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Reptile is a 2023 American crime thriller film directed by Grant Singer in his feature-film directorial debut, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro, and a story he co-wrote with Brewer. The film stars del Toro in the lead role, alongside Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Eric Bogosian, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Michael Pitt.
It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2023, and was released in the United States in select theaters on September 22, 2023, before streaming on Netflix on September 29.
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Summary:
As someone who appreciates crime thrillers that take their time to unfold, Reptile was a surprisingly layered and atmospheric watch. It’s not the kind of film that throws twists at you for shock value—instead, it builds a slow but steady tension that gets under your skin.
The story follows a hardened detective, played masterfully by Benicio Del Toro, who starts to question everything around him while investigating the murder of a young woman. What I found particularly gripping is how the film doesn’t just focus on the case, but also dives into the psychological toll the investigation takes on the characters, especially the lead.
One of the standout elements is the tone. Reptile leans heavily into a moody, almost noir-like aesthetic, with dim lighting, quiet scenes, and an eerie, minimalist score that adds to the unease. It’s the kind of film where silence speaks just as loudly as dialogue. Visually, it’s beautifully shot, with a cold, almost clinical style that matches the moral ambiguity of the story.
Benicio Del Toro is easily the film’s anchor—his performance is restrained but incredibly nuanced. There’s a constant tension behind his eyes, like he’s carrying more weight than we realize. Alicia Silverstone also brings surprising depth to her role, and their on-screen chemistry gives the story a grounded emotional layer. Justin Timberlake’s performance is solid, though his role feels a bit more surface-level compared to the others.
What I really appreciated is how Reptile doesn’t rush. That might be a turn-off for viewers looking for fast-paced action, but if you enjoy slow-burn mysteries where the pieces slowly fall into place, it’s very rewarding. The plot keeps you guessing—not in a chaotic way, but in a methodical unraveling that invites you to pay attention and question everyone’s motives.
If I had to critique anything, it would be that the pacing in the middle act can feel slightly stretched, and not every subplot hits as hard as it could have. But in the bigger picture, those are minor issues in an otherwise well-crafted film.
In short, Reptile is a thoughtful, stylish thriller that respects the intelligence of its audience. It’s not flashy or fast, but it leaves a lingering impression—like a puzzle you can’t stop thinking about after the credits roll.
