confront Howard, but he defiantly refuses to contact Julia to cancel her bet. In a fit of rage, they attempt to follow her, but Howard cleverly traps them between the store’s security doors. Watching the game unfold on television, Howard experiences elation when Garnett’s Boston Celtics win the game, earning him $1.2 million. However, the high of victory is short-lived; as he releases Arno, Phil, and Nico, Phil, consumed by rage, shoots Howard dead. Arno’s protests go unheard as Phil subsequently kills him too. Meanwhile, Julia exits the casino with Howard’s winnings, and as chaos ensues, Phil and Nico plunder the store, leading to a chilling conclusion.
Timeline
Track the key events of Uncut Gems (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Discovery of the Black Opal
In 2010, Ethiopian Jewish miners working in the Welo mine discover a rare black opal buried deep within. This valuable find sets the stage for the ensuing events that intertwine the lives of various characters, including Howard Ratner.
Howard Ratner's Struggles
By 2012, Howard Ratner, played by Adam Sandler, is introduced as a jewelry store owner in New York City’s Diamond District. His life is riddled with problems, including overwhelming gambling debts, specifically to his loan shark brother-in-law, Arno.
Howard's Complicated Relationships
Howard's personal life reflects his chaotic world, as he navigates the impending divorce from his estranged wife, Dinah, while also being involved with his girlfriend, Julia. The tension in his relationships highlights the emotional turmoil he experiences daily.
Introduction of Kevin Garnett
The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Howard's business associate, Demany, brings basketball star Kevin Garnett to KMH. Garnett becomes fascinated by the rare black opal that has just arrived, believing it will enhance his performance in the upcoming game.
Garnett's Collateral
During his visit, Garnett requests the opal for good luck, and Howard, desperate for cash, accepts the basketball star's championship ring as collateral. This risky decision underscores Howard's willingness to gamble on his luck and the value of the opal.
A Risky Bet
Immediately following Garnett's departure, Howard makes a hasty decision to pawn the championship ring and place a bet on Garnett’s performance in that evening’s game. His gamble pays off initially, as he wins $600,000, temporarily improving his dire financial situation.
Confrontation at the School Play
While attending his daughter's school play, Howard is confronted by Arno and his men, who inform him that his substantial bet has been seized due to his outstanding debts. This encounter becomes a brutal turning point as they imprison him in the trunk of his car.
Party with The Weeknd
In a desperate attempt to change his luck, Howard attends a party hosted by The Weeknd. There, he discovers that Garnett still possesses the opal, igniting his frustration and leading to a confrontation with Julia, who is found using drugs.
Passover Dinner Tensions
At a tense Passover dinner, Howard attempts to reconcile with Dinah, but she firmly stands her ground, reiterating the end of their marriage. This scene highlights Howard's loneliness and desperation amidst his crumbling life.
Auction and Betrayal
As the auction for the opal approaches, Howard learns that its appraisal is far below what he anticipated. In a desperate act, he convinces his father-in-law to bid on it, but their plan unravels when Garnett's bid fails to exceed Gooey's.
The Assassination Attempt
Following the disastrous auction, Howard is brutally assaulted by Arno, Phil, and Nico outside the auction house. This violence marks a critical low point in Howard's chaotic life as his world collapses around him.
Moment of Reconciliation
Returning to KMH in a bloodied state, Howard finds comfort in Julia's company, leading to a brief moment of intimacy. This moment offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, revealing Howard's need for connection.
Final Bets and Fatal Consequences
As Garnett expresses renewed interest in the opal, Howard takes a significant risk by betting on Garnett's performance again. He instructs Julia to place this bet at Mohegan Sun, leading to a high-stakes gamble that influences his fate.
The Climactic Game
In a tense moment, Howard gleefully watches the game, filled with hope as Garnett's team triumphs. With his winnings of $1.2 million, Howard feels a fleeting sense of victory amidst his troubles.
Tragic Conclusion
The elation is short-lived as Phil, in a rage, shoots Howard shortly after the game. In a twist of fate, the chaos escalates, leading to further violence, leaving Howard's life and dreams shattered.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Uncut Gems (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler)
Howard Ratner is a charming yet deeply flawed gambling addict who owns a jewelry store in New York City. His relentless pursuit of fortune often leads him into dangerous situations, and his decisions are frequently fueled by impulsive risk-taking. Despite his charismatic exterior, Howard's life is marred by personal failures and destructive relationships.
Dinah Ratner (Idina Menzel)
Dinah Ratner is Howard's estranged wife who embodies frustration and resilience. As she navigates her impending divorce, she confronts the pain and betrayal caused by Howard's reckless behavior. Dinah represents the emotional toll that Howard's addiction has on their family dynamics, seeking a way to protect herself and her children.
Julia De Fiore (Julia Fox)
Julia De Fiore is Howard's girlfriend and a pivotal figure in his tumultuous life. As an employee at his jewelry store, she is drawn into his chaotic world, revealing both vulnerability and ambition. Julia's relationship with Howard showcases the seductive allure of glamour and the despair that often accompanies unhealthy attachments.
Kevin Garnett (Kevin Garnett)
Kevin Garnett plays himself in a role that intertwines sports celebrity with the world of high-stakes gambling. His fascination with the black opal drives the plot forward, as it becomes a symbol of hope and fortune for Howard. Garnett's character reflects the tension between superstition in sports and the unpredictable nature of gambling.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Uncut Gems (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2010-2012
The narrative occurs between 2010 and 2012, a time when the American economy was recovering from the 2008 financial crisis. This period was marked by significant cultural shifts, including the rise of reality television and sports celebrity influence, which is reflected in Howard's interactions with basketball star Kevin Garnett.
Location
New York City, Welo Mine, Mohegan Sun
The movie is primarily set in the bustling Diamond District of New York City, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous jewelry stores. It also features the Welo mine in Ethiopia, which is famous for its rare black opal. Additionally, the Mohegan Sun, a prominent casino, serves as a key location for the climactic betting scenes.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Uncut Gems (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a central theme of the film, portraying Howard Ratner's relentless pursuit of wealth through risky bets. His compulsive behavior not only jeopardizes his financial stability but also alienates him from his family and loved ones. The film effectively illustrates the destructive nature of addiction and the consequences that come with it.
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Relationship Strain
The strain in Howard's relationships is another crucial theme, highlighted by his tumultuous marriage with Dinah and his affair with Julia. His selfish actions and obsession with gambling create a significant emotional distance from those around him. This theme delves into how personal choices can lead to the disintegration of familial ties.
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Desperation
Desperation drives Howard's every decision, from betting his last hopes on high-stakes gambles to confronting his creditors. This theme exemplifies how one man's quest for success can spiral into chaos when fueled by desperation. The narrative tension consistently reflects his frantic attempts to regain control over his life.
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