“Reptile” Review: An Unoriginal Melange of Film Influences

Reviewing “Reptile“: A Melange of Influences

Introduction

“Reptile,” directed by Grant Singer, is a crime mystery film that showcases the undeniable talent of Benicio Del Toro in the lead role as a seasoned detective investigating a young woman’s murder. While Del Toro’s performance shines, the film as a whole falls short in its attempt to match his magnetism. It combines various elements from other thriller films, resulting in a forced eeriness that becomes overly ponderous and unfocused as the story progresses.

A Confident and Compelling Lead Performance

In the world of crime stories, Benicio Del Toro holds a movie frame like few others in his profession. His portrayal of Detective Tom Nichols in “Reptile” is no exception. Del Toro’s piercing eyes, cracked-pottery face, hulking frame, and weary, coiled delivery command attention and invite viewers to explore the many facets of his character. He effortlessly conveys the scene’s requirements while leaving room for the discovery of more depth beneath the surface. It is precisely this kind of nuanced performance that is fitting for a crime story, where tension and unresolved mysteries lie at the heart of the narrative.

The Eeriness That Falls Flat

Unfortunately, “Reptile” struggles to live up to the potential of its compelling lead performance. The film’s director, Grant Singer, attempts to match Del Toro’s unpredictable magnetism with a forced eeriness that becomes increasingly ponderous and unfocused as the story progresses. The film’s atmosphere feels contrived, borrowing elements from other sources without adding anything new or original to the mix. The constant shifting of tone and style, reminiscent of films like “The Conversation” and “The Parallax View” from the 1970s, fails to create a cohesive narrative experience. Even the eerie score, composed by Yair Elazar Glotman, feels like a borrowed element from a typical haunted-house film.

A Colliding World of Deception

“Reptile” follows Detective Tom Nichols and his loyal partner Dan as they investigate the murder of a young woman. The story intertwines various worlds as the detectives chase down leads, uncovering a stringy-haired, malevolent figure roaming the periphery and the victim’s shifty ex. Singer’s directorial agenda revolves around questioning the motives of everyone, everywhere, always, generating a pervasive mood of mistrust. While this theme can be effective, it becomes the sole note of the film, overshadowing the development of the characters and the plot. The lack of narrative coherence leads to a predictable story where nothing surprises the viewer.

The Impact on Supporting Characters

The film’s lack of coherence affects not only the overall narrative but also the development of supporting characters. Alicia Silverstone, who reunites with Del Toro after 25 years since their film “Excess Baggage,” brings a wonderfully spiky and sexy presence to her role as Tom’s wife. However, her character is often treated as mere paranoia dressing rather than a fully fleshed-out character. Other supporting actors, such as Justin Timberlake, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Eric Bogosian, barely register as anything more than plot devices. The film’s focus on atmospheric unease robs these characters of the opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Conclusion

“Reptile” showcases the undeniable talent of Benicio Del Toro as a skilled and captivating actor. However, the film’s attempt to match his magnetism with a forced eeriness falls short, resulting in a narrative that becomes increasingly unfocused and ponderous. The pervasive mood of mistrust, borrowed influences, and lack of narrative coherence undermine the film’s potential to surprise and engage viewers. While fans of Del Toro may find enough to enjoy in his committed portrayal, “Reptile” ultimately falls victim to its own ambition. If developed as a brooding television procedural, the film’s kinks could potentially be worked out, offering more opportunities for Del Toro to shine.