Julia Fox in 'Uncut Gems'
Friday, December 27, 2019 at 7:00PM 
A star is born about an hour into Uncut Gems. The lead character, an obnoxious can’t-quit gambler (Adam Sandler) catches his mistress (Julia Fox) in the bathroom of 1 Oak Club in New York with The Weeknd. (Yes the Canadian popstar has a small role as himself.) What follows is a dragged-out funny intense loud lovers fight that starts in the club and spills into West 17th Street as Sandler and Fox scream barbs at each other and continue to fight to the bemusement of onlookers. She begs him to understand “Nothing happened, we were just doing coke.” He throws the ultimate final insult to end the fight “Go fuck The Weeknd.” Or so he thinks. That’s when Fox throws her whole body against the hood of the cab he’s trying to escape in, determined to continue the fight. That’s when we knew it; here’s an actress who will have a long career...
In Uncut Gems, Fox is funny, sexy, magnetic and memorable. She gives this jewelry shop assistant who’s dating a much older married man, a sweet nature. She plays the part with honesty, warmth, and ardor. Sandler’s Howard is not a lovable man, in fact his wife played by Idina Menzel calls him stupid and threatens to punch him. We get why. But everytime Fox is in a scene with him, we question ourselves. Is he not as annoying as he seems? Is he not putting the lives of everyone he knows in jeopardy? Could we root for him? And we do because Fox does. The way she looks at him makes the audience think 'well maybe he’s not that bad.' That’s the power of her performance.
Surprisingly this grounded well-honed performance is her first ever on screen. Josh and Benny Safdie, who directed the film, met her in a SoHo cafe and re-conceived the part after casting to be more like the real Fox. In a recent interview Fox told the NY Times that her first acting job was as a dominatrix in an East Village dungeon.
It was fantasy role play. I’d have one minute before a session. They’d give you a piece of paper with the guy’s info. ‘O.K., he wants me to be like his angry mother. Got it. Boom.’ And, you’ve got two seconds to get in that mind-set.
It seems that was all the training she needed. Now after this performance she’s ready for stardom.
Reader Comments (19)
Thank you!! I saw the film last night and she walked away with it, in my opinion. What a performance
Wouldn’t it be wild if Fox turns out to be this year’s Marina de Tavira?
She is serving some real Sharon Stone in Casino charisma here...
She was absolutely sensational in the movie!
doesn't she look like Debi Mazar specially in the top pic?
She looks like a mix of Debi Mazar and Rachel Weisz in that top pic.
I mean, to be specific, it's spelled The Weeknd.
Murtada do you know why she's received no traction or campaigning.
I hate the trailer and will avoid this movie
Mark - She was nominated at the Gothams. The chatter has been primarily about Sandler and the Safdies for direction so her buzz is quieter plus the film is v abrasive and not everyone will like it. I think she'll get no awards but plenty of future roles.
Cash - yes i see that!
What a fabulous backstory! I knew the Safdies hire a lot of first timers but I didn't figure Julia Fox was one of them. She has the poise and charisma of an old pro. Reminded me of Marisa Tomei.
BIG Debi Mazar energy! I hope I get to see the film soon.
Idina Menzel was the one who stole the show for me
She's excellent in it, but I don't think the character is much on the page. Contrary to you, I found her unshakable affection for Howard rather implausible, or at least reflective of her own vacuity rather than any innate goodness.
ken - agreed Idina was fabulous as well.
Loved Sandler in this but yes, it was the women (Julia + Idina) who were my biggest takeaways even in somewhat underwritten roles. Perfect comic timing from both. Was so impressed with how Julia elevated a part that could’ve been clichéd. A real find.
I'm sad I didn't walk away from this movie gushing about Julia Fox because I was really disappointed in the treatment of her character. I get that Julia is merely an object in Howard's world, but she had enough screen time that maybe she could've worked alongside Howard with his schemes or expressed what it was like for her to be a mistress. I think that's why I connected with Idina's performance more because it exists outside of a male lens. Every time Julia was on-screen, I felt like I was watching her through the eyes of Howard.
she's fantastic in this brilliant film! i'd rather her in the running than margot, florence, or scarlett.
Saw UNCUT GEMS on Friday and haven't stopped thinking about her - she should easily be a Supporting Actress nominee (and is far more compelling than the front-runners).