“Reptile”: An Unoriginal Film that Fails to Impress

Review: “Reptile” Falls Short of Matching Benicio Del Toro’s Talent

Introduction

In the new film “Reptile,” directed by Grant Singer, Benicio Del Toro takes the lead role as a calloused detective investigating a young woman’s murder. Del Toro’s characteristic allure and magnetic presence are on full display in this atmospheric crime story, but unfortunately, the film fails to live up to his talent. With forced eeriness, ponderous pacing, and a lack of focus, “Reptile” falls short in delivering a compelling story. While the film may have occasional moments of tension and insight, it ultimately leaves viewers disappointed.

An Unfulfilled Promise

Del Toro is known for his ability to captivate audiences with his multifaceted acting. With his piercing eyes, hulking frame, and coiled delivery, he invites viewers to delve into his character’s complexities. In “Reptile,” Del Toro’s character, Detective Tom Nichols, is a calloused yet observant investigator. He is accompanied by his loyal partner, Dan, played by Ato Essandoh. Together, they chase down leads in the murder investigation, uncovering clues and questioning suspects.

Lack of Coherence and Unease

However, the film’s director, Grant Singer, seems more interested in creating a pervasive mood of mistrust than in crafting a coherent narrative. Throughout “Reptile,” viewers are constantly left questioning the motives of every character, leading to a sense of unease. While this can be an effective storytelling technique, Singer takes it to an extreme, leaving the audience adrift in a sea of unease with no solid ground to stand on.

An Unoriginal Composition

Furthermore, “Reptile” suffers from a lack of originality. The film borrows heavily from other sources, from ’70s thrillers like “The Conversation” and “The Parallax View” to the works of David Fincher. Even the score, composed by Yair Elazar Glotman, feels borrowed from a haunted-house movie. This lack of originality further compounds the film’s inability to surprise or engage the viewers.

Missed Opportunities

In addition to Del Toro’s underutilized talent, Alicia Silverstone’s character, Tom’s wife, provides another missed opportunity. Silverstone brings a wonderfully spiky and sexy rapport to her scenes with Del Toro. However, the film often treats her character as mere paranoia dressing, failing to fully develop her as a compelling figure. Other supporting characters, played by Justin Timberlake, Ato Essandoh, Eric Bogosian, and Domenick Lombardozzi, barely register as anything more than plot devices.

Final Thoughts

Despite its flaws, “Reptile” may still hold some interest for viewers who appreciate a rambling mystery with occasional moments of tension. However, the film’s lack of coherence and narrative malaise ultimately diminish its potential impact. If “Reptile” were the pilot episode of a brooding television procedural, its kinks could potentially be worked out to better showcase Del Toro’s talent. But as it stands, the film is a missed opportunity and a disappointment.

Recommendation

For audiences seeking a crime story that fully embraces Benicio Del Toro’s magnetic presence, it may be better to explore his earlier works or wait for future projects that better utilize his talents. As for “Reptile,” while it may intrigue some viewers, it ultimately falls short of being a satisfying film experience.