Back in 2019, Benny and Josh Safdie unleashed Uncut Gems, an electrifying, stress-inducing thriller that made audiences see Adam Sandler in a different light thanks to his portrayal of Howard Ratner, one of the decade’s most unforgettable characters. It felt like the arrival of a new directing duo to rival the Coen Brothers. However, since then, much like the Coens, the filmmaker siblings have chosen to go their separate ways creatively, and now Benny is explaining why.
In a new interview promoting his 2025 movie release with Empire, Benny Safdie addressed why he and his brother Josh decided to pursue separate projects after the success of Uncut Gems. The director explained that the decision wasn’t the result of a falling out, but rather a natural progression in their careers. He expounded:
