"Uncut Gems" is a film that has been stuck in my brain for five years; since its debut in late 2019, I've chosen it to be my choice when recommending a compelling thriller on Netflix, and it remains one of the best films on the Netflix service I would say

That's why I was especially disappointed when the film's listing was updated to add a line that no one wants to see: "Last day to watch on Netflix: May 8" After nearly four years on the streaming service (added to the Netflix US library in late May 2020), "Uncut Gems" takes its final bow (at least for now)

Now is the time to watch this remarkable thriller on Netflix If you've already seen it, be sure to rewatch it before heading to the streaming service in the sky Set in New York City's Diamond District, "Uncut Gems" stars Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a jewelry store owner with a gambling addiction, alienated from his family, thousands of dollars in debt, and on the verge of business failure

Looking for the next big payday that will reverse his downward spiral, Howard thinks he has hit the jackpot when he comes across a rare, uncut opal from a mine in Ethiopia A high-profile buyer prepared to pay a spectacularly large sum for the gem may appear, and Howard may be able to climb out of the hole he's created for himself [But the consequences of his mistake are imminent, and as Howard plots to make a fortune and pay off his debt, he is forced to confront his past and the possibility of getting in over his head with the type of people he does not want to cross

"No Cut Gems" was highly praised by critics The thriller currently holds a score of 91% on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes However, the audience score is much lower at 52% This is one of the largest gaps between critic and audience scores, suggesting that the film is quite controversial

Richard Roper of the Chicago Sun-Times was not the only critic to praise the actor's performance, noting that "Adam Sandler does an award-worthy job" in No Cut Gems Peter Howell of the Toronto Star called Howard "the best character Sandler has ever played"

Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times also gave a very favorable review He wrote, "Directed with relentless tension and diamond-hard intelligence by Josh and Benny Safdie, 'Uncut Gems' is at once a thriller, a character study, a tragedy, and a laugh riot" Sheila O'Malley of RogerEbertcom, on the other hand, described the film as "excruciatingly exhilarating"

CNN's Brian Lowry had a more mixed reaction: "The story's unrelenting nature is a detriment, diminishing the appeal of watching Adam Sandler's occasional dramatic performance

"No Cut Gems" succeeds because of Adam Sandler's career-best performance, the Safdie brothers' strong direction, laser-sharp pacing, and a script that shifts instantly between downright hilarious and heartbreaking A masterful thriller

However, the ever-rising tension can be taxing, and the film has been described as "anxiety-inducing" But if you can handle the intensity and don't mind spending a few hours with frightening people, it's a must-see

You can watch "Uncut Gems" on Netflix US until Wednesday, May 8 And if you want to watch something less intense on Netflix, check out this engrossing sports movie that won Will Smith an Oscar