Table of Contents
Welcome to the blog on “Reptile – Movie Review”. Walk with us through the review on the movie Reptile, streaming on Netflix from 29th September 2023.
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Reptile – Movie Review
Plot
After the savage killing of a young real estate agent, a seasoned detective endeavors to unveil the real facts in a case filled with deception, where appearances are deceiving. In the process, he unravels the illusions within his own life.
Movie Review
The crime thriller “Reptile,” available on Netflix, occasionally comes across as an imprudent endeavor to squeeze a full season of a police and criminals show into a little over two hours. The film explores the aftermath of a gruesome murder by following the detectives involved. Even the inclusion of Domenick Lombardozzi from “The Wire” serves as a reminder of the more compelling narratives the movie aims to emulate.
The film is situated in a gloomy marsh town in Maine and begins with a couple, Will (played by Justin Timberlake) and Summer (played by Matilda Lutz), who are experiencing tension. They are preparing a house for a viewing but engage in terse conversation. The opulent mansion, characterized by its sleek design and isolating interior, serves as a fitting symbol for the couple’s troubled domestic relationship.
However, when Summer is discovered brutally murdered in a property up for sale, the movie shifts its focus to procedural storytelling. The narrative centers on Tom (played by Benicio Del Toro), a new detective in the local police force. He and his wife, Judy (convincingly portrayed by Alicia Silverstone), moved to the town following a scandal in Philadelphia. Tom works under the stern police captain (Eric Bogosian) and comes across as a weary yet dedicated enforcer of the law. He passionately declares to Judy that being a cop is one of his greatest loves, albeit with more intensity than directed at her.
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Thankfully, Tom’s unwavering commitment becomes crucial because this particular murder unravels a Pandora’s box of deception and deceit. Summer, who appeared poised during her brief suburban life, had associations with a variety of eccentric and shady individuals. These included her ex-husband, Sam (played by Karl Glusman), an artist with a penchant for using human hair in his sculptures, and her melancholic confidante, Renee (portrayed by Sky Ferreira), who appears to harbor resentment toward her friend’s success. Not to be overlooked is the spoiled and affluent Will, whose perpetually sulking expression can only partially be attributed to Timberlake’s limited acting range.
In his directorial debut, Grant Singer, who co-wrote the script with Benjamin Brewer and Del Toro, showcases a talent for creating suspense. In a stylish sequence, Tom dials a mysterious number that holds the potential to solve the case. As he listens to the tone, Singer skillfully intercuts scenes of various characters answering ringing phones. This brief but intense moment evokes the suspenseful style of Hitchcock.
The issue with “Reptile” lies in its inability to maintain the impressive moment-to-moment control throughout the broader story. The writers overload the narrative with awkward twists and artificial plot devices. By the time the film unveils the culprit, our interest has waned, and we find ourselves dispirited by a movie that, much like an overly eager snake, takes on more than it can handle.
After the savage killing of a young real estate agent, a seasoned detective endeavors to unveil the real facts in a case filled with deception, where appearances are deceiving. In the process, he unravels the illusions within his own life.
Watch the movie Reptile now on Netflix.
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