Reptile (2023)
"Reptile" is a 2023 American crime thriller film directed by Grant Singer in his feature-film directorial debut. The movie stars Benicio del Toro in the lead role, alongside Justin Timberlake and Alicia Silverstone. The story revolves around a hardened detective, portrayed by del Toro, as he delves into the investigation of the brutal murder of a young real estate agent, uncovering a complex web of deception and dismantling the illusions in his own life.
The film had a limited release in select theaters in the United States on September 22, 2023, before streaming on Netflix on September 29, 2023. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received mixed reviews, with 45% of 84 critics' reviews being positive, and an average rating of 5.5/10. The consensus on the website reads: "Strong work from Benicio del Toro and Alicia Silverstone isn't enough to make up for Reptile's convoluted and ultimately underwhelming story" . Despite the mixed critical reception, "Reptile" earned the #1 spot for English language films around the world on Netflix, indicating significant viewership.
The film has been noted for its style and influences, with references to the moody cop noir genre and comparisons to the work of director Michael Mann, particularly "Manhunter." Some reviews have highlighted the film's aesthetic as an "understated overstatement," with a focus on the use of music and visual details.
In addition to del Toro and Timberlake, the film features Alicia Silverstone in a central role. The collaboration between del Toro and Silverstone, who previously worked together in 1997's "Excess Baggage," has been noted as a reunion for the two actors, with both expressing their enjoyment of working together again.
