Synopsis and Review: Reptile (2023), A Slow-burned Detective Movie with Justin Timberlake In It
Synopsis and Review-”Reptile” is a 2023 crime thriller directed by Grant Singer, marking his debut as a feature-film director. The screenplay, co-written by Singer with Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro, is based on a story crafted by Singer and Brewer. The film features del Toro in the lead role, along with Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Eric Bogosian, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Michael Pitt. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2023, and had a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 22, 2023, followed by streaming on Netflix starting September 29.
Synopsis:
Will Grady, played by Justin Timberlake, is a big player in the Scarborough real estate scene. He’s romantically involved with an agent named Summer, portrayed by Matilda Lutz. Together, they specialize in renovating and selling foreclosed luxury homes, all while being overseen by Will’s mom, Camille, played by Frances Fisher. However, there’s a hint of tension in Will and Summer’s relationship. The plot takes a dark turn when Will discovers Summer’s lifeless body at a house she was showing, brutally murdered.
Review:
This detective movie takes its time to unfold, and when I say slow, I mean really slow. The first hour doesn’t offer much, and I began to doubt if anything significant would happen at all. Fortunately, it picks up in the second hour, gradually building suspense and intensity, leading to a gripping and impactful finale. I was genuinely impressed. The classic music used in the film adds a great atmospheric touch.
This movie could easily be a True Detective series. The filming, atmosphere, and music strongly align with that genre. It’s a lengthy film and not for those seeking action. It’s a reflective, well-crafted story that demands your attention. If you appreciate this kind of pacing, you’ll likely enjoy it. The plot is intricate and cleverly developed.
Benicio Del Toro delivers what might be his best performance yet. While he often comes off as slimy or creepy, here he portrays a character with a questionable police history, striving to make amends. His wife, Judy, played by Alicia Silverstone, delivers a compelling performance in her supportive role.
Justin Timberlake plays the grieving boyfriend of the murder victim, with Frances Farmer as his mother. The dynamic between Del Toro and Silverstone is robust, and Silverstone’s role is more significant than the typical spouse in these films. The movie is gritty at times, with some minor plot gaps, forgivable as the story builds up to a thrilling finale. However, the ending feels abrupt, as if it’s only the halfway point, leaving me wanting more.
Reptile by Grant Singer focuses not only on the police investigation but also on the investigators themselves. The cops, a close-knit group working and playing together, may not be as clean as they appear. While the storyline might not always be easy to follow, it remains highly intelligent. Although it may not cater to a mass audience, it has the potential for cult status. If you enjoyed True Detective Series 1, you might find this appealing. However, if you’re seeking frequent shootouts and a straightforward plot, it might not be your cup of tea.
