Uncut Gems

Howard’s story in Uncut Gems culminates in a violent, tragic end that underscores the film’s central theme: the destructive power of greed. Throughout the movie, Howard relentlessly chases after wealth and success, believing that material gains will bring him happiness. His risky bets and reckless decisions often pay off temporarily, such as when he wins $1.2 million during the final basketball game. However, this victory is short-lived. Just as he begins to breathe a sigh of relief and think he’s finally out of trouble, he is shot and killed by Phil, one of his creditors, right after his big win. The final scene shows Howard lying dead, blood pooling beneath him, and the camera deeply zooms into the opal embedded in his necklace. This powerful imagery suggests that Howard’s life was intertwined with the gemstone, which symbolizes the cycle of greed and life’s fleeting pleasures. The Safdie Brothers have explained that the colorful, kaleidoscopic look into the opal represents the circle of life, emphasizing that Howard’s pursuit of riches was ultimately his downfall. Despite Kevin Garnett’s superstition that the opal was his lucky charm, the film hints that luck was never truly on Howard’s side—his constantly bad streaks highlight that his gains were illusionary and rooted in superstition rather than real fortune. In the end, Julia, Howard’s partner, escapes with the money, which leaves questions about what will happen next. While she possibly begins anew, the film suggests that she and Howard’s children will face an uncertain future, especially with Howard’s death and the debts lingering. Adam Sandler, who plays Howard, has defended the bleak ending, stating that it had to happen to reinforce the movie’s message that greed leads to destruction. Ultimately, the ending makes a stark statement: Howard’s insatiable desire for more, driven by greed, results in his tragic death, and the film closes on a visceral reminder that in life—just as in gambling—one can chase fleeting wins only to encounter ruin in the end.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44