Josh Safdie

Biography

Josh Safdie is an American filmmaker, writer, and actor, best known for his raw, energetic storytelling and his collaborations with his brother, Benny Safdie. Together, the Safdie brothers have become two of the most distinctive voices in modern independent cinema. Josh was born on April 3, 1984, in New York City, USA, and grew up in Queens and Manhattan.

Raised in a creative household by artist parents, Josh developed an early fascination with filmmaking. He studied film at Boston University, where he began creating short films that reflected his gritty, authentic style and deep interest in human emotion.

Career

Josh Safdie began his career directing short films before moving into feature filmmaking with his brother. Their work is known for its fast-paced realism, unfiltered emotion, and street-level energy, often exploring the lives of flawed, desperate, yet deeply human characters.

His early feature films include The Pleasure of Being Robbed (2008) and Daddy Longlegs (2009), both of which premiered at major film festivals and established the Safdie brothers as emerging talents in the independent film scene.

Their international breakthrough came with Heaven Knows What (2014), a powerful and harrowing portrayal of addiction and survival in New York City. The film received critical acclaim for its realism and emotional intensity.

Josh achieved widespread recognition with Good Time (2017), starring Robert Pattinson, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film’s kinetic pacing, pulsing score, and moral complexity earned it praise as one of the most exciting thrillers of the decade.

The brothers’ next film, Uncut Gems (2019), starring Adam Sandler, became a cultural phenomenon. Blending crime drama and psychological tension, the film was hailed for its chaotic energy and Sandler’s career-defining performance. It earned multiple awards and solidified Josh and Benny Safdie as leading auteurs of contemporary cinema.