The Stream: Random minor points that make you scratch your head

The Big Screen: Suspense and storyline execution

The Final Bill: Not original but a great version of this type of movie

– Trip Fontaine
Director: Grant Singer
Writers: Grant Singer, Benjamin Brewer, Benicio Del Toro
Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Rating: R for language, violence and some nude images
Runtime: 2 hours 7 minutes
Production Companies: Black Label Media
Platform: Netflix September 29, 2023
Coming Soon to Netflix: Fair Play, Unicorn Academy, The Killer, Stamped from the Beginning, Best. Christmas. Ever!, Leo, Family Switch, Obliterated

Welcome back, Streamers! Netflix has finally given to the people they are torturing with getting their own subscriptions by releasing a new film, Reptile. In my opinion, Netflix has a spotty record with its original fare. Remember how terrible Your Place or Mine was? Or, You People? That’s what I’m talking about, but at least, Reptile has an interesting cast in genre that typically delivers. Here’s whether this Netflix original hits the mark.

In Reptile, which is a crime thriller from first-time feature director, Grant Singer, we follow a hardened New England detective, Tom Nichols (Benicio Del Toro), as he attempts to solve the murder of a young real estate agent. As Nichols doggedly pursues this case, he discovers that things aren’t as they seem. Nichols also has distractions in his present like his eccentric wife, Judy (Alicia Silverstone), and his checkered past with the police force. Hard-boiled sleuthing hijinks ensue.

Reptile is a stylish, crime drama like one of David Fincher’s best. Singer really took some notes from things like Zodiac and Gone Girl to make this slick and intriguing mystery pop. There are a lot of good things about this movie, particularly the plot and suspenseful tone. Now, the plot does have some holes, but overall the story is interesting. I was always interested who killed the victim and why. The problem is that sometimes it feels like there is information missing or details added that lead to nothing. It isn’t always clear whether something is a red herring or just a mistake. Nevertheless, these issues don’t ruin the story, but they are minor distractions. There is a lot going on in this movie that keeps the audience on its toes.

Also, Benicio Del Toro is excellent in the lead role. He has the grizzled detective thing down. Del Toro has a commanding presence and infuses his characters with some funny idiosyncrasies. When Del Toro shares scenes with Alicia Silverstone, they really pop. It’s nice to see Silverstone in such a different role. She does a great job and provides the movie with a different energy. Lastly, I’ll mention that Justin Timberlake has entered his middle-aged dude phase. I typically like him more in comedic roles, but he’s fine here.

Ultimately, Reptile is a good crime thriller. The director relied on what’s worked in other movies like this and made it work for himself. There is an intriguing mystery that could get derailed by some random details, but overall it is successfully suspenseful. The cast is good overall led by a great Benicio Del Toro performance. Grab a big box of popcorn and stream it until you shed your scales.