One of the most acclaimed filmmaking duos of the past few years, the Safdie Brothers have made their mark on independent cinema through their innovative filmmaking techniques and memorable voice. While the two are mostly known for their films, Benny Safdie has also landed roles in movies such as Pieces Of A Woman and the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson film, Soggy Bottom, as well as the highly-anticipated Disney+ Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
With six feature directorial credits to their name, the directors have established themselves as one of the most distinct filmmaking duos working today. Though not all of their films have reached critical acclaim, a few are considered to be some of the best films of the past few years.
The Pleasure Of Being Robbed (2008) - 27%
The feature directorial debut from Josh Safdie, The Pleasure Of Being Robbed, stars Eleonore Hendricks as a woman with kleptomania living in New York City and Josh Safdie as her friend. Starting with stealing a woman's car, her crimes eventually put her in the crosshairs of the NYPD. While facing pressure from law enforcement, she also must deal with her inner turmoil.
The lone film from the Safdie Brothers with a "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this is an unsuspecting first effort from the duo. The film's pacing and storyline have been the main areas of complaint, with critics and audiences feeling as if the film is aimless and has nothing to say. In addition, the film's low-quality technical aspects have been criticized.
Daddy Longlegs (2009) - 78%
The Safdie Brothers' Daddy Longlegs stars Ronald Bronstein, Sage Ranaldo, and Frey Ranaldo and concerns a divorced father named Lenny, played by Bronstein, who takes care of his two sons over the span of two weeks. As the three grow closer, they learn more about themselves and their relationship, and how much Lenny needs the two of them in his life.
Released one year after The Pleasure Of Being Robbed, this film would reach much more critical acclaim. Though it isn't as beloved as the brothers' more recent efforts, with some critics criticizing the early scenes in the movie, the film has been praised for its honest and realistic portrayal of its characters, its innovative DIY filmmaking, and its performances.
Lenny Cooke (2013) - 82%
This sports documentary tells the story of Lenny Cooke, a former high school basketball prodigy who was once a higher ranked recruit than NBA superstars, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Having never reached the same level of fame due to issues with school, Lenny Cooke details how his struggles eventually led him to being undrafted and quitting basketball altogether.
Using footage shot by cinematographer Adam Shopkorn as he followed players around in 2001 (according to an interview recounted in Hammer To Nail), the Safdie Brothers created an intimate sports documentary about one of the most prominent "what if's" in NBA history. While the climax has been somewhat criticized for being superfluous, the documentary has largely been lauded as an intimate and fascinating character study.
Heaven Knows What (2014) - 87%
In Heaven Knows What, the Safdie Brothers turn their attention to addiction. Based on the autobiography Mad Love In New York City by Arielle Holmes, the film stars Holmes herself as a homeless woman addicted to heroin who attempts to reconcile her relationship with a drug-addicted man named Ilya, played by Caleb Landry Jones.
According to NPR, Josh Safdie helped inspire Holmes to write her memoir after meeting her, so this is a story that is clearly important to the Safdie Brothers. Critics and audiences alike have definitely picked up on this, lauding the movie as a powerful movie about the effects of drug addiction, as well as a great showcase of the acting talents of its lead actress.
Uncut Gems (2019) - 91%
The Safdie Brothers' most recent film, Uncut Gems stars Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, and Kevin Garnett. The film tells the story of jeweler Howard Ratner, played by Sandler, a man with a gambling addiction who struggles to keep a hold of a priceless jewel that Garnett wants, thinking it will be a good luck charm for Game 7 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
One of the most intense films of the past decade, Uncut Gems is a fast-paced shot of anxiety, filled with unforgettable quotes and sporting a great, memorable ending. The film has become a hit with critics and audiences alike due to its outstanding character work, unpredictable plot, and performances from both Sandler and Garnett.
Good Time (2017) - 92%
The Safdie Brothers' 2017 crime thriller Good Time stars former Twilight heart-throb Robert Pattinson as Connie, a small-time crook. When Connie's developmentally disabled brother Nick, played by Bennie Safdie, is arrested by the police following a bank robbery, Connie finds himself forced to do whatever he can to come up with $10,000 in order to get him out of prison.
With an unpredictable structure and a unique atmosphere, Good Time is the Safdie Brothers at their strongest. Arguably one of the best movies of 2017, viewers have found themselves spellbound by the film's frenetic pacing, unpredictable structure, and remarkable performances from the two leads.