Reptile Review: Despite mood being crucial in thrillers, “Reptile” is excessively saturated with it, bordering on overwhelming. This murder story lasts a painful two and a half hours with a single tone of unease. Every scene has a disturbing energy, amplified by Netflix’s dramatic “tense music” subtitles. A couple dancing on a bar’s floor? Similar to ominous. A detective observing a self-operating kitchen tap can create a spooky ambience. But the movie’s focus on danger leads to its downfall, like the boy who cried wolf.
This approach only works briefly. Summer Elswick (Matilda Lutz) and Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), a real estate agent, live the ideal New England life in the first few minutes. “Angel of the Morning,” a spooky song by Juice Newton, abruptly ends when a door opens. The dim lighting and abrupt pause create a stormy atmosphere, reflected in the music. The movie’s first shock is when Will discovers Summer brutally murdered at home. The title blocks the graphic scene.
Benicio del Toro Tom Nichols, a seasoned detective, steps in slowly. Though there are few suspects, some may be killers. Because Timberlake played mysteriously, the boyfriend is still possible. There’s the lousy ex-husband, Karl Glusman, with a pencil beard resembling a police sketch. Eli Phillips, played by Michael Pitt, is also investigated due to his grudge against Grady’s real estate business. Pitt, known for creepy performances, switches between killer and red herring. This keeps the audience guessing.
In his debut film, Grant Singer maintains a distinct style. His scenes resemble music videos, prioritizing aesthetics over storytelling. “Reptile” seems inspired by David Fincher, with its clever editing and occasional use of file boxes. It seems someone attempted to imitate the eerie vibe of “Zodiac” or “Gone Girl” on TV but missed some details.
The movie needs some of Gillian Flynn’s skill. Without the intricacies of the investigation or the depth of the clues, it resembles a Fincher procedural at first glance. The singer, who co-wrote the movie, stretches out their dull story, losing its appeal as the detective nears the truth. The responsible party’s stupidity is crucial to solving the case. Alicia Silverstone’s performance as his wife is refreshing, but adding glimpses of the detective’s life feels like filler.
Despite the movie’s flaws, a few things stand out. Mike Gioulakis, known for his work with Jordan Peele, David Robert Mitchell, and M. Night Shyamalan, effectively portrays the horrors of suburban life. “Reptile” looks good, but the acts save it. This is true of Del Toro’s action. Even when a man chats with his wife, he never raises his voice. Instead, he expresses his emotions with his face. Not the mystery of whodunit, but the actor’s acting makes the scene interesting.
Even so, the agent may be one of many tired ones. Most likely, so will the crowd. “Reptile” slowly moves, daring people to lose interest. This may be because the movie wants viewers to overlook crucial details for the depth it lacks. The cinema needs high or low points. Instead, it maintains a constant unease as it transitions between oddly similar scenes. Benicio del Toro’s quiet performance makes the detective story interesting, turning the movie into a steady stream of dread. Waiting for “The Killer” for a more exciting meeting is better.
ALSO READ: Saw X Review: Delving into the Dark Soul of Humanity
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Reptile get bad reviews?
“Reptile” attempts to juggle too much at once, resulting in unresolved subplots and inconsistent characters. However, at the heart of it all is a remarkable performance by Del Toro. He portrays a man who has experienced it all and simply seeks a peace that proves elusive.
Is Reptile worth watching?
An intriguing murder mystery… [Benicio Del Toro] has seamlessly grown into this type of character. Eventually, Reptile gets caught up and leaves some of its storylines unresolved, but Singer’s movie is a remarkably well-crafted and twisted procedural. What starts off as a gripping crime tale devolves into something unexpected.
What was the point of Reptile movie?
Del Toro’s Detective Tom Nichols takes center stage as he delves into the murder of a real estate agent, Matilda Lutz. He peels back layers of corruption within his new Maine community.
Who was the killer on Reptile?
Investigating Summer’s murder, Detective Nichols discovers deceit and misconduct within the Scarborough police force. The culprit turns out to be none other than Summer’s boyfriend, Will Grady, who was attempting to shift the blame onto her ex-husband.
