In the ever-evolving world of crime thrillers, narratives often pivot around the detective more than the crime or the perpetrator. “Reptile,” a neo-noir crime thriller, aligns with this sentiment, with its spotlight fixed on Tom Nichols, a battle-hardened detective thrust into a maze of corruption and personal unraveling after a young real estate agent’s brutal murder.
Bringing Back Familiar Faces
Directed by the well-known music video and commercial director Grant Singer, marking his step into the world of full-length features, “Reptile” boasts of a screenplay written in collaboration with Benjamin Brewer and the multi-faceted Benicio del Toro, who also graces the film with his powerful presence. The reunion of Benicio del Toro with Alicia Silverstone, reviving their chemistry from 26 years prior in the crime comedy “Excess Baggage,” adds a touch of nostalgia for fans.
A Premiere to Remember
Having debuted at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, “Reptile” took a brief tour in theaters on September 22 before settling into the vast library of Netflix on September 29. Initial reactions suggest that this film might just be the go-to for fans of iconic crime thrillers like “Zodiac,” “Se7en,” and “Fargo.”
Meet the Cast of “Reptile”
- Benicio del Toro as Detective Tom Nichols: Delving deep into the psyche of Tom, a detective plagued with a web of secrets surrounding a local murder, del Toro brings depth to the protagonist. With accolades spanning from Academy Awards to BAFTAs, del Toro’s repertoire includes gems like “The Usual Suspects,” “Snatch,” and “Sicario.”
- Alicia Silverstone as Judy Nichols: Silverstone, widely loved for her iconic role in “Clueless,” plays Judy, Tom’s supportive wife. Her character knows her way around guns and cases, often serving as Tom’s anchor.
- Justin Timberlake as Will Grady: Timberlake, a name synonymous with global music success, diversifies his portfolio as the grieving boyfriend of the murder victim.
- Eric Bogosian as Captain Robert Allen: The seasoned actor plays Tom’s mentor and soon-to-retire captain, who dives into the murder investigation.
- Ato Essandoh as Detective Dan Cleary: Essandoh, renowned for roles in “Elementary” and “Django Unchained,” steps into the shoes of Dan, Tom’s partner with his own set of suspicions.
- Frances Fisher as Camille Grady: Fisher, remembered for her stern portrayal in “Titanic,” is Will Grady’s watchful real estate agent mother.
- Michael Pitt as Eli Phillips: The enigmatic Pitt, known from “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Dreamers,” is the town’s reclusive resident and a suspect in the chilling murder.
- Domenick Lombardozzi as Wally Flynn: As another detective assisting Tom, Lombardozzi’s character balances the fine line between law and personal morals.
- Karl Glusman as Sam Gifford: Glusman portrays the murder victim’s ex-husband, inevitably falling under suspicion.
Rounding out the impressive ensemble are actors like Matilda Lutz, Mike Pniewski, Thad Luckinbill, Sky Ferreira, Michael Beasley, Owen Teague, and Catherine Dyer.
As the story unravels and the mystery deepens, “Reptile” promises a gripping journey through the labyrinth of crime, suspense, and intense drama.
