“Reptile” Review: Netflix’s Benicio Del Toro-led Thriller Slithers into the Procedural Genre

Review: “Reptile” Struggles to Find Its Identity

Overview

Grant Singer’s “Reptile” is a murky and atmospheric thriller that attempts to weave a tale of murder and corruption in a small-town setting. Penned by Singer, Benjamin Brewer, and Benicio Del Toro, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Del Toro, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Pitt, Ato Essandoh, Justin Timberlake, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Eric Bogosian, and Domenick Lombardozzi. While the film’s visuals and Del Toro’s captivating presence serve as commendable aspects, “Reptile” ultimately falls short of carving out a distinctive identity and fails to leave a lasting impact on the viewer.

The Plot

The story follows Tom Nichols (Del Toro), a detective who moves from Philadelphia to a small town after his wife, Judy (Silverstone), and her ailing uncle arrange for him to take a detective job there. Tom is immediately assigned to investigate the brutal murder of a real estate agent named Summer (Lutz). As the investigation unfolds, Tom discovers a web of corruption and realizes that the murder is connected to a larger system of wrongdoing.

Familiar Territory

The film draws inspiration from iconic cop films like “Dirty Harry” and “Death Wish,” as it attempts to capture the essence of renowned crime dramas from the past. However, in doing so, “Reptile” fails to establish a distinct identity of its own. The narrative pace lingers unnecessarily, stretching a familiar tale into a two-hour ordeal that feels reminiscent of an overlong episode of “Law & Order.”

Ambitious Aspirations

Grant Singer showcases commendable directorial prowess, skillfully navigating the script with Del Toro’s captivating charisma as his compass. However, the film’s potential remains unfulfilled due to a lack of cohesive and engaging storylines, as well as a cast that struggles to find harmony. The performances of Justin Timberlake and Michael Pitt, in particular, fall short of expectations.

A Chance for Redemption

“Reptile” has the potential to resonate with viewers if given a more refined cut. By trimming its extended runtime, the film could focus on the most exciting and compelling elements of the narrative. If executed with a sense of balance, it could escape the fate of becoming forgotten filler in the vast world of cinema.

Editorial: Refining Storytelling and Managing Aspirations

In an expansive cinematic landscape, it is essential for filmmakers to find a balance between ambitious aspirations and refined storytelling. While “Reptile” strives to emulate the greatness of classic crime dramas, it falls into the trap of familiarity and struggles to distinguish itself. This highlights the challenge of creating original content that resonates with audiences.

Philosophical Discussion: The Quest for Identity

“Reptile” encounters a familiar struggle faced by many works of art – the quest for identity. In its attempt to pay homage to iconic cop films, the film becomes entangled in their shadows and fails to establish a unique voice. This raises philosophical questions about the nature of originality and the quest for authenticity in a world saturated with references and homages.

Advice: Focus on Narrative and Character Development

For future endeavors, the creators of “Reptile” should prioritize narrative and character development. By crafting a more cohesive and engaging storyline and providing a sense of balance among the cast, a potential sequel or refined cut could unlock the film’s hidden potential. It is crucial to captivate and resonate with audiences not only through style and aesthetics but also through meaningful storytelling and well-developed characters.

Overall, “Reptile” offers glimpses of atmospheric tension and captivating performances but falls short of leaving a memorable mark on viewers. With a stronger focus on refining its storytelling and managing its ambitious aspirations, the film holds the possibility of redeeming itself and finding its own unique place in the cinematic domain.