Uncut Gems is a 2019 American crime thriller film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The movie follows the life of Howard Ratner, a charismatic and ambitious jeweler in New York City’s Diamond District. Throughout the film, Howard finds himself in a series of increasingly dangerous situations as he tries to balance his personal and professional life. The ending of Uncut Gems is both intense and thought-provoking, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions and questions.
The climax of the film occurs during a high-stakes basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. Howard has placed a massive bet on the game, using a rare black opal as collateral. He is desperate to win the bet and pay off his mounting debts. As the game progresses, tensions rise, and Howard’s life begins to unravel.
In a last-ditch effort to secure a win, Howard makes a deal with his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, Demany, to bring basketball player Kevin Garnett to his jewelry store. Howard believes that the presence of the opal will bring good luck to Garnett and, in turn, help him win the bet. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Howard’s plans are thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.
As the game reaches its final moments, Howard’s stress and anxiety reach a breaking point. He is confronted by his wife, Dinah, who has discovered his infidelity and demands a divorce. Meanwhile, his mistress, Julia, is also present, adding to the chaos. In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Howard promises Dinah a cut of his winnings if she stays with him.
In a nail-biting sequence, the game ends with the Celtics losing, resulting in Howard losing his bet and the collateral for the opal. Devastated, Howard is left with no choice but to face the consequences of his actions. He is chased by loan sharks and ultimately cornered in his jewelry store.
In a shocking turn of events, Howard is shot and killed by one of the loan sharks. The film ends with a close-up shot of Howard’s lifeless face, leaving viewers stunned and reflecting on the consequences of his reckless behavior.
The ending of Uncut Gems is a powerful and polarizing one. On one hand, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and the consequences of making poor choices. Howard’s relentless pursuit of success and his inability to control his impulses ultimately lead to his downfall.
The Safdie brothers, who co-wrote and directed the film, have stated that they wanted to create a character who was both charismatic and flawed. They wanted to explore the idea of someone who is constantly chasing the next big win, even at the expense of their own well-being. In this sense, the ending of Uncut Gems is a fitting conclusion to Howard’s story.
On the other hand, the ending also raises questions about the nature of fate and luck. Throughout the film, Howard believes that the black opal possesses a mystical power that will bring him good fortune. He places all his hopes on this belief, even when logic and reason suggest otherwise. The fact that the Celtics lose the game and Howard is killed suggests that luck is not always on our side, no matter how much we may believe in it.
The ending also leaves viewers with a sense of unease and ambiguity. While Howard’s death may seem like a fitting punishment for his actions, it also raises questions about the cycle of violence and the nature of justice. The loan sharks who kill Howard are never held accountable for their actions, leaving a lingering sense of injustice.
In conclusion, the ending of Uncut Gems is a powerful and thought-provoking one. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of addiction and the dangers of making reckless choices. At the same time, it raises questions about the nature of fate and luck, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions and a desire for further reflection. The Safdie brothers have crafted a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, making Uncut Gems a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
