Reptile: Unveiling the Enigma: A Gripping Review
Benicio Del Toro takes on the lead role in Grant Singer’s debut thriller, “Reptile,” which initially piques curiosity through its trailer. Clearly drawing inspiration from David Fincher‘s meticulous style, Singer, a seasoned music video director known for collaborations with artists like The Weeknd, Skrillex, and Sam Smith, seems to have gone to great lengths in his attention to detail.
Del Toro consistently delivers a compelling performance, making this one of his most intriguing roles in recent memory. However, viewers may find themselves wishing that his remarkable talent had been harnessed in a film with a more coherent direction.
Detective Tom Nichols (portrayed by Del Toro) and his partner Dan Cleary (Ato Essandoh) swiftly identify potential suspects. Will Grady raise suspicions due to his disquieting demeanor and his prompt replacement of Summer with a new girlfriend bearing a striking resemblance to the deceased?
Then there’s Summer’s soon-to-be ex-husband Sam (Karl Glusman), depicted as eccentric after being caught on CCTV footage giving an unconventional haircut for artistic purposes. The roster of potential culprits also includes Eli Phillips (Michael Pitt), whose father had a contentious deal with Grady. Could he have committed the murder as an act of revenge?
As if this trio of suspects isn’t enough, the script, co-authored by Singer, Benjamin Brewer, and Del Toro himself, introduces a substantial cast of characters within Tom’s social sphere. Notably, Tom’s wife Judy (Alicia Silverstone) plays a role in advancing the investigation. These characters possess distinct traits that subtly deviate from the norm, contributing to the script’s nuanced narrative without veering into exaggeration. This reinforces the viewer’s awareness that they are immersed in a cinematic experience.
The film’s highlight undoubtedly lies in Del Toro’s central performance. He embodies a character who has weathered life’s trials and yearns for an elusive tranquility. Del Toro refrains from overemphasizing trauma, allowing it to subtly inform his body language and intense gaze. His performance occasionally incorporates elements of his character’s real estate journey, infusing moments of playfulness. While the ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, including Silverstone, Bogosian, and Pitt, Del Toro’s portrayal stands out, warranting a more deserving vehicle for his exceptional talent.
“Reptile” is set to premiere on Netflix on October 6th, inviting viewers to unravel its mysteries.
The IMDB rating of the movie Reptile is 7/10
Hollywood Xtreme gives a rating of 8/10
The movie is set to release on Netflix
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