“This is how *I* win.” It was certainly one of the most anxiety-inducing film experiences I’ve had recently. The entire movie seems to operate on a foundation of intense energy, and the way events played out created a particularly unsettling atmosphere. Characters were constantly talking or shouting over each other, while the impressive sound design made the environment around them feel incredibly cramped and suffocating. While I still prefer ‘Good Time’ slightly, it was undeniably thrilling. Adam Sandler is truly excellent as the greedy and unsavory Howard Ratner. When he's paired with a skilled director, a strong supporting cast, and an intriguing premise, Sandler really shines. We follow Howard Ratner, a jewelry store owner in New York struggling with a serious gambling problem that continually worsens his situation. Even though his character made every possible poor choice...I still felt sympathy for him. I believe it’s due to Sandler's mischievous charisma that won me over and led me to root for such a minor criminal. He isn’t someone who fails; he's a winner who doesn't achieve victory, which makes it one of his finest performances alongside ‘Punch Drunk Love’. The Safdie Brothers are remarkably talented directors capable of injecting considerable style while also maintaining a stark and gritty aesthetic, which aligns with the shady nature of business. They’re steadily establishing themselves as filmmakers to watch. Darius Khondji's exceptional cinematography is what truly binds this high-tension film together. I really enjoyed Daniel Lopatin’s score, which often overshadows the dialogue as retro rock music bursts through. Conversely, there's also a slow, mystical quality to Lopatin's compositions that gave me an odd sensation of floating. Kevin Garnett is surprisingly quite good in this movie. A professional basketball player delivering a believable performance is almost unheard of. It’s similar to the surprise I felt watching Tyler Perry in ‘Gone Girl’, regarding expectations versus what you receive. I also couldn't believe Julia Fox was making her acting debut, because she's wonderful in the film. I would say that, even though I’ve only seen two of their films, the Safdie Brothers are among my favorite working directors. I am hoping they create another movie like 'Good Time' & 'Uncut Gems', so it can be called the LSD trilogy.

Source on TMDB