Reptile

 

Netflix's Reptile is a crime thriller starring Benicio Del Toro as Detective Tom Nichols, a man on the hunt for a killer. As Nichols delves deeper into the murky waters of the case, he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens his world and his sanity. But amidst the thrilling investigation, Nichols also grapples with remodeling his kitchen, adding a layer of relatable chaos to his pursuit of justice.

While the plot's originality might leave some wanting more, I appreciated the constant twists and turns that kept me glued to the screen. Director Grant Singer deliberately left some questions unanswered, inviting viewers to fill in the blanks and ponder the moral dilemmas presented, which I thought was an interesting choice. The themes of corruption, greed, and trust slither through every scene, forcing us to question who Nichols can truly rely on and how far he’d go to achieve his goals.

For me, the film's strength lied in its unpredictable characters. Singer aptly described them as "shedding skin," revealing hidden depths and blurring the lines between good and bad. Del Toro, as always, delivered a stellar performance. He embodied the weary detective with an obsession with his work, which sometimes bled into his personal life, creating a nuanced and believable character. His chemistry with Alicia Silverstone was a welcome highlight, adding genuine warmth to the cold blooded thriller. Silverstone shined as Judy Nichols, Tom's wife, showcasing a confident and complex portrayal beyond her usual roles. Justin Timberlake’s occasional overacting was a bit distracting, but overall he did well stepping out of his comfort zone as the slippery Will Grady. The supporting cast also held their own, with Domenick Lombardozzi excelling in his familiar tough-guy role and Michael Pitt offering a chillingly different side from his Boardwalk Empire days.

Overall, Reptile was a gripping and thought-provoking suspense thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. While the story may not be entirely original, the strong performances, unpredictable characters, and exploration of complex moral questions make it a worthwhile watch.