“Reptile” (2023) starring Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone & Domenick Lombardozzi / Z-View
Reptile (2023)
Director: Grant Singer
Screenplay: Grant Singer, Benjamin Brewer, Benicio del Toro from a story by Grant Singer, Benjamin Brewer
Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Eric Bogosian, Alicia Silverstone, Domenick Lombardozzi, Frances Fisher, Ato Essandoh, Mike Pniewski, Catherine Dyer, Michael Beasley, James Devoti and Matilda Lutz.
Tagline: Shed the Lies
The Plot…
When real estate agent Summer Elswick (Lutz) is brutally murdered, Detective Tom Nichols (del Toro) and his partner, Detective Dan Cleary (Essandoh) get the case. As they dig into the murder several suspects begin to appear. There’s Summer’s boyfriend, Will Grady (Timberlake), co-owner of the real estate company she worked for. The murder victim’s ex-husband also looks good for it. Then there’s the guy who thinks Grady was responsible for his father’s death. Maybe he did it to get revenge.
The twisted truth is there. Nichols will just have to dig through the lies and alibies. He won’t like what he discovers.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)
Reptile features an excellent cast.
- Benicio del Toro always brings his “A” game.
- Justin Timberlake surprised me. He plays the boyfriend of the murder victim. The guy’s just drained due to her death… or is he?
- Alicia Silverstone is great as del Toro’s sexy wife. She appears to be devoted and in love. But is she?
- I love when Domenick Lombardozzi shows up in a movie/series. I first took notice of him in Tulsa King. Then I went, “Yeah, that’s the guy from…” Lombardozzi is always solid.
- Eric Bogosian, Frances Fisher and Mike Pniewski are in smaller, but important roles. They are welcome additions to the cast.
Hats off to director and co-writer Grant Singer for creating a murder mystery populated by characters that all feel real. Singer handles the action and quiet moments well. I look forward to his next project.
Reptile (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.
